Nigeria minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Madueke has been elected president of the
Organization of Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC)
She is the first female president of (OPEC) and was elected at the 166th Ordinary Meeting of the organization presently held today 27th November in Vienna, Austria.
Alison-Madueke who is the first female president of OPEC replaces Libyan Vice Prime Minister for Corporations, Abdourhman Atahar Al-Ahirish.
Congratulations to our own.
A member of Christ Embassy Church,
(aka Loveworld International) has
revealed plans by the church to spend
about $30million in celebrating the next
birthday of its founder and overseer,
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.
Al Akhigbe who is apparently unhappy
with the trend, took to Facebook
Wednesday to voice his misgivings. He
added that members of the Church have
been instructed to contribute varying
sums of money, running into millions of
dollars for the celebration.
Writing in the Facebook page, ‘Where is
Rev Anita Oyakhilome’, in response to a
letter he received from someone in the
church on the issue, Akhigbe revealed
that every zone of the church in Nigeria
is being asked to contribute about $1.3
million towards the birthday celebration,
which amounts to about $30 million
taken together, not reckoning with what
members in Ghana, South Africa and
other countries would be donating.
Akhigbe wondered why such an amount
should accrue to one man in the name
of birthday celebration, when so many
members of the church are living in
poverty.
Akhigbe lamented that a man receiving
such an amount for a mere birthday
celebration would most likely be too
proud to admit to doing wrong or even
to take advice from others.
Known as Offer 7 by church members,
contributions for the Senior Pastor’s
birthday celebration is said to be an
annual event in the church.
The Nigerian Times could not however
ascertain whether the contributions are
voluntary, or whether they have been
made mandatory for every member by
the leadership of the church.
Here’s the full text of Akhigbe’s
Facebook post:
”Esteemed Group Pastor,
Warm greetings in the matchless name
of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen. Congratulations on the just
concluded International Pastors and
Partners Conference (IPPC). I have
been directed by our highly esteemed
Zonal Director, Pastor ———– to remind
you of your Financial commitment to
offer 7, the birthday of our dear Man of
God, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Phd.
The
minimum target for each Group is ten
million Naira only (N10,000,000.00).
Kindly note that the money is expected
on or before 2nd December as you are
aware that the birthday is on the 7th of
December.
Thank you for your outstanding
commitment to the vision of our
ministry.
Signed—–”
Akhigbe’s reaction to the letter
“Now, the above letter just hit my email
box. And I thought I should share a
thought or two for the benefit of those
who don’t know why we are doing what
we are doing.
“Now, in this zone, there are twelve
groups plus the zonal church. The
twelve groups will give a total sum of
N120,000,000.00 and the zonal church
will give N100,000,000.00 making a
total of N220,000,000.00 (equivalent of
approximately USD $1.3 million dollars).
Let us assume every zone in Nigeria
alone gives $1 million dollars each,
about $30 million dollars will accrue to
one man. Ghana will give big, SA will
not lag behind et cetera. Tell me why
the man will not play God? This is aside
the personal effects that will be sold on
that day for tens of millions of dollars.
Why should such a man admit to
wrongdoing or take correction from a
mere mortal? It can only take God to
bring him to his kneels.
“Ironically, those being fleeced of these
monies are suffering and shouting
hallelujah while our apostles live in
flagrant luxury. Some businesses have
grounded, homes broken, people
pauperized because of these ungodly
extortions. Giving is a Godly principle
that works for Christian, pagans,
Muslims, Buddhists, anyone and
anywhere. But these manipulated
exploitation of God’s people is certainly
not of God.
“Someone correct me if I’m wrong, how
many times did Jesus celebrate his
birthday? Okay, birthday was not in
vogue then. We knew some people
WILLINGLY ministered to Him of their
substances. But how many times did
Jesus call for donations or give his
disciples targets to meet to enable Him
run His ministry? Oh, I forgot, Jesus
was too divine for such. Then, can
someone show me which of the apostles
or disciples that did it? All the doctrines
of giving that is enforced in this ministry
are borrowed from the old testament.
When it concerns money, old testament
is applied. But when it concerns
righteousness, you are reminded that
old testament have been abolished.
That is why every iniquity they commit
are explained away in the concept of
sin.
“As I explained in my book Acts Of Our
Apostles, one of the major reasons most
African nations are poor is the rate at
which our churches mop up money from
circulation. The already poor people are
dispossessed of their meagre incomes
to the tune of billions of dollars every
year, not to be invested in any beneficial
project for them, but to provide luxury
and tin god status for the pastors. Offer
7, Offer 1, 2, 3 to 31 are all avenues for
filthy lucre. Any endeavour that has no
benefits to mankind is futile.”
Source: Nigerian Times
After Josia Kente early yesterday resigned as speaker of the Taraba state House of Assembly on the grounds of "personal reasons", a new speaker has emerged in the person of Hon. Mark Useni representing Takum II constituency.
But it seems all other principal officers of the House will maintained their positions.
After Josia Kente early yesterday resigned as speaker of the Taraba state House of Assembly on the grounds of "personal reasons", a new speaker has emerged in the person of Hon. Mark Useni representing Takum II constituency.
But it seems all other principal officers of the House will maintained their positions.
Mr Benjamin Richard, 35yrs has been nabbed by the police for allegedly raping and impregnating his 13-year-old step- daughter, Blessing Chia in Abuja.
According to Vanguard , Blessing revealed that she was regularly beaten by her step dad before
he started raping her. Blessing said she has been subjected to rape by her step dad several times but was scared of shouting or telling anyone.
Blessing said her step dad raped her four times while her mum was away in Markudi, Benue State back in July.
The 13-year old however had enough and summoned the courage to report to her mum on Thursay, Nov. 13.
“I told him that I would
tell my mummy and I dared to see if he would kill me. So l told my mummy,” the girl told
Vanguard.
Confirming the girl’s story, the mother, a 30-year old Benue State indigene, Grace Richard , told the
newspaper that when she returned from her trip, her daughter reported her husband to her. She however said when she confronted her husband with the allegations, he vehemently denied and threatened to beat her “black and blue” if she
confronts him with such allegation again.
According to the report, Grace invited her elder sister who upon hearing the issue insisted that
the matter be reported to the police. She was further advised to make Blessing undergo a virginity test before going to Nyanya Police
Division to report the matter.
The virginity test did not only collaborate Blessing’s allegations, it was also discovered that she was pregnant.
The investigating police officer, IPO, in charge of the case, who according to Vanguard does not want to be named, confirmed that the 13-year-
old Blessing was indeed pregnant and also revealed that the suspects is still in police custody.
A Lebanese graveyard guard, Deab Saiqly, dug up mum's remains jusa to take a selfie with the mum's remnant. Dean admitted to have been taking selfies with corpes.
Deab Saiqly, is reported to have always spent time in the graveyard when he told MBC TV Channel that he feels happiness being among
the dead always. He told the TV station that he ones rejected a marriage proposal from a lady in
the US because he did not want to leave the grave where he works.
According to the MBC TV Channel, a psychologist was called to examine his mental state but he said the guard was in good state of mind. He said the guard seemed very normal and showed no sign of any mental
problem.
Hmmmmm. This is insane for me though...
Lionel Messi The Argentine and Barcelona's striker is now l the all-
time goal scorer in Spanish Primera Liga on Saturday as he netted a hat-trick when they played a Spanish side Sevilla.
He tallied his record with former Athletic Bilbao player; Telmo Zarra with 251 goals in the 22nd minutes.
Messi added two more goals in the second half to overdo the former all scorer as he now has 253 goals to his credit.
For the records, Telmo Zarra achieved his goals record at age 35 in 277 appearances for Bilbao whilst Messi achieved his in 289 games at the age of 27. Hmmmmm
Lionel Messi now holds the record for leading goal scorer for club, Barcelona and the Spanish topflight.
I think this dude is hot.....
This is a brief restrospect of the man Barack Obama Sr. The father of the United States President, Barack Obama.
Born; 18 June 1936 in Nyang’oma Kogelo, Rachuonyo District, Kenya
Died; 24 Nov 1982 (aged 46) in Nairobi *KENYA
Cause of death: Automobile accident
Religion; None (Atheism)
..A Kenyan senior governmental economist & the father of U.S. President Barack Obama
He married Stanley Ann Dunham in 1961 & divorced 3 years later, after having a son, Barack II, named after him
RIP
It actually seems some personalities were falsely accused of masterminding and involving in the $9.3million arms deal that was seized and stopped in South Africa.
People like Asari Dokubo was accused of being one of those in the said plane seized in South Africa.
Nicholas Ibekwe, "our brave" reporter has the story told like this..... A private jet owned by President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor that conveyed $9.3 million cash from Nigeria to South Africa for an arms deal between the two countries, had Nigerian crew members, and passengers from Israel and Austria, new documents obtained by PREMIUM TIMES in Johannesburg have shown. Ayo Oritsejafor
There were three Nigerians aboard the plane, the documents show.
PREMIUM TIMES obtained the manifest of the jet that transported the huge sum, and has confirmed the identities of the passengers and
crew who delivered the controversial package.
South Africa seized the money early September, accusing the Nigerian government of violating its laws regulating the transfer of cash.
Another payment by the Nigerian government for arms to combat the extremist Boko Haram sect, was also confiscated. The second transfer, totaling $5.7 million, was wired through the banks.
The South African ambassador to Nigeria was later quoted as saying the money had been returned to Nigeria, a claim that has yet to be
verified.
Details of the first transaction, revealed by a South African newspaper, City Press, said an
Israeli and two Nigerians were aboard the airplane that transported the sum to Lanseria airport in South Africa.
The first tranche of the money was conveyed to South Africa on September 5 in two plastic bag
suitcases and two hand luggage aboard an airplane belonging to Ayo Oritsejafor, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria,
CAN. While the Nigerian government confirmed the transactions, it denied violating any foreign law.
The government also refused to provide the names of those aboard the airplane.
In its report, widely quoted in the Nigerian media, City Press said the Israeli passenger, Eyal Mesika, had the key to the combination lock of
the suitcases. The paper also said two Nigerian passengers were aboard the plane. It quoted South African law enforcement officials.
The report however did not reveal the identities of the Nigerians, and South African officials also declined to provide those details to PREMIUM
TIMES when contacted from Nigeria by telephone.
In an investigation that involved visiting South Africa, PREMIUM TIMES has obtained documents showing details of the transaction,
including the flight manifest of the airplane.
The listing shows that beside Mr. Mesika, the only Nigerians on board the aircraft were crew members.
The other two passengers who conveyed the cash were Austrians, the manifest shows.
The two Austrians are named, R. Wolfgang and M. Michael.
The flight crew members of the Project Eagle Air jet with flight number: N808HE were Ojongbede
R.T (captain), Fejoku U, (flight officer) and George E.E (flight attendant).
The listing contradicts reports that the other passengers were Nigerians, a claim that set off
an intense controversy after the All Progressives Congress, APC, accused a former militant leader,
Dokubo Asari, of being one of those aboard the plane.
The APC relied on unverified reports by some news websites [not PREMIUM TIMES] in making the false claim.
Mr. Asari denied the allegation and threatened legal action against Lai Mohammed, the spokesperson of the APC.
In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES at the time, Mr. Asari threatened to physically assault
Mr. Mohammed if he failed to get justice in the courts.
“After all the South Africa People have given the names of people on the plane and if by next week we go to court and the court is being manipulated not to give me justice, I will resort to self-help,” he said.
“I have the capacity to resort to self-help. I will not give anybody any apology because if a man has mouth to malign me then I can use what I have to fight for myself.”
Source: Nicholas Ibekwe
A group of Niger Delta Ex militant commanders has warned members of the House of Representatives against any move to impeach President Goodluck Jonathan.
The forum's president Mr Reuben Wilson who spoke on behalf of the group leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative, a forum of the former militant commanders in the Niger Delta region.
According to a report from Vanguard, the forums president had this to say......
“They call themselves honourable
members. But I can say that for
legislators to scale the fence of the
National Assembly to gain entry into the hallowed chambers, they have lost the respect of the public. It is only criminals that jump fences to gain entry into places, honourable people do not behave like that.
“We are watching what they are doing. Let me inform them that their latest attempt at impeaching the president will fail. The Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal should do the honourable thing by vacating his seat because the law says when you defect to another party; you automatically lose your seat.
“How would he eat his cake and still
have it? Tambuwal wants to discredit the president so that his new party can gain favour in the eyes of the public. What happened on Thursday was a continuation of their so-called Salvation rally.
“You can imagine some APC leaders
threatening to take laws into their hands and form a parallel government if their party loses in the 2015 elections. It was not up to 24 hours after that threat that the show of shame was displayed on Thursday. If they wanted to actually go and sit for their legitimate legislative duties, why did they go in a commando style as if they were thugs?
“We know what they are doing and we are watching them. They should not push us to the wall, because if they do, we shall react.”
This country belongs to all of us and we are equal stakeholders. We cannot take any rubbish from anybody; no matter who they think they are. They should watch their backs,” he said.
The Inspector General of Police, Abba Sulaiman may have given orders for the arrest of Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Daily Trust has learnt.
Sources told Daily Trust a similar order has been
handed down to the Department of State Security (DSS.)
The orders were given following the fracas that broke out at the National Assembly on Thursday where members of the House of Representatives were confronted by armed security personnel who
threw canisters of teargas at the speaker and other lawmakers to stop them from accessing the
parliament building.
The speaker and some of his colleagues who supported him beat the security cordon and later
held a brief plenary thereby stopping some members in their tracks who had gathered protected by scores of Police and DSS operatives to initiate impeachment proceedings against the leadership of the House.
Sources at the Police headquarters revealed that the Police chief gave the order for Tambuwal's arrest after a meeting with Vice President Namadi Sambo and the National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki.
"I can confirm to you that the order for his arrest has been given today (Friday). The signal from the IG's office specifically directed the FCT and Sokoto State commissioners of Police to serve Tambuwal with notice of invitation to the force
headquarters and if he resists, he should be arrested immediately, “the source revealed.
"The involvement of Sokoto CP was because the Speaker was sighted in Sokoto on Friday where he picked the All Progressive Congress (APC)
governorship form for the coming elections. It was assumed that he was out of Abuja as such other police divisions were involved in the
matter."
Sources at the meeting in Villa indicate that both the Vice President and the NSA chastised the Police boss for the failure of his men to prevent Speaker from entering the national assembly premises.
"The NSA was particularly angry and told the IG in clear terms that he doesn't know his job. He said how did the Speaker and the members break a cordon organised by the FCT Police commissioner. The NSA then made it clear that the Police authorities must rectify the anomalies or they will face the consequences.
The IG then said Tambuwal will be arrested for questioning.”
Source: Daily Trust
Lol. This photo shows some Nigerian House of Representative members climbing the House entrance gate in order to attend a house sitting section.
Hahahahahahahahahahhahahahaahhaahhah. Don't mind me jarry, I just feel like laughing it out real good. Naija where are we going to?
The Burkina Faso’s interim
government has finally appointed a soldier as the countries new prime minister. He's Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida a soldier best described as a large bestacled man with a trademark red beret.
This was done yesterday, exactly four days after he was forced by the African Union (AU) to restore the country’s constitution. Colonel Zida will work with Michel Kafando- the interim president to appoint a 25 member government to see to elections in 2015.
You could recall that on Nov. 1, after a mass protest toppled the government of president Blaise Compaore, Colonel Zida declared himself head of state.
Former president Compaore has since fled the country. Meanwhile The African Union ( AU) had given Zida two weeks to
restore civilian rule or face economic sanctions.
Hope he will not toe the lines of other African military leaders who hates vacating their seats?
Can you believe a pastor asked single, ready and searching ladies for a kiss on their butts for them to get suitors?
For me this is disgusting and unimaginable for something like this to happen.
The supposed 'pastor' is seen in the picture kissing clefts of these ladies buttocks all in a bid for them to get married!!!
Butts of all sizes, colours and shapes lined up to get the holy marriage-inviting kiss from a bare chested, pot-bellied pastor. Lol
Though this is not yet confirmed since the source on twitter @MANOFSKILL, @LeratoFiniza, did not mention the Pastor's name and church's name. He said the pastor told single women to strip so he can kiss their behinds for them to
find marriage. Read more......
A report just said that the Boko Haram terrorist sect has shot an Army Brigade Commander.
DAILY POST reports that a senior officer of the Nigerian Army and
Acting Brigade Commander of the 23rd Brigade, Yola, Colonel Popoola was shot on the shoulder by the
insurgents during a battle to take back Hong and Gombi towns being presently occupied by the terrorists.
Some soldiers soldiers were also arrested for abandoning their duty post - the war front.
The soldiers includes Lieutenant Mohammed, the QRG commander of 234 battalion; 2nd Lieutenant UC Uche, Platoon Commander of Bravo Company of the 234 battalion;
Captain Lawal; and Lieutenant Buraji who is Mararaba Platoon Commander.
These soldiers and one other Captain Lawan were said to have been led away in handcuffs yesterday and locked up inside the military police guardroom at
the 23rd Brigade in Yola, Adamawa
state.
SaharaReporters, reports that an army source in Abuja disclosed that the senior army officer has been rushed to UCH Ibadan where he is expected to receive better and further treatment.
The brave Colonel Popoola was said to have led a new crop of soldiers drafted from Jos into the battle against the insurgents in a renewed effort to retake several towns from Boko Haram. The troop was reported to have recovered two armored
tanks from the militants after the battle.
DAILY POST recalls that the Defence
Headquarters had announced via its
twitter handle this afternoon that three towns in Adamawa State, Gombi, Hong and Pelia were recovered from the insurgents.
According to the report, over 300 insurgents were killed in the battle to retake Gombi, Hong and Pelia towns in Adamawa state while two armoured tanks and other weapons were also recovered by the military.
One of the doctors from Cuba sent to help tackle the Ebola scourge in Sierra Leone has contracted the virus.
Dr. Felix Baez reportedly developed high fever of more than 100 degrees and the test carried out confirmed he has contracted the virus.
According to Aljazeera, Dr. Felix Baez is the first to contract virus, out of 165 - member medical team deployed by island nation to Sierra Leone .
A member of the 165 -member Cuban medical team sent to fight Ebola in Sierra Leone has been
diagnosed with the disease, and will be sent to Geneva for treatment , Cuban state media reported .
Life is so uncertain and filled with ugly issues that sometimes we're pushed to question the sincerity of God's love for mankind.
But i do know that for in as much as we see life as we do, the real meaning of our existence can only be defined and explained by the sole owner and maker of life himself - God.
As humans, we're free to think and act the way we do and that's what limits our ability compared to God. He alone owns life and can sorely decides on what to do with it, when he wants, how he wants it, where he wants and whom he wants.
Yes we're immortal souls and that's our limitation. We feel pain when things don't happen the way we wanted it. We cry, we express our feelings the way it suits our souls.
We react to things when they happen but in all, God knows it all from the beginning.
I dedicate this piece of writing to Munroe's and the Myrtrs. RIP
The duo of Portuguese Playmaker- Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentines wonder kid Lione Messi will be in action in a meeting tonight in a friendly feature been organized by Argentines Event producers Torneos y Competencias and World Eleven.
Ronaldo has been awesome this season with 23 goals in 17 matches
in all competitions, and looks promising to even do more as he never looks tired for goals.
While Messi on his has not done badly either.
The duo will meet at old Trafford tonight. Who would you vote for for the Ballon D'Or award?
There is tension now in Owerri the capital city of Imo State as one Hausa trader at Mbaise Road junction identified as Saidu was bitten to death by some angry youths and indigenes of the capital city.
Trouble started when some youths from Umuodu community went to collect "their revenue" (Marching ground fee) from some traders who
operates at the Mbaise road junction when an augment between the revenue collectors and the hausa traders who argued about the amount to be paid and the frequency of the pay.
The argument got heated up that the hausa trader insisted that he
would not pay immediately since he has not sold much for the day pulled out his dagger and stabbed somebody among them.
The action angered the youths who suddenly pounced on the trader and cut him in pieces with matchet.
The gory scene cost stampede along the road and among traders and passerby's as armed police men and army were drafted to the scene to quell the situation.
The Imo State Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) Andrew Enwerem, said that he cannot comment on the incident because he has not gotten the full details of what happened but promise to talk to newsmen when the got the full detail.
Mc Longji -A Jos-based comedian Longji Joseph a.k.a MC Longs is dead. He was involved in a ghastly motor accident around 8pm on Nov. 6th with a friend from Barking Ladi LGA of Plateau state when the incident happened.
He was immediately rushed to a hospital where he fell into a coma with life support apparatus given to support him while doctors detected he’d fractured a few limbs. He eventually died on November 14th. Though his friend
survived the accident.
May his soul Rip….
Senator Jim Nwobodo, the former governor of old Anambra State, has lost his son, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, to cancer.
Ifeanyi who served as commissioner of Science and Technology in the last administration reportedly died at a private hospital in Enugu on Friday.
It was gathered that the deceased recently returned from Huston Texas, US, where he had been receiving treatment for the disease.
Senator Nwobodo, said the late doctor was discharged from one of the best cancer treatment centers in the US before returning to Nigeria. He said this when governor Elechi Amadi of Ebonyi state came to pay him a condolence visit on Sunday.
He said the late doctor suddenly passed on, after complaining of a sharp pain on his leg. Meanwhile, he said the family had a massive thanksgiving ceremony to thank God for their son's recovery but their joy was cut short by the sudden death.
RIP Doctor Ifeanyichukwu.......
Today, the National Defence Council presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan has given a nod for the extension of the state of emergency in the troubled north eastern states of Nigeria.
The affected northern states includes Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa state.
The news was made known today in Abuja after the meeting by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke. He said the President would forward the request to the National Assembly for approval.
Yesterday Nov. 16 in London, at the 10th annual Guinness World Records Day which holds every year to celebrate worlds record holders, Two world's heights contrasts met for the first time.
This years events was unique as the World's tallest man met an shook hands with the world's shortest man.
This is the first time ever, world tallest living man met with world shortest man in London.
World tallest man Sultan Kosey of Turkey, aged 31, became the world tallest man in 2009. He measures 8-foot, 3 inches tall while Chandra Bahadur Dangi, aged 74 from Nepal measures 21.3 inches tall. Are you seeing any contrast? Lol.
Dangi has five brothers all of an average height. He makes a livinh by weaving Nepalese garments.
Due to the unending deadly activities of the Boko Haram sect, the National Defence Council met at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa to decide if the state of emergency in some North Easters States of Nigeria would have to be extended or not.
The affected States are Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.
The 3rd phase of state of emergency imposed on these states by the president will expire on Thursday which may have prompted this meeting today to determine the next line of action.
Though there has been media speculations that the president may impose total military rule in the states since the partial imposition seems not to be yielding any Tangible result.
If the speculations works as thought, a military administrator will be appointed to take charge of the administration of the States.
Do you think that would be the best option for the president?
Another doctor Dr. Martin Salia, 44yrs who contracted EBOLA in Africa in the course of caring for Ebola patients has died in the US. He was flown to the US from Africa and was being treated at the Nebraska Medical Centre in the US. Dr. Salia is originally from Sierra Leone but resides in the US.
This was confirmed In a statement by the Medical Director of the Biocontainment Unit and professor of Infectious diseases at Nebraska Medical center Dr. Phil Smith who said......
“It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share this news,”
This is a picture of the remains of the female suicide bomber who detonated her bomb yesterday at Azare Bauchi state. Hope these female suicide bombers are not our Chibok girls? Just asking though.
The picture was shared on twitter.
Photo credit: @MrAyeDee
A total of 13 people has been confirmed dead in the bomb explosion that occurred yesterday in Azare Bauchi state.
The attack was said to be carried out by a suicide bomber suspected to be a member of the Boko Haram sect.
The Bauchi state Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, said the explosion occurred at about 5:20pm on Sunday at the popular Jagwal market in Azare.
The statement reads: “On the 16/11/2014 at about 5:20pm, there was bomb explosion at Jagwal Market in Azare town. The scene was visited and cordoned off by Police explosive ordinance disposal unit, while casualties have been evacuated to the Federal Medical center Azare for medical attention.
“So far, 13 persons were confirmed dead while 65 others sustained various degrees of injuries, out of which 43 have been treated and discharged and 22 others are responding to treatment.
However, normalcy has been restored by combined security forces and patrols are being intensified within and outside the town. Investigation is in progress,”
Another bomb explosion has occurred in Azare Town of Bauchi State, North-Eastern Nigeria.
The Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Lawal Shehu, confirmed the incident to the News agency of Nigeria - NAN. He said that the casualty figure is yet to be ascertained while rescue operation is ongoing.
Details later.....
Photo credit: Premium Times
Another bomb blast has been reported in the ancient city of Nano state on Friday Nov. 13.
A source confirmed that the blast occurred along Maiduguri road during and amidst long traffic scenario. The blast is said to have left many dead and others seriously injured. Details soon...,
Report reaching us has confirmed that Inter Milan have relieved their coach Walter Mazzari of his duties. This development many thinks is as a result of poor league run in the
2014/15 league season.
The ‘Nerazzurri’ has played 11 games and won just 4 and are currently behind leaders Juventus with12 points.
The club said in a statement:
“The club would like to thank Mazzarri for the commitment, dedication and professionalism he showed over his 17 months in charge.
Today’s training session will be conducted by Giuseppe Baresi.”
Remember I promised you an update on the bomb blast at Federal College of Education, Kontagora, Niger State.
A female suicide bomber blew herself up at the
Federal College of Education Kontagora, Niger state today November 12th. Although no one could say if the bomber is a student or not but it seems she infiltrated the students and blew herself up with some innocent students.
A lucky student of the school, miss Mary Okafor told a news agency AFP, that they were all preparing for their semester exams at the school library when they heard the sound from the bomb blast.
"We saw bodies on the ground between the
library and the female hostel. Among the
bodies were two dismembered women who we believe were the bombers. At least 10
students were killed and several others
injured. They have all been moved to the
general hospital. We have all been asked to
vacate the school. The authorities in the
town have asked all schools to close." she said.
President Goodluck Jonathan today
Wednesday Nov. 12, finally unveiled the new N100 commemorative notes.
The new N100 note is to be used to commemorate 100 years of Nigeria amalgamation.
Reports has indicated that there has been a bomb explosion at a busy spot in the Federal College of Education Kontagora, Niger state.
Though details has not been verified at the moment but, an eyewitness
says that several students may have been killed and scores injured as in the incident.
The prime suspects has been the Boko Haram sect. Keep your ears open as we will keep you updated soon.
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR on 11 November declares his intention to contest for the 2015 presidential elections under the Platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
Here is a word to word of his speech......
Dear Compatriots:
1. Four years ago, precisely September
18, 2010; I stood in this Eagle Square,
to offer myself for election as the
President of our beloved country on the
platform of our great party; the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP).
2. Seven months after that declaration,
you elected me to lead this country with
overwhelming support from all parts of
our Nation. I remain grateful for the
trust you reposed in me to lead our
Nation through uncommon challenges in
our march of progress as a united and
democratic country.
3. Over the years, the Almighty God has
made it possible for me to develop a
bond with you and I am grateful for your
support and understanding in the
difficult periods we have journeyed
through.
4. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
our stewardship has not been without
challenges. We have had to deal with
the wave of insurgency that has swept
through some parts of our dear country.
Only yesterday, Government Science
Secondary School in Yobe State was
bombed by insurgents, killing our
promising young children who were
seeking education to build the country
and support their parents. Many
Nigerians have lost their lives and
property to these mindless killings. Let
me crave the indulgence of all present
here to stand up to observe a minutes
silence in honour of these young lads
who lost their lives. Clearly, this has
cast a dark cloud on our Nation but we
will surely win the war against terror. A
number of young men and women have
been kidnapped by these criminal
elements including our daughters from
Chibok. We will free our daughters and
defeat terrorism.
5. We are equipping the armed forces
and deploying special forces to engage
the terrorist and end this senseless war.
We must protect our country. We must
save our people. I will do everything
humanly possible to end this criminal
violence in our Nation.
6. To ensure the long term stability and
development of the affected areas,
government has launched three
programmes: The Presidential Initiative
for the North East, the Victim Support
Fund and the Safe School Initiative. The
Presidential Initiative for the Northeast
is focused on improving infrastructure
and economic growth in the region. The
Safe School Initiative is centred on
creating a safe environment to
encourage our children in the
communities to acquire education. The
Victim Support Fund, a partnership with
the Private Sector, has raised about 60
billion Naira, which will help to empower
and rehabilitate victims of terror. I
promise the victims of these dastardly
acts that we will continue to stand with
you.
7. I am grateful to all Nigerians for
standing with me.
8. Let me also thank the leaders and
elders of our great party, the Peoples
Democratic Party, for the opportunity
you have given to me to serve our
country, Nigeria.
9. I am overwhelmed by the trust,
confidence and support of the various
organs of our party, the Board of
Trustees, the National Caucus, the
National Executive Committee, the
National Working Committee, the PDP
Governors Forum, members of the PDP
Caucuses of the National Assembly, and
others.
10. This day affords me the opportunity
to continue the conversation of
development we started together.
11. Infrastructure has been a major
focus area of my administration and so,
we pursued the power sector reform to
this point of irreversible progress.
Nigeria has undertaken a most
transparent and corruption free bidding
process, attracting global
commendation. The on-going 450MW
Azura Power Plant in Edo State is a
testimony to the success of this
transformation.
12. We have also resumed development
of our Hydro-Power potential, with the
construction of the 700MW Zungeru
Hydro-Power Plant, while construction
work on the 3,050MW Mambilla Hydro-
Power Plant is about to take off.
13. Our power generation and
distribution companies have now been
privatized. We are firmly on the road to
guaranteed regular power supply in the
months ahead. This our bold move, is
paying off!
14. We are committed to environmental
protection and conservation and
reducing vulnerability to climate change.
In this regard, we have embarked on a
number of projects across the country.
Of particular note is the African Great
Green Wall Programme, where we have
released about 16 billion naira for
implementation. The project will create
a green belt across 11 states from
Kebbi to Borno.
15. In the past three and half years, the
water sector has witnessed
unprecedented improvement. Access to
potable water is now 67%, up from 58%
in 2010, while sanitation coverage is
41%, from 32% within the same period.
16. Major developments in water include
the completion of 37 Dams and
rehabilitation of 10, with several others
on-going construction. The flagship
Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam which is
being built to contain flood from Lake
Nyos, is now at 90% completion. We
have also completed about 5,000 rural
and semi urban water schemes.
17. We are reforming the National Urban
Water supply programmes in 12 states,
with 385 formal and informal irrigation
projects, covering a total land area of
118000 ha, cultivated mostly by small
holder farmers. This has yielded over 3
million metric tons of assorted grains
and vegetables, with a market value of
about 45 billion naira.
18. Before the advent of this
administration, the Railway system was
practically dead. Today, we have revived
the rail sector. The narrow gauge line
from Lagos to Kano has been
rehabilitated with improved coaches
providing regular services. The
rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt-
Maiduguri rail line is progressing with
the Port Harcourt-Gombe segment as
well as the branch line from Kafanchan
to Kaduna expected to be completed
and fully operational by December 2014.
19. Already, work on the Abuja-Kaduna
standard gauge rail line, is progressing.
The tracks of the rail line will be
completed by December this year 2014.
Upon completion of the project in the
first quarter of 2015, it will be possible
for Nigerians to live in Kaduna and work
in Abuja. The Itape-Ajaokuta-Wari
standard gauge line has attained an
advanced stage, with the track
completely laid. We hope to commence
full operation before the end of 2015.
20. Other segments of the new standard
gauge speed train network are planned
with contract already awarded for the
Lagos –Ibadan Segment. There will be
more of such modern and faster rail
connections in the coming years.
Already, discussions are now at
advanced stage, for the Coastal rail line
that will traverse through 10 states,
from Lagos through the South-South
and South-East, all the way to Calabar.
21. My administration has successfully
completed the dredging of the lower
River Niger from Baro in Niger State to
Warri in in Delta State. The cheering
news is that over 6.7 million passengers
and over 1.6 million tonnes of cargo
have been moved through this channel
in less than three years.
22. I am happy to also report that our
ports now operate 24 hour service,
which has led to the reduction of
clearing time and improved efficiency.
23. When I assumed office in 2010, out
of the 35,000km of federal roads
nationwide, only about 5,000km were
motorable. Today, that number has
increased to about 25,000km. We
expect to complete the remaining
10,000km in three years while initiating
new ones.
24. I made a commitment to build two
new major bridges across the River
Niger and River Benue. Today, the new
bridge over the River Benue, connecting
Loko in Nassarawa State to Oweto in
Benue State has reached an advance
stage of completion, while work has
commenced on the Second Niger Bridge.
25. Beyond these, my administration
has concluded plans to re-commence
the construction of Bodo-Bonny Road
with three major bridges on the
alignment that will link the Island of
Bonny with Rivers mainland.
26. Preliminary works have started on
my administration’s planned re-
construction and expansion of the
Murtala Muhammed International
Airport Road in Lagos to a world class
entry point into our country. Only a few
months ago, work started on the
dualization of Kano-Katsina Road. While
many Nigerians are celebrating the
marked improvements on our roads, I
want to assure that it will get even
better as we move forward.
27. In the pursuit of an integrated
transportation system, we embarked on
the construction of five new Airport
Terminal Buildings and Air-field
facilities. We are also re-constructing
existing ones. The re-construction upon
completion, will lead to improved
passenger processing, increased cargo
handling capacity and enhanced Air-
field facilities that meet international
standard and improves safety. These
efforts have been met with global
acknowledgement including the
attainment and retention of the FAA
Category One status.
28. In housing, we signed the National
Housing Policy to kick-start the
framework for providing more affordable
homes for our people. We have also
expanded the National Housing Fund to
accommodate more Nigerians. We have
started a revolution in the housing
sector with the start of the Nigerian
Mortgage and Refinanced Company
(NMRC) a new initiative of my
administration, that will enable more
citizens in the lower income bracket to
become first time home owners.
29. Our partners such as the World
Bank group are supporting this with
US300million dollars interest free credit,
while my administration will back it with
over 100billion naira in bonds. We are
already processing 66,000 mortgage
applications for our young people. We
have amended the PENCOM Act to
enable the pension funds invest in
housing sector bonds. This will create a
boom in the housing sector.
30. In the Federal Capital Territory, we
are rapidly building a befitting National
Capital by expanding and providing new
infrastructure, developing ten new
districts and Satellite Towns to cater for
the ever increasing population. In no
distant future, you will be able to arrive
at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International
Airport and proceed to the city using the
Abuja Light Rail. In addition to
providing durable health, educational
and transportation services, we are also
collaborating with Organized Labour to
build functional, affordable and social
housing in Abuja.
31. Other critical capital developments
that are being packaged by this
Administration include the development
of the Ultra-Modern World Trade Centre,
the Abuja Town Centre, the Jabi Lake
Comprehensive Centre, the Centenary
City and the Land Swap Districts. This
private sector driven infrastructural
development will positively change the
skyline of the city and provide the
required office and residential
accommodation, shopping and
recreation as well as tourism and
entertainment facilities of the FCT.
32. In our determination to encourage
much greater participation of Nigerians
in the oil and gas industry, one of the
first actions I took, was the enactment
of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry
Content Development Act. As a result of
this law, indigenous Nigerian
participation levels, in upstream and
downstream activities of the oil and gas
industry have increased by over 45%,
thereby increasing employment
opportunities for our youth.
33. We have also succeeded in
eliminating the long queues that
previously characterised our filling
stations, through regular and sustained
product supply.
34. Gas infrastructure to ensure
adequate Gas to Power and Gas to
Industry, is being aggressively put in
place. Over 450km of gas pipelines have
been installed over the last 3years.
Another 2,000km is planned over the
next 4years. Critical petrochemical and
fertilizer facilities have commenced
including the gas industrial park in Delta
State, for which I am scheduled to
perform the ground-breaking this
Friday. This will create millions of jobs
and make Nigeria a regional hub.
35. In addition, as a result of
government favourable policies the
private sector is investing over 12 billion
dollars in the petrochemical sector, over
the next 4years. This will surely create
millions of jobs for our people.
36. In terms of gas supply, we have
grown from less than 500 million cubic
feet per day, 4years ago, to about 1.5
billion cubic feet per day currently. Our
goal is to attain 4 billion cubic feet per
day, over the next 4years.
37. We have changed the face of
agriculture. We moved agriculture away
from a development Programme to
agriculture as a business. My vision is
to create wealth for our people through
agriculture.
38. We have focused on encouraging
the private sector to boost investments
in the agricultural sector. As a result,
the number of seed companies rose
from five to eighty in the past three
years. Private sector investment in the
agricultural sector expanded by $ US
5.6 billion across the Agricultural value
chain.
39. We ended decades of corruption in
the fertilizer and seed sectors. We
developed a transparent and efficient
system of reaching farmers directly with
subsidized farm inputs. Before our
reforms, fertilizer procurement and
distribution took from the needy and
gave to the greedy. We restored dignity
back to farmers. Today, 14 million
farmers, of which 2 million are women,
access fertilizers with their mobile
phones, through an e-wallet system.
Nigeria is the first country in the world
to develop an e-wallet system to reach
farmers with subsidized farm inputs on
their mobile phones. Several African
countries are now borrowing this
transparent and efficient e-wallet
system for their own countries.
40. Our national food production
expanded by an additional 21 million
metric tons between 2011 and 2014, a
record, exceeding our set target of 20
million metric tons set for 2015. The
Dangote Group, has committed to invest
$US 1 billion in commercial rice
production and processing. With all
these developments, we are expected to
be an exporter of rice in the next five
years. This will be a new dawn!
41. The benefits are showing on our
food imports. Our food import bill has
declined from 1.1 trillion Naira in 2009
to 684 billion Naira by December 2013,
even with our increasing population, a
reduction of 40%.
42. Nigeria met its Millennium
Development Goal One on reducing
hunger and extreme poverty, two years
ahead of 2015 target set by the United
Nations, and was given an award by the
Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations.
43. To sustain this trend, we are
encouraging young graduates through
the Nagropreneurs Programme to go
into commercial Agriculture. We are
also encouraging our students in Post
Primary Schools to embrace commercial
Agriculture through the National School
Agriculture Programme.
44. My dear people, corruption remains
a big challenge in our national life. It
corrodes our efforts at development and
at motivating competence in critical
sectors of our national growth. We have
eradicated it in the agricultural sector
and we will surely eradicate it in other
sectors of our economy.
45. Going forward, my focus is to
continue to reinforce institutions,
systems, and processes to tackle
corruption, and also to bring to justice
those that perpetrate corruption.
Through the Integrated Payroll and
Personnel Information System (IPPIS),
we have weeded out 56,000 ghost
workers from the Federal Civil Service,
saving 162 billion naira.
46. I have directed ICPC to bring the
perpetrators of this criminal act to
book. Let this be very clear, public
officers must live by example, fully
accounting for the national trust and
resources in their care.
47. In our journey to progress,
knowledge is indispensable. Knowledge
is power! This is why my administration
established 14 new Universities out of
which 12 are conventional and two are
specialized Police and Maritime
Universities. Under my watch, every
state in Nigeria, now has a Federal
University.
48. In addition, over 500billion naira
have been spent, through the Tertiary
Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and
the special NEEDS assessment fund on
various projects to increase access and
improve the quality of infrastructure at
the tertiary level of our education
system.
49. To provide equal access and
opportunities in education and ensure
that no Nigerian child is left behind, we
have established and equipped 150
Almajiri Schools across the Northern
states and the Out-of-School-Children
Programme including Specialized Boys
and Girls Schools across the country.
50. Fellow Nigerians, our country was
faced with a major National security,
humanitarian, and economic threat in
the form of the Ebola Virus Disease,
which arrived in the country on July 20,
2014, by way of a foreign national, Mr
Patrick Sawyer.
51. Realizing the imminent threat, I
declared a national emergency, pulling
states, local and federal government
into action as well as individual
Nigerians to combat this disease.
Without the quick action of patriotic
Nigerians in the First Consultant
Hospital, as well as the co-operation of
Lagos and Rivers State, where the
disease occurred, working with the
Federal Ministry of Health and the co-
operation of all Nigerians we could not
have succeeded in overcoming this
deadly disease. Fellow Nigerians we
stopped Ebola together.
52. Just as we stopped Ebola, we are
on our way to eradicating the Polio
Virus in our country. We have reduced
the incident of new Polio Virus from 300
in 2010, to 6 today.
53. My brothers and sisters, to
encourage entrepreneurship and self-
reliance among our teeming graduates,
we have developed creative
opportunities for enterprise for our
young people.
54. Programmes such as YouWIN, the
Graduate Internship Scheme, the
Nagropreneurs Initiative, the 220 Billion
Naira Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises Development Fund and the 3
Billion Naira Grant to Nollywood are
empowering our graduates, the creative
industry and other young people to start
up their own businesses and employ
others.
55. We have supported the growth of
industry through policy and action. We
launched The National industrial
Revolution Plan (NIRP), and the
National Enterprise Development
Programme as key drivers to bring
about our desires in the industrial
sectors and to diversify our economy.
Our new National Automobile Policy is
transforming Nigeria into a vibrant hub
for the automobile industry. Our own
Innoson Motors is producing world
standard vehicles, and Nissan, Hyundai,
and Kia, have set up factories in Nigeria
and are employing thousands of our
people.
56. Our support for cement production
is unprecedented. We have increased
our installed capacity from 16.5 million
metric tons per annum in 2011 to 39.5
million metric tons per annum in 2014.
Nigeria is now exporting cement. We are
moving forward! We must produce what
we consume and consume what we
produce.
57. Our efforts to create an enabling
environment for job creation in different
sectors of the economy including the
MSME sector, agriculture, housing and
manufacturing have yielded results.
Between the third quarter of 2012, when
we started tracking jobs created and the
end of 2013, 1.9 million jobs were
created. To deepen our success in this
area, I have created a Presidential Jobs
Creation Board headed by the Vice
President with the mandate to create at
least two million jobs a year.
58. My brothers and sisters, our
economy is heading in the right
direction and our efforts are yielding
positive results. Our economy continues
to grow at the rate of 6 to 7 percent
annually, one of the highest in the
world. Our country is now the top
investment destination and the largest
economy in Africa, with a GDP of
80trillion naira (510billion dollars) as
well as the 26th largest economy in the
world.
59. As part of its efforts to support
inclusive growth and economic
development in Nigeria through the
CBN, my administration has created and
disbursed the sum of 200billion naira
via the Commercial Agric and Credit
scheme, 300billion naira Power and
Aviation fund, 220billion naira Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprise Fund, as
well as 300 billion naira rail sector
refinancing facilities at single digit
interest rate. We will continue to deepen
the reforms in the financial sector, in
order to sustain the growth of our
economy and uplift our people from
poverty to prosperity.
60. Dear Compatriots, I promised as
President, that we would sanitize and
restore integrity in our electoral process,
by ensuring that our votes are not only
counted, but truly count. We have gone
to great length to ensure transparent,
free, fair, and credible elections.
Elections have been conducted across
the country with local and international
election observers testifying to their
transparency.
61. On the international scene, we have
advanced our regional, continental and
global objectives. We have strengthened
our relationships with our neighbours
and in many instances supported them
to protect their democracy, security and
stability. We are serving for a second
time within a period of 4 years at the
United Nations Security Council. This is
unprecedented in our Nation’s history.
My brothers and sister, this is a growing
attestation of our country’s growing
influence.
62. In the first quarter of this year, our
country celebrated its centenary. To
prepare the nation for the challenges of
the next one hundred years, I convened
a National Conference where
recommendations and resolutions were
reached towards a more perfect union.
We shall implement the report.
63. Four years ago, I made a
commitment to advance the rise and
rise of womanhood. Today, I am glad
that we have made remarkable progress
in this regard, trusting in the potential of
our women and reaping from their
dedication and ingenuity. I believe that
any nation that ignores womanhood
cannot achieve its full potential. It is in
this regard that I ensured that women
were given more opportunities in
government, and I have not been
disappointed.
64. Specifically, I doubled the
percentage of women in the cabinet and
gave them more challenging
assignments.
65. The Nigerian Defence Academy
(NDA), is now admitting female cadets
as regular combatants and it is now
possible for a woman to rise through
the ranks to the peak in military service,
and become a full general.
66. We must continue to sustain the
banner of freedom and justice that we
have held high in our country. I am
proud to say that there are no political
prisoners in Nigeria today. No Nigerian
has been driven to exile and no one will
be, under my watch.
67. It is in furtherance of a peaceful,
participatory and inclusive democracy
that I signed the Freedom of
Information (FOI) Bill into law, to
expand the frontiers of our fundamental
freedom.
68. Let me re-affirm that under a
Jonathan Presidency, your views, no
matter how freely expressed, will not
send you to prison or into exile.
69. I am convinced that I have kept my
pact with Nigerians, and it is now time
to look to the future. With your
tremendous support, we have
collectively done so much in the last
three and half years, but to take our
country to the next level, there is still
more to be done.
70. History has shown that the path of
honour for any true leader is not to walk
away from his people in moments of
challenges. We must stand together in
adversity and overcome all threats to
our development. We must defend our
future, for the sake of our children.
71. So many things have inspired me in
the journey to this moment. I want to
appreciate ordinary Nigerians, especially
young people, for the solidarity shown
to me by contributing their meagre
resources to enable me arrive at this
point.
72. I appreciate the kind gesture of the
Cattle Breeders Union, Miyetti Allah, and
the Market Women Association, who
encouraged me by coming together to
contribute to the purchase of my
Nomination form.
73. In the same vein, I am touched by
the National Association of Widows who
also encouraged me with their widow’s
mite.
74. This labour of love, from ordinary
Nigerians, has increased my
appreciation of your solidarity, my trust
in our joint destiny, and all we have
achieved together these past three and
half years.
75. Therefore, after seeking the face of
God, in quiet reflection with my family
and having listened to the call of our
people nationwide to run, I, Goodluck
Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, have accepted
to re-present myself, on the platform of
The Peoples’ Democratic Party, for re-
election as the President of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, in the 2015 general
elections.
76. Democracy is a collective action,
energized by individual responsibility.
Your mandate at this time will inspire in
me the strength to complete the good
work we have started together.
77. My dear people of Nigeria, we must
complete the task of ensuring that we
lift the poor out of the depth of want,
and place their feet firmly on the ladder
of prosperity.
78. In this election season, I appeal to
all of you, not to harm, maim or kill;
and not to incite violence of any kind.
We must never forget our common
bond, one people from the womb of one
Nigeria. Again I say: My ambition to
serve you is not worth the blood of any
Nigerian. I remain committed to this
principle of non-violence.
79. If you believe that we must build a
country that works for all, where the
strong lift up the weak, and not trample
upon them, where the vote of every
citizen determines who governs or
represents you, where the democratic
space is open to all citizens to fulfil
their aspirations, irrespective of the
circumstance of birth, your brother,
Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan
stands ready to continue in service to
you.
80. My brothers and sisters, we cannot
go back to the old ways! Our railways
were allowed to rot in neglect, we have
revived and are modernising them.
81. We cannot go back to the old ways!
Our road infrastructure collapsed. We
are reconstructing, and expanding
federal roads across the country.
82. We cannot go back to the old ways!
Our airport terminal buildings were
dilapidated and our airspace unsafe. We
are fixing this.
83. We cannot go back to the old ways!
Our agricultural practices did not benefit
our farmers and our people. Fertilizer
distribution was a major source of fraud
and we were importing food more than
our budget can carry. Now we are on
our way to self-sufficiency in food
production.
84. Do you want to go back to the old
ways?
85. We cannot go back to the old ways,
where there were long queues at our
filling stations due to irregular supply of
products and our people were exploited.
86. We cannot go back to the old ways,
when women and youths were denied
opportunities in government and in
responsible positions.
87. Do you want to go back to the old
ways?
88. We cannot go back to the old ways!
We had skewed distribution of tertiary
institutions. Whereas some states had
more than one degree awarding
institution, some had none. We have
now made sure all states have at least
one Federal University.
89. We cannot go back to the old ways!
Our economy is now the largest in
Africa. Once, we were virtually importing
everything, now we are exporting
several products, including cement.
90. We cannot go back to the old ways!
In 2009, average life expectancy was 47
years, by the end of 2013, it was 52
years. Some of our hospitals now
perform open heart surgeries, kidney
transplants and other challenging
operations as we reposition our health
service to end decades of medical
tourism that drains our scarce
resources.
91. We cannot go back to the old ways!
Together, in unity, we overcame Ebola,
and in the process demonstrated the
strength of the Nigerian spirit. And
together, united, we must maintain our
vigilance.
92. Do you want to go back to the old
ways?
93. We cannot go back to the old ways
where individual freedoms were
trampled upon and citizens were locked
up for expressing their views or
criticising government.
94. Do you want to go back to the old
ways?
95. We cannot go back to the old ways!
We must continue to have free and fair
elections. We cannot go back to the era
where ballot box snatching and stuffing
became the norm. Where your votes
never counted.
96. Certainly, we cannot!
97. We have to move forward! Only
forward!!, my dear people, Forward!!!
98. In moving forward, I see a Nigeria
that thirsts for progress with children
across the nation, eager for knowledge
and safely in schools!
99. I see a Nigeria where all who have
taken up arms, would again embrace
peace!
100. I see a Nigeria where our women
can aspire to any heights, without
hindrance!
101. I see a Nigeria where the flames in
the Eagles will rekindle, and the Falcons
soaring higher in victory!
102. I see a Nigeria where the children
of Mustapha, and Christopher, Ade and
Ada, Timi and Bunmi, Nnamdi and
Namadi, do not go hungry!
103. I see a Nigeria where all, no matter
their beliefs, live in peace and harmony!
104. I see a Nigeria where the green
passport is accorded a royal reception
the world over!
105. I see a Nigeria where one day the
next generation will take us to outer
space.
106. Distinguished ladies and
gentlemen, leadership is about staying
focused to achieve goals despite
challenges. I have been faced with many
challenges since coming to office as
President. With your support and
encouragement, we have stayed the
course.
107. We are succeeding, against all
odds. For the young Nigerian child, who
grew up in the rural area, just like me,
we are expanding opportunities and
giving them hope. For the market
woman, we are expanding opportunities.
For our young entrepreneurs, we are
expanding opportunities. For the right of
our people to vote and for their voices
to be heard, we are expanding
opportunities. For Nigerians to have the
right to free speech, we are expanding
opportunities. For the job seekers,
against all odds, we are expanding
opportunities.
108. While serving our people, I will
always ensure the rule of law. I do not
intimidate, I expand the democratic
space. I give voice to the voiceless and
uphold the weak, for the nation belongs
to us all. Fellow Nigerians, as we build
our democracy, leaders must show
temperance at all times. That is a
virtue, one which I treasure, and will
always uphold.
109. My people, Nigeria is destined for
greatness. Today, here at Eagle Square,
I say to Nigeria, that working together
in love, in strength and in faith, we will
build a nation of one people, united in
purpose and in action.
110. Fellow Nigerians, it is forward ever!
We must put our hopes to work!
Together, we will realize our collective
destiny.
111. Thank you!!
112. God bless Nigeria!!
About 47 school children were killed today while 79 others sustained various degrees of injuries today Monday 10 after a suspected Boko
Haram suicide bomber attacked
students of Senior Science Secondary School, Potiskum, Yobe state.
An eyewitness who confirmed the incident said the sight was too horrific to behold as the school compound was littered with body parts of these children who were waiting to be addressed by the school principal before the suicide bomber who probably may have worn same uniform with the students been and finally blew them up in pieces.
Another survivor, Musa Ibrahim Yahaya, who spoke to the AP news agency from his hospital bed, while receiving treatment for head injuries said:
“We were waiting for the principal to address us, around 7:30 a.m., when we heard a deafening sound and I was blown off my feet, people started screaming and running, I saw blood all over my body.”
A hospital staff in where some of the victims were been treated told an AFP reporter that he counted 48 corpses and other injured victims of the blast who may need amputations and other surgical procedures but claimed their major challenge was space accommodate all.
The Nigeria Police spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu confirmed the incident and gave the casualty figures.
