#Oge Okoye also gets Chieftancy Title(Photo)

It wasn't just Chika Ike, actress Oge Okoye also got a Honorary Chieftaincy Title (Igolo Nwanyi 1 of Amoli) in Awgu L.G.A. Enugu State for her contribution to the growth and development of Igbo land. Congrats to her.

#"I didn't marry my wife beacause of her wealth' Aremu Afolayan says

Actor and movie producer Aremu Afolayan has reacted to reports that he married his new wife because she's rich. Aremu got married quietly on Saturday December 7th in Abuja to a woman believed to be older than he is, but Aremu says he doesn't care what anyone thinks of him, his wife or their marriage. The actor said his wife is not as rich as people think and that contrary to reports, his wedding wasn't a secret and his famous older brother was at his wedding.
 Aremu tells Saturday Punch
"People will always say what they want to say. I am not perturbed in any way. I don’t care. If I had married a top politician’s daughter, I am sure you will not be talking to me. My wife’s family is not rich let alone my wife. I got married to somebody I wanted to get married to and not because of her wealth. I don’t know why people say all they say." “I wonder how anybody would say my marriage was secret. Some people went ahead to say that my brother (Kunle) was not at the wedding but he was there. Anyway, I am not ready for them. When I am ready, I will let you know,” he said.

#Sweet Sensation partners City of Lagos Interschool Monopoly Tournament

From left: CEO, Bestman Games, Mrs.Nimi Akinkugbe, Executive Director, Sweet Sensation, Tunji Kamson, Head, CSR, First bank Nigeria Plc, Ismail Omamegbe, First lady of Lagos State, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, winner of the interschool Monopoly Tournament, Umoh Blessing, Assistant Director, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Balogun Oluremi and CEO, Chair centre group and Board member, Bestman Games, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika at the city of Lagos, Interschool Monopoly Tournament held at Terra Kulture recently.

On the 10th of Dec. 2013, the 2nd Edition of the City of Lagos inter-school Monopoly Tournament was held at The Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage street, Victoria Island put together by Bestman Games. The event drew the attendance of the 1st Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola, the CEO of Bestman Games, Mrs. Nimi Akinkugbe, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Henry Odein Ajumogobia, Ibukun Awosika, CEO Chair Centre Group amongst others.

# Kanye West buys mini Lamborghini for 6 months daughter(Photo)

Kanye bought a tiny replica of his Batmobile-styled Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 for his six months old daughter, North West, as a Xmas gift. The child-size electric version of the rare $750,000 black supercar car is said to be worth thousands of dollars. A car North can't ride for years to come. Kim posted the pic above on instagram yesterday, with the caption ''Like father like daughter''.

#Between Toke Makinwa and Banky W

Y’ll know Toke (has a crush) loves Banky W, lol. Well I watched one of Toke’s interviews when she was still with Flytime Tv, where she interviewed Banky W and you could tell he is one of her most loved artistes. Toke was also on the red carpet at the just held Headies 2013 where she interviewed celebrities before they went into the hall. Toke interviewed Banky W and took their picture to Instagram and captioned it; what were we talking about?????? #funtimes. Was Banky W the only one she interviewed? No! They would be almost 50, but his was what she loved and took to Instagram. The two parties are single, so we will just keep our fingers crossed. But hey, I think its high time girls go for guys, it’s almost 2014 people, lol

#Sad! Professor Wole Soyinka Loses 48-Year Old Daughter

Professor Wole Soyinka today lost one of his daughters. Iyetade who was born in 1965 died today at UCH hospital in Ibadan where she was been treated for an undisclosed ailment. She was 48. She left behind two children, her parents and siblings.

#You Can't Turn Any Section Of Our Roads Into showrooms! Fashola Tells Auto Dealers

Trust our Governor. The Governor was recently on his way to an event when he passed through the Mobolaji Bank Anthony way and was not pleased with what some car dealers have turned part of the road into. He has warned them and the rest of auto dealers in the state to stop using part of the roads as their showrooms. He also spoke about people hawking in traffic and how they have made traffic worse, stating that Lagos is a mega city and we should also remember that staying more in traffic is not healthy.

#Still Going strong! Stella Damascus Steps Out With Daniel Ademinokan

Daniel Ademinokan accompanied Stella Damasus to the recently held Applause Africa awards in New York. Stella asked Daniel who she called her business partner and friend to join her on stage as she gave her speech. Even though Stella and Daniel have not admitted they are dating, sources insist they are and say they now live together in New York.

#Put Your Mouth Where God Has Put It! Olubunmi OKogie Finally Replies P.Chris OKotie

Former archbishop of Lagos state, Anthony Olubunmi Okogie has finally replied Chris Okotie on his statement that ‘All Catholics will go to hell’. Here is what he told Punch; “It is always good to talk on what you know, not on what you do not know. The problem we have today is that a lot of people put their mouth in what does not concern them because they want people to know that they too are there; that they can be reckoned with. “I don’t think that is the way to do things, no. I think the best thing is to always put your mouth where God puts it, if you don’t want to be disgraced.”

#Pastor Tunde Bakare Says The President Sent Him A Cow For Xmas! El-Rufai Reacts

Here is what the pastor said about the cow he was given by President Goodluck Jonathan during this festive period. I had a cow from the presidency. I didn’t ask for it. They dropped it at the Save Nigerian Group (SNG) office. But is it cow that we need? If you check their books, one cow was bought for $5000g. The rest of the money is pocketed. We don’t need cow, we need a country that will move forward. They prevailed on not to return it. Thanks for the cow, but no thanks! That means no cow for me next year. (Laughs). But we will have good roads, schools etc! We are the cause of our problem. We feel big. Mr President sent me hampers etc. We go to them for contracts etc. Until we change ourselves, we cannot expect change from those who lead us. Nasir El-Rufai ‏is also presently with Pastor Tunde Bakare. He announced he was going to meet with his ‘egbon’ (the pastor) this morning on twitter. Apparently, Pastor Tunde told him about the cow, and you trust El-Rufai now, lol

#Brand new sitcom-aduke Hotel, set to premiere 4th of January 2014

Ever heard of a hotel managed and operated by four individuals only? Well, that's the story of Aduke Hotel; a 90s hotel striving to compete in the modern day hospitality business, despite being vehemently stuck in its 90s way. No thanks to Engineer Babatope Adigun, - a.k.a Grandpa - a retired railway worker who in a bid to preserve his late wife's memory, ensured the hotel implemented little or no change over the years that followed her demise.

#Uche Jombo marks birthday with husband(photo)

The actress and movie producer was a year older yesterday and spent the special day with her hubby, Kenny Rodriqguez.

#Miley Cyrus moves on to actor Kellan Lutz (Photos)

There have been recent reports that Miley Cyrus is dating her ex-fiance's good friend, actor Kellan Lutz, after they were photographed getting off a private plane in Miami after spending some days together in the Bahamas. Seems the rumours are true as the Wrecking Ball singer was spotted cuddling and kissing the Twilight Star at an after party she hosted at Madhouse nightclub at the MGM Grand Hotel And Casino, in Vegas on Friday night. Kellan and Liam Hemsworth are very good friends and Kellan even used to hang out with the former couple.

#Music producer ID Cabasa ordained a pastor

Top music producer, Olumide Aka, popularly known as ID Cabasa, the guy who produced 9ice's mega hit debut album, is reportedly now a pastor. He was ordained today at Global Impact Church, Babs Animashaun, Surulere. Congrats to him...

#Time for an ethical revolution on social media-by Reno Omokri

A piece written by Reno Omokri, Special Assistant to President Jonathan on New Media Social Media and the technologies that drive it were intended to be a force for social good that expanded the individual's reach beyond his physical proximity. However, over the years since the emergence of the medium many of its users are beginning to see a negative side of its use amongst young people which must be addressed otherwise it will lead to an erosion of core societal values. As a youth and young adult, many of those in my age bracket learnt the art of reading people's non verbal communications or body language by practicing whole body listening and it helped us grow from self awareness to awareness of others and from self management to relationship management. But today, many young adults are unable to develop these vital skills because more of their communication are done over social media.

#Singer Praiz shows off his 18k Rolex watch

That's an 18karat DateJust Rolex watch, worth anything from $15,000 to $25,000.

#Photos from Eric arubayi's wedding

The West African Idol runner-up married his sweetheart, Chinonso, a graduate of UNIZIK, yesterday December 28th in Abraka, Delta State.

#Remy Martin celebrates RMD and Chris Ubosi

Remy Martin celebrates Richard Mofe-Damijo and Beat FM/Naija FM CEO Chris Ubosi at the first ever Grandmaster edition of the pace setters party...

#Governor Adams Oshiomhole Survives Road Accident

 

Press Statement from Edo State Government

Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole survived a motor accident at Ewu Village along the ever-busy Benin-Auchi road in Edo State at about 9.45am Saturday, 28th December 2013 on his way back to Benin City from his Iyamho Village. The incident occurred at about 9.45am at Ewu, in Edo Central Senatorial District, when a Peugeot J5 Bus filled with tomatoes and plantains apparently lost control and rammed into the Governor’s Flag Car from the opposite direction before swerving into a roadside ditch. Contd..

Three vehicles in the Governor’s convoy were in front of the Governor’s Flag Car and had passed the Peugeot J5 Bus before it [J5 Bus] had direct impact with the Governor’s car, which had the Governor, his Aide-De-Camp [ADC] and his Driver as occupants. The Governor’s Car was badly affected but both occupants of the Peugeot J5 Bus and that of the Governor’s sustained no injuries.

#Succour for air travellers as air passenger's right bill passes second reading

 

The Air Passenger Rights Bill is presently on the floor of the House and it has passed second reading. If things go according to plan, then many Nigerians who constantly travel by air will soon heave a sigh of relief. All the agonizing stories of baggage loss or damage without proper compensation,flight cancellation with no prior notice, frequent delays, over booking etc all these will soon come to an end

We know that the airlines and the aviation ministry have turned a blind eye to these complaints over the years. Now the conversation is all over social media, as many aggrieved air passengers have lent their voices to the #AirPassengersRights campaign. Continue...

Let’s fight for our rights; Travelling by air in Nigeria has become a nightmare. The airlines do not care about customer service, it has been business as usual.

The proponent of this bill, Hon. Dayo Bush-Alebiosu will be live on ‘Rubbin Minds’ show on Channels TV tomorrow afternoon, Sunday December 29, 2013. So if you have complaints, questions as an air traveller or may be even an aggrieved air traveller, the join the conversation on twitter using the #AirPassengersRights or follow and tweet at @Dayobush.

Don’t forget to watch ‘Rubbin Minds’ show on Channels TV tomorrow afternoon, Sunday December 29, 2013. 

#Son kills mother because he says she ruined his life

 

A 22 year old man killed his mother with a knife and yanked her intestines out because according to him she 'ruined his life'

From NBC Connecticut

The man accused of killing his mother in Deep River, Conn., on Thurs., disemboweled her, according to a police report. Troopers responded to a home at 131 Rattling Valley Road around 1 p.m. Thursday after receiving a 911 call from the victim's ex-husband.

Robert Owen Rankin, the victim's 22-year-old son, was arrested and charged with murder. Rankin and his father were outside the house when police arrived.

On Friday, state police identified the victim as 45-year-old Margaret Rohner. According to court documents, Rankin admitted the crime to his father and then to the first state police trooper who arrived on the scene. Contd...

"I used the knife to kill my mother," Rankin told the trooper after the trooper asked if he had any weapons on him. "I killed my mother because she is pretty much responsible for everything that has gone wrong in my life," he allegedly told the trooper.

Rankin continued to tell the trooper in detail what he had allegedly done to his mother.

He said he woke up in the morning with a plan to snap his mother's neck to kill her, but when that didn't work, he stabbed her in the neck with a fire poker, according to the police report.

When Rankin saw she was still alive, he told police he took his clothes off to "gain additional strength," in his words. 

He then used a buck knife to stab his mother in the belly button, the court documents show. Rankin said he was looking for a baby but couldn't find one in her stomach, he allegedly told police.

He told investigators he cleaned up, took a shower and decided to take his dog for a walk. It was then that he saw his father and allegedly admitted to the crime.

"I just want you to know that she put up a damn good fight. She is a strong woman. I give her credit for that," he told his father, according to court documents.

Police who went inside the home found Rohner's body with several wounds to the abdomen. 

Rankin appeared in Middletown Superior court on Friday morning. His attorney, Dennis McMahon, said Rankin appears to have a long history of severe psychiatric issues.  

Rankin was held on $1 million bond and put on a suicide watch

#Battered pregnant woman:Lebanese boss arrested

The Lebanese boss who allegedly beat up a pregnant factory worker, causing her to lose her 7-months pregnancy, has been arrested by the Nigerian police. Kaveh Noine, a manager with Toppan Printing Company located in Ikeja Industrial Estate, was arrested yesterday Friday December 27th in Kano where he fled to and was brought back to Lagos to face justice.  A pic of the woman who lost her pregnancy, Alexandra Ossai, above. She confirmed that Mr Noine had assaulted her several times during her short stay at the company and indeed kicked her in the stomach few days before she lost her pregnancy. Alexandra also said the Lebanese manager was in the habit of physically assaulting other workers whenever he felt they stepped out of line. Not only will Mr Noine face justice for what he did to Alexandra, but the Lagos State government via the Lagos State Public Advice Centre, also wants to bring other assault charges against him. They plan to visit the company and talk with other workers and find out if more people were abused by him. (Photo source - Punch)

#Photo: End Times? How Mother Of Three and Pastor Lover Murdered Husband

Culled from Vanguard
 It was quite sad and a pathetic end for Mr Victor Nsongbunyo, an indigene of Akwa Ibom state and Deputy Manager at the Nigeria Petroleum Development (NPDC) Company, Benin City. The deceased allegedly murdered by his wife Mrs Enebong Victor and her Pastor boyfriend, Prince Udoka Nkanchukwu who were paraded by the Edo state Police Commissioner, Funso Adebanjo last Tuesday.
Saturday Vanguard learnt that the deceased who was recently promoted to the position of Deputy Manager, was due to retire next year. It was learnt that the decease and his wife had been having issues with the paternity of their children after the deceased suspected the wife was having an extra marital affair with the Pastor. Contd..

The deceased was said to have visited home to complain to both his family and that of his wife after suspecting that the current pregnancy which is being carried by the wife was not from him. Consequently, the families resolved that a DNA would be conducted after giving birth to the child. Saturday Vanguard further learnt that it was this arrangement that infuriated the wife that led her into plotting to murder her husband with her lover Pastor. Friday October 22, 2013, It was learnt that the Pastor whom Vanguard gathered has been a close family friend, called the deceased on telephone and told him he wanted to see him. The deceased was said to have drove to somewhere along Sapele road, to meet with the Pastor. On getting there, it was gathered that the Pastor entered the vehicle and stabbed the deceased twice. As if that was not enough, he drove the car to hidden destination along Sapele road and set both the car and the deceased car ablaze. On Monday 25, the wife was said to have gone to the office to report that the husband was missing. But apparently after visiting the husband’s office, she went straight to the bank and withdrew N4milion from the husband’s account. The wife of the deceased also went to the police to report the incident. However, staff of the NDDC was informed that people observed a burnt car and somebody inside it somewhere along Sapele Road, they quickly rushed down and found it was that of Mr Nsongbunyo. The shocked NPDC staff went back to the deceased wife at their home to inform her of the situation but found her sitting comfortably at home watching African Magic. However, detectives intensified search for the deceased new car which was given to him by the company following his promotion. The car, a Volkswagen Passat car was tracked to a compound at Ekenwan road Benin City. Vanguard learnt that a lady was accosted by detectives in the compound and she confessed that the car was packed by a Pastor that lives in the compound. When the Pastor came out, detectives observed burns in his left hand and his face. The Pastor disclosed that one of his daughters in the church sowed a seed with the car. He subsequently took them to the residence of the deceased where it was discovered that it was the deceased wife. The duo were arrested immediately and according to the state Police commissioner, have confessed to have committed the dastard act. According to Adebanjo, “what happened was that the Pastor called the deceased to come and meet him somewhere along Sapele Road, when the deceased got there the Pastor stabbed him twice and then burnt the car. The woman gave the husband’s new car to the Pastor and we found the car with the Pastor. A 2013 model of Volkswagen car. It is a very sad and wicked act. After killing the man in his vehicle he set the car ablaze. The Pastor changed the plate number of the car and put a fake one after he murdered the man. It was when we saw the burnt in his hand that we knew that he was involved. Though he has confessed and after now we will take them to court. They both confessed that they are lovers but I believe that it was wicked on their part to have plotted the killing of the man. Mrs Isonguyo who denied she was having extra marital affairs with the Pastor, narrated that “when I did not see my husband I ran to the Pastor because we have known for a very long time. I took my husband’s new car to him to sow a seed in the church so that my husband will be found. I told him to take it to the church but I don’t know that he went and changed the plate numbers. I had to ask him to pray harder because I love my husband and I don’t want anything to happen to him. I did not kill my husband because I loved him. I brought the car and told him to take it to his church and sow a seed that I want God to answer my prayers so that my husband will come back. I told him to take it to the church because even if it is a house I would have taken it to sow a seed for my husband to come back. I gave it to him but what I did not know was that he went to change the plate number and other papers that have to do with the car. I was lying down in the house at about 11pm that day when the police came and arrested me”. Asked if she is having extra marital affair with the Pastor, she asserted “ God forbid, I have not had any affair with the Pastor. The Pastor has been a close family friend and we always give him cloths to go and share in the orphanages. And even when I travelled with my husband we gave him our ATM card so that he can take care of our poultry and whatever that is needed to be done. He has been very honest to us so I don’t know what is happening”. She further denied having quarrel with the late husband, asserting that “Until I came to this place nobody told me that my husband is dead. I pray that God should intervene because I have never committed any crime before in my life. I want God to intervene in this matter. I have three boys for my husband, 17, 16 and 15 years”. In his confession, Pastor Ukachukwu whom Vanguard learnt has not been to their church, Land of Evidence Church along Airport Road Benin City, said he kicked against bringing the car to him by the deceased wife but decided to accept it when she insisted that she wanted to sow a seed. According to him “I have been a family Pastor and sometimes I pick their children from school. She called me and said that she wanted to give me a car to sow a seed in my church. When she even brought the car I asked her why she should bring the car in the middle of this crisis but she said her husband is worth more than any material thing that she can make any sacrifice for her husband. I changed the plate number because any gift for Pastors you have to change it in order to be able to drive the car”. CP Adebanjo said the duo would be charged to court for murder.

#Minister Of Works Wants Feedback On Federal Roads From You

This is an opportunity for you to communicate with him because he will see this. He needs feedback on Federal roads. He says they have done some major roads and he wants to know if you are satisfied with them or not. He also wants you to tell him, if you know any Federal road that needs urgent attention that is not already on their list. Find a short message from him to you below. Often times, been in a position of authority comes with its own set of challenges. A good example is the bureaucracy that shields leaders from realities on ground. Most times, a minister’s aide(s) might not be his best means of touching base. Hearing directly from the people, without exposing oneself to unnecessary distractions, is the sure way to see and feel what is going on. I want to hear directly from road users and patriotic Nigerians who desire to join hands with us to make our FEDERAL ROADS better than they are at present. Contd..


I have created an email account (feedbackmow@gmail.com) through which you can reach me directly to lay your complaints ,proffer suggestions or inform me on just about anything to do with FEDERAL ROADS. However, I will need the following favours: A. Is there a federal road that needs urgent attention? B. We have done some roads. Are they okay by you? (photographs attached) C. Are any of our contractors not living up to their responsibilities on the job? D. In what way do you think we can further improve and maintain the state federal roads in Nigeria? E. Kindly let us know any federal road we should be preparing to pay attention to that is not already on our list. I have received a number of awards, commendations and pats on the back for supposedly ‘a job well done’. I appreciate all of that but I am not swayed, deceived or disillusioned to believe that all is well with Federal roads all over Nigeria. In as much as any government (or minister, for that matter) cannot fix all Nigerian roads, I believe we can do our utmost best with the resources available to make life better, make a mark and be able to say before God and man that we did our best. I believe more than anything that qualitative change is possible if the leaders and the led are committed to it. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks. Honourable Minister of Works Mike Onolememem

#Kanye promises not to say anything negative about anyone for six months

\

In his latest rant during the last stop of his Yeezus Tour in Toronto on December 23, Kanye promised not to say anything negative about anyone or anything for at least six months...

Everything I'm saying that’s not allowed, soak it in right now. This might be the last time y’all hear me talk s*** for a long time. Might be another like 6 months, at least. You’re just gonna have to run back the interviews and sh*t if you wanna hear some realness! Contd....

"I’m gonna tell y’all right now that all of the ideas, what they call the rants the streams of consciousness that I express, I told y’all, save those tapes and everything because I’ve decided to completely focus everything in 2014, on new ideas and on creative outlets. I’m not [going to] ever bring up Nike again, and the only way I’ll bring them up is in a positive light … I’ll never bring up the Grammys again in a negative light, because I actually appreciate the 21 Grammys that I did win.”

"Because I’m not [trying] to be a dude that has all the opportunities in the world and only focuses on the negative, or complains about it, or just gets in some type of zone that just having to turn up all the time and sh*t. So I’m letting you all now that this is the last Yeezus show, and this is the last time you’ll ever hear me say negative about anyone.."

Amen! Hope he means it!

#"Why I converted to Islam'- former actress Vivian Metchie opens up

Recently divorced Nollywood actress Vivian Metchie says she recently adopted the Islamic faith because she found the Christian faith too confusing. Speaking with Yes! magazine on her conversion, Ms Metchie said it was a personal decision she had to take...

"Yeah it is personal. I understand the Koran more than the bible. All of a sudden, the Christian confusion was driving me nuts. My dad was catholic, my mum was Deeper Life, I married someone in the Redeemed Church and then all of a sudden, the few religions had something bad to say about each other. I just couldn't take it anymore. A friend of mine who is close to me said that once you are grounded on the word, it wont be confusing. Unfortunately, maybe I wasn't grounded in the word, but I still could see what I see. But in my quest and study and research, I don't know: I was probably looking for peace. Yeah! That was what I was looking for and I found it in the Koran".

The mother of 4 who has adopted Fareedah as her muslim name says her decision was well received and respected by her dad who has since stopped calling her by her native name and now calls her Fareedah.

Season's Greetings

Be sure 2 remember dat Jesus Christ is d only celebrant in dis fun-filled ocassion called Christmas. So, let every heart prepare him room. The Peace n Joy of d Lord be with u.

#Photos: Women groups protest against torture of Ejigbo women, petitions Lagos Assembly

Women advocacy groups today marched in protest against the violent torture and sodomization of two women at Ejigbo over alleged stealing of pepper. The Women Arise group presented horrible clip of the sodomy to participants during the protest and also presented copies of the video in Compact Disk to members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who were also handed a petition demanding investigation and justice for the affected women. Continue...

The protesters created a catchphrase/hashtag "#Ejigbo2" to popularize the incidence and specifically to constant follow-up to just end. Receiving the protesters, the Lagos House reps promised to move a motion today and set up a committee to immediately commence investigation into the incidence. The reps said chairman of the Ejigbo local government, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan; all the market women in Ejigbo central market as well as all concerned in the incidence will be called to the panel. Women Arise and other leaders of the protest will also be invited to the panel.

#Goodlife Festival 2013 wil hold December 27th @Fun Factory

On the 27th of December 2013, The first Goodlife Festival will be taking place at Funturf in Lekki

The festival is brought to you by le G.Life Entertainment. There will be a lot of activities such as musical performances from the finest new school artistes, Celebrity guest appearances, a VIP lounge with a fully stocked bar, snooker, plus music from the best Nigerian DJs in the world!!. A lot of free gifts are up for grabs in the raffle draw!

Also in the festival will be the most anticipated 6 a-side soccer tournament in Nigeria, “Goal 2013”. contd..

This tournament is popular for featuring the best, yet to be proffesional players in the country. This year, only 12 teams will be able to participate but we hope with your support, we will be able to accommodate more teams in the nearest future. Each team consist of 10 Players each. Cash Prize for the winner of the tournament!!!. Please find contact details to register a team as soon as possible.

GOODLIFE FESTIVAL presents a unique opportunity to have a lot of fun, mix with friends and unwind after a very long year.

DATE: 27th December 2013
VENUE: Fun Factory/ FunTurf, Off Admiralty Road, Lekki Phase 1.
TIME 10AM – 7PM
GATE FEE: 2500 Naira Before the Day of Event
           : 3000Naira On the Day of the Event

HIGHLIGHT OF GOODLIFE FESTIVAL!

> Musical Performances 
> Celebrity Guest Apearances
> GOAL 2013 (Soccer Tournament)
> VIP LOUNGE
> HIGHLY ACCLAIMED NIGERIAN DJs
> Raffle Draw
>So Much more.....

COME AND EXPERIENCE THE GOOODLIFE WE ALL DESERVE!
IT IS A GOOOOOOODDDLLLIIFFEEE CHRRISTMASS!!!!
For tickets to Goodlife Festivals, registration of team or other enquiries;
Email: thegoodlife_ent@yahoo.com
Number: +2348107077164 (Nigeria), +2348058376252 (Nigeria), +971562569172 (UAE),
         +447428136617 (England), +16132624545 (Canada)
BB Pin:  20C5EA7C, 7C390D36, 74798E54, 7600F0FF

Proudly Supported By: ForePlay Entertainment, Pet-Bamok&Company, Funturf,                                      Vivoc Group.

#EFCC Arrests Speaker of Kano House of Assembly, and 11 others

The EFCC Monday swooped on the Kano State House of Assembly and detained the Speaker of the House, Alh. Gambo Sallau, alongside principal officers in what the state government has described as a political assault on the state government following the mass defection of the State Governor, Engr. Rabiu Kwakwanso alongside several other key politicians in government positions to the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

Arrested alongside the Speaker are the Deputy Speaker, Isyaku Ali Danja, the Chief Whip, Deputy Chief Whip, Majority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader, Minority Leader, Deputy Minority Leader, Chairman House Committee on Appropriation, Chairman House Committee on Finance and Clerk of the House. Continue...

A statement by the Government of Kano State said it noted with utter disappointment and surprise, the arrest of the officials.

The statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations to the state governor, Halilu Ibrahim Dantiye, stated that the public officials were apparently arrested in connection with the budget amendment of 2013 of the State Government, which has already been signed into law  by the state governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

The statement added that the Speaker and his colleagues have only exercised their constitutional responsibilities of ensuring that budgets are properly articulated, to ensure probity and accountability in public expenditure, so that in the end, the citizens enjoy dividends of democracy.

“It is Chrystal clear that the above mentioned public officials were arrested by the EFCC on the orders from the above, because of the legislators’ defection to APC, in support of Governor Kwankwaso,” the government said, adding that “This action is obviously to intimidate and cow them into submission for choosing to move to the progressive fold. This action is not only despicable and absurd but also capable of igniting crisis in the polity, thereby breaching the relative peace that is being enjoyed in Kano state. It is regrettable that the EFCC is allowing itself to be a tool of witch-hunt in the hands of powers that be.”

THEWILL contacted the EFCC spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwajaren, to seek further information on why the officials were detained and the allegation of witch-hunt, he urged us to email our questions for a formal response.

Mr. Uwajaren’s had not responded to our questions as at the time of filing this report

# Vin Diesel shares F&F 7 release date and last scene shot with Paul

Vin diesel shared this photo above and said it was the last scene filmed with late Paul Walker.

"It was the last scene we filmed together. There was a unique sense of completion, of pride we shared... in the film we were now completing... the magic captured... and, in just how far we've come...," Vin Diesel wrote on his Facebook page

He then announced the release date for the seventh installment of the Fast and Furious franchise "Fast and Furious 7 will be released . . .April 10th 2015! P.s. He'd want you to know first" He wrote. Contd..

Fast and Furious 7 was originally slated for a July 2014 release, but because of Paul's sudden death, production was put on indefinite hold. Universal Pictures confirmed that Paul will appear in the latest sequel, using footage shot before he died.

Meanwhile TMZ reports that a group of fans are trying to rename the street he died on to 'Walker Rodas Memorial Parkway' but residents of the area have rejected the idea, saying Paul and his friend did nothing for their community and don't deserve to have the street named after them. The petition to re-name the street after Paul so far has over 2000 signatures.

#Photo:British Airways Jet crashes into building in South Africa

A Boeing 747 jet belonging to British Airways, yesterday Sunday Dec. 22nd crashed its right wing into an airport building inside the OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Pic above) 

The flight, which was on its way to London, veered off the taxiway as it headed to the runway and buried its right wing in the 2-storey brick structure, injuring four airport officials, Daily Mail reports. Contd..

A statement from the South African Civil Aviation Authority's (SACAA) preliminary report, said the aircraft was cleared for takeoff on Runway 03L but took a smaller runway.

'The air crew got instructions from the Air Traffic Control to taxi using taxi way B. The crew continued onto taxi way M which is narrower resulting in the aircraft impacting on an office building behind the SAA Technical hangers.

A spokesman for OR Tambo airport said the 17 Crew and 185 passengers who were in the aircraft escaped unharmed. They were evacuated from the aircraft and spent the night in a hotel.

#Obasanjo says he will not react to President Jonathan's letter

Former President Obasanjo says he will not react to President Jonathan's letter. He released a media statement today through his Media aide, Tunde Oladunjoye, saying he has accomplished his aim of bringing President Jonathan's attention to important national issues and has nothing else to say to him

The statement read,

“Since the publication of the letter written by the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, which was in response to the letter earlier written by revered former President Olusegun Obasanjo; we have received several requests from local & international media asking to know Chief Obasanjo’s reaction to Mr. President’s response. Contd..

“One, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, acknowledges Mr. President’s letter/response. However, Baba, as he already indicated in his December 2, 2013 letter, does not wish to make further comments beyond the contents of his last letter to Mr. President or react to the said letter/response from Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Let me quote from page fourteen, paragraph two of Chief Obasanjo’s letter to Mr. President dated December 2, 2013 and titledBefore It Is Too Late: 

‘I will maintain my serenity, because by this letter I have done my duty to you as I have always done, to your government, to the party, PDP, and to our country, Nigeria’.

“Two, let me reiterate here, that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR has tremendous respect for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo sincerely appreciates all of you, my cherished colleagues; gentlemen and women of the media profession, who have been very upright, ethical and robust on the subject matter.”

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#Deeper Life Kumuyi says Christmas is idolatrous, warns members against celebrating

The General Overseer of The Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor W.F Kumuyi warned his church members during their annual National December Convention which held on Saturday Dec 21st, against celebrating Christmas, because according to him it is idolatrous and unscriptural. Contd..

Kumuyi said;

“We don’t celebrate Christmas. It actually came from idolatrous background. That is why you don’t hear us sing what they call Christmas carol, Never! We always say it is the December retreat. We are only gathering together because it is the holiday period and love the lord more, and rededicate ourselves more.

“When you find anybody coming in, or any leader, trying to introduce the idolatry of mystery Babylon, that they call Christmas and you want to bring all the Christmas carol saying that is the day that Jesus was born, and you don’t find that in the Acts of the Apostles or in the early church, then you don’t find that in the church either.  If you don’t know that before, now you know.

Well, let's all try to respect other people's beliefs. Meanwhile, other Christian leaders have replied Kumuyi, saying Christmas is not idolatrous but biblical. Continue..

A Catholic priest, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, said

“I don’t know what he means by saying the practice of celebrating Christmas is wrong. Is he saying that Christ wasn’t born? That he didn’t come to die for us? Does he not celebrate his own birthday? Do Kumuyi’s pastors not celebrate him? It is not everything I react to; some people just seek attention. If Kumuyi is a Christian, then he must believe in Christ.

“The celebration of Christmas didn’t just start today; it is too public an event for anyone to say that they don’t know what it is about. “If Kumuyi is condemning the commercialisation of Christmas, I can understand that. Christ came to redeem us from our lost state; this was actualised through his coming, his birth; that is why we celebrate Christmas. It is the fulfilment of God’s promise.”

"Kumuyi is just saying what he feels; he is not making any doctrinal statement.”

#Ghen ghen! President Jonathan finally replies Obasanjo's letter

President Jonathan has finally replied former president Obasanjo's 18-page letter where he accused Jonathan of taking actions calculated at destroying Nigeria. President Jonathan's reply below...

His Excellency,
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR
Agbe L’Oba House, Quarry Road,
Ibara, Abeokuta.

RE: Before It Is Too Late

I wish to formally acknowledge your letter dated December 2, 2013 and other previous correspondence similar to it.

You will recall that all the letters were brought to me by hand. Although both of us discussed some of the issues in those letters, I had not, before now, seen the need for any formal reply since, to me, they contained advice from a former President to a serving President. Obviously, you felt differently because in your last letter, you complained about my not acknowledging or replying your previous letters. Continue...

It is with the greatest possible reluctance that I now write this reply. I am most uneasy about embarking on this unprecedented and unconventional form of open communication between me and a former leader of our country because I know that there are more acceptable and dignified means of doing so.

But I feel obliged to reply your letter for a number of reasons: one, you formally requested for a reply and not sending you one will be interpreted as ignoring a former President.

Secondly, Nigerians know the role you have played in my political life and given the unfortunate tone of your letter, clearly, the grapes have gone sour.  Therefore, my side of the story also needs to be told.

  

The third reason why I must reply you in writing is that your letter is clearly a threat to national security as it may deliberately or inadvertently set the stage for subversion. 

The fourth reason for this reply is that you raised very weighty issues, and since the letter has been made public, Nigerians are expressing legitimate concerns. A response from me therefore, becomes very necessary. 

The fifth reason is that this letter may appear in biographies and other books which political commentators on Nigeria’s contemporary politics may write. It is only proper for such publications to include my comments on the issues raised in your letter.

Sixthly, you are very unique in terms of the governance of this country. You were a military Head of State for three years and eight months, and an elected President for eight years. That means you have been the Head of Government of Nigeria for about twelve years. This must have, presumably, exposed you to a lot of information. Thus when you make a statement, there is the tendency for people to take it seriously.

The seventh reason is that the timing of your letter coincided with other vicious releases. The Speaker of the House of Representatives spoke of my “body language” encouraging corruption. A letter written to me by the CBN Governor alleging that NNPC, within a period of 19 months did not remit the sum of USD49.8 billion to the federation account, was also deliberately leaked to the public. 

The eighth reason is that it appears that your letter was designed to incite Nigerians from other geopolitical zones against me and also calculated to promote ethnic disharmony. Worse still, your letter was designed to instigate members of our Party, the PDP, against me. 

The ninth reason is that your letter conveys to me the feeling that landmines have been laid for me. Therefore, Nigerians need to have my response to the issues raised before the mines explode. 

The tenth and final reason why my reply is inevitable is that you have written similar letters and made public comments in reference to all former Presidents and Heads of Government starting from Alhaji Shehu Shagari and these have instigated different actions and reactions. The purpose and direction of your letter is distinctly ominous, and before it is too late, my clarifications on the issues need to be placed on record.

Let me now comment on the issues you raised. In commenting I wish to crave your indulgence to compare what is happening now to what took place before.  This, I believe, will enable Nigerians see things in better perspective because we must know where we are coming from so as to appreciate where we now are, and to allow us clearly map out where we are going.

You raised concerns about the security situation in the country. I assure you that I am fully aware of the responsibility of government for ensuring the security of the lives and property of citizens. My Administration is working assiduously to overcome current national security challenges, the seeds of which were sown under previous administrations.  There have been some setbacks; but certainly there have also been great successes in our efforts to overcome terrorism and insurgency.

Those who continue to down-play our successes in this regard, amongst whom you must now be numbered, appear to have conveniently forgotten the depths to which security in our country had plunged before now.

At a stage, almost the entire North-East of Nigeria was under siege by insurgents. Bombings of churches and public buildings in the North and the federal capital became an almost weekly occurrence. Our entire national security apparatus seemed nonplussed and unable to come to grips with the new threat posed by the berthing of terrorism on our shores.

But my administration has since brought that very unacceptable situation under significant control. We have overhauled our entire national security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, training, funding, logistical support to our armed forces and security agencies, and security collaboration with friendly countries with very visible and positive results.

The scope and impact of terrorist operations have been significantly reduced and efforts are underway to restore full normalcy to the most affected North Eastern region and initiate a post-crisis development agenda, including a special intervention programme to boost the region’s socio-economic progress.

In doing all this, we have kept our doors open for dialogue with the insurgents and their supporters through efforts such as the work of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and the Peaceful Resolution of the Security Challenges in the North-East. You also know that the Governor of Borno State provided the items you mentioned to me as carrots. Having done all this and more, it is interesting that you still accuse me of not acting on your hardly original recommendation that the carrot and stick option be deployed to solve the Boko Haram problem.

Your suggestion that we are pursuing a “war against violence without understanding the root causes of the violence and applying solutions to deal with all the underlying factors” is definitely misplaced because from the onset of this administration, we have been implementing a multifaceted strategy against militancy, insurgency and terrorism that includes poverty alleviation, economic development, education and social reforms.

Even though basic education is the constitutional responsibility of States, my administration has, as part of its efforts to address ignorance and poor education which have been identified as two of the factors responsible for making some of our youth easily available for use as cannon fodder by insurgents and terrorists, committed huge funds to the provision of modern basic education schools for the Almajiri in several Northern States. The Federal Government under my leadership has also set up nine additional universities in the Northern States and three in the Southern States in keeping with my belief that proper education is the surest way of emancipating and empowering our people.

More uncharitable persons may even see a touch of sanctimoniousness in your new belief in the carrot and stick approach to overcoming militancy and insurgency. You have always referred to how you hit Odi in Bayelsa State to curb militancy in the Niger Delta.  If the invasion of Odi by the Army was the stick, I did not see the corresponding carrot.  I was the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State then, and as I have always told you, the invasion of Odi did not solve any militancy problem but, to some extent, escalated it. If it had solved it, late President Yar’Adua would not have had to come up with the amnesty program. And while some elements of the problem may still be there, in general, the situation is reasonably better.

In terms of general insecurity in the country and particularly the crisis in the Niger Delta, 2007 was one of the worst periods in our history. You will recall three incidents that happened in 2007 which seemed to have been orchestrated to achieve sinister objectives.  Here in Abuja, a petrol tanker loaded with explosives was to be rammed into the INEC building. But luckily for the country, an electric pole stopped the tanker from hitting the INEC building.  It is clear that this incident was meant to exploit the general sense of insecurity in the nation at the time to achieve the aim of stopping the 2007 elections.  It is instructive that you, on a number of occasions, alluded to this fact.

When that incident failed, an armed group invaded Yenagoa one evening with the intent to assassinate me.  Luckily for me, they could not.  They again attacked and bombed my country home on a night when I was expected in the village. Fortunately, as God would have it, I did not make the trip.

I recall that immediately after both incidents, I got calls expressing the concern of Abuja.  But Baba, you know that despite the apparent concern of Abuja, no single arrest was ever made. I was then the Governor of Bayelsa State and the PDP Vice-Presidential candidate. The security people ordinarily should have unraveled the assassination attempt on me. 

You also raised the issues of kidnapping, piracy and armed robbery. These are issues all Nigerians, including me are very concerned about. While we will continue to do our utmost best to reduce all forms of criminality to the barest minimum in our country, it is just as well to remind you that the first major case of kidnapping for ransom took place around 2006. And the Boko Haram crisis dates back to 2002. Goodluck Jonathan was not the President of the country then. Also, armed robbery started in this country immediately after the civil war and since then, it has been a problem to all succeeding governments.  For a former Head of Government, who should know better, to present these problems as if they were creations of the Jonathan Administration is most uncharitable.  

Having said that, let me remind you of some of the things we have done to curb violent crime in the country. We have reorganized the Nigerian Police Force and appointed a more dynamic leadership to oversee its affairs. We have also improved its manpower levels as well as funding, training and logistical support.

We have also increased the surveillance capabilities of the Police and provided its air-wing with thrice the number of helicopters it had before the inception of the present administration. The National Civil Defence and Security Corps has been armed to make it a much more effective ally of the police and other security agencies in the war against violent crime. At both domestic and international levels, we are doing everything possible to curb the proliferation of the small arms and light weapons with which armed robberies, kidnappings and piracy are perpetrated. We have also enhanced security at our borders to curb cross-border crimes.

 We are aggressively addressing the challenge of crude oil theft in collaboration with the state Governors. In addition, the Federal Government has engaged the British and US governments for their support in the tracking of the proceeds from the purchase of stolen crude. Similarly, a regional Gulf of Guinea security strategy has been initiated to curb crude oil theft and piracy. 

Perhaps the most invidious accusation in your letter is the allegation that I have placed over one thousand Nigerians on a political watch list, and that I am training snipers and other militia to assassinate people. Baba, I don’t know where you got that from but you do me grave injustice in not only lending credence to such baseless rumours, but also publicizing it. You mentioned God seventeen times in your letter. Can you as a Christian hold the Bible and say that you truly believe this allegation?

The allegation of training snipers to assassinate political opponents is particularly incomprehensible to me. Since I started my political career as a Deputy Governor, I have never been associated with any form of political violence. I have been a President for over three years now, with a lot of challenges and opposition mainly from the high and mighty. There have certainly been cases of political assassination since the advent of our Fourth Republic, but as you well know, none of them occurred under my leadership.

Regarding the over one thousand people you say are on a political watch list, I urge you to kindly tell Nigerians who they are and what agencies of government are “watching” them. Your allegation that I am using security operatives to harass people is also baseless. Nigerians are waiting for your evidence of proof. That was an accusation made against previous administrations, including yours, but it is certainly not my style and will never be. Again, if you insist on the spurious claim that some of your relatives and friends are being harassed, I urge you to name them and tell Nigerians what agencies of my administration are harassing them.

I also find it difficult to believe that you will accuse me of assisting murderers, or assigning a presidential delegation to welcome a murderer. This is a most unconscionable and untrue allegation. It is incumbent on me to remind you that I am fully conscious of the dictates of my responsibilities to God and our dear nation. It is my hope that devious elements will not take advantage of your baseless allegation to engage in brazen and wanton assassination of high profile politicians as before, hiding under the alibi your “open letter” has provided for them.

Nevertheless, I have directed the security agencies and requested the National Human Rights Commission to carry out a thorough investigation of these criminal allegations and make their findings public.

That corruption is an issue in Nigeria is indisputable.  It has been with us for many years. You will recall that your kinsman, the renowned afro-beat maestro, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti famously sang about it during your first stint as Head of State. Sonny Okosun also sang about corruption. And as you may recall, a number of Army Generals were to be retired because of corruption before the Dimka coup.  Also, the late General Murtala Mohammed himself wanted to retire some top people in his cabinet on corruption-related issues before he was assassinated.  Even in this Fourth Republic, the Siemens and Halliburton scandals are well known.

The seed of corruption in this country was planted a long time ago, but we are doing all that we can to drastically reduce its debilitating effects on national development and progress. I have been strengthening the institutions established to fight corruption. I will not shield any government official or private individual involved in corruption, but I must follow due process in all that I do. And whenever clear cases of corruption or fraud have been established, my administration has always taken prompt action in keeping with the dictates of extant laws and procedures. You cannot claim to be unaware of the fact that several highly placed persons in our country, including sons of some of our party leaders are currently facing trial for their involvement in the celebrated subsidy scam affair. I can hardly be blamed if the wheels of justice still grind very slowly in our country, but we are doing our best to support and encourage the judiciary to quicken the pace of adjudication in cases of corruption.

Baba, I am amazed that with all the knowledge garnered from your many years at the highest level of governance in our country, you could still believe the spurious allegation contained in a letter written to me by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and surreptitiously obtained by you, alleging that USD49.8 billion, a sum equal to our entire national budget for two years, is “unaccounted for” by the NNPC. Since, as President, you also served for many years as Minister of Petroleum Resources, you very well know the workings of the corporation. It is therefore intriguing that you have made such an assertion. You made a lot of insinuations about oil theft, shady dealings at the NNPC and the NNPC not remitting the full proceeds of oil sales to the of CBN. Now that the main source of the allegations which you rehashed has publicly stated that he was “misconstrued”, perhaps you will find it in your heart to apologize for misleading unwary Nigerians and impugning the integrity of my administration on that score.

Your claim of “Atlantic Oil loading about 130, 000 barrels sold by Shell and managed on behalf of NPDC with no sale proceeds paid into the NPDC account” is also disjointed and baseless because no such arrangement as you described exists between Atlantic Oil and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company. NPDC currently produces about 138, 000 barrels of oil per day from over 7 producing assets. The Crude Oil Marketing Division (COMD) of the NNPC markets all of this production on behalf of NPDC with proceeds paid into NPDC account.

I am really shocked that with all avenues open to you as a former Head of State for the verification of any information you have received about state affairs, you chose to go public with allegations of “high corruption” without offering a shred of supporting evidence. One of your political “sons” similarly alleged recently that he told me of a minister who received a bribe of $250 Million from an oil company and I did nothing about it. He may have been playing from a shared script, but we have not heard from him again since he was challenged to name the minister involved and provide the evidence   to back his claim.  I urge you, in the same vein, to furnish me with the names, facts and figures of a single verifiable case of the “high corruption” which you say stinks all around my administration and see whether the corrective action you advocate does not follow promptly. And while you are at it, you may also wish to tell Nigerians the true story of questionable waivers of signature bonuses between 2000 and 2007.

While, by the Grace of God Almighty, I am the first President from a minority group, I am never unmindful of the fact that I was elected leader of the whole of Nigeria and I have always acted in the best interest of all Nigerians. You referred to the divisive actions and inflammatory utterances of some individuals from the South-South and asserted that I have done nothing to call them to order or distance myself from their ethnic chauvinism. Again that is very untrue. I am as committed to the unity of this country as any patriot can be and I have publicly declared on many occasions that no person who threatens other Nigerians or parts of the country is acting on my behalf.

It is very regrettable that in your letter, you seem to place sole responsibility for the ongoing intrigues and tensions in the PDP at my doorstep, and going on from that position, you direct all your appeals for a resolution at me. Baba, let us all be truthful to ourselves, God and posterity. At the heart of all the current troubles in our party and the larger polity is the unbridled jostling and positioning for personal or group advantage ahead of the 2015 general elections. The “bitterness, anger, mistrust, fear and deep suspicion” you wrote about all flow from this singular factor.

It is indeed very unfortunate that the seeming crisis in the party was instigated by a few senior members of the party, including you. But, as leader of the party, I will continue to do my best to unite it so that we can move forward with strength and unity of purpose. The PDP has always recovered from previous crises with renewed vigour and vitality. I am very optimistic that that will be the case again this time. The PDP will overcome any temporary setback, remain a strong party and even grow stronger.

Instigating people to cause problems and disaffection within the party is something that you are certainly familiar with. You will recall that founding fathers of the Party were frustrated out of the Party at a time.  Late Chief Sunday Awoniyi was pushed out, Late Chief Solomon Lar left and later came back, Chief Audu Ogbeh and Chief Tom Ikimi also left. Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo left and later came back. In 2005/2006, link-men were sent to take over party structures from PDP Governors in an unveiled attempt to undermine the state governors. In spite of that, the Governors did not leave the Party because nobody instigated and encouraged them to do so.

The charge that I was involved in anti-party activities in governorship elections in Edo, Ondo, Lagos, and Anambra States is also very unfortunate. I relate with all Governors irrespective of political party affiliation but I have not worked against the interest of the PDP.  What I have not done is to influence the electoral process to favour our Party. You were definitely never so inclined, since you openly boasted in your letter of how you supported Alhaji Shehu Shagari against Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe and others in the 1979 presidential elections while serving as a military Head of State. You and I clearly differ in this regard, because as the President of Nigeria, I believe it is my duty and responsibility to create a level playing field for all parties and all candidates.

Recalling how the PDP lost in states where we were very strong in 2003 and 2007 such as Edo, Ondo, Imo, Bauchi, Anambra, and Borno, longstanding members of our great party with good memory will also consider the charge of anti-party activities you made against me as misdirected and hugely hypocritical. It certainly was not Goodluck Jonathan’s “personal ambition or selfish interest” that caused the PDP to lose the governorship of Ogun State and all its senatorial seats in the last general elections.

You quoted me as saying that I have not told anybody that I will seek another term in office in 2015. You and your ambitious acolytes within the party have clearly decided to act on your conclusion that “only a fool will believe that statement” and embark on a virulent campaign to harass me out of an undeclared candidature for the 2015 presidential elections so as to pave the way for a successor anointed by you.

You will recall that you serially advised me that we should refrain from discussing the 2015 general elections for now so as not to distract elected public officials from urgent task of governance. While you have apparently moved away from that position, I am still of the considered opinion that it would have been best for us to do all that is necessary to refrain from heating up the polity at this time. Accordingly, I have already informed Nigerians that I will only speak on whether or not I will seek a second term when it is time for such declarations. Your claims about discussions I had with you, Governor Gabriel Suswam and others are wrong, but in keeping with my declared stance, I will reserve further comments until the appropriate time.

Your allegation that I asked half a dozen African Presidents to speak to you about my alleged ambition for 2015, is also untrue.  I have never requested any African President to discuss with you on my behalf.  In our discussion, I mentioned to you that four Presidents told me that they were concerned about the political situation in Nigeria and intended to talk to you about it.  So far, only three of them have confirmed to me that they have had any discussion with you. If I made such a request, why would I deny it?

The issue of Buruji Kashamu is one of those lies that should not be associated with a former President.  The allegation that I am imposing Kashamu on the South-West is most unfortunate and regrettable.  I do not even impose Party officials in my home state of Bayelsa and there is no zone in this country where I have imposed officials.  So why would I do so in the South West?  Baba, in the light of Buruji’s detailed public response to your “open letter”, it will be charitable for you to render an apology to Nigerians and I.

On the issue of investors being scared to come to Nigeria, economic dormancy, and stagnation, I will just refer you to FDI statistics from 2000 to 2013. Within the last three years, Nigeria has emerged as the preferred destination for investments in Africa, driven by successful government policies to attract foreign investors. For the second year running, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Investments (UNCTAD) has ranked Nigeria as the number one destination for investments in Africa, and as having the fourth highest returns in the world.

Today, Nigeria is holding 18 percent of all foreign investments in Africa and 60 percent of all foreign investments in the ECOWAS Sub-Region. Kindly note also that in the seven years between 2000 and 2007 when you were President, Nigeria attracted a total of $24.9 Billion in FDI.  As a result of our efforts which you disparage, the country has seen an FDI inflow of $25.7 Billion in just three years which is more than double the FDI that has gone to the second highest African destination. We have also maintained an annual national economic growth rate of close to seven per cent since the inception of this administration. What then, is the justification for your allegation of scared investors and economic dormancy?

Although it was not emphasized in your letter of December 2, 2013, you also conveyed, in previous correspondence, the impression that you were ignorant of the very notable achievements of my administration in the area of foreign relations. It is on record that under my leadership, Nigeria has played a key role in resolving the conflicts in Niger, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Guinea Bissau and others.

The unproductive rivalry that existed between Nigeria and some ECOWAS countries has also been ended under my watch and Nigeria now has better relations with all the ECOWAS countries.  At the African Union, we now have a Commissioner at the AU Commission after being without one for so long. We were in the United Nations Security Council for the 2010/2011 Session and we have been voted in again for the 2014/2015 Session. From independence to 2010, we were in the U.N. Security Council only three times but from 2010 to 2015, we will be there two times.

    

This did not happen by chance.  My Administration worked hard for it and we continue to maintain the best possible relations with all centres of global political and economic power. I find it hard therefore, to believe your assertions of untoward concern in the international community over the state of governance in Nigeria

With respect to the Brass and Olokola LNG projects, you may have forgotten that though you started these projects, Final Investment Decisions were never reached.  For your information, NNPC has not withdrawn from either the Olokola or the Brass LNG projects.

On the Rivers State Water Project, you were misled by your informant. The Federal Government under my watch has never directed or instructed the Africa Development Bank to put on hold any project to be executed in Rivers state or any other State within the Federation. The Rivers Water Project was not originally in the borrowing plan but it was included in April 2013 and appraised in May. Negotiations are ongoing with the AfDB.  I have no doubt that you are familiar with the entire process that prefaces the signing of a Subsidiary Loan Agreement as in this instance.

 Let me assure you and all Nigerians that I do not engage in negative political actions and will never, as President, oppress the people of a State or deprive them of much needed public services as a result of political disagreement

  

I have noted your comments on the proposed National Conference. Contrary to the insinuation in your letter, the proposed conference is aimed at bringing Nigerians together to resolve contentious national issues in a formal setting. This is a sure way of promoting greater national consensus and unity, and not a recipe for “disunity, confusion and chaos” as you alleged in your letter.

Having twice held the high office of President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I trust that you will understand that I cannot possibly find the time to offer a line-by-line response to all the accusations and allegations made in your letter while dealing with other pressing demands of office and more urgent affairs of state.

I have tried, however, to respond to only the most serious of the charges which question my sincerity, personal honour, and commitment to the oath which I have sworn, to always uphold and protect the interests of all Nigerians, and promote their well-being.

In closing, let me state that you have done me grave injustice with your public letter in which you wrongfully accused me of deceit, deception, dishonesty, incompetence, clannishness, divisiveness and insincerity, amongst other ills.

I have not, myself, ever claimed to be all-knowing or infallible, but I have never taken Nigeria or Nigerians for granted as you implied, and I will continue to do my utmost to steer our ship of state towards the brighter future to which we all aspire.

Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration and warm regards.

GOODLUCK  EBELE JONATHAN