Military rains bombs on Ijaw militants in South-West

Over 100 militants killed, many injured –Source Fidelis Soriwei, Samson Folarin and Afeez Hanafi 

 No fewer than 100 people suspected to be militants have been reportedly killed as the Nigerian military on Saturday continued the aerial bombardment of Fatola, the base of militants and pipeline vandals in the Arepo area of Ogun State. 

 One of our correspondents who was around the scene of the incident at the time, observed that the attack started at about 12pm and lasted for about 30 minutes. 

 Our correspondent counted at least eight missiles fired by a fighter jet, which flew across the creek at intervals. Another aircraft was observed hovering around the area. Residents, who were caught unawares, ran for their lives due to the ground-shaking effects of the missiles. Business activities were grounded and many residents fled their houses for fear of being hit by missiles. 

 A resident who was on the road when the shots were fired said the Saturday attack was more intense than previous air raids. Speaking on condition of anonymity, she said, “The air raid started on Thursday evening. 

It was just a missile that was released, but the effect was serious. On Friday evening, another airplane which flew across the creek released gunfire which lasted for some minutes. I could hear the shots as if they were fired close at me. But the Thursday and Friday attacks were child’s play compared with that of today (Saturday). 

 “The aircraft releasing the missiles had three short wings with a sharp mouth. It maintained a visible presence in the sky and anytime it wanted to fire, it flew down as if it was about to crash. I never knew the military had such a weapon.

” Another resident, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that he lay flat in his apartment during the Saturday attack. 

 He said, “I was alone in the house with my son. The boy shook with fright every time a missile landed. I carried him and lay flat on the floor. The missiles shook the whole ground. 

I am not sure if I would  continue to live here because of this. My landlord left with his family yesterday.

” A source close to the millitants told Illumination News that the missiles levelled the base of the militants, adding that more than 100 people were killed. He said, “The whole place has been levelled. 

From the information I just gathered, those killed today (Saturday) cannot be less than 100. 

I am aware that some of them (the militants) are presently in the waters where they are hiding. 

They are making calls and seeking escape routes from the place.” Another source, who asked the military to intensify attacks on the militants, said the militants abandoned their ammunition in the creeks. He said the men could regroup and cause greater havoc if given a breathing space. 

 He said, “The heat is on them. 

One of them said it was because of the kidnap of a monarch in Lagos (Oniba of Iba) that the missile attack was intensified. 

 “He said he had asked his colleagues to release the monarch, but they didn’t listen. 

I am aware that the monarch will be released between today and tomorrow, if he has not been killed. “The military should deploy secret officials in Ibafo, Pakuro, Wawa and other villages. I believe those places will be their next hideouts. They must not be given any breathing space. 

If they are allowed to regroup, there will be serious problems.” The acting Director of Defence Information, Brig-General Rabe Abubakar, confirmed the air strikes. He said, “The joint operation will continue until the area is secure and free from all forms of unwanted and criminal gangs whether they are militants or vandals.

” Abubakar, told one of our correspondents on the telephone on Saturday that while he would not confirm the exact casualty figure, the knew that some of the camps of the vandals were destroyed. 

 He gave the assurance that the military would ensure the destruction of more camps in the ongoing operation. He said, “No, we cannot confirm the exact casualty figure in the operation. 

There are so many camps, and we will continue to  destroy them in that operation. “We have taken some camps. The casualties cannot be confirmed but I know that we were able to target some of their camps and locations.

” Meanwhile, in an attempt to forestall the spate of militants’ attacks, the Onijegun of Ijegun land in Lagos State, Oba Nureni Akinremi, on Friday convened a meeting at his palace. Illumination News learnt that the meeting, which was attended by all the chairmen of community development associations in Ijegun, examined the solution to security challenges posed by the militants. 

 A source close to the palace and who also attended the meeting told one of our correspondents that the community had resolved to hire members of the Oodua People’s Congress to man strategic locations in the neighbourhood. 

 The source added that operational vehicles, motorcycles and walkie-talkies would be provided for the operatives to ensure effective performance. 

 He said, “We have agreed to engage members of the Oodua People’s Congress for the protection of the whole Ijegun against all the attacks that claimed lives in the community.  

We plan to hire 70 guards who would be deployed in various strategic points in the community. 

 “The guards are specifically meant to checkmate militants’ attacks but they will also be working with the existing security men in each CDA. We have budgeted N5m to ensure their smooth operations and they will start by Monday. 

 “People have made donations and contributions are on going in each CDA. 

We want to buy three buses and at least 10 motorcycles to aid their operations. We have already bought walkie talkie for them to communicate with one another and they are well armed. By God’s grace, the buses will be available on Monday. 

 “The operatives are a registered security organisation and they have their uniform and identity cards.

” The source added, “Apart from that, we have resolved that from 12am till 5am, no okada rider will be allowed to operate in the community except there is an emergency. 

 “We also want to create awareness for all residents on the need to be security conscious. We are going to do this through distribution of pamphlets and announcements on radio stations. The abduction of the Oniba of Iba and attacks on communities in Lagos and Ogun states are very disturbing. That is why we are taking all these measures.

welcome back

ι lost му job ℓαѕт week, but still give thanks ŦØ God fσя everything he ∂ι∂ in му life, ι will be getting уσυ guys new news everyday ι promise уσυ gυуs that, thanks fσя your time God bless υ all.

FG to refund N57b to Zamfara govt

(Zamfara)

 – The Federal Government says it will reimburse Zamfara State Government with N57 billion soon. President Muhammadu Buhari made the promise in Wanke, Zamfara on Wednesday when he inaugurated some roads constructed by Zamfara Government. 

 “I have known Gov. Abdulaziz Yari as one of the performing governors who has made landmark achievements and l hope he will sustain this to bring more development to the state.

” He said the state government had spent over N57 billion in the reconstruction of some federal roads in the state, assuring that modalities were being worked out to reimburse the state. 

 He said the journey to fix Nigeria was still in earnest “which is why we will continue to execute the war against corruption and recover stolen public funds to be put to correct use”, the President said. 

 He urged Nigerians to go into farming and animal-rearing to diversify the economy. 

 The President, who described Zamfara as a fertile ground where solid minerals could be tapped, also assured that government would facilitate the promotion of mining as part of efforts to diversify the economy. 

Gov. Yari had requested the federal government to hasten the release of the funds the state spent in the rehabilitation of federal roads. He said the funds would be utilized to bring additional dividends of democracy to the people. 

 The governor thanked the president for the visit and reassured that people of the state would continue to support the administration.

Impeachment threat: It’s a huge joke taken too far, says APC

                          President Muhammadu Buhari

Abuja 

 The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described reports of a plot by some Senators to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari as laughable and a “huge joke taken too far.

” The party was reacting to the plot purportedly issued during a closed session of the Senate, on Tuesday. 

 APC’s position was contained in a statement signed by the party’s National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni, in Abuja, on Wednesday. 

 According to him, the Party advises the Senators in question to stop what he called “this huge joke” and concentrate on their primary constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking. 

He urged them to pay greater attention to discharging their legislative mandates to their constituents a task they have been elected to perform at the National Assembly.

Goodbye Cameron, nobody will miss you – EU lawmaker

Europe won’t miss David Cameron, a senior EU lawmaker in Brussels said on Wednesday as the prime minister who led Britain to the exit left office. 

 “The UK finally has a new prime minister,” Gianni Pittella, the leader of the centre-left group in the European Parliament said in a statement as Theresa May took over the government. “Goodbye Mr Cameron. Nobody will miss you.

” Other European politicians focused their attention on May, his successor as Conservative leader, who backed Cameron’s campaign to remain in the EU but then saw off pro-Brexit rivals once he had resigned after losing the vote on June 23. 

 European Council President Donald Tusk, whose job it will be to broker negotiations between May and the 27 other national EU leaders, sent a two-sentence letter of congratulation saying that he looked forward to a “fruitful working relationship”. 

 Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, a vocal supporter of a more federal EU, was quick to urge May to do what Cameron refused to do after the June referendum and formally notify the EU that Britain was indeed leaving the bloc. 

 “We cannot afford a long period of uncertainty. Clarity is in the interest of both Europe and the UK,” he said, adding a salute to Cameron’s “tenacity” and “strong leadership”. 

 Pittella, an Italian who leads the second biggest group in the European Parliament, also called on May to serve notice of withdrawal under Article 50 of the EU treaty, which sets a two-year deadline for London to negotiate an exit or simply be bounced out of the EU. 

 He added: “It must be clear that no negotiations will begin before this is done.

” May has said she may not trigger Article 50 for months but many officials expect tentative talks to start soon on how negotiations might work to forge a new relationship between Britain and the EU. 

 Pittella repeated warnings from across Europe that Britain cannot keep the benefits of access to the EU single market without following EU rules, including welcoming EU immigrants.

Abuja Airport new terminal building ready in December

                          Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, new terminal building will be ready in December and will attract more investors, says Mr Ayo Ojebola, the resident Architect for Globarch Associates.

 Globarch Associates is the firm engaged by the Federal Government to provide post-contract consultancy services for the airport terminal project. 

He said that the completion of the project would impact positively on aviation business in Nigeria as the airport would become a hub, because many airlines not yet landing there, would be empowered to do so.

 According to him, having completed the block works, the project has attained 67 per cent completion and is now in the finishing stage.

 The consultant explained that the project which started in March 2014, ought to have been completed in two years but was delayed due to some unforeseen circumstances.

 “We have finished all the block works and what is left is just the finishing; and right now, the terminal building construction is like at 67 per cent completed.

 “The project was supposed to have been completed since March because the project was for two years and we started it in March 2014.

 “Because of some delays we had experienced, we discovered that there was the need for an extension to like December or January. 

“To be precise, the December timeline is realistic and the project will be completed,’’ Ojebola said. He said that the Ebola Disease outbreak in 2014 and weather issues were part of the challenges that delayed the project. On the non-payment of fees to the consultants, he said that the Federal Government was currently addressing the issue.

 The government had in 2014 awarded contracts for the construction of five new terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu, to ease congestion.

 The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, had in December 2015 announced that the new terminals would be ready by December 2016.

Ingrate artists who abandoned OJB in death - Wale Oluwaleimu

                                Late OJB Jezreel

One of the close friends of late OJB Jezreel, Akinwale Oluwaleimu has come out to accuse some of the artists the late music producer has helped made into stars from his studio.

 Oluwaleimu revealed that these set of artists abandoned OJB in death. He said they approached most of them for financial assistance towards giving OJB a befitting burial but most of them failed to respond.

 “Last week was a little hectic for me, myself and a few good men came together to burial a very good man, friend and brother of mine, Babatunde Okungbowa aka OJB Jezreel.

Jigga, as fondly called by close friends and associate had been dealing with a Kidney problem for over four years and actually had a transplant done in 2013 (kidney donated by his lovely first wife, Mabel Okungbowa ) I was also a part of the fund raising for that which he, Jigga, initially refused us to do until we convinced him otherwise, Late Muyiwa Nomoreloss Osinuga was to spearhead this drive which he did very well.

 Akinwale Oluwaleimu and a friend at OJB’s candlelight

On returning from his trip to India, Fans got on different social media platforms to blast the lukewarm attitude of the Music Industry towards support for his operation, saying, with kind of money displayed by our musicians, we shouldn’t be publicly canvassing for fund to treat a man who invested a huge part of his life in support and developing talents that have made it big. 

Yes, he did but are these talents grateful?

” The entertainment consultant went further to explain how they were able to source for money for his burial. 

He said: “This brings me to the issue of today, His Burial. 

 The committee put together a cost for a befitting/deserving wake-keep and tribute night for Jigga and thought we should reach out to some of the people Jigga invested in and supported through the years for support but what we got was mostly a brick wall, I personally spoke to some ‘big acts’ and their replies were shocking. I wonder what kind of people we rear now and the wickedness in their hearts. 

Jigga had touched the lives, positively, about every artiste in Nigeria directly or indirectly and I hope their hearts will prick them now that GODWIN. 

For the calibre of producer Jigga was, I had imagined that all the big name producers in Nigeria would have made an impact even if it was just in making their presence felt at his tribute or burial. 

Well, the tribute was fantastic without your support and that shows that God is bigger than every each of us and he will make a way where there seem to be no way. Some were so ashamed they couldn’t turn up at the tribute or burial in guilt. 

 Some acts even used his pictures and post for his burial but couldn’t show up to pay their last respect to the king maker…you guys should be ashamed of yourselves. Even if he had offended you before he died (I know Jigga too well to know that that is near impossible) he deserves for you to forgive him in death.

” He went further to reveal how publisher of Ovation Magazine, Chief Dele Momodu contributed hugely to the burial of OJB. He wrote: “I would at this point want to thank Chief Dele Momodu, who supported us through all this, funded a huge part of the tribute night and even called me the morning of the wake keep to ask if we needed more and he sent again and again. 

God bless you sir Oke ni owo hin a ma wa ni Oruko Jesu. 

Many thanks to ‪#‎31Nation‬ ‪#‎GroupAfrica‬(GA) ‪#‎OvationTV‬ ‪#‎PrimetimeTV‬ ‪#‎HipTV‬‪#‎Firstclassentertianment‬ ‪#‎Ksquare‬ ‪#‎Ojez‬ ‪#‎Oceanmusicandmovies‬‪#‎Blackgoldmedia‬ ‪#‎sholaanimashaunphotography‬ ‪#‎GoldmyneTV‬‪#‎Juicehouse‬ ‪#‎TVC‬ ‪#‎Olodonation‬ ‪#‎NTA‬ ‪#‎KogaTV‬ #‪#‎viewschannel‬ #360‪#‎Yawnigeria‬ ‪#‎Nigoilandgasmonitor‬ ‪#‎Bistainment‬, shout out to @teea @sammieokposo @sunday.are @jazzmanolofin @@kcee @emoney @kennyogungbe @@vector @djgosperella @djhumility @djstramborela @dayoadeneye @larageorge @okeybakassi @tunde&wunmiobe @prettyokafor @efeomorogbe @cmion @stewart @dqueenadesuwa @africanchina @adasounds ayoanimashaun @mrkool and my leg men @folajaiyesmith @mosesajodun @dareogunbona @tarywest @ademuluyisarumi @Jokayne and alloyokeke weldone people, ao ni fi iru e san fun arawa ni oruko Jesu.

” He ended his post with the reasons behind it. “Pls Note that my above statement is born out of my encounter and replies got from some people and I also understand that some people were busy and unavoidably absence based on other commitments anyways, God is faithful. Sleep well my brother, my Nigga, Jigga.” 

 OJB died on June 14, 2016, three weeks to his 50th birthday and was buried on July 8 while Oluwaleimu turned 50 July 5, 2016.

See how guys touch girl's boobs in public (photos)

On Wednesday, July 6, a young lady went wild as she willingly allowed guys to touch her boobs in public, at the running of the bulls festival.

Girl having fun at the festival The running of the bulls festival is a very popular ceremony in Pamplona, Spain and during the celebration a girl opened their tops and allowed men touch and grope their boobs after spraying each other with red wine. 

 Pictures from the event also show women expose their nipples as people enjoy a tipple at the launch of northern Spain’s world famous festival. 

It was really a busy day of boobs and boozing in the main square of Pamplona.

See more pictures of the girl below:

                               Girl flaunting her boobs

                     Guys touching girl’s boobs in public

Crowd at the running bulls festival in Spain

See how woman compared musicians vagina to sandwich (photo)

Following Taylor Swift’s recent breakup with Calvin Harris and how she quickly moved on with actor Tom Hiddleston, an American lady took to her Twitter handle to publicly throw shades at the music star.

  Taylor Swift

The lady who identified herself as Jennifer Mayers, took to her Twitter handle to showcase a photograph of two rolls of bread side by side, one was neatly wrapped with ham inside the bread while the other was showing how the ham was spilling outside the bread. She posted this as she made incredible comparison between her daughters’ vagina and that of Taylor Swift. 

 The images were posted with the caption: “The reason I preach #Christianity. My daughters represent the right, Taylor Swift’s vagina represents the left.

” See post below:

After making this post, several supporters of Taylor Swift came in to her defense and clapped back at the woman for making such a post on Twitter. 

 Haha! What’s this world turning into abeg?

Ciara, new husband boast about wedding night sex

We are the Wilsons!’ Credit: Ciara Instagram ‘We are The Wilsons!’ Ciara proudly posted on Instagram on July 6, confirming that she did marry her boyfriend, NFL star Russell Wilson, on Wednesday, July 6 at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire, United Kingdom.

 The wedding has been long awaited since Russell proposed after a year of dating, while they were on vacation. 

 Russell revealed July 2014 in an interview that the couple were practicing celibacy for religious reasons and will not have any sexual relations until their wedding night. 

This left fans to only imagine the level of sexual chemistry that exploded during their wedding night!

Soon after the big day, the beautiful bride posted some videos on her Snapchat talking about what she and her husband “did last night.”

It was obvious they were talking about the sex they finally had.

 The Love Sex and Magic singer, in the video, asked her new husband: “So, baby, you know what we are doing tonight?

” To which he replied: “If it is what we did last night, I want to do it multiple times.

” Fans have been divided over the couple’s TMI (too much information video), with some praising their resilience and other criticising them for making it public knowledge.

The Goodies singer was previously engaged to rapper Future.

The two share a son who bears his father’s stage name and was the ring bearer at his mother’s wedding to Wilson.

He wore a bespoke Giorgio Armani suit.

The groomsmen included Russell’s brother Harry Wilson and even Ciara’s father, Carlton Harris. The eight bridesmaids were included such celebrities as Kelly Rowland and LA La Anthony, all donned in gowns made by Michael Costello.

 Wishing the couple a happy married life. See photos from their wedding below:

                        Ciara and Russell. Credit: eonline 

Ciara’s wedding gown as posted on her Instagram

Ciara’s son: Future Zahir. Credit: Ciara’s Instagram

                           Honeymoon time for the couple

10 die as farmers, herdsmen clash in Niger

No fewer than 10 persons were reportedly killed in clashes ‎between suspected Fulani herdsmen and farmers in two communities in Niger State.

 It was learnt that the ‎clashes happened at Bokuta village, Bosso Local Government Area and Tungan Malam village in the Paikoro LGA.

 While six were killed ‎in the Bokuta clash, four died in the Tungan Malam melee. A resident of Bokuta, who identified himself only as Isiaq, said trouble started in the community on Thursday, July 7, when some herdsmen invaded a farm with their cattle and destroyed its crop.

 He said the farmer engaged the herdsmen in a scuffle during which one of the invaders was killed while another one was injured.

 “The following day, herdsmen went on a reprisal and shot five farmers dead.‎ The village was in a turmoil and nobody could go out for two days. It was the police and military men who eventually came to restore peace,” he added.

 In the Tungan Malam clash, a source, who spoke to our correspondent on the telephone, said a youth had on Friday led cattle into a large farmland, where maize, sorghum, yam and soya beans were grown and destroyed the crops.

 He said the owners of the farm complained, but the youth and other herders struck and killed one of the farmers. The source added that the farmers regrouped and went on a reprisal, killing three herdsmen.

 Urging for lasting solutions to the incident, the source said, “‎Government must take a bold step to solve these killings. Why must some people destroy the means of livelihood of others to earn their living?, it is unfair.

” The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Bala James, who confirmed the clashes, said eight persons were killed while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

 The PPRO said two suspects had been arrested and that there were ongoing dialogues to forestall the crises. He said,‎ “It was the issue of herders going into farmers’ crops and damaging them.

On July 7, at Bokuta village, there was an argument between the farmers and the herders and we learnt that a herder was killed and another one injured.

Griezmann named best player of Euro 2016

                                Griezmann

UEFA on Monday named French forward and tournament top scorer Antoine Griezmann as the best player of Euro 2016, a day after the hosts’ 1-0 final defeat to Portugal. “Antoine Griezmann was a threat in every game he played. 

He works hard for his team and possesses technique, vision and quality finishing,” said UEFA chief technical officer Ioan Lupescu, who led the panel that picked the striker. Alex Ferguson, the former Manchester United manager, was among UEFA’s 13-strong panel of technical observers. 

 Atletico Madrid man Griezmann, 25, for whom Sunday’s defeat was a second major final loss in a month after the loss to arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League, also won the Golden Boot award for his six goals. 

 He also had two assists in France’s run to the final, but had a rare off-night in front of goal on Sunday and was unable to haul the hosts to victory. 

 Griezmann and midfield schemer Dimitri Payet were included in the UEFA team of the tournament named Monday, as was Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo, who was stretchered off injured and in tears after a crunching tackle by Payet. 

 Portugal defensive lynchpin Pepe was also included, along with fellow Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patricio and Raphael Guerreiro. There was no place for Gareth Bale, but Wales team-mates Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen, both midfielders, were named in the team of the tournament. 

 UEFA team of the tournament: Rui Patricio (POR); Joshua Kimmich (GER), Jerome Boateng (GER), Pepe (POR), Raphael Guerreiro (POR); Toni Kroos (GER), Joe Allen (WAL), Aaron Ramsey (WAL); Antoine Griezmann (FRA), Dimitri Payet (FRA); Cristiano Ronaldo (POR).

Court adjourns Dasuki’s motion for consolidation of cases till Oct. 5

                                  Former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), 

An FCT High Court, Maitama, on Monday adjourned a former National Security Adviser, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki’s, motion for consolidation of two cases against him till October 5. 

 Dasuki, Shuaibu Salisu, a former Director of Finance, Office of the NSA, and Aminu Baba-Kusa, a former NNPC Executive Director, were arraigned for alleged diversion of N13.6 billion. 

 Also being tried were two firms, Acacia Holding Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited. 

 At the last sitting, the motion was not moved because of the absence of Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN) Counsel to Salisu. Dasuki’s counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu (SAN) and Mr Solomon Umoh (SAN), Counsel to Baba-Kusa, had said that the motion should be moved in the presence of Olujimi. 

 Sequel to their submissions, the judge, Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, adjourned the case to July 11. The  adjourned date on Monday, High Courts commenced their annual vacation. 

 All counsel in the case as well as the defendants were present to pick a date. Daudu had prayed the court to consolidate the cases against his client. 

 The cases were before Baba-Yusuf and Justice Peter Affen. Daudu sought an order directing the prosecution to amend charge No FCT/HC/CR/43/ 2015 pending before Baba-Yusuf, to include the counts in suit No FCT/HC/CR/43/2015, before Affen. He said that his prayer was pursuant to sections 6(6) (a), 35(5) and (9) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and sections 1(1); 208; 396(3); 401and 492(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

N’Delta leader blasts Avengers for destruction of pipelines

                                      Niger Delta Avengers

The Coordinator, Concernned Niger Delta Leaders, Chief Mike Loyibo, has condemned the destruction of pipelines and other critical national assets by the militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers.

 The foremost rights activist, who made the condemnation in an interview on Saturday, said the the militants were, by their destructive activities, sabotaging the sincere efforts by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to bring speedy growth and development to the region. He accused the militants of criminality against the country, the region and humanity in general.

 He expressed dismay at the senseless and aimless manner in which the militants had been destroying the people’s common heritage and the economic mainstay of the country. He warned of the far-reaching negative implications for such nefarious activities on the environment, social life and economic fortunes of the region if the destructions were not stopped. Loyibo said the the activities of the militant group were also threatening the non-negotiable unity of the nation to its foundation, reiterating that their activities must be roundly condemned by all well-meaning stakeholders.

 He noted, “The  danger of vandalism as being perpetrated by the militants is that from 2.2 million oil production, the production capacity of the country has been critically brought down to slightly above a million barrels per day.

 “And it will be less than that if the blowing of pipelines continues. The danger of blowing pipelines is that there will be no salary, there will be unemployment and the region cannot develop. “In an atmosphere of crisis, it’s not possible to have sustainable growth and development.

I am hereby using this medium to call on persons behind the dastardly acts to have a rethink. “Nigeria’s unity is non-negotiable and I believe that for the region to go forward, whatever issues bothering any person or group of persons should be channelled through the constituted authorities so that they can pass it to the government.

 “You don’t use violence every time to get attention;  so bombing of pipelines is a crime against the state, a crime against all the Niger Delta people because you will be polluting the area.

” On way of resolving the crises in the region, Loyibo advocated dialogue, insisting that military option would exacerbate the problems.

 He called on the Federal Government to develop the region by bringing infrastructural development such as building of bridges, schools, hospitals and other amenities, saying that it was high time the maritime universities in the region started to function.

 He also urged the government to increase funding for the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the Niger Delta Development Commission as well as ensuring justice and equity in the region. The activist also took a swipe on some Niger Delta leaders, blaming the crisis in the region on years of poor leadership and mismanagement of resources allocated to the region.

 He alleged that over the years, leaders from the region misappropriated and squandered huge revenues that accrued to the region from federal resources and different interventionist agencies.

'Scared' Drake Writes Letter After Shooting

Drake offered his condolences to Mr Sterling's family

Singer Drake says he has been left "truly scared" about the "strained" relationship between police and black people after the shooting of a man in Louisiana.

 Alton Sterling had been selling CDs outside a Baton Rouge convenience store when two white officers tried to arrest him.

 His death was filmed on the mobile phone of an onlooker who said the shooting was another example of deadly force being used by police officers. Reports said Mr Sterling, 37, had been brandishing a gun when he was shot in the chest and back but this was disputed by witnesses.

Alton Sterling was shot dead by police in Louisiana

 In an open letter posted on Instagram, Drake, who is Canadian but calls America his "second home", said the death had left him "disheartened, emotional and truly scared". "It is impossible to ignore that the relationship between black and brown communities and law enforcement remains as strained as it ωαѕ decades ago.

"No one begins their life as a hashtag. Yet the trend of being reduced to one continues.

" #AltonSterling began trending on social media soon after the shooting on Tuesday morning. Drake said he remained hopeful that "things can change for the better" and offered his condolences to Mr Sterling's family.

At a news conference on Wednesday, the head of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Baton Rouge called for the police chief to be fired.

 "What I'm calling for today is that the chief law enforcement officer to fire the police chief," Michael McClanahan said.

"He must step down.

 We cannot have anybody who allows this type of action to take place.

" Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Susan Sarandon and Justin Timberlake are just some of the other celebrities to have commented on the shooting.

Davido Pulls Out Of Congo Concert Due To Opening Act Getting Raped

Davido and his team who are currently in Congo for a performance unfortunately could not go through with their plans as according to the singer, a riot broke out at the venue and things went out of hand when it was discovered that one of his opening acts had been raped.

 The HKN artiste let everyone know via his snapchat saying that a riot broke out between the police and his fans and things got really crazy.

He also added that one of the people that were supposed to open for him got raped as a result.

 In a video posted on his Snapchat he stated that his band got scattered and they had to leave the venue.

Serena Williams Bags 22nd Grand Slam Title, Equals Wimbledon Record

Serena Williams has won her seventh Wimbledon title which amounts to a total of 22 major Grand slam titles with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Angelique Kerber on Saturday in London.

The world no 1 got stuck on 21 Grand Slams since winning last year’s Wimbledon. However, she stepped into the All England Club to retain the title and draw level with Steffi Graf’s Open era record.

Her friends, power couple, Beyonce and Jay-Z were in the crowd at the Centre Court to show support to the star.

 An excited Serena said, “It’s a great feeling to be here. Angelique brings out great tennis in me,” adding, “It’s been incredibly difficult not to think about it.

 It makes the victory even sweeter to know how hard I worked hard for it. This court definitely feels like home, I have a match later today in the doubles, so I’ll be back out.

Kerber, acknowledging Serena’s victory, notated that the vivacious athlete was indeed a great champion. 

“Serena you deserve it, you are a great champion and great person.

We played a great match. “It’s an honour to play on Centre Court and a great feeling.”

Williams has almost equalled Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles.

Ruth Kadiri And Stephanie Coker Turn Up The Heat On House Of Maliq Cover

Ruth Kadiri and Stephanie Coker are two beautiful bombshells on the cover of House of Maliq’s latest issue.

 Ruth Kadiri spills body secrets in the new issue while Stephanie Coker is all about the beauty secrets.

See more photos below:

joined Muslim faithful for special prayers to mark Eid-el-Fitri, the end of the Ramadan fast.

Buhari, however, did not take part in the Sallah prayers at the National Prayer Ground, located opposite the Military Cemetery on Airport Road, Abuja, as it is customary with top government officials.

 This year, the President decided to take part in the prayer session at a prayer ground located inside the Mambilla Military Barracks, Aso Drive, Asokoro, Abuja.

 No official reason was given for the decision, which a source described as a “last-minute decision.” In Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, notable political leaders in the state, were, on Wednesday, absent at the Yidi Prayer Ground, during the Eid-el-Fitri.

 Some of the politicians, who were not at the ceremony, included Senate President Bukola Saraki; Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed; Speaker, state House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad; a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Kawu Baraje; members of the national and state assemblies and many government appointees, especially from  the Ilorin Emirate.

 In Jos, Plateau State, the streets of the state capital and Bukuru metropolis were almost empty as Muslims celebrated the Eid-el-Fitri.

 The situation was also compounded by the uncertainty surrounding the actual day of the end of the Ramadan fast.

 In Abuja, many people, including top government officials and journalists, who thought the President would pray at the National Prayer Ground as usual, hurriedly left the ground and rushed to the barracks when they finally found out that Buhari would not observe the prayer at the prayer ground.

 Buhari was joined at the prayer ground by top government officials, including the Minister of Defence, Masur Dan-Alli. Security chiefs, including the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Munguno (retd.), and the acting Inspector-General of Police, Idris Ibrahim, also joined the President’s entourage.

 Meanwhile, security was beefed up around the two prayer grounds and other ones across the Federal Capital Territory while the Eid-el-Fitri prayer lasted.

 There had been speculations that the Boko Haram sect might carry out attacks during the Eid-el-Fitri. At the Mogadishu Barracks, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, worshippers were seen being frisked before they were allowed access into the prayer arena.

 Their cars were also thoroughly searched before they were allowed to park inside the car park behind the barracks’ Mammy Market. Armed soldiers, attached to the Guards Brigade, policemen and officials of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, maintained visible presence across major areas in the FCT while the prayers lasted.

 They were also sighted at major fun spots in Abuja.

 Saraki, Baraje absent, Ahmed picks private mosque, worshippers miss prayer Despite the absence of Saraki, Ahmed, Baraje and Ahmed among many other at the prayer ground, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Muhammadu Soliu, however, observed the prayers at the Yidi Prayer Ground. Speculations had been rife in the state that some people were planning to disrupt the prayers at the venue.

 Also some workers in the state, especially employees of the 16 Local Government Areas were said to be aggrieved as a result of the hardship they were experiencing because of their unpaid salaries. Some miscreants had, last year, stoned and threw sachet water at Saraki and some other dignitaries at the prayer ground.

 Also the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Samuel Okaula, drafted 1,500 police officers in Ilorin, especially at the prayer ground and the palace of the Emir of Ilorin.

 It was gathered that Saraki, Baraje and Ahmad had travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj while Ahmed was said to have worshiped in a private mosque in Ilorin.

 The ceremony at Yidi ground, which normally commences at about 10am, however, started at about 8.45am, catching many of the intending worshippers unawares.

 Those who came later missed the prayers Sulu-Gambari and Soliu made short speeches before they departed the Yidi ground  at about 9.30am.

 The Emir, according to a statement by the National Secretary of the Shehu Alimi Foundation for Peace and Development, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, urged Muslims to continue to exemplify the worthy life of Prophet Mohammed and extend such to adherents of other religions.

 Sulu Gambari urged Kwara State residents to continue to live in peace and always shun violence.

 It was gathered that heavily armed security operatives later escorted the Emir out of the Yidi Prayer Ground to his palace. The Olofa of Offa, Alhaji Muftau Gbadamosi, in a statement, told Muslims to examine their lifestyles and continue to be steadfast in their relationship with fellow human beings in line with the injunctions of the Holy Quran and the exemplary leadership of Prophet Mohammed. 

Gbadamosi said, “As a person, group, society and nations of the world, we need to learn how to take care of the destitute and the less privileged amongst us.

 “This Sallah is indeed a very unique one. Its uniqueness is borne out of the fact that it did not only mark the end of Ramadan, but an end to the long-time litigation over my appointment as the Olofa of Offa.

” Residents desert Jos roads In the Plateau State capital, it was learnt that the residents stayed indoors for the greater part of the day due to fear of violence, though this did not stop some faithful from going to their various prayer grounds.

 The ceremonies at the prayer ground were performed peacefully amidst tight security. Speaking at the Wednesday’s celebration at the Central Prayer Ground in Jos, the Chief Imam of Jos, Sheikh Lawal Adam, said after the fast, Muslims were expected to continue with the good deeds of assisting the less privileged as learnt during the Ramadan.

Afenifere, Ohanaeze disagree as President says Nigeria’s unity not negotiable

                              President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday told militants who have continued to destroy oil installations in the Niger Delta that the unity of the country remained non-negotiable.

 Buhari also called on those who had looted the nation’s treasury to approach the government and negotiate how they would return their stolen wealth. 

Buhari said these when Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammed Bello, led residents of the FCT to pay the President Sallah homage at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

 But the Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and the pan-Yoruba socio-political body, Afenifere, have faulted the position of the President on the unity of the nation. The organisations, on Wednesday, told Buhari that the unity of the country was negotiable. Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka had, on Tuesday last week, described the oneness of Nigeria as “very negotiable”.

 The President regretted that while the anti-terrorism war was being won, the issue of militancy in the Niger Delta resurfaced.

 Buhari said the Federal Government had commenced the process of identifying the number of groups involved in militancy in the region with a view to getting their leaders and appealing to them to give peace a chance.

 He said he was in agreement with the slogan made popular by a former military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, that to keep Nigeria one “is a task” that must be accomplished. Buhari added, “Please, pass the message to the militants that one Nigeria is not negotiable.

They better accept this fact. “The Nigerian constitution is clear as to what they should get and I assure them that there will be justice.

” The President stated that looters would not know peace if they refused to return stolen funds because his government would continue to be on their trail. 

“Please tell those with plenty of money, which does not belong to them, to try and negotiate and return it in peace so that both they and us will be in peace, otherwise we will continue to look for them,” the President said.

 On security, the President expressed delight that his government had made a lot of progress in fighting terrorism in the North-East. 

Buhari also admitted that despite the change in name and form of the National Electric Power Authority, the power situation in the country had remained unreliable.

 “Those who watch television are at the mercy of what is used to be called NEPA. Whichever form it (NEPA) has taken now, it has maintained the tradition of unreliability. It is not every day that the people get the news,” the President said.

 Buhari also admitted that there were a lot of problems bedevilling the nation, especially on food production. He disclosed that the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, and the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, were working hard to address food production problem.

 He said the CBN was borrowing the minister money outside the budget so that he could assist states, especially the 13 states that could produce rice.

 Osinbajo had stated that it had been a tough journey for the present administration because of the clean-up exercise it embarked on since inception.

 He said the Buhari administration inherited what he called a “huge financial mess” from the past administration. 

The vice-president, however, expressed joy that things had started looking up, adding that things would soon be better for the nation and Nigerians. “We will place the country on a strong footing,” Osinbajo assured Nigerians.

 Osinbajo prayed for Buhari that as he continued to grow older, he would be stronger in strength, adding that the President would have enough strength to be victorious no matter the challenges facing him and the country. 

The Minister of FCT presented a giant season’s card to the President while representatives of the Aso Villa Chapel presented him with a big mirror and a giant season’s card.

 Buhari not reading the mood of the nation correctly – Afenifere The National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, believed Buhari might not be reading the mood of the nation correctly.

 In an interview with one of our correspondents, Odumakin said, “I think the President is a sincere man but he may not be reading the mood correctly.

The country is divided under him than before. Amalgamation and armed dialogue are going on all around us over the unity of Nigeria which many sections perceive has treated them unfairly.

 “To continue to insist that the unity is not negotiable is aping that bird which buries its head in the sand and believes, because it is seeing nobody, it has become invisible too.

” Ohanaeze says it’s not calling for secession

 The President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, aligned with Afenifere’s position, saying the unity of Nigeria was negotiable.

 In a telephone interview with one of our correspondents, Isiguzoro said the current structure of Nigeria had not favoured all parts of the country. According to him, Nigeria’s unity should be subjected to periodic review.

 The OYC leader noted that the Igbo, as a group, canvassed the restructuring of the country during the last constitutional conference. Isiguzoro said, “We (Ohanaeze Ndigbo) believe that Nigeria’s unity is negotiable. The principles and structures on the co-existence of the various nationalities that make up the country should be reviewed periodically.

 “At the moment, the structure that is in place is not in favour of everybody.

 “Those that it is favouring are the ones who want the status quo to be maintained, but those it has not favoured, like the Igbo, are open to a negotiation of the country’s unity.

” He added, “The Igbo demanded restructuring at the last constitutional conference and we are still holding on to that demand. We believe Nigeria’s unity should be subject to periodic review.

 “We are not calling for secession, but a periodic review of the terms of the country’s unity is necessary for peaceful coexistence, otherwise agitations for separation would continue to grow.”

Confusion in PDP, hand of God, says Oshiomhole

                               Adams Oshiomhole

the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, on Wednesday described the leadership crisis rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party as one caused by the “hand of God.

” Oshiomhole said this while addressing some Muslim faithful as part of events to mark the Eid-el-Fitri celebration at the Government House in Benin, the state capital. 

 “Today, you can see confusion inside the party that brought Nigeria to its knees. Can you not see the hand of God? They said they would rule for 60 years. Now 16 years later, they are out,” he said. 

 The governor accused the PDP of misappropriating funds meant for the war against the Boko Haram sect. He said, “At a time when the whole country was afraid and being attacked, both Muslims and Christians were being attacked by Boko Haram, even the money that was voted by the National Assembly to secure Muslims, to secure Christians, to secure our country, against these hooligans (insurgents), this money was stolen and shared by the PDP leaders.

” The governor criticised the party for allegedly bringing the economy of the country to its knees. He, however, commended the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari to recover looted funds. He added, “If that situation had continued, by today, there would have been no Nigeria. 

So, if President Buhari had not come now to ask everybody to give account, you and I would not know why the Nigerian government was not able to tame Boko Haram.” Oshiomhole, who noted that Nigeria would regain prosperity, urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the peace of the country and demonstrate patriotism. 

 He noted, “So, we should just pray and encourage ourselves to play our part. Nigeria will become great. I believe that over the next two months with the President squeezing out all the things that had stolen and blocking all the loopholes, things will change.
”

Titled chiefs disagree with Abia elders over gov crisis

some community leaders, titled chiefs and village heads in Abia State on Wednesday backed Dr. Uche Ogah in the dispute over the governorship position in the state. 

 A group of prominent politicians from the state, known as the Concerned Elders Forum of Abia State, led by a former Senate President, Chief Adolphus Wabara, and Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, had, after a meeting in Abuja on Monday, declared their support for Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. 

 The Abia Concerned Elders Forum faulted the judgement of an Abuja Federal High Court, presided by Justice Okon Abang, which sacked Ikpeazu from office. 

 The meeting of the Concerned Elders Forum, which held in Abuja, was reportedly attended by serving senators from the state, including former governor Theodore Orji, (Abia Central,) Mao Ohuabunwa, (Abia North) and Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South). 

 Others at the meeting included Wabara, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, Empire Kanu, Ugochukwu, HRH Eze Ngozi  Nwoko, Prof. S. O. Igwe, Uzoma Nkem Abonta, Prof. Herbert O. Orji, HRH Eze J. O. Akaliro, HRH Eze Dr. Eberechi Dick; and HRH Eze P. M. Okponku, among others. But the crisis has taken a new turn as another group, comprising community leaders, village heads and titled chiefs, has endorsed Ogah. 

 The new group disowned the Abia Concerned Elders, saying they could not speak for Abians. 

 The community leaders and titled chiefs from different towns in the state backed Ogah at a meeting at Ogah’s Campaign Office in Umuahia. A communique issued at the end of the meeting said the masses of Abia State “are yearning” for Ogah, contrary to the impression given by the Concerned Elders Forum. The nine-point com-munique, which was read by the Traditional Prime Minister of Ibeku Kingdom, Chief Uche Akwukwuegbu, urged members of the public to disregard the position of the Concerned Elders Forum. The community leaders described the elders as “those who have contributed in no small measure to the collapse and stunted growth of  Abia State.”

Sustain morals of Ramadan, Ambode tells Muslims

the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has advised Muslims in the state to carry on with the lessons of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Ambode said by maintaining the virtues of holy living, love, kindness, compassion and peaceful coexistence, the true essence of the period would be manifest and the society would be the better for it. A statement on Wednesday said the governor spoke at the Lagos House, Ikeja, at a special Eid-el-Fitri celebration organised by the state government to mark the end of Ramadan fasting. 

 The event, which attracted hundreds of Muslims to the government house to celebrate with the governor and his family, was also attended by the members of the State Executive Council. 

 Ambode, who said this year’s Ramadan was unique because the 30-day fasting period was fully observed, thanked the Muslim faithful for their prayers, urging them to continue to support the policies of the state and the Federal Government. 

 He said, “As your governor, I seek your support and cooperation as we move into the second year of this administration. We must all play our parts and keep relating with this government and we will not fail in making Lagos work for all of us. 

 “While thanking everyone that has spared time to join us in this get-together, I enjoin Muslim faithful and, indeed, all Lagosians to sustain the lessons of Ramadan.” The governor’s wife, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, said there was the need for all Muslims to remember the essence of the holy month, adding that the period was for renewal of faith and spiritual cleansing. “It is important for us to continue with the principles of the holy month. 

Ramadan represents love, peace, kindness, compassion and peaceful coexistence. Prophet Muhammed held these principles in high esteem and lived his whole life around them. 

 “As brothers, sisters, neighbours and co-workers, we must love one another, show kindness to one another and live together in peace. It is when we do these, beyond the fasting period, that we give a true meaning to Ramadan,” she said.

Gang chops off DPO’s ear during arrest

The Anambra State Police Command on Monday paraded a nine-man gang that had been terrorising Nanka community in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state. 

 Members of the gang led by one Ifedilichukwu Nwankwo allegedly chopped off one of the ears of a Divisional Police Officer of Ajali Division (name withheld) who was at Nanka to effect their arrest. 

Parading the suspects at the State Anti-Robbery Squad office at Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ali Okechukwu, said the Nanka community had been liberated by the arrest of the gang. 

 Okechukwu said, “On 17/02/2016 at about 9am hours, one Okechukwu Udezuka of Oraifite and Ebuka, surname unknown, were shot dead at Tarzan, Nkpor by a gang of armed robbers. “In the course of investigation, two persons namely Emamanuel Nwabudu, Chigozie Nweke, a.k.a Achito, were arrested. 

 “The suspects named one Ifedilichukwu Nwankwo of Nanka and others as those that attacked and killed Okechukwu Udezuka and Ebuka. 

 “Every attempt to arrest Ifedidilichukwu and his gang members proved abortive. Okechukwu said that on 27/06/2016, following a raid of Nanka community, Ifedilichukwu Nwankwo, Chidi Nwankwo and Udoye Kenechukwu were arrested. The PPRO said, “Before now, the gang led by Ifedilichukwu Nwankwo has on several occasions prevented the police from force CID Abuja, Zone Headquarters Umuahia, from making any arrest at Nanka. Okechukwu alleged that the gang burnt down a police Hilux Jeep during an arrest in the community. He said, “On 20/06/2016, a team led by the DPO Ajali Division, was ambushed at Nanka by the gang when they (police) went to effect arrest. “The DPO Ajali was robbed of his handset and sums of money. He was stripped naked and one of his ears chopped off. Equally, his official uniform was torn to shreds. “The DPO, who narrowly escaped death, is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.