NIGERIAN TROOPS RELUCTANT TO ENGAGE BOKO HARAM - IDRISS DEBY

— Chad’s president, Idriss Déby, speaks in a soft mumble, wears spectacles and an immaculate white robe, and is to be found in the quiet inner recesses of a gilt-edged, marble presidential palace — under crystal chandeliers and vaulted arches that seem part Renaissance, part Vegas — at the dusty center of his country’s capital.

NIGERIANS TROOP OUT ENMASSE TO VOTE IN A CLOSE ELECTION

 — Nigeria has extended voting to Sunday after problems occurred as millions turned out Saturday to vote in a presidential election that analysts say is too close to call between President Goodluck Jonathan and former military dictator Muhammadu Buhari.

ONE SOLDIER, THREE OTHERS KILLED IN RIVERS

Three persons and a soldier have been reportedly killed as elections turned violent in Rivers state, Southsouth Nigeria on Saturday.

BUHARI SATISFIED WITH CONDUCT OF POLLS

The APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, on Saturday said he was satisfied with the conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections in the country in spite of hitches recorded in some states.

INEC EXTENDS VOTING TO SUNDAY

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed that elections should to Sunday in areas where the exercise has been marred by glitches.

JEGA; THE MAN OF THE MOMENT

As nearly 70 million Nigerians go to vote in the presidential elections tomorrow all the focus will rightly be on the conduct of the two main rivals president Goodluck Jonathan of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the challenger General Muhammadu Buhari of All Progressives Congress (APC)

WE ARE IN A RACE TO SAVE NIGERIA - BUHARI

The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari(retd.), has said he is not in the race for power or money.

FOR THE RECORDS; THE JONATHAN INTERVIEW

President Goodluck Jonathan speaks to TheCable on his chances in the March 28 presidential poll and why he thinks the opposition is overrated. Interview by Kayode Ogunbunmi, Editor-at-Large
TheCable: Are you in good shape for the presidential poll given the fact that APC has gathered momentum in the last two months?

I JOINED APC BECAUSE...- ONDO DEPUTY GOV

Ali Olanusi, the deputy governor of Ondo state, says he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) because the party offers “justice, fairness and equity”.

FOR THE RECORD; JONATHAN'S SPEECH ON ELECTIONS

NATIONAL BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR ON THE 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS,FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

PIPELINE CONTRACT WOULD BENEFIT COMMUNITIES - KUKU

The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Mr Kingsley Kuku, has said that the award of pipeline security contracts in the Niger Delta is a dream come.

NIGERIA'S FOREIGN RESERVE FELL UNDER 30 MILLION USD

The value of Nigeria’s external reserves, which has been on the downswing in the past few weeks, fell below the $30 billion mark to $29.865 billion as at March 25, 2015, according to latest Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) figures.

PVC IMPORTER ARRESTED BY DSS ON THE ORDER OF PRESIDENCY

The owner of the company ACT. Technologies Limited, Sani Musa, which printed the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) has been arrested by the officials of the Department of State Security (DSS).
No reason was given for his arrest.

PDP TO IBB; WE DIDNT DO IT!

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disassociated itself from anti-military documentary demonising top retired military personnel, which was erroneously described as the handiwork of ‘President Goodluck Jonathan’s men.’

OLUOMO SPEAKS ON OSHODI VIOLENCE

Oshodi Violence,MC Oluomo Speaks

Goodmrng my fellow Lagosians,I find it very imperative and urgent to quickly send this message to update u about the cruel,gansterism,uncivil and very absurd conduct of the PDP Thugs in Osodi this morning. We woke up to find this desperate hoodlums shooting,looting and vandalising people's property,led by Essy oluwo and co. I just sincerely want to bring this to the conciousness of the populace that this hoodlum would do anything to bring both my name and that of our great party APC into mud. I want to state that nobody has monopoly of violence, but my love for my people and that of Oshodi is upermost in my mind. I have instructed my followers and good pple of Oshodi to be calm,since the Nigerian police have come in to calm the situation.I request that Nigerian  press should do an independent investigation in Oshodi to find out and confirm the situation as I will not allow my name to be dragged in this as they earlier did. This is not the Lagos of our dream, no matter what,CHANGE is sure. MC Oluomo.

FG DENIES ANY MASS KIDNAPPING IN THE NORTH EAST

The government on Wednesday denied reports of a mass kidnapping in the country’s northeast, as Boko Haram militants flee a four-nation military offensive.

ARMY IN A SHOW OF FORCE AHEAD OF ELECTIONS

BARELY three days to the Presidential and National Assembly elections, there is significant military presence in some state capitals, The Guardian has learnt.

FG CLOSES BORDERS EFFECTIVE MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the closure of all land and sea borders.
The Ministry of Interior, in a release on Wednesday said the reason for this was Saturday’s presidential elections.

ALL LOCAL BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS MUST BE IN NAIRA - CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria on Tuesday warned schools, landlords and other business enterprises against demanding foreign currencies for the settlement of transactions carried out within the country.

OPC MEMBERS NOT FOR ELECTION MONITORING - GANI ADAMS

Saturday’s presidential election may have exposed a major crack within the rank of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, as the founder of the pan Yoruba group, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, and its National Coordinator, Otunba Gani Adams, have disagreed sharply over the role the group is expected to play during the election.

POLICE NABS 96 SUSPECTED CULTISTS IN RIVERS

Rivers Police Command made a haul of 96 suspected criminals, among them robbery suspects just back from operations while two persons were reportedly killed during a shoot out by armed youths in a shootout today, in Okposi, near Omoku, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, in a political-related clash.

GERMAN AIRLINER CRASHED WITH 148 PASSENGERS ON BOARD

A German airliner crashed near a ski resort in the French Alps on Tuesday with all 148 people on board pronounced dead, in one of the worst ever plane disasters in the country.

France’s transport minister said there were “no survivors” from the crash of the Germanwings Airbus A320, reports AFP.

COURT ORDERS NCC TO PAY N500M DAMAGES TO APC

A federal high court in Lagos has mandated the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) to pay N500 million to the All Progressives Congress for suspending the party’s presidential campaign fundraising platform.

EDITORIAL ; OBAFUNWA, FASHOLA AND THE LIMIT OF IMPOSITION

As an Alumnus and a parent of undergrads, I have never been so humiliated and embarrassed by the goings on in LASU as I have been for the last few days. And, believe me, there were instances in the last twenty five years since I graduated,

CDS LAUNCHES 30 GUNBOATS, DECLARES TOTAL WAR ON VANDALS

Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, on Tuesday warned criminals, who engaged in illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism and other oil-related thefts, to desist from the acts in their own interest.

DOCTORS IN FEDERAL EMPLOY JOINS LAGOS DOCTORS ON SOLIDARITY STRIKE

Eight days after doctors in the employment of Lagos State began an indefinite strike to protest alleged ill-treatment by their principal, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State, has ordered doctors in federal public hospitals to go on solidarity strike.

ABURI WAS A START, NOT AN AGREEMENT - GENERAL GOWON

Former Head-of-State, General Yakubu Gowon has insisted that parties to the Nigerian Civil War failed to reach a concrete agreement on their differences before returning to the country from Aburi, Ghana.

MOST MADE IN CHINA GOODS ARE SUB STANDARD- REPORT

From toy-shaped cigarette lighters to a short-circuting plush rabbit that catches fire, a European safety watchdog warned Monday of a growing number of dangerous products for sale, with most coming from China.
The watchdog said

NIGERIA NOW HAS A DEVELOPMENT BANK

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday in Abuja inaugurated the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) in furtherance of his administration’s desire to revolutionise small businesses in the country.

NO MORE POSTPONEMENTS - JONATHAN

President Goodluck Jonathan has assured Nigerians that the polls re-scheduled to hold on March 28 and April 11, 2015, would not be shifted again.

THE WORLD IS WATCHING - US, UK ON NIGERIA'S ELECTIONS

The United States and United Kingdom said on Sunday that the “global spotlight is firmly fixed” on Nigeria’s March 28 Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

GEJ DESERVES PRAISE FOR GIVING OPC CONTRACT- GANI ADAMS

The National Coordinator of a Yoruba group, Odua Peoples Congress, Gani Adams, says President Goodluck Jonathan deserves praise from members of the All Progressives Congress for approving a contract for the OPC to protect pipelines across the South-West.

TWO PDP BOT MEMBERS ENDORSE RIVAL APC CANDIDATE IN A-IBOM

Two Board of Trustees (BoT) members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah and Chief Don Etiebiet, have given reasons why they support the governorship candidate of the opposition party in the state, Obong Umana Okon Umana of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win the governorship race.

FOREIGN TROOPS BEG NIGERIAN SOLDIERS TO OCCUPY LIBERATED TOWNS

Chadian and Nigerien troops fighting Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East are reportedly begging their Nigerian counterparts to take over towns recaptured from the sect.

OPC SUPPORT FOR JONATHAN NOT BECAUSE OF...- GANI ADAMS

The National Coordinator, Oodua Peoples Congress, Chie Gfani Adams, has said that the group’s support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term bid is not because of the pipeline contract his organisation recently secured from the Federal Government.

APC SHARES PORTFOLIOS AHEAD OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

LEADERS of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were involved in marathon meetings throughout last week in Abuja in what was described as “last minute confidence-building exercise.”

EMIR SANUSI ERR IN HIS CONCLUSION - NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has condemned the latest claims of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the current Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, that the issues surrounding the missing $20bn oil money have not been adequately addressed by the Federal Government.

CAST YOUR VOTE AND GO HOME - IGP

Suleiman Abba, the inspector-general of police, is not disposed to the idea of staying to “protect” votes cast and has urged voters to go home after casting their votes next Saturday and on April 11.

US VP CALLS JONATHAN, BUHARI ON FORTHCOMING POLLS

The United States Vice President Joe Biden, has engaged President Goodluck Jonathan and All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, in discussions ahead of the March 28 presidential election.

CORRUPTION CONTINUES UNABATED UNDER JONATHAN- EMIR SANUSI

Immediate past governor of the Central bank of Nigeria and the reigning Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has alleged that massive corruption is still being perpetrated by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. This was as he stood by his earlier disclosure that $20 billion was missing from the account of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

ELECTION WOULD HOLD AS SCHEDULED - JEGA

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega has said the general elections will hold as rescheduled on Saturday next week.

THE PRESIDENT APPOINTS OGUNGBESAN TO REPLACE MASHI AT FIRS

President Goodluck Jonathan has removed the Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Alhaji Kabiru Mashi.

WE ARE READY BUT....- JEGA

Attahiru Jega, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says there are still a few security concerns hovering over the 2015 general election.

WE ARE MOPPING UP - ARMY CHIEF

The chief of army staff, Lt-Gen Kenneth Minimah, said yesterday that for the 2015 elections to hold in the North-East areas recently recovered by the military from insurgents, the structures of government and governance have to be reinstated in the areas

FEC APPROVES CONFAB REPORT

The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved the main report of the 2014 National Conference at a meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

FIRST BANK SUES LISTER OIL OVER N7.2 BILLION LOAN

A Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, has adjourned till Wednesday to settle the issue of legal representation among the lawyers involved in a suit filed by First Bank of Nigeria Limited against the company of the late businessman, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao’s Lister Oil Limited, to recover a loan of N7.2 billion

LAGOS APPEALS AGAINST SANITATION JUDGEMENT

The Lagos State Government is heading to the Appeal Court to challenge the judgment of the Federal High Court which cancel restriction of movement of people during the monthly environmental sanitation in Lagos.

TANKER EXPLODES.IN IKORODU, THREE DEAD

At least three people have been confirmed dead during an inferno that occurred when a petroleum tanker exploded on Tuesday morning in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, southwest Nigeria.

NA ABBA DECAMPS TO APC

Barely 48 hours after dumping the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Umar Ghali Na’Abba has joined the opposition All Progressives Congress.

GOVERNMENT SLASHES ELECTRICITY TARIFF BY HALF

Worried by the sufferings of millions of Nigerians occasioned by the astronomical increase in electricity tariff by the National Electricity Commission, NEC, President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered the regulatory body to review the tariff downwards with immediately effect.

SWISS BANKS TO RETURN 380 MILLION DOLLARS OF ABACHA'S LOOT

Switzerland will return to Nigeria some $380 million (360 million euros) linked to ex-dictator Sani Abacha, Geneva’s public prosecutor said Tuesday, adding that it was closing a 16-year case on the funds.

THE RESULT OF THE ELECTION WILL SHOCK NIGERIANS - TB JOSHUA

Nigerian cleric, Prophet T.B. Joshua, has said that the outcome of this ye

NO MIRACLES WITHOUT CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT- GANI ADAMS

The National Coor­dinator of the Odua Peoples Congress, Otunba Gani Ad­ams has said the presi­dential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muham­madu Buhari would not perform any miracle or magic regarding the myr­iad of challenges currently confronting the Nigerian nation, if voted into power.

THE ELECTIONS WOULD BE FREE AND FAIR- JEGA

The head of Nigeria’s electoral body said on Monday it was ready to conduct presidential and parliamentary elections in less than two weeks’ time, after the vote was delayed by security concerns.

YOBE IS NOW BOKO HARAM FREE - DEFENCE HQ

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters on Monday gleefully announced that the country’s troops had successfully pushed the Boko Haram insurgents away from the Yobe State.

EDITORIAL; THE CASABLANCA CONFUSION

THE CASABLANCA CONFUSION
I have always suspected that there is a big disconnect between the utopiatic bubble that the kitchen cabinet, or the inner circle, of President Jonathan's administration keeps the man in, and the reality of the situation in the real world.

FULANI HERDSMEN KILL 45 VILLAGERS IN BENUE

At least 45 villagers were killed in a dawn raid Sunday by suspected herdsmen in Nigeria’s central Benue state, a police spokesman and a legislator said.

APC IS HALLUCINATING - FANI KAYODE

The Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, PDPPCO, on Sunday dismissed the allegation by the All Progressives Congress, APC, that President Goodluck Jonathan was sponsoring ethnic militia to disrupt the 2015 general elections.

ARMY UNCOVERS BOMB MAKING FACTORY IN BUNI YADI

Nigeria’s military said on Friday that it had uncovered a Boko Haram bomb-making factory in the northeastern town of Buni Yadi after soldiers retook the town from the insurgents.
Islamist fighters captured the town in Yobe state in August last year as the group seized swathes of territory in the crisis-hit northeast.

MOROCOGATE; WE LIED - PRESIDENCY

Contrary to the assertions of officials of his Foreign Affairs Ministry, President Goodluck Jonathan said on Friday that he has neither spoken to or had conversations with King Mohammed VI of Morroco.

PHOTONEWS; JONATHAN VISITS THE AWUJALE

Awujale of Ijebuland in Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona r

LASU MARKS 20TH CONVOCATION WITH 6,885 GRADUANDS

Authorities of the Lagos State University (LASU) on Thursday said that 6, 885 graduates would take part in its 20th convocation, scheduled for March 19 to March 20.

INTERIM GOVT WAS MY IDEA, BUT...- IBB

Ibrahim Babangida, former military president, has distanced himself from the idea of pushing for another interim government, saying he introduced it in the past to enthrone democracy.
Describing the period he called the shots in the country as the best in life, he said he has seen it all as far as the country’s politics is concerned.

PDP GOVERNORS HAVE CONCEDED DEFEAT - OSHIOMOLE

The indefatigable governor of Edo state,Adams Oshiomhole on point on allegation by PDP governors of one-term of four-year pact to be served by presidential candidate,General Mohammodu Buhari

MORROCO RECALLS AMBASSADOR, DENIES CONVERSATION WITH JONATHAN

The Moroccan yesterday recalled its ambassador from Abuja, accusing the Nigerian government of using King Mohammed VI in an election campaign.

SENATE CLEARS EIGHT MINISTERIAL NOMINEES

The Senate, amidst tension, on Wednesday concluded the screening and confirmation of eight ministerial nominees including a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, despite resistance by members of the opposition All Progressives Congress.

ELECTIONS WOULD BE FREE AND FAIR - JEGA

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said on Wednesday that the commission would conduct free, fair and credible elections.

JONATHAN IN OGUN, TO MEET EGBA MONARCHS TODAY, AWUJALE TOMORROW

As the general elections draw nearer, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan is driving up his re-election campaign across the southwest region of the country.

TWIN BLASTS ROCK MAIDUGURI ON TUESDAY

Twin blasts rocked a market and a nearby commercial street in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria, on Tuesday, after attacks blamed on Boko Haram killed 58 in the city at the weekend, witnesses said.

JEGA MUST GO BECAUSE.....- GANI ADAMS

The head of the Odua Peoples Congress, OPC, Gani Adams, has called for the immediate sack of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Attahiru Jega.

I AM IN APC FOR LIFE - ATIKU

Former vice president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has stated categorically that he is a committed member of Nigeria’s main opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC).

HOLD JONATHAN TO HIS WORD - ABDULSALAMI

Former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, on Tuesday urged Nigerians to give President Goodluck Jonathan the benefit of doubt on his promise that general elections would hold as re-scheduled.

JONATHAN APPOINTS NEW CHAIRMAN FOR SURE-P

A new chairman has been been appointed for the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) by President Goodluck Jonathan.

FIRE OUTBREAK AT AIT'S LAGOS STUDIO

Tragedy was averted on Monday morning after fire engulfed the studio of the African Independent Television, Lagos State.

MESSI HAT TICK LIFTS BARCA TO THE TOP OF LA LIGA

Barcelona moved to the top of La Liga for the first time since early November as Lionel Messi struck his 32nd hat-trick for the club in a 6-1 thrashing of 10-man Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday handed Barca the chance to overtake the European champions and Luis Suarez wasted no time in taking advantage as he slotted home his sixth goal in as many games.

APC LODGED COMPLAINT AGAINST MRS JONATHAN AT ICC

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) has made a formal complaint against Mrs. Patience Jonathan, wife of Nigeria’s president, who during a rally in Calabar, Cross River State last week, called on PDP supporters to “stone” anyone who came to the state chanting change.

CHAD, NIGER MOVE AGAINST BOKO HARAM ON NIGERIAN SOIL

The armies of Niger and Chad on Sunday launched a major ground and air offensive against Islamist extremist group Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria, a source from the Niger government said.

INEC EXTENDS PVC COLLECTION TO MARCH 22

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has extended the distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), hitherto scheduled to end today, by two weeks.
I

BOKO HARAM; THE LAST STAND

Boko Haram fighters are massing at their headquarters in the northeast Nigerian town of Gwoza in preparation for a showdown with multinational forces,

APC HAS NO CHANGE TO OFFER NIGERIANS - GANI ADAMS

Otunba Gani Adams is the National Coordinator of O’odua Peoples Congress (OPC). In this interview with some journalists he speaks about the postponement of the forthcoming elections, criticism against Jonathan’s government and some other issues. SENIOR CORRESPONDENT, AUGUSTINE ADAH was there. Excerpts:

PHOTONEWS; JONATHAN AND THE OONI

President Goodluck Jonathan is not new to kneeling for prayers but this time it is not the general overseer of a church that is praying for the president, it is traditional blessings for Jonathan by traditional rulers at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuade.

SPECIAL REPORT; Q&A ON CARD READERS

Question 1: Why use Card Readers?

I.G. SETS UP SPECIAL INVESTIGATION UNIT ON ELECTORAL OFFENCES

To stem the tide of electoral violence that might beset the 2015 General Elections, the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has constituted a Special Investigation Unit For Electoral Offences.

PATIENCE JONATHAN IS A DISGRACE - DABIRI

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs has also described the wife of the president, Patience Jonathan as the worst First Lady Nigeria has ever had.

Card Reader: Large turnout at INEC’s pre-election trial

Prof. Attahiru Jega, INEC Chairman

There was a high turnout of registered voters at the pre-election trial of the card reader machines by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Niger on Saturday.

THREE BOMBS ROCK MAIDUGURI

Three bombings rocked separate targets in northeast Nigeria’s largest city of Maiduguri on Saturday, killing at least 33 people, witnesses and a local official told AFP, in violence blamed on Boko Haram

TINUBU V AIT; COURT GRANTS MOTION FOR ACCELERATED HEARING

In a motion Exparte filed before an Ikeja High Court on Friday March 6th 2015, the court granted an accelerated hearing for motion on notice in the case of defamatory and libelous documentary aired on DAAR Communications, AIT. The granted accelerated hearing comes up on Monday March 16, 2015.

WE FEAR CARD READERS BECAUSE...... - FAYOSE

The energy being dissipated by the All Progressive Congress in advocating for the use of card reader in the coming elections has been described as another sinister motive of the party to cause confusion during and after the election.

NIGERIA'S SITUATION IS WORRISOME - OBJ

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said West African countries and Britain are worried about developments in Nigeria.
He said this while addressing guests at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, on Thursday during the celebration of his 78th birthday and 2015 annual summit.

WE HAVE DESTROYED BOKO HARAM'S STRUCTURE - AIRFORCE CHIEF

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, said in Abuja on Thursday that the military operations in the insurgency ravaged region had totally destabilized and destroyed the Boko Haram strong hold by damaging its command and control in the area.