Toyin Aimakhu and husband release statement over crashed marriage

Over the weekend, reports of a marriage split between Toyin Aimakhu and her husband Adeniyi Johnson surfaced online. The Nollywood actress and her husband have responded to the allegations, both releasing a statement on their official Instagram accounts. The couple admit that their marriage has been facing the storm but that they are trying hard at keeping it together. According to the couple, ‘every marriage has it’s stormy season and they just experienced their stormy and trying times’. The statement reads below… “With the heart of appreciation and sincerity we write: There’s no fire without smoke.. for every marriage and journey there are moments of storm, that was our stormy and trying times.

Full text of President Jonathan’s statement on John Kerry’s visit

The US Secretary of State, John Kerry paid a visit to Nigeria yesterday, January 25 and met with President Goodluck Jonathan. Kerry also met with the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Muhammadu Buhari for the purpose of ensuring peaceful elections in February. Read the full text of Jonathan’s statement regarding the visit below:

Buhari Certificate: Police reacts to killing of School Principal

The Katsina Police Command on Sunday dispelled rumour over the alleged murder of Malam Ballo Isyaku, Principal of Government College, Katsina, who released Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s certificate. The command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Aminu Sadiq, made the denial to newsmen in Katsina. He said that the command had contacted top officials of the ministry of education and they confirmed that the principal was hale and hearty. Sadiq said that the command had also contacted the Commissioner for Education, and the Zonal Director of education, who assured the police that the rumour was false.

Shocking Photos: Boko Haram trains underaged Nigerian children with AK47s

Below are disturbing photos reportedly showing Boko Haram militants training underagechildren with AK-47’s and cardboard cutouts in a training camp. Nigerian troops once expressed their concern about the use of women and child-soldiers as human shields by Boko Haram militants in their quest to weaken military operations.

Shocking: See what 22 year old accused of killing father did to himself in police custody

Oluwaropo Tifase, the university dropout who was accused of killing his 75-year-old father, Moses, in the Jakande Estate, Mile 2 area of Lagos State, has removed his testicles while in the custody of the police. Twenty-two-year-old Oluwaropo, during a chat with our correspondent at the Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was rushed to for treatment, said he acted under the influence of a spirit which possessed him at the time.

Postpone elections and risk military takeover in Nigeria – Ex Generals

Some retired senior military officers have warned against the postponement of the February general elections to avoid military takeover of the administration of the country. They warned that the postponement might lead to anarchy in the country, which, according to them, may lead to military intervention. A former Director of Procurement in the Defence Headquarters, Brigadier-General Ayodele Ojo (retd.), in a recent interview described the recent call made by the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, for the general elections to be postponed as a step towards military rule. According to Ojo, the suggestion by the NSA for the deferment of the polls is capable of creating a constitutional crisis that can abort the nation’s democracy. On Thursday, Dasuki stated that the postponement of next month’s elections would give the Independent National Electoral Commission more time to distribute over 30 million outstanding Permanent Voter Cards to registered voters.

Buhari will win this election, even Jonathan didn’t complete his PhD– Obasanjo

 

Former Nigeria President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has predicted that the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari will be the next Nigerian President which why those who are afraid of him are creating so many obstacles on his way, Saying

Jonathan Says May 29 Hand Over Date Will Not Change, See Why

President Goodluck Jonathan has made it known that the May 29 hand over that will be held in high esteem and will not be changed. Speaking at a meeting with the United States of America, USA, Secretary of State, John Kerry. Jonathan said that the date is ‘sacrosanct’.

We Will Vote Jonathan Despite Our Regrets In Voting Him In 2011 – Middle Belt

The people of the Middle Belt said they regretted voting for President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2011 general elections. They said that in spite of their support for the President, they had nothing to show for it. The Middle Belt people, however, said despite their disappointment, they would still vote for him again in the February 14 general elections.

February elections: PDP 'll win in Kano —Shekarau

THE Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has said that with the level of transformation agenda executed in the country, especially in Kano State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will win in the state in the February general elections.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Late Muna Obiekwe | Biography

Nollywood actor, Muna Obiekwe passed away on Sunday, January 18 at the age of 36 years after battling with Kidney disease.His death came as a surprise to many as a lot of people including colleagues and friends didnt know he was sick.According to reports, Muna died around 4:15pm Sunday after he was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Lagos after he collapsed at his home in Festac, Lagos. We bring you six things you probably didnt know about Muna Obiekwe and some circumstances which led to his death..

Jonathan lowers fuel pump price, in moves to crash kerosene price ahead of election

Abuja – The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has initiated a scheme aimed at getting kerosene to consumers across the country at the regulated price of N50 per litre.

This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, of the corporation, Mr Ohi Alegbe.

Jonathan

Also the Federal Government has announced N10 reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as fuel, from N97 to N87 per litre.

The Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke, made this known to State House correspondents on Sunday in Abuja.

She said the Petroleum Product Price Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) ‘had already been directed to immediately effect the new change from midnight on Sunday 18.

According to her, the change is in view of recent reduction in the global price of crude oil.

‘‘In line with Section 6 Clause 1 of the Petroleum Act?, that it is my responsibility as the Minister of Petroleum to announce that there will be a reduction in the pump price of petroleum by N10, therefore the reduction will be from N97 per litre to N87 per litre, effective as of mid-night Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015.

‘‘In line with this I have directed the Petroleum Product ?Pricing Regulatory Agency and the Directorate of Petroleum Resources to ensure there is strict adherence to this new pricing regime as soon as it takes effect from midnight Sunday Jan. 18, 2015.

‘‘I do hope the entire country will benefit immensely from this reduction in the pump price of petroleum,’’ she said.

The Minister reassured that government would continue to ensure that the volatility in the oil market did not destabilise the reduction in price, saying that ‘‘we think it’s safe? to implement it at this time.’’

Alegbe said the scheme ‘Kero Correct’ initiative’ was also aimed at cutting off the several layers of middlemen who made it difficult for the end user to enjoy the subsidy on the product.

The statement said that the Executive Director, Commercial, of the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Mr Frank Amego, announced the initiative at a one-day workshop in Abuja.

It said the workshop that was organised by the NNPC was to enlighten some Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) and volunteers engaged to help monitor the sales of the product at NNPC Mega and affiliate stations across the country.

It quoted Amego as saying that the scheme was aimed at getting kerosene to the Nigerians who used the product as their domestic cooking fuel at the correct price

He observed that though kerosene was the most subsidised product, Nigerians had not been enjoying the subsidy.

He said this was because of the long arbitrage system involved in its distribution and retailing, and diversion of the product by marketers to the construction industry where it was used for blending bitumen.

“The Kero Correct initiative is thus designed to distribute and sell kerosene directly to end users from NNPC Retail mega and affiliate stations across the country at the government-regulated price of N50 per litre to ensure effective control,” he stated.

He said the scheme which would be officially launched soon, would involve the distribution of a total of 1,500 trucks of kerosene across NNPC Retail’s mega and affiliate stations across the country.

This, he said, was to ensure that each consumer gets at least 25 litres of the product over the next three months.

Okigwe Senate Seat: Uwajumogu Best Man For The Job—group

As the February 14th race for the representation of Okigwe zone at the red chambers of National Assembly approaches, a youth group known as Network of Imo youths, Okigwe chapter has described the Okigwe zone senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress and the Speaker, Imo state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu, as the most experienced and qualified of all the candidates jostling to represent the zone.

President Jonathan Visits Maidùguri

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday made a surprise visit to the troubled northeast, which is in the grip of escalating Boko Haram violence that threatens next month’s election

Our reporter in the Borno State capital, Maiduguri, said the president arrived in the city shortly before 3:00 pm (1400 GMT) and was met at the airport by the state governor Kashim Shettima.

Panicky PDP leaders meet Jonathan behind closed doors

There was panic in the camp of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abuja on Sunday as President Goodluck Jonathan met with the national leadership of the party behind closed doors.

The panic was said to have come as a result of the gale of defection rocking the party across the country.

The other reason was what a member of the National Working Committee of the party described as the 'lacklustre response we have been getting since the beginning of the ongoing presidential campaign.'

The meeting was held at the PDP Presidential Campaign Office, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.

Journalists were barred from the meeting which was described as a 'family affair.'

“Over 500 Northern students so far killed in insurgency”

Over 500 students have been killed in the last three years of increasing insurgency attacks perpetrated by the extremist Boko Haram sect, the Northern Nigeria Students Association has said.

Speaking while honouring a former Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State, Yakubu Bako, with the award of, ‘Grand Commander of Northern Nigeria Students’ on Wednesday, the students said they are disturbed about the welfare of their members.

Jonathan directs military chiefs to “redeploy” officers sabotaging operations

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday directed the leadership of the Armed Forces to redeploy officers sabotaging operations.

Mr. Jonathan made the call at the National Cemetery, Abuja, while unveiling the Cenotaph built in memory of the nation’s fallen heroes from 2011 to date.

2015 budget passes second reading at the House of Reps

The 2015 Appropriation Bill on Wednesday was given a second reading at the House of Representatives.

The bill was laid before the House by President Goodluck Jonathan, through the Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on December 17.

The N4.36 trillion budget, predicated on 65 dollars per barrel of crude oil benchmark, comprises N411.84 billion for statutory transfers, N943 billion for debt servicing and N2.61 trillion for recurrent expenditure.

It also has N387.11 billion as contribution to development fund for capital expenditure

Buhari promises to create jobs through mining, agriculture

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Muhammadu Buhari, has promised to create job opportunities through agriculture and mining, if elected.

Mr. Buhari made the promise while addressing a rally in Osogbo.

Fashola performed better than I did – Tinubu

A national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday said that his successor, Babatunde Fashola, has performed better than he did as governor.

Mr. Tinubu spoke in Ikeja at the flag-off of the party’s campaign for the forthcoming general elections in the state.

He said that the Fashola administration had performed tremendously well in the last eight years.

Jonathan suspends Akure rally as Ondo PDP leaders defect to APC

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday shelved his plan to campaign in Akure, the Ondo State capital, after several aggrieved leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr. Jonathan’s campaign train was planned to move from Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, to Akure to complete the South-West end of the PDP presidential campaign.

Nigeria govt spends N5bn on Mangu dam — Minister

The Water Resources Minister, Sarah Ochekpe, said on Wednesday that the Federal Government had spent N5 billion on Mangu dam project.

The minister said this while speaking at the official flag-off of PDP campaign for the 2015 elections at Mangu, Mangu Local Government Area

Ogun SDP kicks off campaign

The Social Democratic Party, SDP, Ogun State Chapter on Wednesday launched its election campaign with a public presentation of its governorship candidate, Akin Odunsi, and running mate, Segun Adesegun, as well as candidates for all other offices.

The campaign launch, led by a former governor of the state, Segun Osoba, took place at the Alake Palace Ground, Abeokuta, and attracted thousands of party members across all the 236 wards of the wards.

I will cancel Lekki-Epe toll gate, if elected – Agbaje

Jimi Agbaje, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, on Wednesday vowed to cancel the toll on the Lekki-Epe axis of the state, if elected.

Mr. Agbaje told newsmen at the party secretariat in Lagos that the decision was based on the fact that the toll-gate was untenable as it was standing on an existing road.

APC will break vicious circle of bad governance in Nigeria — Buhari, Aregbesola

Osogbo, the Osun State capital, was agog on Wednesday when the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari stormed the South-west state in continuation of his campaigns for the 2015 general elections.

The Osogbo township stadium was filled to the brim as party members and supporters thronged the capital from across the state of Osun in their thousands.

Jonathan will lose 2015 election, says popular Lagos pastor

Unlike the 2011 general elections when President Goodluck Jonathan found favour with Nigerian church leaders with some of them out-rightly endorsing him, there seems to be a scramble by clerics to bash the president.

Popular Lagos pastor and founder INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Elijah Babatunde, has joined Catholic priest Ejike Mbaka and Tunde Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly to predict the defeat of Mr. Jonathan in the coming elections.

Nigerians Will Have A Bountiful Harvest In Jonathan’s Second Term, Says Olejeme

President Goodluck Jonathan has demonstrated what a determined and committed leadership can do to bring about political, social and economic progress and development, says Dr. Ngozi Olejeme.

Olejeme, Chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), told news men in Abuja after the inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Organization that President Jonathan within the short period in power healed the wounds of alienation and marginalization and also restored hope to many who had been in despair.

Football In Nigeria Gets Major Boost

In a bid to touch the lives of 'poorest of the poor' in our societies, Group Managing Director of NESTOIL PLC and Founder of Obijackson Foundation, Dr. (Sir) Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi, has splashed-out millions of naira to the winners of this year's Obi Jackson football championship in the Anambra South Senatorial district.

This was barely four months, the oil magnet awarded scholarships to best brains in Okija, Ihiala council area of Anambra state at the end of 2014 face of okija primary and secondary school quiz competition.

African Football Has Improved Significantly

“Nigeria and Argentine National Teams will qualify to the next stage in Brazil 2014”, coach Rodolfo Zapata said today in an interview on Argentine Radio Mitre show “Super Deportivo Rosarino”.

Presidency didn't squander external reserves, ECA – FG

The Federal Government on Wednesday described as untrue claims by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan had squandered the nation's foreign reserves.

The Federal Ministry of Finance, in a statement in Abuja, said there was never a time the reserves rose to $67bn as alleged by Obasanjo.

2015: Jonathan gives Jega matching order, Nigerians must‎ have PVCs

President Goodluck Jonathan has given Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, the matching order to ensure all registered Nigerians get their permanent voters card to enable them vote their preferred candidates in the February elections.

Criticisms, lamentations and anger have continued to trail the distribution of the permanent voters cards (PVC) to Nigerians by INEC with many accusing the commission of deliberating planning to disfranchise them from voting in the coming elections.

Governor Obiano Thanks Ndi Anambra For Peaceful Celebrations

The Governor of Anambra State Chief Willie Obiano has on behalf of the government of Anambra state expressed profound appreciation to Ndi Anambra for the peaceful and memorable Christmas and New Year celebrations witnessed in various communities in the state.

Borno Police Cautions Political Parties Against The Use Of Abusive Language

The Borno state commissioner of police, Mr . Clement Adoda has cautioned all political parties and politicians against the use of abusive language in their electioneering campaign ahead of 2015 general elections.

The commissioner of police who gave the warning in a meeting with leaders of political parties at the Conference Hall of Borno state Police Headquarters Maiduguri said their electioneering campaign should be issue based rather than attacking personalities.

Do Not Vote For Me - President Goodluck Jonathan

Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, today the 8th of January 2015, made desperate pleas to the Nigerian public not to vote for him. He delivered the passionate calls today at a rally in Lagos kicking off the Presidential Campaign of the People’s Democratic Party.

The President described himself as “old,” declaring that he and his generation had “failed Nigeria,” apparently because of the country’s inability to “visit the moon.”

2015: MEND planned to kill me – Jonathan declares at campaign flag-off

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday stunned his audience when he declared that members of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) planned to kill him.

Speaking at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos, during the flag-off of his presidential re-election campaign, organised by the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Jonathan, apparently referring to the MEND's endorsement of the presidential bid of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, said he already has support of Niger Delta people.

Presidency dismisses MEND support for Buhari

The Presidency on Thursday alleged that members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta  (MEND) made attempts to kill President Goodluck Jonathan on two occasions.

It said on the two instances, members of the group launched 'murderous assaults' on places where the President was present.

Blasts heard at printing plant northeast of Paris where 2 brothers have taken a hostage

PARIS — French police are confronting two intense hostage standoffs Friday, as two suspects in the terror attack on a satirical newspaper were cornered in an industrial town northeast of Paris and a third gunman was holding as many as five people at gunpoint at a kosher supermarket in eastern Paris.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema 'furious' with Gareth Bale after Real Madrid defeat

Gareth Bale is in the bad books of the two other members of Real Madrid's 'BBC' attack.

At the weekend Los Blancos lost their first match since September, going down 2-1 to Valencia. It was a result that brought an end to a stunning 22-match winning streak.

With the score at 1-1, Bale had a fantastic opportunity to put Real Madrid back in front having just seen Atonio Barragan equalise Ronaldo's opener from the penalty spot. But with the Wales international bearing down on goal, he opted to continue alone rather than make a simple pass across goal for the unmarked Benzema. A brilliant tackle from Nicolas Otamendi meant the chance went begging and to compound Bale's selfish decision making, minutes later Otamendi went down the other end and put Valencia in front.

Israeli video remix king becomes player in election campaign

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — One of the most unlikely stars of Israel's election campaign is a musical artist whose popular video remixes of stump speeches have rocked YouTube, leading some of his most prominent targets to try to recruit him.

China bans private cars on ride-hailing apps such as Uber

BEIJING (AP) — China has banned drivers of private cars from offering services through ride-hailing apps, throwing up a new hurdle to Uber Technologies Ltd.'s global expansion.

Only licensed taxis may use ride-hailing apps, the Ministry of Transport announced Friday. Such apps are hugely popular in China, and the ministry said it needed to protect users.

Glance at AirAsia search nearly 2 weeks after crash

An AirAsia jetliner crashed into the Java Sea on Dec. 28, killing all 162 crew and passengers on board the two-hour flight from Surabaya, Indonesia to Singapore. A massive international search team has been underway for bodies and wreckage. The efforts have been hindered by seasonal monsoon rains that on many days prevent divers and high-tech equipment from making progress. A look at what's known about the crash and the recovery operation.

Ivanovic advances to Brisbane final

BRISBANE (Reuters) - Serbia's Ana Ivanovic battled her way into the final of the Brisbane International on Friday, beating American Varvara Lepchenko 7-6(2) 6-4.

Ivanovic, who came from a set down to win her previous match, once again had to dig deep before seeing off Lepchenko after nearly two hours on the Pat Rafter Arena.

Brothers' past draws scrutiny as French manhunt enters Day 3

PARIS (AP) — Investigators were scrutinizing the recent past of two brothers with al-Qaida sympathies and a place on the U.S. no-fly list as a manhunt for the suspects in the newsroom massacre at a satirical French weekly entered its third day Friday.

Police SWAT teams swarmed a region north of Paris, fearing a second strike by the suspects, who are described in a nationwide notice as "armed and dangerous."

Infosys third quarter profit up 13 percent, beats estimates

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Infosys Ltd, India's second-largest software services exporter, posted a 13 percent rise in quarterly net profit on Friday, beating estimates, as it won more outsourcing contracts from Western clients.

Challenger Sirisena elected Sri Lanka's new president

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — In a stunning result that was unthinkable just weeks ago, the challenger to Sri Lanka's longtime president defeated his onetime political ally on Friday, signaling the fall of a family dynasty and the rise of former Cabinet minister Maithripala Sirisena.

Sirisena, who defected from the ruling party in a surprise move in November, capitalized on the outgoing President Mahinda Rajapaksa's unpopularity among this island's ethnic and religious minorities, as well as grumbling among the Sinhalese majority about his growing power and the country's economic troubles.

Thailand begins impeachment hearing against ousted premier

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's military-appointed legislature began impeachment hearings Friday against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, a move analysts say is aimed at ensuring the ousted leader stays out of politics for the foreseeable future.

The charges, dismissed by Yingluck's supporters as politically motivated, relate to her alleged role in a disastrous government rice subsidy scheme.

Heightened court security for Boston Marathon bombing trial

BOSTON (AP) — Extraordinary security measures are being taken during the federal death penalty trial of accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, perhaps the most scrutinized U.S. terror case since the Oklahoma City bombing.

The White House Wants To Know How Malia Obama’s Selfie Got On The Internet

Earlier this week Joey Bada$$’s Pro Era crew shared a pretty impressive photo on their Instagram account: President Obama’s daughter, Malia Obama, wearing one of their t-shirts in a selfie.

PDP has higher chance of winning in Oyo State in 2015 – Funke Adesiyan -

Funke Adesiyan, a Yoruba  actress who has done her own good share of blockbuster movies is as active as anyone vying for elective office in the coming elections. She ‘s contesting for a seat in Oyo State House of Assembly to represent Ibadan South East Constituency II and I as a PDP candidate.

Aregbesola: In the Womb of a New Morning

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

NIGERIA is in dire straits! No thanks to a system that joys in fortune for the few and misfortune for the many. Currently rated as one of Africa’s worst governed countries; and with a threatening political terrain, comical economic life and confusing rural sustenance, that dear country has become a world of sin and woe, practically unable to fulfill its constitutional obligations to its component parts is no longer news.

Buhari/Fashola for 2015: Best strategy to send Jonathan-PDP packing from Aso Rock

A leader of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Chief Ayo Akande, has said that the APC would win the 2015 presidential elections if the party picks Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) as its presidential candidate and the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, as the running mate.

Akande, who said this in a statement on Thursday, described a Buhari/Fashola ticket as the “best option” for the party because of their good antecedents.

INEC suspends Adamawa governorship bye-election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Wednesday it had suspended all preparations for the conduct of governorship bye-election in Adamawa earlier scheduled for 11 October.

Omisore Allays Osun Workers Fears Over Unpaid Salaries

The gubernatorial candidate Of the People’s Democratic Party in Osun state, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has urged civil servants in the state not to despair despite the delay in payment of their salaries.Omisore said this in a New Year message to the people of the state.

AirAsia Jet Tail Found –Indonesia

Indonesia’s search and rescue team has located the tail of the crashed AirAsia plane underwater, an official in charge said on Wednesday.

The Search and Rescue Agency Chief, Bambang Soelistyo, told a press conference in Jakarta.

Breaking News: APC Planned To Hack Into INEC Database -SSS

The Department of State Services has said that its investigations indicated that the All Progressives Congress had plans to hack into the database of the Independent National Electoral Commission.