HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A GREAT AYAKOROMITE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BROTHER MY FRIEND - SALACO JR.

Birthdays give me an opportunity to brag on great people, who happen to also be wonderful friends and brothers too. Comr. Ebiayeibo Musa Preye is one of those very special people in my life. Most of all, he is a wonderful motivator, that most people simply don't know very well. As a person, I mean.

Snr. Comrade Ebiayeibo Musa Preye (Ijaw Youth Advocate)

Most people know Comr. Preye as Ayakoromite but he is so much more than that.  He is a motivator, excellent listener, a credentialed Advocate of Niger delta, a founding member of youth organizations, a leader of a youth organizations, a speaker, framer of social policy,social justice champion for those without a voice and intensively focused. 

There is something timeless about the friendship and brotherhood I share with Comr. Preye that I can’t even remember how things were before he were in my life and I can’t image how they would be without him. We’ve shared so many wonderful memories. 

His friendship has become a part of my life in so many beautiful ways. He is always there for me no matter what, giving me attention; reassuring me his shoulder to lean through tough times and sharing my joy and laughter throughout the good times. His special love and all his words of encouragement have been like food to my soul. I cherish the beautiful friendship he have shared with me. 

What a brighter world this would be if everyone had a friend like him. So today, on his Birthday, I wish him all the wonderful joy and happiness that his friendship brings to me plus long long life and prosperity Amen.

Happy Birthday  my Big Brother. Happy birthday Friend. Enjoy your day.

BISHOP OYADEPO TO PRESIDENT JONATHAN

BISHOP OYEDEPO TO GEJ “WE WILL OPEN THE GATE OF HELL ON THOSE WHO OPPOSE YOU”

President Goodluck Jonathan, today, January 25, 2015 visited the Winners Chapel Ministry of The Living Faith Church where Dr. David Oyedepo is the Presiding Bishop but in a dramatic event, what would be regarded as a shock to many went down during a service held at the Church’s head office in Ogun state.

Speaking in a sermon, Bishop David Oyedepo revealed that the gate of hell will be opened on those who vote the incumbent president (President Jonathan) out in the forthcoming 2015 presidential elections.

In his words; “We will open the gate of hell on those who oppose you”

The bishop further went to say;

“How did Nigeria get to this stage, from opening gate of hell, to militants threatening war, to Northerners threatening bloodshed?

“The frustrations confronting GEJ and his lackeys are understandable.

“We pray for them”.

2015: NIGER DELTA EX-MILITANTS REGROUP

Ex-Militants Regroup In Bayelsa, Threaten War If Jonathan Loses Election

group of ex-militants in the Niger Delta, led by Government Ekpemopulo (aka Tompolo), on Friday met in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, and threatened war over what they described as coordinated attacks on the campaign team of President Goodluck Jonathan in some Northern States. The group vowed to resort to violence and engage in armed confrontation with anyone or group plotting to derail Mr. Jonathan’s second term ambition.

NIGER DELTA MILITANTS

Those who attended the meeting, held at the Banquet Hall of the Bayelsa State Government House, included Kingsley Kuku, a special adviser to the president and chairman of the presidential amnesty program, Mujahid Asari Dokubo, Mr. Ekpemopulo, Victor Ben Ebikabowei (aka Boy Loaf), Eris Paul, also known as General Ogunboss, and Pastor Reuben. 

Addressing the gathering in Ijaw language, Mr. Ekpemopulo, better known by his nickname of Tompolo, said he would not dwell on the recent cases of intimidation and attacks on President Goodluck Jonathan, but called on the youths and the political figures from the region to forgive one another and forge a united front. “Let us unite and within seven days, you will see what will happen,” he said. 

The participants acknowledged that various issues had polarized members of the Ijaw ethnic group since Mr. Jonathan’s ascension as president, but they urged the youths of the region to work towards the re-election of President Jonathan in the February 14 presidential election.

Mr. Asari Dokubo, an unrepentant militant who has often invoked war if Mr. Jonathan was voted out, told the gathering that the recent stoning of President Goodluck Jonathan's campaign convoy by youths from some Northern States was an open declaration of war. “This action is calling the Niger Delta youths to war,” he said.

Mr. Dokubo added: “Every Niger Delta youth should go and prepare for war. For the past four days, I have not slept well nor have I had a change of clothing. I have not been to my house. This is the time. The Northern youths are trying to know how important you are. After this time, no one will play with us. After the 2015 [election], no governor will play with us. We are saying we will fight with anything and everything that we have. Ijaw people cannot continue to suffer while other people enjoy.”

In his speech, Victor Ben Ebikabowei, the former deputy commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), declared that his recent decision to resign from the administration of Governor Seriake Dickson as director general of the state’s Youths Development Center, was based on the anticipated “call to war.” “All of us are strategists. I am not a politician and no politician can I intimidate me. I resigned my appointment because I know this day will come,” he said.

He added: “They want to use the issue of insecurity along the waterways of the Niger Delta to keep us busy. And today, they are intimidating our own [Jonathan]. I am Boy Loaf. I have retired but not tired. I will go back to the creeks if possible. Whether they like it or not, President Goodluck Jonathan will win. Now that the oil is below $50 per barrel, they want to use Boko Haram to take power. If they take power, we will demand for all the years of benefiting from oil. Nobody can intimidate the Niger Delta. Gone are the days you [could] intimidate people with the rifle."

Mr. Kuku, who read the resolutions of the meeting, announced that the youths of the region had resolved to support the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan and would not take lightly any attacks on the campaign entourage of the president.

New sources: Sharareporters 

SALACO JR. ACKNOWLEDGE HON. EDUMOGIREN AUSTIN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES FROM SALACO JR. TO  HON. EDUMOGIREN AUSTIN 

Where do I start? I have known you for long time as a selfless, accommodative, social and sympathetic leader. So I have more dirt on you than many others might. As you turn plus one today, you tend to look at how many years you have left on this earth. You start to count down to the end. This birthday is a good time for reflection/introspection.

Hon, Edumogiren Austin

I admire your sense for a greater common good, building a better world for everyone (Ayakoromites). I see the passion you have for the worthy Ayakoromites. You do motivate me with your leadership trait and most especially you high my moral with courageous and inspired words.  

It’s indeed a great pleasure to share this special time with you. You are a tower of strength and insight. If Ayakoromo Federated Community can have more people like you, it indeed would be a much better place. Your selfless and tireless contribution as a leader also contribute to the present standard of Ayakoromo.

Through all the 26 years of my life i found you as a man of true wisdom and passion. You are one of my role model ever since I began to understand politics and leadership and I want to wish you the best one and that may the Lord richly Bless you Sir. You deserve nothing but the best. I admire you.

You are a living example that age does not mean you stop growing and enriching the lives of other people.

May you be a guidance and inspiration for all Ayakoromites and the world. I love you and pray for your health, happiness and all that your heart desires. 

Happy Happy Birthday Sir! Enjoy Your Day

NAIRA HITS #208

Naira Hits #208 To The Dollar At BDCs, Black Market

The Naira on Friday depreciated against the dollar as it traded at N208 from the N191.50 it sold for on Monday, Jan. 19.

The rate has made the naira to lose N16.50 within five days.

The CBN’s website, however, put the Naira against the dollar at N167.50, while the Pound sold for N253.20 and the Euro stood at N193.89S

The development has resulted into speculation in the market and caused ripple effects on other currencies.

A some Bureau De Change and Black Market operators in Lagos, said that they could not give rates to the Pound Sterling and the Euro.

Dealers who preferred anonymity said that there was scarcity of dollars in circulation.

They said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had stopped selling forex to the Bureaux De Change, since last year.

The dealers added that the recent review of trading positions for the forex trading positions of banks to 72 hours, also contributed to speculation in the system.

The effect, they added, was that the naira could depreciate further by next week.

The CBN in November 2014 devalued the Naira to N168 to the dollar.

NAN

IJAW LEADERS DECIDED

JONATHAN FOR SECOND TERM OR FORGET ABOUT ONE NIGERIA - LEADERSHIP OF IJAW NATION

The leadership of the Ijaw nation yesterday rose from a meeting held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, declaring that unless Jonathan was allowed a second term in office as, there will no longer be a “One Nigeria.”

Besides, the people also warned that any further attack on the President by hoodlums would be effectively retaliated.

This position was made known at a meeting facilitated by the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku in Yenagoa which had in attendance the state’s governor, Seriake Dickson, his deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah and top government officials.

The former Ijaw warlords at the meeting included Chief Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo; Alhaji Asari Dokubo; General Boyloaf and Gen. Young-Shall-Grow and almost all the Generals of the Niger Delta struggle.

In their speeches, they made it clear that since the oil produced on their land was the unifying factor that brings the nation together, they were ready to stop the oil from continuing to flow if the President is not allowed a second tenure.

Asari particularly charged the youth to be battle ready, “if need be, as nobody can frighten or intimidate us anymore.”

“There is power in Ijaw nation. We are going to war; everyone of us should go and purify himself,” he declared.

Also speaking, Boyloaf said: “There is one Nigeria only because our oil brings us together. Today, they are intimidating one of our own. I, Gen. Boyloaf, I am ready for them. We own the resources, yet they say we do not have the right to rule. Then, we must collect our oil back. If they say they want to take the power from us, then we will take our oil back. We are ready to match them bumper for bumper.”

Boyloaf insisted: “Gone are the days when you intimidate people with guns. We are ready. The Nigerian Army cannot police the pipelines from end to end.”

Summoning up the decisions of the leadership, Kuku made it clear that the Ijaw nation would no longer tolerate the continued attack on the President in the north, especially after the Ijaw people and nation had extend a hand of friendship to their son when his campaign train came to Bayelsa.

“We will not take lightly again what has been happening to the President in the North. We will no longer accept it anymore. For this country to remain united, they should treat our own as we have treated theirs,” he warned.

Speaking later, Dickson said he would take the message of the people to appropriate quarters, adding that he has a fair understanding of all the issues involved.

Nigeria Must Move Forward

Nigeria Must Move Forward – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday advised Nigerians to resist attempts by some people to frustrate the progress being recorded across the country.

He gave the advice while addressing the Benue State people at the Presidential Campaign rally in Makurdi.

“Some people are trying to push us backwards but they will never succeed.

“This country must move; we can no longer go backwards; we must move forward.

“ Nigeria must move forward. Forward ever, backward never.’’

The president said his administration would remain focused in its transformation with the provision of social infrastructure, quality education and respect for the attributes of every individual.

Jonathan said the prosperity of women and the youth remained paramount and the administration would continue to reposition the youth and women to attain their potential in the global arena.

“We have also started a presidential scholarship to train among youths those who will create opportunities for this country.

News source: Scannews

ASARI DOKUBOR WARN

KATSINA STONING: NIGER DELTA “WILL 

RETALIATE, SAYS DOKUBO ASARI

ABUJA – Leader of Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, NDPVF, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari Thursday reacted to the attack on the convoy of president Goodluck Jonathan by some irate youths in the state during a campaign rally on Tuesday, saying the Niger Delta would respond in due course.

Asari Dokubor

Asari also warned the Igbo and the members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC who currently reside in the north to return home as they would have themselves to be blamed should anything happen to them.

The NDPVF leader while addressing a press conference in Abuja faulted the Abuja peace accord entered into by President Jonathan and the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Mohammadu Buhari with 12 others, saying it was unnecessary.

Going into memory lane, Asari recalled that the north has always had the penchant for causing election violence.

“There is an established pattern of pre and post election violence in the north. In the 50s when late Awolowo was campaigning in the north, he went with helicopters and he was mocked. People said he was flying over the houses and peeping their wives. That has continued and everywhere in the country, people say leave them alone. We don’t want any trouble. But I think the game has changed. The rules of the game have changed.

“For every action, there will be an opposite and equal reaction. I knew that the signing of the accord was useless and that the president subjected himself to sign such an accord. For me, it was out of place for a president and commander in chief of the armed forces of a country. But the president is a humble person. He does things that even marvel some of us and make us sometimes to be very angry.

“To be frank, I was very angry on that day they were signing it. The president has sworn to protect the lives of every Nigerian. So, why would he after taking a constitutional oath subject himself to another oath?

“So what happened in Katsinah is not a surprise. But don’t be surprised. We are putting the world on notice that they have started first. When we reply, let no body talk. Because we are going to reply. We did not sign any accord with them. They did not sign. They are talking about about election violence now because they know that other people will respond.

“Before, they had the monopoly of violence, so nobody cared who died. Our lives were not valuable and they had all the latitude to wreck havoc and did what they liked. But the game has changed. Be bold enough to tell them that game has changed. If they slice our throat, we are going to slice your throat. They stoned the president, you will hear from us. That’s the answer.

“My concern is what happens after the election because we know they will do what they are known to do every time. But this time, they will cry. So all Igbo people who are there, if you don’t come back home and you want to continue to be there and something happens to you, there is nobody to be blamed. If you have a child who is a youth corper and you allow him to be there, you will not hold anybody responsible.”

Asari who was also the former President of Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, reiterated his stand on victory for president Jonathan, saying he would win the February polls.

“There is no way Goodluck will not win the election. We will win them and we know they are preparing for violence in consonance with some foreign powers. When they do that, we will respond disproportionately. We will respond. That’s what we are going to do. If you hit me with a stick, I am going to hit you with iron. I am not speaking in riddles. I am speaking in plain language. My English may not be very good. I am speaking in my own street language. We are going respond disproportionately and we are apologetic.

“The people who are in Katsinah who did not hold their children should also know that I will not hold my children”, he said.

Reminded that Buhari has repeatedly dissociated himself from violence, Asari said “He is a liar. This is the same man who said that the blood of monkeys and baboons will flow on the street. He sounded a note of warning in clear terms. Who are the monkeys and the baboons? He has not explained to us. So, for him now to say whatever he says, that is his business.They burnt president Jonathan’s campaign vehicles in Jos and they were singing “sai Buhari oyoyo”. Why is it that violence is always initiated by the people shouting his name?”

He however said that there would not be violence unless the north “asks” for one.

“I assure you, nothing will happen anywhere if they do not initiate violence. Did we ask them to stone the president yesterday? Do you want us to fold our arms so that they will kill him? Let them stop the violence. When they do, we will stop. A situation where Shakua will stand and say Niger Delta we are coming for you. Goodluck I am coming for you. You are a man and I am a man. We are going to look at each other eyeball to eyeball. You can shoot and I can shot. You can kill and I can kill. You can destroy and I can destroy.

“The question is not for me. It is for Buhari, el-Rufai, Shakua. They are the people you have to direct this question to. Go and ask Buhari why he allowed his people to stone the president and commander -in-chief in Katsinah. There must be balance of terror. One person does not have the prerogative to kill, main and destroy.

On the preparedness and readiness of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to conduct the polls, Asari said INEC was not ready. He however did not support the idea of postponing the elections

“From what INEC has done so far, it is not because of the violence, so many people have not collected their PVC. Look at the “ojoro”that is going on in INEC. Twenty of the twenty seven local governments in Borno are in the hands of Boko haram but more people have collected PVCs in Borno than in Abia state where there is no crisis.

“For me, let every person be allowed to vote without PVC. If we are going to use the PVC, then INEC is not ready. But I am not calling for the postponement of the election. We will win the election decisively. On the 14th of February, there will be “failbuhari” and will win decisively.”

On the saga trailing the academic qualification of Buhari, the Niger Delta activist challenged the presidential candidate to produce his WAEC certificate.

“A man rose to the rank of a General in the Nigeria army with a note from a principal that this man is in Form six, he will pass English, Mathematics, etcetera, he should be recruited and commissioned into the army. A year after this Mr. Saint deposited an affidavit that he has a WAEC result which has not been found. He said the military board has my result. Where on earth do you give your original certificate to your employers?” He asked.

Source:scannews

PONDI THE BURUTU POLITICAL GAME CHANGER

PONDI DECLARES "I AM THE MOST FAVOURED OF THE LORD"

Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi and Well-wishers 

A young vibrant, selfless and smart burutu political game changer, Rt. Hon.  Julius G. Pondi has express his gratitude to God and the entire people of burutu local government that work tireless for his political victory.

Rt. Hon. Julius G Pondi is the candidate for the People Democratic Party (PDP) house of representative burutu federal constituency seat in the forthcoming  general election in the country.

He declared and express his overwhelmed joy and happiness which he described as the "Most Favoured of the Lord" between late part of 2014 till date. He declared in front of large crowed of worshippers at church of God mission Ejiyere zonal headquarter in delta state yesterday.

The young political game changer couldn't hold is joy and happiness back as he begin to count his many blessings from the most high lord ranging from the birth of his first child (Master Pondi Tamarauogonokemi Seth) after six years of marriage just six days after his birthday in November 2014, his emergence as the winner of the PDP primaries in December 2014 and his successful receipt of party flag on Tuesday 13th January, 2015 at the oghara township stadium.

Hon. Julius Pondi  Celebrating  his flag @ Oghara Township Stadium

Pondi Snr and Pondi Jr

The church used the medium or opportunity to pray for the success of the forthcoming general elections and for Hon. Julius Pondi to remain victorious in his life time political race as led by Rev. Dr O J Agbara (Zonal coordinator Ejiyere zone)

Asypeters Info House blog gather that, the vibrant, selfless and patriotic young political game changer was accompanied by his family, campaign team, friends and other well wishers.

Culled from Hon. G. Pondi for House Reps

POPE FRANCIS TO MEN

Pope Tells Men: Listen to Women more

MANILA - Pope Francis said on Sunday men should listen to women's ideas more and not be male chauvinists.

The Argentine pope made impromptu remarks during a youth rally at a co-ed Catholic university in the Philippine capital, Manila, after he noted that four of the five people who addressed him on stage were male.

"There is only a small representation of females here, too little," he said, bringing laughter from the crowd.

"Women have much to tell us in today's society. At times we men are too 'machista,'" he said, using the Spanish term for male chauvinists.

"(We) don't allow room for women but women are capable of seeing things with a different angle from us, with a different eye. Women are able to pose questions that we men are not able to understand," he said to more applause.

He noted that it was a 12-year-old girl -- and not any of the four men -- who had posed the toughest question, asking why God allowed children to be abandoned..

He ended that part of his impromptu remarks with a joke: "So, when the next pope comes to Manila, let's please have more women among you."

Francis has said that, while the Roman Catholic Church's ban on women priests is definitive, he wants to appoint more nuns and other women to senior positions in the Vatican.

CLARK TO PDP

Obasanjo is corrupt, sack him – Clark tells PDP 

Chief Edwin Clark, a National leader of the Ijaws  and elder statesman, has called on the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to sack former President Olusegun Obasanjo from the party for being a corrupt leader, Punch reports. 

Chief E.K Clark

Speaking to journalists at his Abuja resident, Clark condemned Obasanjo for his recent relationship with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during this election period. He said Obasanjo is covering up for Buhari over the alleged N25bn by the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), which Buhari headed during the military government of the late Gen. Sanni Abacha.

 He said,.“Obasanjo is defending him (Buhari) because he wants APC to win. How much corruption have you found in Jonathan that you are calling him corrupt?” Clark observed that Muslims and Christians must live together in the country to hasten its development. DON'T WASTE MONEY! 

 He said, “What is wrong with PDP? That man (Obasanjo) should not be allowed to be in the party. You beg him all the time, (but) he has made up his mind. He gathered APC women to abuse President Jonathan. “If you’re saying that a man you dissolved his committee (PTF) and could not account for N25bn is not corrupt, (then) Buhari and Obasanjo are the same. 

They are in a marriage of convenience just to remove Jonathan (from office). “Because Obasanjo is corrupt, he doesn’t know what the definition of corruption is. There is big trouble in this country when corrupt people call others corrupt. 

Clark said he had no confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, alleging that its Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, was biased against the return of President Jonathan to office. “I have lost confidence in INEC.

 How can a university professor be so biased and not want Jonathan to return for second term? It is so disgraceful that he has allowed ethnicity and religion to take control of him,” Clark said. 

News source: Nigerian Mirror

PRESIDENT JONATHAN URGE WOMEN TO PARTICIPATE IN POLITICS

I Wish a Woman Becomes Nigeria’s President in My Lifetime – Jonathan President Goodluck 

Jonathan has expressed his desire to see a woman emerge as Nigeria’s president in the nearest future. He made this statement this at the Abakaliki township stadium during the presidential campaign rally staged by his campaign train where he used the opportunity to reject the buying and selling of votes. 

President Jonathan who promised to ensure that Ebonyi gets its share from the federal government wished that a woman emerge as the president of the country and state governors in his lifetime. He said his deliberate policy of appointing women into prominent positions was to expose them and prepare them for greater challenges.

According to the president buying and selling votes in the country’s electoral process had been taking place since 1960 but said that such cannot be allowed to continue and implored Nigerians, particularly the youths, not to trade their votes during the forthcoming election. 

The president observed that what has been happening since 1960 in the country is a situation whereby people have been “buying and selling votes.” He assured that his administration would continue to ensure that whatever was due to Ebonyi State was given to it, even as he observed that, since Ebony was created at same time as Bayelsa, the state had been suffering from certain development challenges.

News source: Nigerian Monitor

PRESIDENT JONATHAN HAS DELIVERED DIVIDENDS OF DEMOCRACY

THEIR IS NEED TO RE-ELECT PRESIDENT JONATHAN - KINGSLEY KUKU

The Special Adviser to the President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of Amnesty Programme, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, weekend, said there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.

Kuku said this  during an interactive session with newsmen organised by the Ondo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union Of Journalist in Akure.

He pointed out that not only has President Goodluck Jonathan performed well but “ the opposition is not formidable enough”.

The Special Adviser believed that “ Nigerians know very well that there is need to re-elect the president because he has delivered dividends of democracy”.

He went on: “For now, the Presidency is not vacant particularly that it is Buhari who is the contender. It can never be vacant. "How can it be vacant at a time so many countries are beginning to go intellectual with their leaders and with policies? We cannot go back.

“We have never seen a better man than Jonathan in this contest. That is the fortunate thing for him.
“He has done well and because God is truly with him, the person coming against him is a repetitive personality who wants to be president. But I know this is the last race he is going to run”.

The Special Adviser also said that the Amnesty Programme will not end this year as earlier planned. He pointed out that it will continue because over 2,000 ex-militants are still studying abroad and over 1,000 in Nigerian universities.

News source: Vanguardngr.....

BOKO HARAM

WEST AFRICAN LEADERS CONSIDER NEW STRATEGIES TO FIGHT BOKO HARAM SEC 

West African leaders are considering creating a military force to fight Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamist militants and will hold a regional summit next week to discuss the issue, Ghana's President John Mahama said on Friday.

Regional bloc Ecowas will seek the support of the African Union (AU) for its plans, said Mahama.

"Nigeria is taking military action and Cameroon is fighting Boko Haram, but I think we are increasingly getting to the point where probably a regional or a multinational force is coming into consideration," Mahama, who currently chairs Ecowas, told a news conference.

"It is what we want to discuss at the AU because, if that must happen, there must be a mandate to allow such a force to operate," he said.

Boko Haram militants have killed thousands of people in Nigeria in the last year as part of a campaign to establish an Islamist state in Nigeria. The group has also launched cross-border attacks into neighbouring Cameroon and Niger.

The group's fighters seized the military base and town of Baga, in Nigeria on the shores of Lake Chad, on 3 January. Baga was the headquarters of a multinational force with troops from Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

News source: news24

PLANE WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SUDDENLY SLIDE IN PHILIPPINES

PLANE  SKID OFF TACLOBAN RUNWAY

A plane carrying 15 people including top government officials skidded off the runway after trying to take off at Tacloban Airport past 1 p.m. Saturday.

According to the Presidential spokesman,Edwin Lacierda said strong winds forced the plane carrying Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Secretary Sonny Coloma, Undersecretary Manny Bautista and Undersecretary Felizardo Serapio, 8 other staff members and 3 crew members to overshoot the runway at Tacloban Airport.

"The aforementioned officials were on hand in Tacloban to ensure that the activities of Pope Francis in Tacloban and Palo would go as planned, he said.

He added: "All 15 passengers and crew members are all comfort safe and suffered no injuries. The families of those on board have also been assured that their loved ones are safe."

Lacierda said President Aquino was happy to hear that all on board were safe. He said the President directed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to investigate whether the proximate cause of the incident was weather-related or otherwise.

Congresswoman Josephine Veronique Lacson-Noel, one of the passengers of the plane, told ABS-CBN the plane's tire blew up as it was about to take off. Lacson-Noel is married to former An Waray Rep. Bem Noel.

The plane, a Bombardier jet, is currently on a grassy portion at the end of the runway at Tacloban Airport.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, who was on a separate plane, said his flight cannot take off since fire trucks are blocking the runway.

"We cannot take off because there is debris," he said.

DZMM reports said the rain has weakened but the wind has gotten stronger in the area.

The incident happened less than an hour after Pope Francis left the airport via a Philippine Airlines plane.

Asypeters Info House gather that, PAGASA earlier hoisted Storm Signal No. 2 over Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Samar and Leyte including Biliran due to Tropical Storm Amang.

FRANCE DEFEND FREEDOM OF SPEECH

France defends freedom of speech after violent protests

President Francois Hollande stressed on Saturday that France was committed to “freedom of expression” after fresh violence broke out in Niger at a rally against French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.

President Francois Hollande

Meanwhile, jittery European nations stepped up security in the wake of last week’s attacks in France that claimed 17 lives.

Belgium began deploying hundreds of armed troops to patrol the streets after security forces smashed a suspected Islamist “terrorist” cell planning to kill police officers.

And in London, authorities were mulling “further measures” to protect police “given some of the deliberate targeting of the police we have seen in a number of countries across Europe and the world,” said Mark Rowley, head of counter-terrorism for the British police.

British police officers, for the most part unarmed, might be equipped with taser guns as part of reinforced security measures, according to the local press.

Meanwhile, French and Belgian authorities were grilling suspected accomplices both of the Paris gunmen and the alleged “terrorist” cell raided in eastern Belgium.

News Source: PM news Nigeria

THE PRESENT NIGERIA POLITICAL SCENARIO

ROLE OF YOUTHS IN TODAY'S NIGERIA POLITICAL SCENARIO - SALACO JR

The youth has been described as the future generation leaders, which is going to lead the nation and the world.

Comr. Arerebo Salaco Yerinmene Peter's Jr.

They are encouraged by words like ‘leaders of tomorrow’. The world is in deep need of such people who hold the fervor of leading a nation or doing good deeds. In the present scenario of Nigeria, the nation is in deep need of intellectual youth. The present politicians on large are not suffice to lead the nation. Therefore, in order to develop the country, there’s an urgent need of youthful figures.

The young Nigerians have young blood, which can handle situations in a better way. According to the latest studies, youth are the ones who are aware of latest things, about which the old people may not be aware. The old saying, “slow and steady wins the race” has been replaced by, “fast and competent wins the race.”

Every person (youth) has his own ability. The new generation has many fine ideas of completing a task and has better leadership qualities, which many people don’t have. It is they who can take us out of the fix.

Young politicians need not have a political background. They need to have zeal and desire to serve the nation. It shouldn’t be on the basis of reservation quota. Neither layman should enter politics nor illiterates should enter it until and unless they understand what politics is all about. If backward groups have to be encouraged, it should be on the primary level.

It is pathetic that the today Nigeria youth is describing politics as a dirty game, which is not true. They are opting for professions like Doctors, Engineers, etc but hardly 1%-15% goes in politics. Why? Is it because they are reliable on our antiquated people who are holding antiquated thoughts and customs?

According to my father, Late Hon. Arerebo GoodGod Salaco Snr. "Politics means serving people and helping the backward communities to come forward and lead a better life"

Youth group like IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC), PEOPLE OF INTELLECTUAL VISIONS (PIVhouse) is not form to increase the unawareness or whatsoever but to aware the people that ‘yes, youth can do much more than what they expected them to do.’

If the youngsters don’t come up with new and better ideas, how will we progress? Won’t we be the same old people who don’t know what progress means?. Youth can handle it in a different way, as winners are not the ones who do different things but who do things differently. I’m sure they would have sought out some better and peaceful methods of taking people out of the dilemma.

Talking about the bomb blasts in various places in the northern part of Nigeria, it is the youth that is doing such impish act. In each and every corner of the city you’ll find two youth skirmishing with each other. Instead why don’t they opt in for good things? Why do they do all such things? Most probably because they hate peaceful areas and love to disgrace themselves. The funny accept of it is that, most of them (youths) are engineer or motivated by the so called desperate and selfless politicians for their political interest.

The current political scenario in Nigeria needs young blood to change the old political scenario into Youngistan!

By

Comr. Arerebo Salaco Yerinmene Peter's
New Generation Ijaw Youth Advocate  

EDUCATION

OGUN STATE SCHOOLS SHUT AS TEACHERS EMBARK ON STRIKE

Teachers in public primary and secondary schools in Ogun State have embarked on strike over failure of the state government to meet their demands.

The strike, which was called by the Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers and the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, has resulted in the shutting of primary and secondary schools in the state.

Speaking on the strike action, the secretary of the NUT in Ijebu-Ode, Mr. Olajide Ogunleye, said the action was in compliance with the unions’ directive as communicated to all chapters.

According to him, the state wing of the NUT had served the state government the notice of strike since January 9.

He said all efforts by NUT and ASUSS to ensure that the state government implemented the contents of the MoU it signed with the unions since 2013 failed.

He listed the demands of the teachers to include the reinstatement of 34 primary school teachers, who were advised to retire compulsorily in 2013.

“Other demands are on non-payment of some teachers’ salaries, non-payment of 2014 leave allowances and non-recognition of university degree holders in primary schools in Ogun among others,” he said.

News source: Daily Post (@twitter)

NIGERIA MILITARY CONDEMN CNN REPORT

Nigerian Military Dismisses CNN Report As Blackmail

The Nigerian military on Friday 15th, January 2015, dismissed the Cable News Network, CNN’s report on the army as another orchestrated campaign to smear its image.

Nigeria Military 

The post Nigerian Military Dismisses CNN Report As Blackmail appeared first on Channels Television....

The CNN had aired footage of interviews with individuals claiming to be Nigerian soldiers who said they were being frustrated in the fight against Boko Haram.

The Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade, said that the Nigerian armed forces are without doubt committed and focused on the ongoing fight against terror, calling the CNN report a blackmail.

General Olukolade said, “The CNN interview and report is an unfortunate effort to promote blackmail and smacks off an international conspiracy against Nigeria’s national security.”

The Nigerian military spokesman then gave a reassurance that Nigerian soldiers were working round to end and defeat insurgency in the north-east.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN ACHIEVEMENTS

7 Impressive Ways President Jonathan Fought corruption In Nigeria

By Anthony Obuegbe

These days, I hear people say that president Jonathan has done “nothing” to fight corruption in Nigeria.

When I hear this, 2 things come to my mind. It’s either…

1. They don’t know the truth or…

2. They are lying

For Nigeria to “beat” 8 countries to become the 136th most transparent country in the world is not accident. It happened for a reason.

Below are 7 things the Nigerian President did to reduce corruption…

1. 40 Years Of Corruption In The Agricultural Sector Ended Within 90 Days

Before President Jonathan (and his team) came on board, this was how fertilizers and seeds were distributed to government (and farmers)…

-Fertilizer and seed suppliers will collect money from the government

-Some bagged and supplied sands; others supplied under sized bags. Seed suppliers bought grains from the market and supply as seedlings.

As a result, their supplies were useless. They collected government money and supplied fake products.

To make matters worse, distribution was another problem.

If the government gives distributors fertilizers and seeds to share to farmers for free, they’ll sell it.

So how did President Jonathan solve the problem?

Common phone. Yes! COMMON PHONE. 

The federal government distributed e-wallet installed phones to farmers.

And how did these phones do the magic? Simple! Instead of getting supplies from the suppliers, the federal government pays the money directly into the farmers’ phone. The farmers buy the fertilizers themselves – after all, they know the original and fake fertilizers better – It’s their line of business.

The Result?

N50 billion Naira has been blocked from fertilizer money thieves.

Also, local farmers started producing in full capacity. As a result, Nigeria has saved more than N700 billion on food import.

Sources:
Punch - Phones Stop Corruption In Fertilizer Sector (http://www.punchng.com/business/professionals/phones-stop-corruption-in-fertilizer-sector-adeshina/)
The Nigerian Voice - President Jonathan Ended 40 Years Of Corruption In Agric. Sector (http://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/161309/1/president-jonathan-ended-40-years-of-corruption-in.html)
The Sun - Nigeria Loses N776bn To Corruption In Fertilizer Sector (http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=89294)

2. President Jonathan Organized The Freest, Fairest And Most Peaceful And Credible Elections EVER

“Electoral corruption is the mother of all corruptions”
– President GoodLuck Jonathan

When President Jonathan was sworn in as the acting president in 2010, he vowed to fight electoral corruption to a stand-still.

How did he go about it?

- He enacted electoral laws and guidelines that were beyond manipulation

- He created an electoral system that is manned by qualified, competent and efficient personnel

- He conducted free, fair and credible elections

The Result?

Governorship elections were acclaimed by both local and international observers and free, fair and credible in…

- Edo state
- Ondo state
- Anambra state
- Ekiti state
- Osun state

In these 5 elections, only 1 was won by the president’s party (A.k.a the ruling party), the PDP. The major opposition the APC won in 2 states and 2 other parties APGA and LP won the other 2.

As a result, the confidence of most Nigerians in the electoral process has increased dramatically.

No wonder more Nigerians are now interested in getting the permanent voters card.

Sources:
Today's Zaman - New Nigerian Leader Jonathan Sworn In, Pledges Electoral Reform (http://www.todayszaman.com/world_new-nigerian-leader-jonathan-sworn-in-pledges-electoral-reform_209542.html)
Point Blank News - President Goodluck Jonathan’s Administration’s War On Corruption (http://pointblanknews.com/pbn/press-releases/president-goodluck-jonathans-administrations-war-on-corruption/
Vanguard - Gains of electoral reformshttp://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/09/gains-electoral-reforms/

3. 60,000 “GHOST” Workers Exposed

Between 2007 – 2010, the federal government built a new system for paying salaries, the IPPIS system.

In 2012, President Jonathan (and his team) took it a step further. They used it to expose “ghost” workers.

By October 2014, they’ve discovered over 60,000.

For years, these fake workers has been collectively carting away N160 billion every year.

Impressively, the case has been transferred to ICPC for further investigation and prosecution.

Sources:
Leadership - FG Uncovers 60,000 Ghost Workers (http://leadership.ng/news/387811/fg-uncovers-60000-ghost-workers)


4. N1.4 Trillion Worth Of Public Sector Theft Blocked Through Import-Waiver Reforms

What’s import waiver? Simple!

It’s the tax (A.k.a import duty) that the government removes on economic boosting goods – goods that boost the economy. Eg. Raw materials, machinery and spare parts.

Before Jonathan (and his team) came in, corrupt public officers heavily abused this system. They gave and received waivers on unapproved goods. Between 2011 – 2013, over N1.4 Trillion was lost.

As a result, the importers whom the waiver was meant for hardly got it.

With the Jonathan reform in the sector, loopholes have been blocked.

Sources:
New Telegraph - Okonjo-Iweala: We Have Reformed Import Waiver System (http://newtelegraphonline.com/okonjo-iweala-we-have-reformed-import-waiver-system/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+newtelegraphonline%2FGKzz+%28New+Telegraph%29)
Punch - Import Waivers Granted By Past Govts Lopsided –Okonjo-Iweala (http://www.punchng.com/business/business-economy/import-waivers-granted-by-past-govts-lopsided-okonjo-iweala/)
Nigeria Intel - Reforming the import waiver regime (http://www.nigeriaintel.com/2014/01/31/reforming-the-import-waiver-regime/)

5. Stealing Money Through Government Contract Is Now Harder Than Ever

In 2007, the federal government made a law that made it difficult for government contractors to steal money. It is called the public procurement act.

As a result, they’ve (between 2009 – 2013) blocked N558 billion from getting to contract thieves.

They even went as far as fishing out 180 contract stealing companies. The case has been forwarded to the anti-corruption agencies.

Sources:
Premium Times - Nigerian Govt. Urges States To Replicate Procurement Laws (http://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/170883-nigerian-govt-urges-states-to-replicate-procurement-laws.html)

6. Ongoing Sanitization Of The Oil And Gas Sector Already Yielding Results

When President Jonathan came on board, he primarily focused on fighting corruption in 3 key areas…

- Electoral corruption
- Fertilizer distribution corruption
- Corruption in the oil and gas

So far, war on “electoral corruption” and “fertilizer distribution corruption” has recorded tremendous success.

But the oil and gas has been the hardest. Nevertheless, this is what he has achieved so far…

He exposed the biggest scam ever in Nigeria’s history.

In 2011, he told us (Nigerians) that there was huge corruption going on in the fuel subsidy sub-sector. So, he took the subsidy money and put it in places where it will yield more dividend.

Well, nobody understood him. So in January 2012, we all went on strike.

To prove his point, a probe panel was set up. What did they discover? USD6.8 Billion (N108.8 Billion) has been stolen in just 3 years.

[center]Let’s put things in perspective. What really is subsidy?

If a cup (Aka. De Rica) of garri is N300 and I pay N100 for you, then I’ve subsidized the garri – that’s garri subsidy.

What is subsidy scam?

If the garri seller sells 1 cup of garri to you and then lie to me that he sold 10 cups, that’s subsidy scam.
[/center]

The Result?

The subsidy money was used to create the sure-p programme. Below are the achievements so far…

- Used to support road construction.

As a result, 17,000km out of the 23,000 km of bad federal road completed. It’s just remaining 7,000 km and the entire federal road in Nigeria will become good.

- Support for maternal health

600 health centers (mostly in rural communities) already built – and equipped. 700 still under construction.

Consequentially, maternal death has been reduced by 60%. Half a million women now give birth under the care of trained midwives.

- Increased water access - Over 620 boreholes built nationwide.

- Supported the fight against unemployment

Sure-p has been helping in the struggle to get jobs for the 22 million unemployed Nigerian youths…

It’s been working with (and paying) 2,000 youths across the country.

3,000 graduates has gotten jobs under the “graduate internship scheme (GIS)”

5075 youths undergoing vocational training.


Furthermore…

He created and sponsored the most controversial bill in Nigeria’s history, the “Petroleum Industrial Bill (BIB)”

In 2008, the federal government created and sent the petroleum industrial bill (PIB) to the national assembly.

It is a bill that will block all the corruption loopholes – and solve every other problem – in the petroleum industry.

What happened to it? It was vehemently rejected. On 18th July 2012, President Jonathan resent the bill.

But up till now, legislation on the bill has not gone half way.

In May 2015(barely 4 months from now), this current national assembly will be dissolved. A new one will be set up and everybody will go back to square one.

Hmm… You never knew corruption could fight back? Now you do.

As if that is not enough…

He has commissioned – and never stood on the way of any – probe in almost every sector of the industry…

-Aig- Imoukhuede Presidential committee on verification and reconciliation of subsidy claims and payments

-Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force Committee

- The Dotun Suleiman committee

- The Kalu Idika Kalu committee

- The 20 Billion Naira Scam probe

- Etcetera…

Sources:
Nigerian Live TV - INCREDIBLE! Mr President and I are fighting corruption in the oil sector – Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke (https://www.facebook.com/NigeriaLiveTV/posts/502389779794311)
Vanguard - Jonathan Insists On Fuel Subsidy Removal (http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/03/jonathan-insists-on-fuel-subsidy-removal/)
One.org - FAQ: The Fuel Subsidy Protests In Nigeria (http://www.one.org/us/2012/02/08/faq-the-fuel-subsidy-protests-in-nigeria/)
Nigeria Politico - Fuel Subsidy $6.8 Billion Scam: Nigeria’s Biggest Corruption Scandal Ever (http://nigeriapolitico.com/fuelsubsidyscam.html)
The News - Appraising The Gains Of SURE-P (http://thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2014/06/24/appraising-the-gains-of-sure-p/)
African Arguments - Nigeria: Any Chance Of Progress On The Petroleum Industry Bill? (http://africanarguments.org/2014/06/19/nigeria-any-chance-of-progress-on-the-petroleum-industry-bill-by-malte-liewerscheidt/)
Mondaq - Nigeria: An Overview Of The Petroleum Industry Bill, 2012 (http://www.mondaq.com/x/289212/Oil+Gas+Electricity/An+Overview+Of+The+Petroleum+Industry+Bill+2012)
Point Blank News - President Goodluck Jonathan’s Administration’s War On Corruption (http://pointblanknews.com/pbn/press-releases/president-goodluck-jonathans-administrations-war-on-corruption/)


7. EFCC Has Prosecuted 427 Cases In 3 Years

The Jonathan led federal government strengthened the EFCC and allowed them do their job. As a result, 427 cases were prosecuted between 2012 – 2014.

The Result?

Fraud in Nigeria reduced from N495 billion to N300 billion. Hence, EFCC saved the country N195 billion.

Sadly, most of the successfully concluded cases are…

- Advanced fee frauds
- Internet frauds
- Commercial cases

Cases involving top government officials have dragged on for years.

The EFCC has blamed this on the Judiciary. These officers (and politicians) frustrate the process. They manipulate the judiciary with the wealth and influence they’ve acquired.

Unfortunately, the federal government (A.k.a the executive) has very limited power over the judiciary (the 3rd arm of government).

Despite that, President Jonathan has continued to use “advocacy” to push for the sanitization of the judiciary.

When he finally succeeds, then every Nigerian – including the very high and mighty – will become truly subject to the law, irrespective of who is president.

:Sources:

Vanguard - Why EFCC Can’t Convict Big Thieves – Lamorde (http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/11/why-efcc-cant-convict-big-thieves-lamorde/)

Daily Trust - EFCC Records 110 Convictions This Year (http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/daily/news/41655-efcc-records-110-convictions-this-year)

In Conclusion

President Jonathan’s approach to fighting corruption looks radically different.

He has focused on strengthening institutions and blocking loopholes in the system.Where possible, he used technology.

Funny enough, this is how Denmark, New Zealand and Finland (the 3 most transparent countries in the world) rooted out corruption from their country.

Please share this article on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/139867822782844/photos/a.535045489931740.1073741827.139867822782844/535045369931752/?type=1) or Re-Tweet. (https://twitter.com/Anthony_Obuegbe/status/554938418330087424) Your action may just open the eyes of one more Nigerian.