Seven Interesting Ways Nigerians Celebrate Independence Day

                  
Nigerians will be marking another Independence day tomorrow, October 1.
There are different ways Nigerians are planning to mark the day. In
celebrating Nigeria at 55, some citizens will mark the day in one or two
of these 7 interesting ways.


1. Going to recreation spots
Some
Nigerians will go to different recreation centres come Independence
day. This include going to the beach. Others will go to amusement parks
with their children.


　


2. Sleep and rest
Due to the
stress some Nigerians pass through between Mondays and Fridays, they
will use the public holiday declared for Independence to sleep. Such
people will not leave their house.


3. Visitation
Nigerians
love visiting themselves. Some people have not had the time to even say
hello to their friends for some time now. The celebration will afford
them to pay for this.


4. Engagement with social media
Lovers
of social media like Facebook, Nairaland, Twitter and the rest will
spend a good time chatting with their social media friends.


5. Partying
Nigerians
love parties. It is not only when there are marriages, birthdays or
naming ceremonies that Nigerians party. Some people will organise
concerts and get together tomorrow to mark the Independence anniversary.

6. Watching Television
People
will not just listen to the president’s speech or the march past, they
will also watch different TV programmes to relax themselves. This is one
of the 7 interesting ways independence day will be celebrated.


7. Sports
This
is common with men and the youths. Neighbourhoods without football
pitches will have the streets turned into football fields. This is a
form of enjoyment and a way of felicitating that Nigeria is 55.
Which will you indulge in?


Source: Naij
　

　

Saraki Receives Ministerial List

                    
AT last, Senate President Bukola Saraki Wednesday received the Ministerial list from President Muhammadu Buhari, just as the names would be forwarded in batches.

A source told Vanguard that instead of thirty – six names, President Buhari sent twenty – one names as Ministerial nominees to the Senate President, with plans to send others very early on Tuesday before plenary session.

Senate President Saraki received the long awaited ministerial list from the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari at 4.59 pm.

The Chief of Staff to the President was accompanied to Saraki’s office by the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang.

There was a new twist to the submission of Ministerial list to the Senate as it was received directly by the Senate President and brought by the Chief of Staff to the President as against the tradition where the office of the Senate President through the registry receives it from the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matter( Senate).

FCMB Identifies With Ojude-Oba Festival

The Bank has been sponsoring/supporting the Festival over the years. FCMB’s involvement in the festival is a demonstration of its value as a helpful bank committed to reaching out to all segments of the society.

 From left: The wife of the Founder of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Olori Abimbola Balogun; the founder of the Bank Otunba Olasubomi Balogun and the the Deputy Governor of Ogun state, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, during the Ojude Oba Festival held at Ijebu Ode in Ogun State on Saturday (September 26, 2015).                   

                                                                                                          

Cleric Laments State Of Nigeria At 55

                    
A cleric on Sunday during a church service accused the country’s leaders, both past and present of contributing to the dwindling fortunes of the country.

Rev. Dapo Asaju spoke in a sermon he delivered at St. Peter’s Cathedral Church, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital entitled: "Nigeria in the eyes and hands of God," to mark the 55th anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence.

He lamented that in spite of all resources available since the existence of Nigeria, "a number of crooks calling themselves leaders have continued to destroy the prospects of the country."


"You see them going about with bullet proof, bullet proof can only protect you, but cannot protect you from bullet of God. If you see a leader who takes a loan that cannot be offset during his tenure, that leader is only impoverishing the future of our children".

13 clear habits of highly unsuccessful people

                      

Every one wants to be identified with success but not everyone wants to work hard enough to achieve that. This is due to certain bad habits which could cause your lack of success.

People who exhibit these bad habits typically squander every opportunity, then complain loudly about how their lives have turned out.

Procrastinating: We’re all human. We all procrastinate sometimes. Heck, I’m writing this column at 11:30 p.m. However, pathetically unsuccessful people take it to the extreme, living by the mantra, don’t today what you can put off until tomorrow (or later). There’s always an excuse, always a distraction–and somehow things never get done.

Blaming: Blaming others, that is. The sadly unsuccessful among us always can point the finger at someone else. And after they’ve spent so much time and energy blaming others, they still haven’t accomplished anything.

Minimizing: Other side of the coin: It’s not just that extremely unsuccessful people blame others for their failures, but they talk down other people’s achievements. Whatever other people accomplish, these are the folks who are there to talk about how it wasn’t actually so great.

Consuming: There’s a smart saying–if you want to be successful, spend more time producing and less time consuming. From scarfing fatty junk foods to spending hours watching mindless television and trashy pop culture, the pathetically unsuccessful among us spent a lot of time consuming.

Talking: …and talking and talking and talking. Where successful people spend time making an effort to listen actively to others, the ridiculously unsuccessful among us believe they already know it all. Clearly, they have no need to infuse their knowledge with others’ experience.

Assuming: Closely related to talking too much, wholly unsuccessful people make assumptions left and right. Often, they’re wrong; often they miss opportunities as a result. (They’re just so certain that things will be doomed, or too difficult to be bothered with.)

Naysaying: It’ll never work; that’s a crazy idea; the deck is stacked against us. These are the types George Bernard Shaw had in mind when he said, "People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it."

Malingering: They talk big about the things they’re going to accomplish. Then, suddenly, they’re "sick." They’ve got a cold, or a phantom health issue they have to take care of, or an allergy you’ve never heard about before, and they’re a last-minute scratch–not able to participate. They never win gold, silver, or bronze–they’re perpetually in the "DNF" ., for "did not finish." (Clearly, some people have legitimate medical conditions. We’re not talking about those people here; we’re talking about the perfectly healthy folks who always seem to make up "convenient" maladies.)

Loafing: Relaxing is important. We all have times when we need to just kick back, but the ridiculously unsuccessful among us are the slothful lurches who seem always to be lying down, letting time pass by, and accomplishing nothing.

Equivocating: You were counting on them to do something for you? (Oh, you must have misunderstood.) You were sure they were passionate about following their dreams? (Meh, you must have been reading into it.) No matter what these people say, you can be pretty sure they’ll be backing off it later.

Safeguarding: There are legitimate times to cut your losses or be cautious. However, the chronically unsuccessful among us are so cowed by the fear of losing what little they have, that they never have the courage to try anything great.

Sour Graping: Whatever it is that they couldn’t accomplish–well, they later spout off a reason why they didn’t really want it. The project their team really needed them to accomplish? It wasn’t all that important to begin with. The love interest they never had the guts to pursue? He or she probably wasn’t that great anyway.

Quitting: Whatever goal they might have set for themselves, they decide later that it’s too hard, or it’s too unlikely to succeed, or it’s just not worth the effort. Suddenly they have other priorities–not that those other priorities wind up coming to fruition either. It’s pathetic. By definition, truly unsuccessful people can be trusted to do only one thing consistently: fail.

-Scoopng.com

Dangote To Commission Tanzanian Cement Plant Oct 10

                       
Africa’s foremost cement manufacturer, Dangote Cement is set to commission its new 3.0 million metric tonnes per annum cement plant located in Mtwara District of Tanzania on October 10, 2015.

The company will also hold the grounding breaking ceremony for 25 hectares of Jetty land at Mgao village in Mtwara District the same day.

The commissioning of the new cement plant which is part of the company’s Africa expansion strategy will be the fourth in the series after Ethiopia, Zambia and Cameroun. Cement plants due for commissioning this year are located in Senegal and South Africa, while construction works are on-going in several other African countries.

The ground-breaking for the Tanzanian Cement plant held on May 27, 2013 and within 24 months, the plant is ready for commissioning. With the plant in operation, Tanzania is on its way to become of the African countries that are self-sufficient in cement production.

Governments and distinguished Africans are commending the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote for his massive investments across Africa. The Nigerian Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo speaking at the commissioning of Zambian Plant lauded Aliko Dangote on his investment in in several African countries saying the Federal Government is proud of Dangote.

Osinbajo who described Aliko Dangote as an exceptional African entrepreneur, commended his phenomenal vision, entrepreneurship and commitment to the development of Africa and Africans.

He said "Dangote is a Nigerian from Kano State and he is a pan-Nigerian and pan-African who has done us all proud and his companies spread over 16 African




　

Eze Madumere Advocates Support For Sports Dev’t., To Host Female Soccer Competition

 

 

 

                    

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere has called on well-meaning Nigerians to support sports development in the Society as a means to emancipate young people.

This he said while playing host to the Managing Director of Monarch and Co and the Imo State Executive Members of the Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria who paid him a courtesy visit at his official residence in Owerri, Imo State.

Prince Madumere promised to partner with YSFON to host first female football competition in Imo State in collaboration with other stakeholders as sports according to him, has in no little way contributed to the unity of Local, States Governments and the nation at large.

While decrying the spate of vices and crimes associated with youths these days, especially cultism, armed robbery and most recently the rampant cases of rapes, he opined that engaging youths positively will reduce or curb the unfortunate trend.

Speaking further, Prince Madumere, stated that the focus of parents and the society has always been more on the boys while paying less attention to the girl child. Due to this societal neglect on the girl-child He said, women are now embracing what used to be vices for male children and therefore proposed a balanced attention to the sexes as he said Governor Okorocha Okorocha has been of immense encouragement and motivation towards his effort at youth empowerment through sports and other social developmental projects geared towards young people in and outside the state.

The Deputy Governor went further to proposed a collaboration between The Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFN) and his partners from Monarch and Co to host the first female football competition in Imo State and called on well-meaning Nigerians to invest in sports development as a means to enhance unity and harmony in the society.

He stressed that the gains in engaging youths in sporting activities cannot be over emphasized, as according to him, sports will ultimately become a career path for the gifted ones and encouraged various levels of governments to engage in building future sports men and women who will take over from the present athletes when they become old.

It will be recalled that Eze Madumere has at different times in the state sponsored sporting activities, one of such efforts (Prince Eze Madumere Unity Cup) spans over thirty years geared towards uniting the Youths towards achieving peace in his immediate community.

Emir Sanusi Lamido takes 18-year-old as fourth wife

                      

A former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and now Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has just quietly taken his fourth wife, Yes International magazine is reporting.
The magazine said Sanusi’s fourth wife is the daughter of the Lamido of Adamawa, Muhammadu Barkindi-Musdafa.
She is aged 18.
Yes International gave her name as Saadatu.
It said the marriage ceremony took place on September 25, 2015 in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.


Copyright The Eagle Online.

Buhari: NNPC looters to face trial soon

Kachikwu: more heads to roll in oil giant

Chinese to increase investment

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday sent a notice to corrupt Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) officials – get set for trial.

Buhari, who spoke in the United States; stressed the need to sanitise the oil industry and free it from shady deals.

He said those responsible for the corruption in the oil giant firm will soon be prosecuted.

The President spoke in New York during a meeting with President Xi Jinping of China on the sidelines of the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN).

He said the first step in this direction had already been taken, with the appointment of a new management for the NNPC and its subsequent reorganisation.

The President did not indicate how soon the prosecution would start but many contracts entered into by the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration have been cancelled for being shady.

Buhari praised President Xi for China’s assistance to Nigeria to curb the theft of crude oil.

He applauded China’s interception of a shipload of crude oil stolen from Nigeria, which was to be sold and the proceeds paid into private accounts.

"We know your stand on corruption and we are grateful. Your continued cooperation in curbing oil theft from Nigeria will be appreciated, " he said.

Buhari told his Chinese counterpart that under his leadership, the military had been re-trained and re-equipped and was making steady gains in the fight against Boko Haram.

President Xi said China was involved in the development of Nigeria in diverse areas, such as construction of railways, airports, agriculture, and the Mambilla Hydro-power project, among others.

He promised that China will increase its investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector to boost food security.

Xi also promised that his country will invest in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and assist in the development of human resources.

More heads will roll in the NNPC as part of the ongoing transformation, Group Managing Director Dr Ibe Kachikwu said at the weekend.

Kachikwu said: "I have introduced the three elements I call the three Ps – people, process and performance. The people aspect is very key. Individuals who are aged or affected in a wrong that impacted the corporation will obviously be let out. There is no business in the world for you to keep doing wrong things and keep progressing. The only way you can do that obviously is that your performance modelling and evaluation must be very strong.

"Right now in the system, I will like to see our human resources department doing a better job of evaluating people’s performance every year. Salary increase will be done for those who scale the hurdle. One of the things I have started doing is that we will be doing a weekly report card. The report card takes an issue every week and basically televised out to every staff and it runs on their television, which will be the first thing to turn on to see every Monday. It will happen every week from now till December and we are dealing with all manner of issues- from performance to behavioural norms, to where we are headed."

The NNPC chief said the idea was to carry everybody along because "in doing such a restructuring, you ensure everyone is able to determine one’s performance, and in doing so, people will know when they lost their tab".

Kachikwu also stated that as part of the transparency efforts, he would bring back the auditing firm, PricewaterhouseCooper, that just partially audited the NNPC to conduct a full audit. He said: "The other aspect of transparency is how we deal with the accounting issues. We are doing a couple of things in this direction. First we are bringing back the auditors who gave the partial audit to come and do a full audit.

"The issue is that they didn’t get all the data, and we will give them all the data this time. I need to know the true state of all the finances of the corporation and statement of funds up to this day. Our accounts and finances were last audited in 2010. They would be audited and drawn currently to 2015, that is something I hope I will achieve before December.

"What we know is that whether the account or performance is good or bad is secondary. But at least we know what the state gets and know what it is you want to work on. We are doing that and the President is very supportive of that."

Kachikwu noted that through the contracts that he cancelled and replaced with new models, including the delivery of crude oil to the refineries, the Offshore Processing Agreements (OPA) and the crude, for – product exchange agreement (SWAP), he has been able to save an average of over $150 million a month for the nation.

Anti-Saraki forces plan mass protests, seek his removal

                       
ABUJA- AHEAD of the resumption of Senate September 29, strong indications emerged yesterday that forces against the embattled Senate President, Bukola Saraki are strateging on how to ensure that he leaves the position as number three citizen of the country.

Saturday Vanguard gathered yesterday that forces opposed to Saraki’s continued stay as Senate President have concluded plans to embark on what they termed, mass protests to drive home on whether he was moraly bound to continue in that office and the need for him to "resign honourably."

According to a source, following the arraignment of Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal)CCT), some leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC have concluded plans to move the battle against him to the second stage, which would be carry out campaigns that was expected to catch like wild fire across the country, just as this was designed to weaken his public image and popularising the idea that there was the need for him to resign.

The source disclosed that the protests would be sustained until the resumed hearing of the CCT suit against Saraki on October 21.

It was also gathered that some groups of Protesters were already mobilized and would start their campaigns from Monday September 28, a day to the resumption of the Senate after a six week annual recess, just as this group was said to also be mobilising to ensure that the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was removed.

Senate President Bukola Saraki is presently facing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT following a 13- count charge levelled against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, bordering on alleged corruption and false declaration of assets in 2003 and summoned him to appear before it on Friday.

But the President of the Senate through his lawyers, approached a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday to secure an exparte order to stop the tribunal proceedings. His Counsels actually got a ruling, summoning the Code of Code Bureau ( CCB), the Code of Conduct Tribunal, the Federal Ministry of Justice and Saraki himself to appear before it on Monday for hearing of the suit.

However, ignoring the order, the Code of Conduct Tribunal went ahead with Saraki’s trial, thereby resulting in the tribunal Chairman, Justice Danladi Umar ruling that no federal high court has any jurisdiction to stop the tribunal’s proceedings, claiming that Federal High Court and the Tribunal have coordinate jurisdiction.

The judge later issued warrant of arrest on Saraki for refusing to appear before it after two days of notification to that effect, just as Saraki’s counsels quickly moved to file an appeal against the ruling at the Federal Court of Appeal Abuja the same Friday.

But while answering questions from Journalists Monday, Senate President Saraki had vowed that he would appear at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT Tuesday to answer to issues raised by the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB and he actually appeared on Tuesday.

As part of moves to remove Saraki through s mass protest, a source disclosed that what happened at the Ilorin Prayer ground on Thursday when some persons led the attack on the Senate President and other dignitaries during the Eid prayers in the Kwara state capital was a rehearsal to the coming up protest.

It was also gathered that many of the protesters were to campaign on the grounds that Saraki’s continued occupation of the Chairmanship of the National Assembly and Senate Presidency would amount to a stain on the anti-corruption war embarked upon by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The source said, : "The real plan concerning the arraignment o Saraki was originally aimed at achieving two things. One was to enable him kept behind bars from Friday September 18, the first day the CCT suit was to hold and then pave the way for the Senators to remove him. The second was to orchestrate that campaign that his arraignment was bad enough for the anti-corruption war of the current government. But since Saraki did not appear before the CCT on September 18, the first leg was affected. Now the arraignment on September 22 has emboldened then to start the street campaign."

According to the source, Senator Ekweremadu would come under special scrutiny to ensure he is also faced with threatening charges that would force him to resign, adding, "The target really is Ekweremadu. If he agrees to resign, it would be easier for Saraki to continue. But Saraki became the target when he refused to lift a finger when told that he should sacrifice his deputy."

 

5 Reasons Why Christians Don’t Receive Answers To Their Prayers

Happy sunday brethren. You might be praying to God for something very essential, might be a job, admission, finances, marriage, fruit of the womb but you don’t receive speedily answers and at times you pray for years and it still doesn’t work out. Relax there are skeletons in the cupboard you need to fish out that is withholding answers to your prayers.

Listen attentively.

Your Life Of Sin – yeah its your life of sin that is witholding your prayer request and God does not hear. You might still be living in sexual immorality, lies, jealousy, covetousness, gossip etc. And you go and kneel down and pray but sorry the prayer cant pass the ceiling.

Isaiah 1 vs 15 -When you spread your hands, I will hide my eyes from you, and when you make many prayers i will not hear because your hands are full of blood. And also in John 9 v 31 says that God hears not sinners but if any man be a worshipper of God and does His will, God hears. So its your sin that seperate God from you so He wont hear your prayers.

Lack of Patience – the Lord Jesus told us to keep on praying and not faint.(luke 18 vs1) this is another reason why people dont receive answers. God’s timetable is not like man’s own, He needs you to be patient and not rushing Him up. So be patient always whenever you ask God of a request.

Selfish Lust Desires – in the book of james chapter 4 vs 3 says that you pray and ask but you do not recieve because you ask amiss so that you may consume it upon your lust, oh well you ask God of big things that you schedule so that as soon as you receive it, you use it to flex around with the desires of the flesh. God knows your heart and wont give it to you till you repent.

Not Abiding With The Lord – yeah the word of God says in John 15 vs 7- if you abide in me and My words abide in you, you will ask what you want and it shall be done to you.

Have you been praying to God and ask Him of something important? Always abide by praying continually and going to church, study His Word, obey His commandments and praise Him daily and abide continually and you will receive answers to your prayers.

Lack Of Faith and Forgiveness – in mark 11 vs 22 the Lord taught us to have faith in God for whatever you desire when you pray, believe that you receive them shall have them and also forgive so that God may forgive and answer.

These are the reasons you dont receive answers. And you keep on praying but no hope. Obey this steps and receive final answers to your prayers.

Happy sunday

I Am Not A Dollar Billionaire, Says Prince Bolu Akin-Olugbade

Celebrated business man, Dr Boluwasanmi Akin-Olugbade can hardly be described. If you call him a lawyer, you are right. An industrialist? You are not off the mark. Oh... you can call him oil and gas mogul and you won't be wrong as everything about the Cambridge Ph.D.Graduate speaks class, opulence and splendour. The Aare Onakakanfo of Owu Kingdom while speaking with High Society recently,exclusively revealed that he is not a Dollar Billionaire contrary to the notion many have. According to him, People call themselves billionaires in Nigeria today, but that is chicken feed. If you have five million Dollars today,you are a billionaire in Naira. So the word billionaire is abused in Nigeria. People call me a billionaire but I am not worth a billion Dollars, I am not even near it, because I am worth only two hundred and fifity million dollars ($250million), and half of that I hold in cash because I believe in cash. For example, if you have a big house in Ikoyi today,you are a billionaire in Naira, even when you do not have cash. Cash is King. Akin-Olugbade in his revealation further opined that he does not owe any bank money anywhere in the world and that most Nigerian billionaires are debtor Naira Billionaires. "Infact, Forbes Magazine only publishes the share value and not the liabilities of Nigerian Dollar Billionaires.In Nigeria,a company should be worth only ten times the dividend payment and a property should be worth only ten times the rental

Tinubu Speaks On Saraki’s Case

                     
Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos state and national leader of the All progressives Congress (APC), has finally reacted to the ongoing trial of the Senate president Bukola Saraki by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
Bola Tinubu has reacted to Saraki’s case.

Tinubu said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s government cannot overlook certain things in its fight against corruption.

However, ex-governor, speaking after activities for the Eid-il-Kabir celebration at Dodan Barracks, has asked Nigerians to often put God and the nation first in their daily activities.

"What is missing in Nigeria is lack of patriotism, dedication to God and to our people," he said.

READ ALSO: Confusion In Kwara Over Pelting Of Saraki

Tinubu said that the ongoing anti-corruption war embarked upon by the president will further reinforce Nigeria’s institutions and fast track development.

This came two days after Senate president shown up before the tribunal in Abuja on September 22, pleading not guilty of the charges leveled against him.

According to the ex-governor: "It is part of nation’s development. We cannot overlook a lot of things. And we cannot personalise a lot of things as if it was vendetta. We have to endure and be patient as we look for justice, equity and a balanced society."


"If we do not strengthened these institutions, how can they work for the development of the nation? If we fail and result to blackmail, how can the nation reverse the decadence that is perceived in our society?"
Tinubu lamented that citizens often denigrate public officer as one who mismanage public funds allocated to his office.

The APC leader said: "Government officials are no longer believed by the citizens. When one has a public responsibility, the citizens look at it as if the source of wealth to steal and mismanage public funds and do things not included in the democratic norms and values.


‘We have to live by example and by our words. We can be talking about it alone. We have to work it without any iota of blackmail."
Tinubu reminded how he went through such trial and was later discharged and acquainted, saying: "It is not what I haven’t personally experienced."

READ ALSO: CCT Seeks Saraki’s Arrest


"I have been through it. The second week I left office, I was invited by Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC. I went there and answered their questions. Later, I took them to court and I won.

"Some years back, after they discovered that my asset declaration had some questions, they claim. It is only then I accused the government of being selective."
The APC leader stated that the country had overcame some problems but to avoid a repeat of such, Nigerians must put the nation first and do the right thing.

He added: "Yearly, we talk about sacrificecharged me to the tribunal. I went and challenged them to show proof. I was later discharged and acquainted because there was no evidence to prove their s and perseverance of people. If we want people to persevere, from the top to the bottom, we have to demonstrate as leaders that we are very serious about nation building too.


"Our leaders should look compassionately at the suffering masses and create the demand locally and diversify our economy. Go through it at once and have a nation that we will all be proud of. Develop citizenship that will be blind to tribe or ethnicity but believe in character.

"It is worrisome that when we meet ourselves outside the country, we embrace one another but immediately we arrive in this country, we revert to ethnicity, tribalism and others. We have to develop a new character and new nation.
"Every day we talk about the potential of this country but where are we, when one looks at a country like India, they don’t have oil but they were able to build an economy for themselves that is thriving today and creating employment for the youths.
READ ALSO: Saraki Snubs Code of Conduct Tribunal Trial (UPDATED)

"We want everything free but we have not put emphasis on the training of our youths and retraining of our teachers to put education in forefront of investment that is necessary for this country.
"We still believe that education is the weapon against poverty. And to achieve it, we have to rededicate ourselves and make those sacrifices in order to lift the country out of poverty," Tinubu added.

There had been speculations that former Lagos governor was standing behind the trial of Saraki. Tinubu has supposedly walked out a pro-Saraki senator a South-West caucus meeting.

When Saraki became the Senate president ex-governor vowed not to recognize him. Tinubu stated categorically that as far as he was concerned, Saraki’s emergence did not reflect the mandate of the APC party.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger splits With Wife

                          
The Gunners chief and long term lover Annie, 59, are said to have agreed a financial package and divided up their assets

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has split from his wife after months of speculation about the state of his marriage, it has been claimed.

The Gunners chief and long term lover Annie, 59, are said to have agreed a financial package and divided up their assets. The couple, who have an 18-year-old daughter have not been pictured together since 2013.

He has previously admitted that his high pressured job with the London club had put pressure on his relationship.

It is understood court papers filed in Wenger’s hometown of Strasbourg, France, show they have not been together since June of this year.

The document – known as a "séparé du corps" in French – is not a full divorce but is a legal separation which means that the couple are not legally obliged to live together.

A source said Wenger, 65, and Annie, who married in December 2010 after a long term relationship, had "not been happy for a while".

"They have divided up their assets and agreed a financial package to separate.

 

Van Vicker is a hot kisser – Omotola Ekeinde

                              
Nollywood diva, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has revealed that the best kiss she ever had on set was with Ghanaian act, Van Vicker.

She made this disclosure recently while speaking with Olisa Adibua on the ‘The Truth’ episode.

When asked about who kissed her best on set, the 37-year-old movie star said: "Wow, strange question. I don’t really remember how many kisses I have had on set. Oh I think I remember one…Van Vicker."

To Our Esteem Muslim Readers, We Wish U All Happy Eid Kabir

Saraki’s trial: PDP plots to pick Senate president

                       
Barely 24 hours after the arraignment of Senate President Bukola Saraki, some of his loyalists and Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) senators are planning to fight back, The Nation has learnt.

They are said to be working on a plan which will lead to the election of a new Senate President from the opposition party, should Saraki be convicted by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) – the "worst case scenario".

Security agencies already know about the plot, it was learnt.

Besides, there were signs yesterday that pro-Saraki senators may have "laid an ambush" for President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministerial list, which is being expected at the Senate "any moment from now".

They may reject the list and all appointments made so far by the President in protest against Saraki’s trial, a source said.

But the Presidency is unruffled.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said last night: "Some loyalists of Saraki and PDP senators have been meeting on the options available and how to tackle President Muhammadu Buhari.

"At the meeting in Abuja, they resolved to stand by Saraki but if he is convicted, they will make sure that the next president of the Senate is from the PDP.

"They are really aggrieved and have vowed to stop the candidate of the Unity Forum, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, from emerging as Saraki’s successor.

"From the way PDP and its senators are rallying around Saraki, no one needs a soothsayer to know that a bigger conspiracy is in the offing.

"The PDP has not come to terms with the fact that it lost the last general elections."

Part of the plot is to reject Buhari’s ministerial list and all appointments so far made by the President, it was learnt.

These appointments include those of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Customs Service(NCS) and Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), among others.

The source went on: "They know that the President will not present imposed candidates as ministerial nominees and they are out for a pound of flesh as from September 29 because the Code of Conduct Bureau( CCB) dragged the President of the Senate to the Code of Conduct Tribunal(CCT)"

It was gathered that security agencies have smashed the plot.

A government source said: "The whole plot is aimed at frustrating the President and cause a political crisis in the country.

"They have this feeling that they must pull down the house due to the arraignment of Saraki by CCT. In spite of denial, they are pointing accusing fingers at the Presidency for Saraki’s travails."

Attempts to make loyalists of tHouse of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, to pitch their tent with Saraki appear to have suffered a setback.

It was learnt that although Saraki backed Dogara to become the Speaker, the "template has changed".

Dogara and his loyalists would prefer to "facilitate reconciliation between the Presidency and the Senate leadership than taking sides".

A Dogara supporter said: "There is pressure on our camp to take a hard line position on the trial of Saraki but we will rather broker peace than compound the situation.

"We are not betraying anyone but we believe the challenge at hand is resolvable. If we compound the situation to team up against the Presidency, we will all fail.

"To take sides is to set the House on fire all over. This will not augur well for the new National Assembly."

Prince Eze Madumere: The Un-Doctored Assertion Of A Medical Doctor By Ikehukwu Gilbert!!

                                
There is no doubt that medical practice is faced with somewhat difficult challenges. Handling these life-saving challenges speak volume of a doctor’s professional status, good or bad! It defines or contradicts a professional calling, clarifying an in-depth or partial knowledge which in turn exposes the high and low points of a professional career. A high-point that augurs well for mankind; not just about saving lives but giving value back to these lives through the sublimity of hospitality, just exactly what people crave for! Little wonder medical practitioners have found themselves in politics; another avenue that allows the right-sensed to add and sustain value in the lives of the people.


For Doctor Emma Ajuogu, a long-standing Medical Practitioner, he is the immediate past Transition Committee Chairman of Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area in Imo state; a Christian leader and a medical missionary. He has held several gospel crusades in virtually all the Local Government Areas in Okigwe zone with his Greater Etiti/Mbano for Christ crusade movement (at least his words somewhat interprets divinity)! Credited to his tenure are massive structural developments and renovations of structures within and outside the Local Government Council, like never before, many thanks to the developmentally charged efforts of the Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who provided a solid base for his kind to deliver.


But there was for the Doctor a most unforgettable experience of inspiration cum state leadership support of encouragement and guidance that instituted a positive dimension to his political perspective. And this rattling positive political-leadership sensation transcends from none other but the Imo state Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere!


Doctor Ajuogu passionately posits the inspiring features of the elegant Imo state Deputy Governor. He states: "I have never seen leadership exercised the way he (Prince And this rattling positive political-leadership sensation transcends from none other but the Imo state Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere!


Doctor Ajuogu passionately posits the inspiring features of the elegant Imo state Deputy Governor. He states: "I have never seen leadership exercised the way he (Prince Eze Madumere) does it. So free, open and accommodating, he has impacted his humility and simplicity into me.

As a medical Doctor and politician, I have well-handled many challenges, but not without the rigors that come with achieving solutions. But our Deputy Governor handles problems with a very uncommon simplicity. Intelligently too, he provides answers, ensuring he carries everyone along with a team-play drive; I can now see why he continues to climb

Ask my wife, I am endeared to his leadership! Infact, Eze Madumere has completely won my admiration. Boldly, I am magnetized to his mentorship. Thank God for Mr Governor for giving us someone like Prince Eze Madumere".


Just one out of so many who continue to attest to the great leadership character of the Imo state Deputy Governor; for the man on the spot-light, Prince Eze Madumere, ironically, how he manages to keep his cool and not get carried away by inundated encomiums remains a surprise to many, which completely defeats the political habit of politicians from this part of the world.
Dissecting Dr. Ajuogu’s appraisal of good Governance in Imo state through today’s sound leadership ably led by His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha, calls for the institution of continuity. Owelle’s aura is captured in Madumere, though they may not naturally have same leadership features, but they share the same developmental ideology that enshrines a sustainable people-oriented leadership. After all, it is said that a "lion only begets a lion". Owelle Rochas Okorocha has produced his political type, which comes with extras though, as every father would desire of their children. Thank God for today’s visionary strengths in the leadership of Owelle and Madumere whose rescue mission only sees and tackle people-oriented issues in an endeared sincerity of purpose to a people’s course! Yes, Doctor Emma Ajuogu, may have further added his voice to the reality and truth which already pervades our dear Imo state, giving birth to the sparkles of today. How much of these uncommon leadership traits are appreciated.


Today’s Imo drives home a new beginning enveloped in positive change; in encouragement, contribute your part! God bless Imo state!

IKECHUKWU GILBERT

　

　




　

CCT: Saraki Pleads Not Guilty, Trial To Resume October 21

                          
The trial of the Senate President, Dr. Olubukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja, has been adjouned to October 21.

Earlier, the trial of Dr. Olubukola Saraki took a dramatic turn when he refused to mount the dock.

The trial tribunal, headed by Justice Danladi Umar, called up Saraki’s case at exactly 10:32am.

"Where is the prosecution, is the accused person here?", Justice Umar who was looking directly at Saraki from his vantage post, queried.

"Mr lord I cannot see him. I think the first thing is for him to enter the dock first, then we will announce our appearances. After which the charge will be read to him", the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs submitted.

"With profound respect to the chairman and member of this tribunal, I agree with my learned brother that we should enter appearances first. The order of this tribunal was that the accused should be produced today. It was not for his to enter his plea. The case was earlier adjourned for mention", counsel to Saraki, Mr. J.B. Daudu, insisted.

Daudu vehemently opposed the idea of Saraki entering the dock, relying on an Appeal Court decided case law in Igbeke vs FRN, 2015, 3 NWLR.

Eventually, Saraki entered the dock and pleaded not guilty to the 13-count criminal charge that was preferred against him by the federal government.

The Tribunal adjourned sitting to October 21, 2015.

CCT to IGP: You must produce Saraki in court on Tuesday

                      
Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar of the Code of Conduct Tribunal has ruled that the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase must produce Senate President, Bukola Saraki at the Tribunal on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 to answer allegations levelled against him.

The Judge ruled after resuming from a short adjournment on Monday, September 21, 2015 that since the Senate President failed to show up again, he is forced to take this step.

His counsel, Joseph Daudu, had argued that he was unable to produce Saraki because the Tribunal did not give a definite ruling on it last Friday when the Tribunal sat.

Saraki went to a High Court in Abuja to stop his arrest and hearing at the Tribunal, stating that due process was not followed.
    Source-The Eagle Online

Folly Coker, Steve Ayorinde, Anofi Elegushi, Others Make Gov. Ambode’s Cabinet List

                       
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday presented the list of would-be cabinet members to the House of Assembly for screening.

The Clerk of the House, Mr. Ganiyu Abiru read the names on the floor to members.

The Governor is requesting for the screening and approval of 36 persons with 23 as Commissioners and 13 as Special Advisers.

Amongst the names are six former cabinet members from the Babatunde Raji Fashola administration including former commissioner for Agriculture, Gbolahan Lawal, former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, former Special Adviser, Central Business District, Folarin Coker, former Special Adviser Commerce and Industry, Seye Oladejo, former Special Adviser Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson and former Special Adviser Rural Development, Babatunde Hunpe.

Governor Ambode had made good his promise at the inaugural address to inject new blood on merit and professionalism as the new list depicts.

It is made up of top technocrats, politicians and strategists.

The Governor named a relatively young cabinet with the likes of Mrs. Yetunde Onabolu, Fela Bank-Olemoh, Akinyemi Ashade, a partner in KPMG, former Managing Director, National Mirror, Steve Ayorinde, Alhaja Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, a pharmacist, Kehinde Joseph and Prof. Ademola Abass, a professor of Law, whose ages range between 39 and 47 years.

　

Other names include Dr. Akintola Benson, former Special Adviser Political and Legislative Powers Bureau, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, Dr. Mohammed Akinkunmi, former member, House of Representatives, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, Dr. Femi Onanuga, CEO of LAMATA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, Arch. Wasiu Anifowoshe, former member House of Assembly, Mrs. Lola Akande, Agboola Dabiri, Ganiu Okanlomo Sanni, Anofi Elegushi, Rotimi Ogunleye, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, Femi Odubiyi, Alhaji Musiliu Folami, Adeniji Kazeem, Adeyemi Labinjo, Toyin Suarau, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, Deji Tinubu, Mrs. Mudirat Giwanson and former Chairman Ejigbo LCDA, Kehinde Bamigbetan.

The screening of the list is expected to commence immediately after the Sallah holidays while cleared cabinet members would likely be sworn in to resume the task of governance by Monday, October 5, 2015.

Game of Thrones Sets Record At Emmy Awards

For the first time in the show’s six season history, HBO’s Game of Thrones took home the best drama series award on Sunday night’s Emmy awards in Los Angeles, beating nine other competitors including AMC’s Mad Men.

The show racked up a record-breaking 12 awards from its 24 nominations, the most any series has won in a single year. The previous record holder was The West Wing which won nine awards at the 2000 Emmys.

In addition to best drama, Game of Thrones also took home Emmys for best directing and best writing. Peter Dinklage, who has previously won an Emmy for his role as Tyrion Lannister, won for best supporting actor in a drama again tonight.

The win capped a huge night for HBO, which won a total of 43 Emmys, more than any other network. In addition to winning best drama, the cable network also claimed best comedy series for Veep and best miniseries for Olive Kitteridge.

Based on the Pulitzer prizewinning short stories by Elizabeth Strout, Olive Kitteridge won almost every category for which it was nominated, winning six awards, while Veep’s victory denied Modern Family the chance of a sixth consecutive win in the category.

Veep’s creator, Armando Ianucci, was the only British nominee to win, with others including Mark Rylance, who was nominated for Wolf Hall, going home empty-handed.

It was a good night for women. Viola Davis made history as the first woman of colour to to take the prize for outstanding actress in a drama for her role in How to Get Away With Murder. In a moving speech charged with emotion, she quoted the civil rights activist Harriet Tubman and said "The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity," Davis said when accepting the award. "You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.

Two other female actors of colour also won awards: Uzo Adubo for Orange is the New Black and Regina King for American Crime, which lost out to Olive Kitteridge in the other awards for which it was nominated.

Amy Schumer won the inaugural outstanding variety sketch series award, which she dedicated to "my sister Kim, who’s the only reason I’m alive and breathing." She also thanked the makeup artist who gave her "this sort of smoky eye. I love it."

Meanwhile Transparent, the Amazon Prime show about a transgender woman and her family netted a prize for its director Jill Soloway, and the outstanding lead actor in a comedy award for Jeffrey Tambor, who at 71 is the oldest person to take the prize. He dedicated his win, and his performance, to the transgender community, concluding "thank you for letting us be part of the change".

In his final season on Mad Men, John Hamm won the prize that had eluded him for eight years: outstanding lead actor in a drama for his role as the tortured, womanising ad executive Don Draper. Tripping on his way to the podium, he received a standing ovation

There was also an elegiac mood inspired by The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, which won three awards, including outstanding variety talk series. The show, which went off air in August, shut out Stephen Colbert and David Letterman’s final seasons as talk show hosts. A bearded Stewart took to the stage, describing life after TV as "a barren wasteland. Out in the world, there are tables with food, but you can’t take it! It costs money! Very little of it is gluten-free or vegan."

The Emmys were presented by Andy Samberg, who mocked Donald Trump in his opening monologue, saying: "Donald Trump, of course is running for president, to the delight of uncles everywhere. I’ve got to say, sure, Donald Trump seems racist — What else?

He added that Bernie Sanders "always looks like his flight was delayed". Samberg went on to discuss Paula Deen’s controversial appearance on Dancing With the Stars, saying "I wanted to see an intolerant lady dance, I would have gone to one of Kim Davis’s four weddings."

The Rowan county clerk briefly went to jail because she refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who won best actress in a comedy series for Veep for the fourth consecutive year, also mentioned Trump in her speech, saying: "What a great honour it must be for you to honor me tonight. I’m sorry, Donald Trump said that. It’s getting trickier and trickier to satirise this stuff."

HID Awolowo Is Dead

                      
Hannah Idowu Dideolu, the aged wife of the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo is dead. Awolowo, 99 reportedly died at her Ikenne, Ogun State home. She was said to had a meeting with her family, including her children and grand children where they planned the activities towards marking her centenary celebration slated for November 25. Thereafter the meeting she retired to her room where she reportedly gave up the ghost

Police vow to arrest Saraki ‘without delay’

                    

The police on Friday said the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase would promptly effect the arrest of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, without delay.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Olabisi Kolawole, stated this in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Friday.

"We are going to promptly arrest the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and produce him before the Code of Conduct Tribunal on Monday.

"Since it is a bench warrant issued by a competent court, the order will be carried out without delay. We don’t want to pre-empt anything," Kolawole stated.

The Code of Conduct Tribunal had on Friday, issued a bench warrant for Saraki’s arrest, for failing to appear in court in his ongoing trial for alleged false asset declaration.

-The Nation

Aisha Buhari’s Passion For Promoting Mother And Child Healthcare In Nigeria

                          
The wife of Nigeria’s president Aisha Buhari is fast becoming the face of advocacy, mobilization and promotion of mother and child health in the country. Her recent intervention and support for many nursing mothers across the country, especially those in rural areas point out to the fact that Hajia Buhari is not leaving anything to chance at ensuring that the plight of women and children is attended to by the present government.

Without doubt, she is already giving the needed support to reproductive, maternal, newborn child and adolescent health as well as improving nutritional standards in the country. She is extending a hand of help to these mothers who sometimes are ignorant of the nutritional needs of their children.

She is already championing the Mother and Child vision with the help of local and international donor agencies and development partners within and outside of Nigeria because she simply believes that the health of women and children goes a long way at providing a measure of development for any country and the world at large.

In Africa, Nigeria accounts for the highest number of internally displaced persons in the country with more than three million in various camps and places spread across the country.

Some international donor agencies say it is necessary to push a new plan of nutrition forward especially at a time when the country is dealing with poor health care standards.

With Hajia Buhari’s new venture, development partners and other inter agency bodies are already indicating willingness to support this new milestone in the country’s bid to eliminate malnutrition and maternal/new born deaths.

Written by Afolake Araoye, a Social and Gender activist based in Lagos.

Kemi Adetiba to Male Fans: "Stop Sending Your Manhood Pictures To Me

                   
Popular music video director, Kemi Adetiba, who is well known among her counterparts in the industry as a heavy user of Snap Chat, recently expressed her distaste on the way some dudes on the application platform send their private male part to her.

Kemi, apparently frustrated over the indecent act, has warned that anyone who sends her picture of his manhood on the platform would henceforth be blocked from her contact list.

It would be recalled that some days ago, it was reported that she had issue with MI over the rapper’s music video, ‘Bullion Van’

 

19-year-old Housemaid Caught Using Urine To Prepare Meals For Her Boss And Family [PHOTOS

                      
Wonders they says never ceased... A Kenyan maid was arrested due to her devilish act. The devil in this little girl grown to the extend she couldn't control it. She was arrested for using her urine to prepare meals for her boss and family. According to Modern Kenyan Corps, she did it because she was maltreated by her boss' family.

The 19-year-old girl was caught after her boss decided to install a Close Circuit Camera in the house following cases of housemaids maltreating kids left in their care. He was shocked to see the girl urinating in a pot of soup she was preparing.

President Buhari meets France president, Francoise Hollande (PHOTOS)

Imams to Muslims: Don’t accept Fayose’s rams

                    
The League of Imams and Alfas in Ekiti State has told Muslims in the state not to collect rams and other food items for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration from Governor Ayo Fayose.
The body made its decision known in a communique issued after its meeting on Tuesday.
The meeting was held on at Ansar-u-Deen Society Central Mosque Odo-Otu, Ado Ekiti.
At the meeting, the League reviewed what it termed the "deliberate marginalisation of Muslim members in Ekiti State Government’s political appointment".
Muslims in the state had complained through several bodies and fora about their marginalization by Fayose in appointments.
Their concern had been voiced by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisation in Ekiti State.
In the communiqué on Tuesday, the League: "Based on the above, the League, Ekiti State Council, hereby resolved that no Muslim in the state should collect rams and other food items, if presented to them in any form by the government."
The communiqué was signed by the state’s Assistant Secretary, League of Imams and Alfas, Alhaji Quadri Oguntuase; a Representative of Ansar-u-Deen Missioner, Fatai Jimoh; and Chief Imam, Ilogbo, Imam Abdul Rasak.
It added: "Any Muslim that collects such rams or food items under any guise has taken Haram (Unlawful) and the punishment of the Almighty Allah awaits the person. (Quran 71 verse 28).
"This order stands until the government accedes to our demands as earlier published."

　

Australia Gets New Prime Minister

                    
SEVEN months after surviving a no-confidence vote, Australia’s Prime Minister was toppled yesterday in a leadership challenge from his popular former communications minister.

Malcolm Turnbull won the Liberal Party room vote 54-44 in Canberra, hours after declaring his leadership bid.

A former lawyer turned businessman, Turnbull told a press conference that change was needed "for our party’s sake, for our country’s sake."

"We need a different style of leadership. We need a style of leadership that respects the people’s intelligence, that explains these complex issues," Turnbull said.

Abbott seemed caught off guard by the swift pace of the leadership challenge, though rumors had suggested his position was in trouble for months.

In a hastily convened press conference yesterday afternoon, Abbott said: "The prime ministership of this country is not a prize or a plaything to be demanded. It should be something which is earned by a vote of the Australian people."

In February, Abbott emerged victorious from a no-confidence vote among his party colleagues, with 61 votes to 39. The Prime Minister may have won majority backing, but the 39 votes against him left him exposed and at risk of further insurrections.

Abbott came to power in 2013 with the promise of a stable government, immune from the infighting that had dogged the previous Labor leadership. During the previous government, Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard jostled for the top job, and the Liberal Party rightly identified that the electorate had had enough.

However, a series of unpopular decisions exposed cracks within the Liberal Party. Abbott was seen to have bungled his first budget, which went down badly with voters.

The Liberal Party had sold itself as old hands when it came to managing the country’s economy, capable of correcting lax Labor spending, which had eroded a surplus deftly created by the former Liberal government, led by John Howard

Yesterday, Turnbull’s nomination speech pulled Abbott up on his economic record, CCN reports.

"It is clear enough that the government is not successful in providing the economic leadership that we need," he said. "He has not been capable of providing the economic confidence that business needs."

Abbott defended himself against the attack by drawing on the government’s successes.

"Since coming to Government, our team has stopped the boats, improved the budget, cut taxes and increased jobs. We have laid the foundation for a better deal for families and for small business.

Source: The Gaurdian Newspaper

CONFIRMED: Thursday September 24 Is Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah)

                        The Saudi Arabian Moon Sighting Committee has announced a new date for Arafat. Though September 22 was earlier fixed for the Yaomul Arafat (Arafat Day) and September 23 for the Eid-il-adha (Day of Sacrifice) a notice on Sunday night by the Saudi Arabia Judiciary said the expected moon of the Month of Dhul-Hijja 1435 was not sighted last night (Sunday), hence the month of Dhul- Qadha will be counted to be 30. This means that the month of Dhul-Hijja will commence on Tuesday 15 September, 2015. This development means that the Day of Arafat is shifted from September 22 to September 23 and the Day of Sacrifice (Eid-El- Kabir) will now be September 24. Sallah is now September 24.

Popular Senator Quizzed, Arrested For Impersonation In Saudi Arabia

                                 
A former Chairman Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Senator Hassan Barata, is in detention in Saudi Arabia.
According to sources, when he was arrested and quizzed, he claimed to be an employee of the Nigerian Embassy – a claim that was found to be untrue.
The senator, who is believed to have travelled to the Kingdom a few weeks ago, may have overstayed when he was picked up.
Barata represented Adamawa South in the sixth Senate, having been elected in 2011 on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last February but returned to the PDP after losing his bid to pick the governorship ticket.
He was believed to be holding an official passport on the trip.
The Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to retrieve diplomatic and official passports from all persons who are not entitled to hold such documents.

Godswill Akpabio’s Passport seized As Secret Safe Discovered In His Room With $500m Cash

                         
Immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, who doubles as the Senate Minority Leader, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio is wanted in relation to the allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition at the presidential wing of the government lodge in Uyo where he (Akpabio) is currently occupying months after he left office. Last week Thursday, it would be recalled that the State Security Service (DSS) invaded the government lodge where two rooms stacked to the roof with American dollars were discovered. Presidential lodge of the Akwa Ibom Government House…where the loots were discovered

Presidential lodge of the Akwa Ibom Government House…where the loots were discovered

According to security sources, "other items discovered was a secret armoury with sophisticated guns, ammunition, bullet proof vests, explosives and a secret tower where highly sensitive and classified documents were hidden. The invasion by the Special Unit of the DSS who arrived Uyo from Abuja was carried out without the knowledge of the Akwa Ibom State Director of the SSS to avoid any leakage that would have compromised the operation.

During the operation, an extremely rattled Governor Udom Emmanuel who was not in at the Government House at the commencement of the raid hurriedly rushed back to meet the operation at an advanced stage. He was alleged to have put a call across to his predecessor who instructed the governor not to allow the DSS agents conducting the raid remove a "secret safe" that was discovered in one of the rooms.

It was not immediately clear what was the content of the safe. "Udom, listen to me, your life depends on what is inside that safe. On no account should you allow the SSS take or open that safe", Akpabio was alleged to have instructed the governor. After the telephone conversation with Akpabio, a visibly shaken Emmanuel was alleged to have jumped on top the safe to resist the SSS’s attempt to take the safe away.

"Over my dead body will I allow you carry this safe. My life depends on this safe," the governor was allegedly quoted while still holding tight to the safe from the rooftop of it. The two rooms in question were later cordoned off by the SSS before a batch of the EFCC operatives moved in to secure the busted cash which took about three hours to evacuate.

Before now, Akpabio had left the country last Tuesday ostensibly to receive medical treatment following an accident he had in Abuja on his way to the airport. The widely reported accident was said to have happened when his convoy refused toobey traffic light.Few days after his departure, after he was declared fit by medical doctors who attended to him at the National Hospital Abuja, he travelled abroad for further medical treatment.

Those who know claimed he might have stage managed the foreign treatment as a pretext to his fleeing the country. For now, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has raised a panel to probe the accident. The American Embassy whose car was involved in the crash, has also raised a team to help local investigators working to unravel the factors behind the mysterious accident which affected only Akpabio even when the car allegedly tumbled.

Already, the federal government through the Immigration Service has withdrawn the former governor’s official passport with which he travelled thus effectively making him an illegal immigrant wherever he is domiciled.

Security sources say Akpabio might have decided to evacuate his family out of the United Kingdom because of the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and that country which may not hesitate to extradite him when declared wanted by the Buhari administration. Akpabio’s family are currently in the United States.

Akpabio’s palatial house in his hometown in Ukana is presently under watch following credible intelligence that similar arms might be kept there in anticipation of a likely order of fresh election by the election tribunal. Governor Emmanuel Udom initially denied that no raid took place, then, later accepting it happened but no cash or arms were found. Over $500 million was reported to have been removed in the said raid.

– By Aniete Ukoh, Uyo