Abducted Girls:U.S Sends Troops

In continuation of efforts aimed at bringing back the abducted Chibok girls,the U.S. has sent 80 troops to Chad, the White House said.
In a letter to congress yesterday,President Barack Obama said the soldiers were not ground troops. They “will support the operation of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft for missions over northern Nigeria and the surrounding area,” President Barack Obama  said. “The force will remain in Chad until its support in resolving the kidnapping situation is no longer required.”

Governor Amaechi Is The Most Corrupt Politician-Wike

NYESOM WIKE

ROTIMI AMAECHI

The Supervising Minister for Education,Nyesom Wike has branded governor Rotimi Ameachi of Rivers state as the most corrupt politician.Wike disclosed this to a group of chiefs from Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs in Ogu/Bolu Local Government Area when they paid him a visit in Port Harcourt.

4 Billion Dollars Earmarked For Construction And Rehabilitation Of Power Infrastructure by FG

The Federal Government has announced that it has earmarked the sum of four billion dollars (N640 billion) for the construction and rehabilitation of power transmission infrastructure across the country.

Northern Governors Complacency,Wickedness,Evil Characters Brought Us Here-Hon Aliyu Garbi

A member of the House of Representatives representing Bauchi Federal Constituency, Hon. Aliyu Garbi has taken a swipe at the northern governors over the recent abduction of secondary school girls in Chibok, Bornu State, and the general insecurity which has bedeviled the northern part of Nigeria. According to him, the northern governors should be held responsible for the insecurity in the region. The legislator stated this while briefing campaigners for the release of the abducted girls at Unity Fountain yesterday. Here is what he said…..

Security:GEJ Holds Crucial Meeting With Security Chiefs

As a way of reviewing the current security situation in Nigeria,President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday held a private meeting with military chiefs and other heads of security agencies.The meeting is said to have focused on efforts which were being put in place to ensure the rescue of the abducted  girls.

Rescue Of Abducted Girls:Nigeria And U.S Reach Intelligence Sharing Deal

Nigeria and the United States have reached a deal to share intelligence in the country's effort to find hundreds of girls abducted by Boko Haram. According to the U.S, they will now share "all source" intelligence with Nigeria. In simple terms, it means it will share intelligence analysis.
"We have finalized agreements with the Nigerians for sharing intelligence with them, specifically related to the kidnapped girls," Army Col. Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman, said Monday.
You will recall that the U.S had stated earlier that they were not sharing intelligence with Nigeria as they join other foreign nations on a mission to find the missing girls.

More APC Chieftains Dump Party For PDP

Chieftains of the All Progressive Congress(APC) in Edo State, including four House of Assembly members, on Monday defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Photos Of Nigerian Troops Battling To Bring Back Our Girls

Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity,Dr Reuben Abati posted these photos of Nigerian troops battling to bring back our girls.Kudos to them as we pray the girls are brought back safely.See more photos after the cut.....

See How GEJ Has Transformed The Nigerian Economy

Rather than base their arguments on facts,the All Progressive Congress always prefers to abuse the President and the Federal Government while constantly trying so hard to discredit his credibility among Nigerians by using baseless propaganda.John Adams once said"Facts are stubborn things,and whatever may be our wishes,our inclinations,or the dictates of our passion,they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence".

Dan Nwanyanwu,Mimiko and Gbenga Daniel Declare Support For GEJ

The National leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has declared their unshaken support for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan come 2015.The declaration was made on Sunday in Abeokuta at the party's Unity Rally.

Abducted girls:UK's Spy Plane Joins Rescue Mission

As efforts to rescue hundreds of girls kidnapped by Boko Haram reaches top gear,a United Kingdom(UK) spy plane has joined the foreign team in Nigeria in order to support the rescue mission.
According to the UK Ministry of Defense,the Sentinel R1 plane has a crew of five and took off from RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire,on Sunday.

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The ministry said the “state-of-the-art surveillance jet” would operate from Accra, Ghana, and would join United States (US) aircraft in attempting to locate the girls.

The Ministry also said the aircraft was “capable of flying for significant periods of time at high altitude” and was fitted with a “dual mode radar,” which could “locate moving targets and offer radar imagery.”

Boko Haram's Threat: IG Orders Tight Security In Benue Schools

Following the letters written to a secondary school in Makurdi,the Benue State capital in which the blood thirsty boko haram sect threatened to abducted secondary school boys,the Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubaka has ordered that tight security be put in place in the state secondary schools, to guide against an attack by members of the sect.
This is contained in a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer,CSP Frank Mba in Abuja on Sunday.Accoding to the statement,the Police Force has begun the process of scrutinizing the hand-written letter in order to ascertain its authenticity.The Police also urged citizens living in communities where these schools were located to"remain perpetually alert and report all suspicious movements to the appropriate authorities."

Southern Peoples Assembly Say No To Government Of Insurgency And Blackmail

Leaders of three geo-political zones from the Southern part of the country under the umbrella of Southern Peoples Assembly after a meeting in Abuja have condemned the insurgency crisis in some parts of Nigeria which vehemently warning that they will reject any government which is a product of insurgency and blackmail against President Goodluck Jonathan.The group declared that no amount of intimidation from the terrorists or their sponsors will push Presudent Jonathan into abandoning the mandate given to him by Nigerians or refuse to seek re-election.
"Let it be known that the people of Southern Nigeria will not allow themselves to be ruled by any government that is a product of insurgency or blackmail, if the sponsors of insurgency in this country think they can brow-beat and pummel the government of President Goodluck Jonathan to abdicate the authority and mandate given to him by Nigerians to rule this country".
The meeting had former Vice President Alex Ekwueme,former Federal Commissioner for Information Chief Edwin Clark,and Retired Bishop of the Anglicn Diocese,Akure,Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi as co-leaders.

Nigeria And China Sign 2 Trillion Railway Deal

President Goodluck Jonathan's transformation agenda continues with the latest being a rail way deal.
Nigeria has signed a railway contract with China Railway Construction Corporation limited worth about two trillion naira for a coastal railway line that will cut across ten states of Nigeria.
According to the contract,the lenght of the railway line will be 1.385 km in one way mileage and a design speed 120km/h including twenty-two railway stations which is expected to be built along the line.

Abducted Girls:Police Offers Reward For Information Leading To Their Rescue

As the search for the abducted chibok girls gain momentum,the Nigerian Police have offered a reward of $US300,000 ($322,000)  for information leading to the rescue of more than 200 schoolgirls abducted by Islamist rebels.
Police listed six phone numbers in their statement and urged Nigerians to call in with"credible information".
You will recall that about three weeks ago,members of the boko haram sect invaded an all girls secondary school in Chibok,Bornu State and abducted a number of girls.The search for the girls has been on with the United States making an offer to assist Nigeria in its rescue efforts.President Goodluck Jonathan on teusday accepted the assistance offered by the US.

Skypower Global And FAS Energy To Build 3,000 MW Of Solar Power In Nigeria

As the Nigerian economy continues to grow rapidly under President Goodluck Jonathan,the Power Sector has recieved another boost with the agreement signed on teusday between Skypower Global and FAS Energy with the Federal Government and the Government of Delta State for the development,construction and operation of 3,000 MW of Solar Photovoltaic(PV) project.The deadline for the completion of the Project is five years.

The agreements were signed at the World Economic Forum on Africa during a historic ceremony for a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) between the Canadian and Nigerian governments. Representing the nations at the forum were the Honourable Olusegun Olutoyin Aganga, Minister of Trade and Investment for the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development for Canada.
These foundational agreements represent a monumental renewable energy milestone, which entails a multi-phase development and build schedule that will result in production of clean, sustainable,cost-effective energy to support  the growing energy needs of Nigeria.



                                       

Kenya To Join Nigeria In War On Terrorism

President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya who is on a working visit to Nigeria has declared that Kenya will work closely with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.The Kenyan leader spoke at a banquet hosted for him and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta at State House, Abuja.

“The fluid nature of terror networks requires that we work together to ensure that there is no hiding place for those who plot to kill and maim innocent men, women and children,” the President said.

 

He noted that Kenya and Nigeria play a leading role in peaceful resolution of conflicts and preventive diplomacy in the continent, Mr Kenyatta said that the two countries will also scale up their cooperation in addressing their respective security challenges.

Abducted Girls:President Jonathan Accepts U.S Offer For Help

According to a statement released by Dr Reuben Abati,Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity ,President Jonathan has accepted the assistance of the US Government offer to send US security personnel to help in effort to locate and rescue abducted girls.Find the statement below

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Tuesday welcomed and accepted a definite offer of help from the United States of America in the ongoing effort to locate and rescue the girls abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok three weeks ago.

The offer from President Barack Obama which was conveyed to President Jonathan by the United States Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry in a telephone conversation which began at 15.30 Hours today, includes the deployment of U.S. security personnel and assets to work with their Nigerian counterparts in the search and rescue operation. Continue...

Mr. Kerry assured President Jonathan that the United States’ is wholly committed to giving Nigeria all required support and assistance to save the abducted girls and bring the reign of terror unleashed on parts of the country by Boko Haram to an end.

Thanking Mr. Kerry for the call and offer of further assistance, President Jonathan told him that Nigeria’s security agencies who were already working at full capacity to find and rescue the abducted girls would appreciate the deployment of American counter-insurgency know-how and expertise in support of their efforts.

After speaking with the United States Secretary of State, President Jonathan today met with the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs and heads of national security agencies in continuation of the national efforts to find and rescue the abducted girls.
The President received updates on the ongoing search and rescue effort, and gave approval for recommended further actions.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)

Terror Cannot Stop Our Growth-Jonathan And Kenyatta

President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya is in Nigeria for a working visit and during a meeting with President Jonathan at the Villa on Monday,both Presidents reiterated that terrorism will not stop the growth of the African continent.President Jonathan said the acts of terror were designed to put fear in the minds of Nigerians.

"The act of terror in Africa is diversionary, being organised by group of people that don't want the continent to move forward.
"Whenever a country i‎s showing any sign of progress, these criminal elements will strike. Yes, they're setting us backward, they're slowing us down, they're killing innocent citizens, they're destroying properties. But surely, we'll overcome and terror will not stop Africa from progressing", Jonathan said.
On his part,President Kenyatta said"We have suffered at the hands of cowardly terrorists, people who have no value for life, who continue to wreck wanton havoc on lives and properties in our two countries. Yesterday ‎(Sunday), we in Kenya lost a number of people and many others injured in the cowardly attack that took place in Nairob. Indeed, these attacks are aimed at cowing the people of our countries and this continent, to derail them from the new agenda that we've set for ourselves.
"My presence here is an indication that these people will not derail us. We'll continue, we shall fight the fight, and we'll win the fight. and in the process, we'll continue with our agenda of transforming our continent's economy. This we must not lose focus on.
"Mine is to ask the people that we must join hands together, ‎government alone cannot defeat these cowards who attack people in buses by the road side. We must ask our people to join hands with us to fight this battle", Kenyatta said.

World Economic Forum:13 Heads of State And 1000 Delegates Set To Participate

It is two days to the day slated for Nigeria to host the world and no fewer than 13 Heads of State and more than 1000 delegates are expected at the World Economic Forum for Africa which would be held in Abuja between may 7th and 9th 2014.
The WEF Director and Head of Africa Region,Ms.Elsie Kanza who disclosed this said after many years of hosting the Forum in various countries,this figure was the highest.
``We are expecting over a thousand participants from  over 70 countries, more than half will come from African countries and many will come from the business communities, NGOs (non governmental organisations) and religious groups,’’ she said.

Nigerians Must Join Forces With The Government To Expose Sponsors Of Terrorism-PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party has urged Nigerians to shun all interests and sentiments and join hands with the government to expose terrorist elements in the country.

This call was made by the party`s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Olisa Metuh, on Friday in Abuja.
The party was reacting to the thursday bomb blast which rocked the Nyanya axis of Abuja.

“Nigerians must realise that it is no longer about the President or the government, neither is it about government officials. All Nigerians are under attack. Ordinary people and regular citizens have remained general targets of these enemies of our country.
“Hundreds of innocent Nigerians, Muslims and Christians alike have had their lives brutally ended by the wicked acts of these terrorists,’’ it said.
Nigerians of different professions pursuing their legitimate endeavours had been brutalised and slaughtered, the statement said.
“They seek to decimate us as a people, destroy our common heritage and bring our nation to its knees, but they will surely fail,’’ it said.
 “our common resolve to live as one people under God remains irrevocable’’.
“We must refuse to be slaughtered by our enemies; we must show bravery. We must  go beyond shedding tears at each carnage and forcefully support our government and security men by exposing terrorist elements and their backers among us,’’ the statement said.

Okonjo-Iweala Optimistic About Adequate Security During World Economic Forum in Abuja

The Minister of Finance,Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has emphasised that there would be adequate security during the World Economic Forum for Africa which is due to commence next week.

The Minister said,"with the World Economic Forum,ofcourse its not easy;the news we have heard so far is that people are asking questions but it seems encouraging.
"I think that by the time we hear some of the security measures that the President is going to announce,we will see that we will calm the nerves of those who are proposing to come.
"We have also sent a press advisory,but we should focus on the feelings.I told you that I was sad about the abducted girls and we should focus on what to do to bring the girls back.
"And we should also focus on families of those who lost their lives;that is very important.
"It is not that the forum is not important,but more important is the issue of the girls and supporting the families which have lost people.
"We will see what will happen with the forum; I am confident that things will be okay but our minds are not in it right now as on the issue of those who lost their lives and their families."

World Economic Forum:President Jonathan Orders Closure of Government Offices

President Goodluck Jonathan has issued a directive demanding the closure of all government-owned offices and schools located within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, except those on essential services.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday night in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.The statement said this measure was to ensure “free flow of traffic” and successful hosting of the World Economic Forum.

He said, “This is to inform the general public that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has approved, as part of arrangements for the successful hosting of the World Economic Forum Africa, that all government offices and schools in the Federal Capital Territory, except those on essential services, are to be closed from Wednesday, May 7 to Friday, May 9, 2014.
“Private organisations with large number of staff may also wish to close down.
“This is to ease the flow of traffic within the city and enable participants carry out their assigned roles and participate actively at the World Economic Forum Africa.”

Abducted Girls:President Jonathan Sets Up Fact Finding Committee

President Goodluck Jonathan on friday set up a fact finding committee to assist in unraveling the true position of things as it concerns the abduction of female students of Federal Government Girls College, Chibok Borno State by members of the Boko Haram sect.
You will recall that there have been contradictory reports in various quaters as regards the true number of girls abducted by the sect including other circumstances sorounding their abduction.

Abducted Girls:Senate President,21 Other Senators To Meet With President Jonathan Today

Senator David Mark,President of the Nigerian Senate would today lead a delegation of 22 senators to a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at 10pm inside the Presidential Villa.
Mark, on Wednesday, read out names of the 21 senators, which included those from states most affected by the Boko Haram menace which are Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.
The affected members are;  Senators Boluwaji Kunlere, Babafemi Ojudu, Zainab Kure, Alkali Jajere, James Manager, Helen Esuene, Chris Anyanwu, Ali Ndume, Ahmed Zannah, Mai’na Ma’aji Lawan, Nenadi Usman, Mohammed Magoro, and Emmanuel Bwacha
Others are; Ahmed Lawan, , Barnabas Gemade, Sola Adeyeye, Bindowo Jibrilla, Ehigie Uzamere, Bello Tukur, Bukar Abba Ibrahim, and Eyinnaya Abaribe.

Mark said, “You will all recalled that we  agreed to a suggestion by one of the distinguished senators during our debate on the motion on the abducted girls yesterday (Tuesday ) that a delegation of the senate should meet with Mr. President on the issue.

“I have called the president (Goodluck Jonathan), on phone and he said we should come by 10pm today. I will suggest that those concerned should come to my residence so that we can go to the villa in a bus or two.”

Boko Haram:Senate President Calls For Urgent Military Action

President of the Nigerian Senate,David Mark has declared that an urgent military action has to be taken in order to put an end to the menace of terrorism in the country.He made this declation in a speech on teusday at the resumption of plenary.
“The enemy has clearly and unequivocally served the nation notice of its vile intentions,”  “Therefore, a clear, unambiguous and decisive military response from the Government, beyond the imposition of a state of emergency, is urgently required in this circumstance.”
“This is an option we must consider now!” he insisted.
“The Government must do all it can to immediately identify the sponsors and the source of funds to the terrorists and the insurgents. In this connection, nobody who is implicated, no matter how highly placed, should be treated as a sacred cow,” the senate president said.

Nigerian Economy Attracted 6.48tn Investment In 26 Months-NBS

Another evidence has emerged which confirms that the Nigerian economy has been doing brilliantly well under President Goodluck Jonathan.According to the National Bureau of statistics, the Nigerian economy attracted investments of over $40.503(N.48tn)within a period of 26 months,as published by punch reports.
The Bureau stated this on teusday in its report signed by the Statistician General of the Federation,Dr Yemi Kale,which covers January 2012 to February 2014.The report stated that the country recorded an increase of $4.703bn or 28.31 percent  from $16.615bn to $21.318bn between 2012 and 2013.
For the 2014 fiscal year, the report said the economy attracted an investment of $2.57bn made up of $1.5bn in January and $1.06bn in February.

President Jonathan Terminates Gulak's Appointment

Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak has been relieved of his duties by President Goodluck Jonathan on Teusday.The termination of his appointment is to take effect immediately according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity,Dr.Reuben Abati.
The president thanked  Gulak for his services to his administration and wished him success in his future endeavours.The statement also said a replacement for Gulak will be made known soon.

FG Committed To Eradicating Polio-President Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on monday emphasised the commitment of the Federal Government in ensuring the eradicaton of polio in the country.
He gave the assurance at the Nigeria Polio summit with the theme,“Polio End Game, Let Us End It Now’’.The President was represented by the Minister for Health,Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu.

“I once again reaffirm our commitment towards safeguarding the health of our children and halting the morbidity and mortality from vaccine preventable diseases.
“The time has come, indeed, for us to join hands to ensure that polio is eradicated in all our communities and our nation,” Jonathan said.
“As at the first quarter of 2014, only two cases of polio have been reported compared to 26 cases recorded same time in 2013.
“The North-West zone which used to be the epicentre of the epidemic was polio-free in 2013 except for Kano State,” he said.

PDP Recieves Another APC Federal Legislator,Says No Authomatic Ticket for Members

The Peoples Democratic Party has declared that the party will not give authomatic tickets to members who intend to contest elections.The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP Chief Olisa Metuh stated this on Monday while recieving another APC member of the House of Representatives,Mr Charles Odedo who defected to the PDP.The Party insisted that candidates for elections on the party's platform will be chosen from credible primaries.

Metuh said, “Most of all, we are going to be very open in this year, that is a crucial year of nomination. The party has decided that we will not have any automatic ticket.

“So I am happy that you are coming to the party with your eyes wide open knowing full well that we will not have automatic ticket to returning members and other people that are coming in.
“No matter what it is, if you have any ambition, let the people decide. The people will decide, the people will decide whether you are good for them or whether they want any person. And whatever it is, the will of the party prevails.”
The party spokesman said, “We do not want to talk about your other party, but it is good that we mention it, just like you have rejected APC and come to the PDP. I want to inform you that you are not alone.

“Responsible, Nigerians are rejecting APC. APC is being rejected in North, in the South, in the East and in the West. The Moslems have rejected APC, the Christians have rejected APC, the people of Nigeria have rejected APC. So, you are not alone.

“Our doors are wide open.  So we expect a lot of people to start coming to the PDP. That is the party that accommodates all interest irrespective of religion or tribe.”

Vice President Namadi Sambo's Younger Brother Dies

This are indeed sad times for Vice President Namadi Sambo who lost his immidiate younger brother,  Captain Yusuf Sabo Sambo in a ghastly motor accident along the Airport road in Abuja on Sunday.
Captain Sambo who died at 58 years was a qualified pilot who worked with former Nigerian Airways and Presidential Air Fleet before his retirement.
He had since been buried at the Apo cemetary,Abuja according to Islamic rites.He is survived by his wife and three daughters.
President Goodluck Jonathan visited Vice President Sambo and expressed his condolence and sympathy to the family.
May his soul rest in peace and may God grant Vice President Sambo the strength to bear the loss.


   

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Edo State:2,100 Defectors From APC and LP Join PDP

Happy days have continued unabated in the Peoples Democratic Party as the party has once again recieved huge number of defectors from the opposition parties in Edo State to its fold.
News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) has reported that not fewer than 2,100 members of the APC and LP yesterday ditched their parties for the all-inclusive party,the PDP.

This is what Edo North Senatorial Chairman of LP, Mr. Onasa Momoh, who led defectors from the party to the PDP had to say,“We must put an end to cartels and individuals who have perfected the culture of greed and selfishness. We have chosen to join a party that is focused on creating jobs within a moral economy, a party that responds to the needs of the vulnerable,” he said.

Similarly, Chief Lance Momodu, who led the APC members that decamped, said they were PDP members who went on sabbatical to APC.

“Instead of one man, one vote, what we are experiencing is one man, no vote. APC is disorganised and running a one man show and also playing the politics of exclusiveness,” he said.

Most interesting is the fact that these mass defections took place in  Auchi,the Local Government Area of the present governor,Adams Oshiomhole.

President Jonathan Makes Pledge To Build Biggest Seaport In Badagry,Lagos State

President Goodluck Jonathan on saturday pledged that the Federal Government was making plans to build the biggest seaport in Badagry,Lagos State.He made the pledge at the 37th coronation anniversary of the Akran of Badagry,Aholu Menu-Toyi 1,at his palace in Badagry.The President who was represented by the Minister of Information,Mr Labaran Maku said the decision to establish the seaport was in line with the Federal Government's transformation agenda.
"Badagry is a historic town and it is the cradle of tourism,so we hold it in high esteem.
"For over 100 years,Badagry was the exporting point in Nigeria,but back then,it was slave that was being exported out of the country.
"We are making plans to build a seaport in Badagry which will be bigger than the one in Ijebu-Lekki.
"The reason for this is to ensure that Badagry exports everything from Nigeria to the whole of Europe.
"With this,Badagry will be redeemed of its lost glory,and also,we are not going to marginalise Badagry because it is important to the country,"Jonathan said.

The Masterminds Of Nyanya Bomb Blast Will Not Go Unpurnished-President Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that the masterminds of the Nyanya bomb blast which left several people dead must pay for their actions.Mr.President made the promise on saturday at the Fourth Presidential National Prayer Breakfast held inside the Presidential Villa,Abuja.

He said, “Today, our prayers are with the victims of Boko Haram and their
families and loved ones. The last tragedy of these heinous ideology
occurred while we were preparing to mark the resurrection of our Lord
at Easter, bringing sorrow to many families.
“The government is offering all assistance to support the affected families as the security agencies work tirelessly to unravel the scourge of this evil and to forestall further senseless desecration of our homeland.
“And of course, no matter what the government does, we cannot recover
the dead but one thing we promise is that all those who took part in
that act will surely pay for it.”

For Uniting Against Terrorism,PDP Hails Political Class

The Peoples Democratic Party has hailed political leaders in Nigeria for uniting and speaking with one voice against terrorism irrespective of political differences and party affiliations.The party said this was a clear message to those who were sponsors of terrorism in the nation.

This was contained in a statement issued by the PDP National Publicity Secretary,Chief Olisa Metuh.

 

Metuh said“Our political class has shown its commitment to the unity and greatness of our dear country, it has shamed doomsday prophets.’’

“The challenges facing the nation are transitory and cannot defeat the collective spirit of the Nigerian people and their proven determination to live as one.
“The PDP believes in Nigeria and Nigerians. We believe that our country will emerge out of these challenges a renewed, stronger and more united Nigeria.
“The time has therefore come for all citizens to look ahead and join hands in love to build a prosperous country where all will live in peace and unity irrespective of ethnic, religious and political differences,’’ Metuh said.
He also called on Nigerians to always be vigilant and guide against actions that encourage terrorism and violence.

President Jonathan Performs Ground-Breaking of 100 Billion Cement Project In Gombe

Truely President Goodluck Jonathan is a builder.He displayed this one more time on Friday when he performed the ground-breaking of 100 billion expansion project for Ashaka Cement Company in Gombe State.The expansion is to give the company a new 2.5 metric-tonne capacity.The project will be completed in three years time.The President was represented by the Minister of Industry,Trade and Investment,Mr Olusegun Aganga.

 During the ceremony,the President said “The cement industry is a perfect example of the transformation that can happen in an industry based on the focused implementation of a well-thought out policy and a continuous partnership that harnesses the expertise of the private sector and the capacity of the public sector.
“The commencement of the capacity expansion of AshakaCem Plc’s cement production project further buttresses the confidence that global investors have in the Nigerian economy, which is now the largest economy in Africa.”
The President added, “As at 2002, the local cement industry had the capacity to barely produce two million metric tonnes per annum. By the year 2013, this had grown to 28.5 million metric tonnes and we expect the installed capacity to be about 39 million metric tonnes by the end of this year.

“Today, the Nigerian cement industry has attracted $8billion in both local and foreign investments and supports approximately 1.6 million jobs. The industry also serves as the fulcrum of the housing and construction sectors. These sectors now contribute 11.13 per cent to Nigeria’s forecast Gross Domestic Product for 2013.”

Boko Haram:40 Terrorists Killed In Battle Near Sambisa Forest-DHQ

The Nigerian military on Friday announced  that ‘over 40 terrorists’ were killed in a battle between troops and the terrorists in Bulanbuli, near the deadly Sambisa Forest. The military also said 4 soldiers were killed in the battle with the terrorists, believed to be members of the Boko Haram.

According to Defence Headquarters spokesperson,Maj.Gen. Chris Olukolade,the battle was caused by the arrest of suspected leaders of the sect.

“The capture of a number of terrorists believed to be the ringleaders of those operating around Alagarmo, has sparked off a major fight in the outskirts of Bulanbuli, Borno State last night,” Mr. Olukolade, a Major General, said. “Over 40 terrorists died in the encounter while 4 soldiers lost their lives and 9 were wounded.”
“more than 16 rifles and a substantial number of assorted calibres of ammunitions, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) materials, SIM Cards and electronic items have so far been recovered.”
Mr. Olukolade said, “Two of the terrorists were earlier arrested at a local market two days ago while trying to procure foodstuff while others were spying on the military base in the area. Others still being trailed include a terrorist medic who was on a mission to procure drugs for use by his colleagues.”

Oba Of Benin Urges President Jonathan To Seek Re-election

President Goodluck Jonathan's undeclared 2015 ambition recieved a boost on Friday with the Oba of Benin,, Omo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa calling on him to contest the 2015 Presidential elections in order to continue his transformation of Nigeria.He made the call when he paid a courtesy visit to the President at the Villa.The Oba was represented by his son Prince Eheneden Erediauwa.
The Prince said"Unbehalf of my father who sent me here to convey this message to Mr. President that he has been following the things that have been happening in this country.
"All these disturbances,the distractions Mr.President has been having that Mr. President being his own son, he considers Mr. President as his son and he has asked me to present this special message to Mr President to tell Mr President that he is praying for him in the Benin Kingdom.
"He is praying fervently for him to be able to withstand the pressure,to go through the pressure.
"And also to pray that the oppurtunity will come for him to continue the good work he is doing in Benin and other parts of South-South at least for another term.
"I believe that is the commitment we have in this kind of special prayer,coming from the Oba of Benin,my father,"Prince Eheneden said.

Ogun State:PDP Recieves 50,000 Defectors in 6 Months

The Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State has recieved not less than 50,000 members from other political parties into its fold in the last six months.This is according to a statement issued by the State Chairman of the party,Mr Bayo Dayo in Abeokuta.He stated that the defectors were mainly members of the All Progressive Congress(APC)and the Labour Party(LP).
Mr Dayo said"After all reconciliatory efforts was sufficiently exausted and all ensuing legal litigations desposed off with and resovled in clear unmistakable directions,I am pleased to inform you that Ogun PDP is now united,strengthened and repositioned to perform creditably in the forthcoming general elections.
Speaking further,he said"We are glad to report that not only have our members remained intact despite our challenges,we have also recieved over fifty thousand members of the opposition parties that have decamped to PDP from various local governments in the last six months."

World Economic Forum On Africa:Jonathan Reassures International Community Of Security

President Goodluck Jonathan has reassured members of the International Community that all the participants taking part in next month's World Economic Forum on Africa in Abuja were safe.The President said the security challenges currently affecting Nigeria would not threaten the safety of participants.

President Jonathan said“I am quite pleased that the Premier of the People’s Republic of China has confirmed that he is coming. 

“We will be addressing the World Economic Forum on Africa together. We will also sit down together to discuss shared national interests.
“We will give all participants a good reception in Abuja. We have faced challenges in the area of security, but we will overcome the situation so that our economy can move forward faster.
“Participants will not have a problem with security during the summit”, Jonathan added.

Okonjo-Iweala,Dangote On Time Magazine Most Influential Persons On Earth

Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and President of the Dangote Group,Aliko Dangote have been named among the 100 Most Influential Persons on earth by Time Magazine.
While Dangote was classified in the Titans category, which boasts of eminent world personalities such as the former United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton; Jeff Bezoz, Tony Fadell and Janet Yellen,Okonjo-Iweala was classified in the Leaders category with the likes of Jerry Brown,John Kerry and Angela Merkel.
The Time 100 is an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world assembled by the American news magazine.
Congratulations to these distinguished Nigerians.

Security Meeting:Nyako's Memo Recieves Unanimous Condemnation

Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State has continued to recieve knocks as a result of his memo written to northern governors in which he accused the President and Federal Government of carrying out genocide attacks against northern Nigeria.In an all-inclusive Security meeting which held on thursday, with the President,thirty-six State governors,Service Chiefs and a few selected Ministers in attendance,Nyako's memo was unanimously condemned.It was also resolved that those in positions of authority needed to watch their utterances bothering on security considering the security challenges facing the nation.

Some governors including governor Theodore Orji of Abia State spoke to the press after the crucial meeting.Speaking to Punch,Orji said, “The memo that was written by one of our colleagues, that is Governor Nyako of Adamawa State was discussed and there was a very unanimous condemnation of that memo.

“All officers and people in positions of authority were advised to be cautious of what they say, that what they say should at least enliven every person and make us to know that this country belongs to all of us and not something that will demoralise us, not something that will excite of incite people to go the negative way,”Orji added.

Troops Capture Self Confessed Boko Haram Members

 

Insurgents who disguised themselves as herdsmen have been captured by the Nigerian Military.Various types of weapons were also recovered from the men who confessed to being members of Boko Haram.
The disclosure was made by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade in a statement issued by him which read thus;

“A group of terrorists operating under the guise of herdsmen from a camp in the outskirt of Wukari have been arrested, while others died after an attack on military check point at Gindin Dorowa, a suburb of Wukari in Taraba State”.
Other members of the group were sighted in the course of air surveillance and later trailed to their camp where they engaged the troops in a battle.
The terrorists were clad in the usual pattern of dress of their counterparts operating in Borno and Yobe States”.“One of the apprehended armed men confessed that he had been fighting for the terrorist group in Borno State and was recently brought to Wukari area in furtherance of their mission”.“Assorted arms and ammunition were recovered from them.
Meanwhile, the curfew imposed on Wukari and its environs is expected to be relaxed as normalcy returns to the town. Troops have maintained patrol of the area while a house-to-house search for arms is ongoing”.“In another development, troops on patrol of the Lake Chad Islands have made some arrests”.“Among those arrested was a boat operator who ferries terrorists across the Lake Chad while another confessed to being a supplier of hard drugs to the terrorist groups in the area.
In the meantime, the search for the abducted students of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok is also being intensified”.

FG Secures $152 Million ADB Loan To Boost Agriculture And Create Agro-Allied Jobs

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Wednesday, approved a $152.12 million loan and a grant of $385,000 from the Africa Development Bank (ADB) to boost agricultural investment and create more agro-allied jobs in the country.
Minister of Agriculture, Akinwumi Adesina, explained that the ADB loan will specifically assist the Federal Government to create Staple Crops Processing Zones in seven states within which 27 local councils will be covered.
The Minister said“As a government, we are determined to do import substitution by making sure that all what we are producing, rice, cassava, maize, soya beans and others, are processed in the zones of high production.
“The Staple Crop Processing Zone is an area of high production to which we are putting in the enabling environment to attract private sector food processing companies to come in to and process and add value to our commodities.
“It is a big game changer for agriculture and the ADB and the World Bank are so excited about it that they have asked other African countries to copy Nigeria.
“Infrastructure is very important for the private sector, they need power, water, roads and rail for transportation and you can not invest that everywhere because it is expensive to do”, explained Adesina.

Nyako's Incitement Against Government Irresponsible-FG

The Federal Government has referred to Murtala Nyako's inciting letter to northern governors as an act of irresponsibility.The government also called on Nigerians especially those in positions of authority to desist from make statements capable of affecting the morale of troops battling insurgents.
The Federal Governments position was made known on wednesday by the Minister of Information,Mr.Labaran Maku.
Maku said“Each time the security people strike at targets, there is a lot of public uproar and propaganda, weakening our national resolve to fight terror. This nation deserves security at this time, even in the heat of it, you hear some irresponsible comment coming from highly placed people, including a governor.
“It’s regrettable when those statements come from people we believe should be leading the course of unity, appreciating the great job the security personnel are doing. If only Nigerians understand that as we sit in this hall, our security people are out there in the bush, sleeping there day and night and getting killed in the course of maintaining the security of this country.
“But what we see is that people who have little knowledge on how security services are rendered will just open their mouths and make statements that create panic in the country and this is very unfortunate.
“To hear the kind of things being said by the governor of Adamawa State at this period is very unfortunate.
Nyako is a former Chief of Naval Staff, someone that has worn uniform before.To publicly incite the people against the security forces of this country is the height of irresponsibility.”

APC Will Not Win Elections In Adamawa State-Buba Marwa

A former Lagos State Military Administrator,Gen.Buba Marwa has declared that the All Progressive Congress lacks the capacity to win the 2015 elections in Adamawa State.He stated that Adamawa State APC had lost those who were the pillars of the party.Marwa made the declarations yesterday in Yola,the State capital.
"Nyako and his APC cannot and will never form the next government in Adamawa State.We were the roots,trunk,branches and leaves of the APC and now we are gone.Nyako only has the shell.Believe me,in a matter of weeks,even the shell will be gone,leaving him with nothing except the letters APC,''Marwa said.

President Jonathan Approves NFF World Cup Budget

Ahead of the World Cup which is due to commence in Brazil in few months time,President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the budget of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF)for the showpiece.The NFF President,Aminu Maigari made this disclosure.
"Our preparation are very much on track and we have received the president’s approval for the World Cup funding," Maigari said.
“We are not under any form of pressure and it us our belief that the Eagles will do well at the World Cup and we need everybody’s input to actualise it.”
Maigari further assured that the Federation will not interfere with coach Stephen Keshi’s selection process as his administration reposes utmost faith in the tactician.

Nyako Should Shut up-Buba Marwa

Former Military governor of Lagos State,General Buba Marwa has berated governor of Adamawa State,Murtala Nyako over his memo sent out to the northern governors.Marwa said Nyako was setting a bad example for the younger generation.He described Nyako's statement as reckless and an embarrassment to the Military under which he once served.
Marwa said“of recent, Admiral Nyako has embarked on a single minded and self-appointed misadventure of being the enfant terrible of Nigeria’s elected political class.
“I find it necessary at this point in time to respond to the Admiral in my personal capacity and also as a retired military officer, a politician, a former military administrator and an indigene of Nyako’s home state, Adamawa state.”

President Jonathan Hails Buhari's Condemnation of Terrorists Activities

President Goodluck Jonathan on wednesday hailed former military Head of State,Muhamadu Buhari for his outright condemnation of the activities  of terrorists in the country.Buhari had condemned terrorists activities and urged Nigerians to be united in the fight against terrorism.
The President spoke through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity,Dr.Reuben Abati.According to the statement, "President Jonathan believes that the position taken by General Buhari is that of a true patriot, respected former Head of State, revered elder statesman and nationalist.
"The President welcomes General Buhari’s call on all Nigerians to remain steadfast and work in unity to overcome terrorists and other merchants of death who currently threaten national security.
"President Jonathan fully shares General Buhari’s view that a minority must never be allowed to “bring the nation to its knees through terror.
"He (Jonathan) has noted General Buhari’s recommendation that the nation’s counter-terrorism strategies be further fine-tuned and welcomes his kind offer of support and co-operation in dealing with the challenge of terrorism."

Power:Nigeria Now Generates 4,105.9 Megawatts

The Ministry of Power has announced that power generated across Nigeria has reached 4,105.9 megawatts.This clearly shows that President Goodluck Jonathan's decision to unbundle the Power Sector is yielding fruits.

With this figures,the Ministry has dismissed insinuations that power generation droped below 2,000MW.

The ministry in a statement attributed the increase to a reduction in system collapses, which have plagued power supply in recent years.