War on terror: Nigerian Army confirms Boko Haram leader Shekau is dead

Click banner for more info

The Defence Headquarters has released a statement claiming to have killed a man posing as the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau (or his impersonator) in an attack (both land and air) in Konduga Borno state between 12nd to 17th September. See the statement after the jump... 

T.B. Joshua’s alleged bribe: The truth - written by journalist Simon Ateba

Click banner for more info

Simon Ateba is a reporter with PM News. In his piece, Ateba said as long as Nigerian journalists are not paid well, they will continue to accept 'bribe'. Read his thought provoking piece below...
People have been asking me, “Simon , were you at that press conference on 14 September where Prophet T.B. Joshua allegedly gave N50,000 to journalists to write a positive story on the building collapse that killed many people?”, my answer is always the same.

I was not at that event, I do not know if he gave a bribe, I do not know if it was N50,000, and cannot comment on it. But I do not feel better or more righteous in any way than those who might have collected anything, if money was given.‎
Continue..

Why I want to be President of Nigeria -Atiku

Click banner for more info

The former Vice President said the 2015 election was about Nigeria’s youth and the nation’s future.

He stressed that the nation under the current administration has failed to provide the required environment for the youth to reach their full potentials.  

Atiku said 

“It is inspiring that amidst difficulties and growing anxiety over the future of our country, our people have refused to succumb to despair and hopelessness.

“This never-say-die attitude gives me immense hope and it is one of the reasons why I can never give up on Nigeria.”

2015: We’ll stop candidates with criminal records, says IG

Click banner for more info

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has stated that the Police will stop candidates with criminal records from contesting in the 2015 general elections.

Abba who hinted that the Force would collaborate with the Department of State Security to carry out the task, added that he had made adequate arrangements for security for all activities leading to the elections, including party primaries, conventions, and campaigns by candidates.

Int’l Organizations Should Join Probe Into East Ukraine Mass Killings: Moscow

Click banner for more info

Russia wants international organizations to join an investigation into the deaths of civilians buried in a mass grave near the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, the Russian Foreign Ministry's human rights ombudsman Konstantin Dolgov said Wednesday.

"We have been trying to attract attention of inter-governmental and [non-governmental] human rights organizations to the reports about mass graves near Donetsk. We believe that they should make a practical contribution and ensure that this investigation is unbiased and effective," Dolgov said.

"The international community should insist on the inevitable punishment of those guilty of these crimes," he said on his Twitter account.

#FreeOurSoldiers: 'We won't plead for the 12 soldiers sentenced to death' - Senate

Click banner for more info

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Thompson Sekibo has said that members of the Senate will not be intervening on the death verdict handed to 12 soldiers for mutiny by a military court on September 16th.

Senator Sekibo who spoke with journalists after a closed-door meeting between the senate committee on Defence and the Service Chiefs at the National Assembly in Abuja yesterday September 23rd, said the verdict of the military court is meant to instill discipline into the military. 

Ambassador: Israeli, Palestianian Officials to Hold Next Round of Talks Late October

Click banner for more info

Fayed Mustafa, Palestinian Ambassador to Russia, has confirmed to our source that the next round of peace talks between the Palestinian Autonomy and Israel will be held late October.
"Yes, we confirm that a round of indirect talks between Palestine and Israel ended yesterday in Cairo. There was an agreement to resume talks in the second half of October," the ambassador said Wednesday.
The ambassador also stressed the importance of Palestinian president speaking at the UN General assembly on September 26.

Graphic Video: Destroyed ukrainian military column near Novozar'evka

Click banner for more info

APC lawmakers walk out of session in protest over $9.3m smuggled to SA

Click banner for more info

There was major drama in the House of Reps today September 23rd after APC lawmakers staged a walk out during a session in the House after a motion to debate the $9.3m smuggled into South Africa by two Nigerians on behalf of the Federal Govt on September 5th was denied by PDP lawmakers.

According to reports, the APC lawmakers had moved a motion through the the House Deputy Minority Leader, Ismaila Kawu to debate the matter on the floor of the House but the motion was stopped after a voice note called by the deputy speaker, Mr Emeka Ihedioha went in favor of the majority PDP members.

S’Africa shouldn’t return seized $9.3m yet – APC

Click banner for more info

The All Progressives Congress has said South African government should not return the $9.3m it seized from two Nigerians and an Israeli who were arrested by security agencies after the private jet on which they were travelling touched down in the country.

Following their arrest, the Federal Government said the money was meant for the purchase of arms for the prosecution of the ongoing war against terror but the South African government has threatened that the Federal Government may have to forfeit the money if proper explanations are not offered as to how such a huge amount of money was moved into the country in cash without the strict compliance with the relevant laws.
Continue..

Enugu Govt Declares Thursday as Public Holiday because of Pres. GEJ's Rally

Click banner for more info

On Thursday, September 25, markets, banks and schools in Enugu State won't open for business as a result of rally to be held in honour of President Goodluck Jonathan's reelection efforts. A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke, explained that the vacation “was allow Enugu State citizens and other residents to participate fully in the rally in honour of His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, organized by the Enugu State Movement for the Re-election of President Jonathan.” The rally will hold on Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu by 10:00 am. The statement also advised relevant authorities to observe the directive while urging Enugu citizens to honour the President by turning out en-masse at the rally.

US Court Closes Company Purporting to Offer Bitcoin Computers: Reports

Click banner for more info

A US court has shut down the Kansas-based company Butterfly Labs after accusing it of deceiving the public by promoting computers that purportedly mined bitcoins, The Guardian reported Tuesday.
"We often see that when a new and little-understood opportunity like Bitcoin presents itself, scammers will find ways to capitalize on the public's excitement and interest," Jessica Rich, director of the US Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection, was quoted by The Guardian as saying.
Continue..

President Assad Says Syria Supports International Anti-Terrorism Efforts: Reports

Click banner for more info

Syrian President Bashar Assad said Tuesday that his country continues to battle terrorism and supports all international efforts in that direction, according to Syrian state media.
"[Syria] supports any international effort to fight against terrorism," Assad said as quoted by Syria's state news agency SANA.

Speaking at a meeting with Iraqi National Security Adviser Faleh Fayad in Damascus, Assad noted that the success of anti-terrorism efforts is linked not only to military action, but also depends on commitment to international resolutions on the cessation of all forms of support to terrorist organizations.
Continue..

Pentagon Confirms Fifth-Generation Fighter Jets Used in Combat in Syria

Click banner for more info

The United States used F-22 fighter jets - fifth-generation aircraft - to make airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Syria on Tuesday, Gen. William Mayville, Joint Staff director of operations, said at a Pentagon briefing.
“This strike was the first time the F-22 was used in a combat role. The flight of the F-22s delivered GPS-guided munitions - precision munitions targeting only the right side of the building,” Mayville said.
Continue..

US Blocks Nigeria’s Purchase Of Chinook Helicopters From Israel

Click banner for more info

Concerns mount over double standards, US’ intent over Boko Haram

Efforts by the Nigerian military to procure US-made Chinook helicopters from Israel, to facilitate the movement of troops and the injured, have been blocked by the United States Government, THISDAY has learnt.
Continue..

Gen. Olukolade denies releasing any statement stating Chibok girls were released

Click banner for more info

  The Defence Headquarters spokesman, Gen Chris Olukolade has denied claims he issued a press statement earlier today confirming the release of some Chibok girls. See more tweets after the break...

Dictatorship In Cote D'Ivoire(Ivory Coast) Under The Regime of Allassane Outtara backed by Obama & FRANCOIS

Click banner for more info

HOLLANDE ( FRANCE)---The Western media and their governments trying hard to portray Allassane Ouattara as an "elected president in Cote d'Ivoire and trying his best to bring peace in the country" is a stabbing insult on Human Rights around the world. Since the coup d'Etat of France on April 11,2011 against the democratic government of President Laurent Gbagbo, and imposing Allassane Ouattara, his xenophobic/ tribal regime has carried a load of disregard to civil liberties, illegal detention sites and arbitrary arrests around the country. The pictures here of the prisoners are just a single salient facet of what is the illegal regime of Allassane Ouattara.
Continue after the break.

Syrian wars of proxy - Written by A professor

Click banner for more info

The Syrian war is not only a proxy war. There is a strong internal dimension to the war in Syria but it has been obscured by various layers and dimensions of outside intervention and agendas. The Syrian regime wants to stay in power at any cost while there was certainly a civil popular opposition in Syria when the uprising first began. 

Continue..

America's Plan B, and the Houthi fly in the ointment

Click banner for more info

by Mindfriedo

 

From the start of the conflict in Syria, one thing has been conspicuously absent: Balance, tit for tat, and eye for an eye. Hafiz Al Assad understood these concepts well. He kept his friends close and his enemies closer. The Israelis and the great powers understand balance, at least when dealing with equals. Bashar was overtly loyal to Iran and the resistance, he should have seen things coming. His father would have. The Saudi's failed bid to woo Syria was the harbinger to Syria's ills. 

 Continue..

Ex-Police boss kills self, wife & son in Ogun state

Click banner for more info

A retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sunday Isokpehi, who at one time served at the Lagos state police command anti-robbery squad, on Saturday September 20th, killed himself, his wife Gladys and their son at their Sango Ota, Ogun state residence after a heated argument with his wife.

According to reports, the former police boss and his wife began fighting when they returned home from a wedding on Saturday after he accused her of disgracing him at the wedding by getting drunk.

 Continue..