Honorable members at the House of Representatives have fixed next Wednesday to start impeachment proceedings against President Goodluck Jonathan.
It was gathered by Vanguard on Tuesday that the members of the lower chamber are on the same page with their Senate counterparts in their bid to impeach Jonathan, and that the process will began immediately it reconvenes next Wednesday.

www.naij.com/331696-reps-fix-date-to-start-impeachment-proceeding-against-gej.html

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria on Tuesday bowed to pressure by devaluing the naira from N155 to N168 to the US dollar.
The MPC tightened the apex bank’s monetary policy by allowing some flexibilities in the exchange rate to stem speculative activities and depletion of reserves.
The announcement was made by the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, while briefing journalists shortly after the MPC meeting at the bank’s headquarters in Abuja.
The bank also increased the Monetary Policy Rate from 12 per cent to 13 per cent.
The MPR is the anchor rate at which the CBN, in performing its role as lender of last resort, lends to Deposit Money Banks to boost liquidity in the banking system.
By this increase of 100 basis points in MPR, the cost of funds to the banking system from the apex bank has now increased thus, leading to an increase in lending rate from commercial banks to businesses.
Emefiele also said given the level of excess liquidity in the banking system, it becomes imperative for the CBN to address the sources of foreign exchange demand pressure.
To achieve this, it devalued the naira by moving the midpoint of the official window of the foreign exchange market from N155 to N168 to a dollar.
He added that the committee also approved a widening of the band around the midpoint by 200 basis points from +/-3 per cent to +/-5 per cent.
Another decision reached at the end of the two-day meeting, according to him, is an increase in the Cash Reserves Requirement on private sector deposits by 500 basis points from 15 per cent to 20 per cent with immediate effect.
The bank also retained the public sector CRR at its current level of 75 per cent; maintained the symmetric corridor of +/- 200 basis points around the MPR, retained both the public sector CRR at 75 per cent and the foreign exchange trading position at one per cent.
“The committee was of the opinion that the economy stood to gain by further tightening of monetary policy stance to anchor inflation expectations; and some flexibility in the exchange rate to stem speculative activities and depletion of reserves.
“Consequently, the Committee decided as follows; increase the MPR by 100 basis points from 12 to 13 per cent, increase the CRR on private sector deposits by 500 basis points from 15 per cent to 20 per cent with immediate effect; move the midpoint of the official window of the foreign exchange market from N155/US$ to N168/US$,” he said.
Naira devaluation
In devaluing the country’s currency, Emefiele said the committee considered the fact that the falling oil price had reduced the accretion to external reserves, thus constraining the ability of the bank to continually defend the naira and sustain the stability of the exchange rate.
He said while the supply side had been further weakened by the commencement of normalisation of monetary policy by the United States Federal Reserve following the termination of the third quantitative easing on October 29, 2014; the pressure from the demand side of the foreign exchange was aided mostly by the excess liquidity conditions in the banking system and speculative activities.
For instance, he said it had become increasingly worrisome that improvement in liquidity conditions in the banking system, which was designed to enhance the resilience and stability of the banking system, had not translated into increased credit expansion to the real sector to engender inclusive growth and boost employment.
Rather, he lamented that this liquidity had led to an upward pressure in the foreign exchange market and Standing Deposit Facility window of the Bank thus making deposit money banks to continue to exercise caution in their approach to lending.
The CBN governor said a banking system with an overly high profit motive negates the core tenets of banking and purpose of a banking licence, noting that under the current circumstance, monetary policy must be bold and emphatic.
He said, “The current situation demands that the Bank confronts the issue of declining external reserves head-on in order to strengthen the value of the domestic currency.
“Consequently, stabilising prices and maintaining exchange rate stability and charting a sustainable path for medium to long-term growth are the immediate top priorities.
“In the committee’s opinion, a more flexible naira in the face of non- existent fiscal buffers was the most viable policy option at a time of heightened demand pressure for foreign exchange and falling oil prices.
“The committee was, therefore, of the view that if it failed in taking the right policy actions now, the market would force the Bank to take more drastic actions in the future with far less foreign exchange reserves.
“Also, given the level of excess liquidity in the banking system, it becomes imperative for the Bank to address the sources of the foreign exchange demand pressure.”
The CBN governor called for a diversification of the economy, adding that Nigeria had no business importing rice, fruit juice and milk.
He lamented that the importation of these three products was putting intense pressure on the naira.
He said, “We have seen reserves pressures coming from $39bn to $36bn. It’s unfortunate that the pressures have come. But I think what could have been done, we could have taken measures to diversify our economy.
“There is a need for us to diversify. Why should we be importing rice? Why should we be importing fruit juice into the country? Why should we be importing milk?
“In fact, before I was born, milk was being imported. What rocket science do we need to produce milk. It is just for people to get committed and embrace agriculture.
“I must confess that at this stage, we don’t have a choice, we must have to embrace import substitution before we talk of export-oriented industrialisation.”
Fuel subsidy removal
The governor said the committee was of the view that the softening crude oil prices could provide necessary leverage for the fiscal authorities to reduce budgetary outlays on fuel subsidy and channel such savings to growth enhancing sectors of the economy.
He said, “The committee also noted that unlike in previous episodes, the current downturn in oil prices is not transitory but appears to be permanent; being a product of technological advancement.”
For instance, he said currently, the US which used to be Nigeria’s former major oil export destination now meets an average 80 per cent of its domestic oil demand from local shale oil retorting technology production.
The US, he revealed, also exports over eight million barrels of crude oil daily.
He said, “The committee took note of the supportive fiscal stance in this regard and public commitment to take advantage of the low oil price to reduce fuel subsidy spending and liberalise prices as in many emerging economies.
“Furthermore, the Committee expressed satisfaction with the recent demand management measures announced by the fiscal authorities to contain pressure in both the goods and money markets and provide some respite in the near term.”
$73 oil price benchmark too optimistic
In the light of declining oil prices, the CBN boss said the committee was of the view that the oil price benchmark of $73/barrel proposed in the 2015 Federal Government budget might be overly optimistic.
Emefiele said in view of the fact that prices of oil might further decline, there was the need for considerable caution on the budget’s revenue projections.
He argued that a weak public finance may impinge adversely on growth prospects as it might lead to reduction in critical public and private consumption and investment spending.
The CBN boss said, “People are not that optimistic that this drop will continue particularly given what is happening in the Middle East – the fact that for instance if Iran reaches its deal with the US and other stakeholders that it is negotiating with that the supply of crude into the market will further increase and this will further create further reduction in crude prices and will also have adverse consequences on the economy.
“That reason, we just feel that we need to put it on notice that the $73 per barrel that has been anchored for the benchmark for the budget looks good but not that pessimistic enough.
“I think it is good for you to be pessimistic because when you are pessimistic, you protect your downside rather than being optimistic and leave your downside open and when the risk eventually occurs, you find out that you have a problem.”
He noted that the CBN would work with the Federal Government to ensure that the austerity measures which were unfolded recently would not have negative effects on the people.
Emefiele said, “A couple of measures have no doubt been taken by the fiscal authority talking about the austerity measures, trying to look at other means by which we can raise our non oil revenues, imposing certain taxes on luxury items.
“ Nothing is too much in terms of contributing to keep the economy running well but I think that there are other measures that could be though about that would help the situation.
“We will work together to see how this tightening and the austerity measures do not get too hard on our people.”
Insecurity, a threat to growth outlook
On the growth outlook, the CBN governor said the committee noted the robust expansion in domestic output in the third quarter of 2014 against the tepid growth in the global economy, but cautioned that the continuing insurgency in the North-East in combination with other risks could adversely affect the growth outlook.
He stated that the growth had been anchored by the improved performance in services, agriculture, trade, and industry, and called for a passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill to unlock the potential of that sector of the economy.
Given the not too impressive fiscal revenue outlook, the committee, according to him, challenged the sub-national governments to seize opportunity in drop in revenue to reduce reliance on allocations from the Federation Account in funding their operations.
To this end, the committee commended the efforts of some states which recorded unprecedented growth in their Internally Generated Revenues in 2013.
Consequently, it enjoined other states to emulate those states by strengthening their IGR mechanisms with a view to minimising their reliance on FAAC allocations with attendant disruptions to their budget implementation arising from dwindling oil revenues.
However, he said the 2015 fiscal period would witness further tightening in money supply unless there is an improvement in the global economy.
Emefiele added, “For 2015, we would continue to monitor the situation. What I foresee is that the tightening measures will continue unless we see an improvement in the global economy particularly in the area of oil price where we are getting some vulnerability.
“But we will continue to monitor it but what I’m saying is that in 2015, we would continue in the path in terms of tightening.”

www.punchng.com/news/naira-devalued-now-168-to-the-us-dollar/

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria on Tuesday bowed to pressure by devaluing the naira from N155 to N168 to the US dollar.
The MPC tightened the apex bank’s monetary policy by allowing some flexibilities in the exchange rate to stem speculative activities and depletion of reserves.
The announcement was made by the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, while briefing journalists shortly after the MPC meeting at the bank’s headquarters in Abuja.
The bank also increased the Monetary Policy Rate from 12 per cent to 13 per cent.
The MPR is the anchor rate at which the CBN, in performing its role as lender of last resort, lends to Deposit Money Banks to boost liquidity in the banking system.
By this increase of 100 basis points in MPR, the cost of funds to the banking system from the apex bank has now increased thus, leading to an increase in lending rate from commercial banks to businesses.
Emefiele also said given the level of excess liquidity in the banking system, it becomes imperative for the CBN to address the sources of foreign exchange demand pressure.
To achieve this, it devalued the naira by moving the midpoint of the official window of the foreign exchange market from N155 to N168 to a dollar.
He added that the committee also approved a widening of the band around the midpoint by 200 basis points from +/-3 per cent to +/-5 per cent.
Another decision reached at the end of the two-day meeting, according to him, is an increase in the Cash Reserves Requirement on private sector deposits by 500 basis points from 15 per cent to 20 per cent with immediate effect.
The bank also retained the public sector CRR at its current level of 75 per cent; maintained the symmetric corridor of +/- 200 basis points around the MPR, retained both the public sector CRR at 75 per cent and the foreign exchange trading position at one per cent.
“The committee was of the opinion that the economy stood to gain by further tightening of monetary policy stance to anchor inflation expectations; and some flexibility in the exchange rate to stem speculative activities and depletion of reserves.
“Consequently, the Committee decided as follows; increase the MPR by 100 basis points from 12 to 13 per cent, increase the CRR on private sector deposits by 500 basis points from 15 per cent to 20 per cent with immediate effect; move the midpoint of the official window of the foreign exchange market from N155/US$ to N168/US$,” he said.
Naira devaluation
In devaluing the country’s currency, Emefiele said the committee considered the fact that the falling oil price had reduced the accretion to external reserves, thus constraining the ability of the bank to continually defend the naira and sustain the stability of the exchange rate.
He said while the supply side had been further weakened by the commencement of normalisation of monetary policy by the United States Federal Reserve following the termination of the third quantitative easing on October 29, 2014; the pressure from the demand side of the foreign exchange was aided mostly by the excess liquidity conditions in the banking system and speculative activities.
For instance, he said it had become increasingly worrisome that improvement in liquidity conditions in the banking system, which was designed to enhance the resilience and stability of the banking system, had not translated into increased credit expansion to the real sector to engender inclusive growth and boost employment.
Rather, he lamented that this liquidity had led to an upward pressure in the foreign exchange market and Standing Deposit Facility window of the Bank thus making deposit money banks to continue to exercise caution in their approach to lending.
The CBN governor said a banking system with an overly high profit motive negates the core tenets of banking and purpose of a banking licence, noting that under the current circumstance, monetary policy must be bold and emphatic.
He said, “The current situation demands that the Bank confronts the issue of declining external reserves head-on in order to strengthen the value of the domestic currency.
“Consequently, stabilising prices and maintaining exchange rate stability and charting a sustainable path for medium to long-term growth are the immediate top priorities.
“In the committee’s opinion, a more flexible naira in the face of non- existent fiscal buffers was the most viable policy option at a time of heightened demand pressure for foreign exchange and falling oil prices.
“The committee was, therefore, of the view that if it failed in taking the right policy actions now, the market would force the Bank to take more drastic actions in the future with far less foreign exchange reserves.
“Also, given the level of excess liquidity in the banking system, it becomes imperative for the Bank to address the sources of the foreign exchange demand pressure.”
The CBN governor called for a diversification of the economy, adding that Nigeria had no business importing rice, fruit juice and milk.
He lamented that the importation of these three products was putting intense pressure on the naira.
He said, “We have seen reserves pressures coming from $39bn to $36bn. It’s unfortunate that the pressures have come. But I think what could have been done, we could have taken measures to diversify our economy.
“There is a need for us to diversify. Why should we be importing rice? Why should we be importing fruit juice into the country? Why should we be importing milk?
“In fact, before I was born, milk was being imported. What rocket science do we need to produce milk. It is just for people to get committed and embrace agriculture.
“I must confess that at this stage, we don’t have a choice, we must have to embrace import substitution before we talk of export-oriented industrialisation.”
Fuel subsidy removal
The governor said the committee was of the view that the softening crude oil prices could provide necessary leverage for the fiscal authorities to reduce budgetary outlays on fuel subsidy and channel such savings to growth enhancing sectors of the economy.
He said, “The committee also noted that unlike in previous episodes, the current downturn in oil prices is not transitory but appears to be permanent; being a product of technological advancement.”
For instance, he said currently, the US which used to be Nigeria’s former major oil export destination now meets an average 80 per cent of its domestic oil demand from local shale oil retorting technology production.
The US, he revealed, also exports over eight million barrels of crude oil daily.
He said, “The committee took note of the supportive fiscal stance in this regard and public commitment to take advantage of the low oil price to reduce fuel subsidy spending and liberalise prices as in many emerging economies.
“Furthermore, the Committee expressed satisfaction with the recent demand management measures announced by the fiscal authorities to contain pressure in both the goods and money markets and provide some respite in the near term.”
$73 oil price benchmark too optimistic
In the light of declining oil prices, the CBN boss said the committee was of the view that the oil price benchmark of $73/barrel proposed in the 2015 Federal Government budget might be overly optimistic.
Emefiele said in view of the fact that prices of oil might further decline, there was the need for considerable caution on the budget’s revenue projections.
He argued that a weak public finance may impinge adversely on growth prospects as it might lead to reduction in critical public and private consumption and investment spending.
The CBN boss said, “People are not that optimistic that this drop will continue particularly given what is happening in the Middle East – the fact that for instance if Iran reaches its deal with the US and other stakeholders that it is negotiating with that the supply of crude into the market will further increase and this will further create further reduction in crude prices and will also have adverse consequences on the economy.
“That reason, we just feel that we need to put it on notice that the $73 per barrel that has been anchored for the benchmark for the budget looks good but not that pessimistic enough.
“I think it is good for you to be pessimistic because when you are pessimistic, you protect your downside rather than being optimistic and leave your downside open and when the risk eventually occurs, you find out that you have a problem.”
He noted that the CBN would work with the Federal Government to ensure that the austerity measures which were unfolded recently would not have negative effects on the people.
Emefiele said, “A couple of measures have no doubt been taken by the fiscal authority talking about the austerity measures, trying to look at other means by which we can raise our non oil revenues, imposing certain taxes on luxury items.
“ Nothing is too much in terms of contributing to keep the economy running well but I think that there are other measures that could be though about that would help the situation.
“We will work together to see how this tightening and the austerity measures do not get too hard on our people.”
Insecurity, a threat to growth outlook
On the growth outlook, the CBN governor said the committee noted the robust expansion in domestic output in the third quarter of 2014 against the tepid growth in the global economy, but cautioned that the continuing insurgency in the North-East in combination with other risks could adversely affect the growth outlook.
He stated that the growth had been anchored by the improved performance in services, agriculture, trade, and industry, and called for a passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill to unlock the potential of that sector of the economy.
Given the not too impressive fiscal revenue outlook, the committee, according to him, challenged the sub-national governments to seize opportunity in drop in revenue to reduce reliance on allocations from the Federation Account in funding their operations.
To this end, the committee commended the efforts of some states which recorded unprecedented growth in their Internally Generated Revenues in 2013.
Consequently, it enjoined other states to emulate those states by strengthening their IGR mechanisms with a view to minimising their reliance on FAAC allocations with attendant disruptions to their budget implementation arising from dwindling oil revenues.
However, he said the 2015 fiscal period would witness further tightening in money supply unless there is an improvement in the global economy.
Emefiele added, “For 2015, we would continue to monitor the situation. What I foresee is that the tightening measures will continue unless we see an improvement in the global economy particularly in the area of oil price where we are getting some vulnerability.
“But we will continue to monitor it but what I’m saying is that in 2015, we would continue in the path in terms of tightening.”

www.punchng.com/news/naira-devalued-now-168-to-the-us-dollar/

The total debt of the Federal Government, the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory rose from N8.32tn on September 30, 2013 to N10.84tn on September 30, 2014.
This means that the nation’s total debt stock rose by N2.52tn or 30.29 per cent within one year period.
Statistics obtained from the website of the Debt Management Office in Abuja on Monday indicated that the N8.32tn did not include the domestic debt of the states in 2013.
Details of the current debt status of the country showed that the external debts of both the federal and state governments stood at $9.52bn or N1.48tn.
As of September 30, the domestic debt stock of the Federal Government alone stood at $49.12bn or N7.65tn. The domestic debt of states, on the other hand, stood at $10.97bn or N1.71tn.
In comparison, the external debt of both the federal and state governments stood at N1.28tn (or $8.26bn) as of September 30, 2013. Also, the domestic debt of the Federal Government a year ago stood at N7.03tn.
Dissecting the Federal Government’s current domestic debt of N7.65tn by instruments, the Federal Government Bond contributed N4.6tn or 60.12 per cent to the profile; the Nigerian Treasury Bills contributed N2.74tn or 35.76 per cent while Treasury Bonds contributed N315.39bn or 4.12 per cent.
As of June 2014, out of a total external debt of $3.01bn owed by the states, the Lagos State Government owed $1.02bn.
Other major holders of the country’s external sub-national debts include Kaduna State which owes $245.51m and Cross River State, $120.21m. Others are Ogun $116.69m; Bauchi, $111.61m; and Oyo, $80.11m.
The states least exposed to foreign debts are Borno, $16.07m; Plateau, $22.99m; Taraba, $24.06m; Delta, $24.7m; and Benue, $28.79m.
However, in comparison to the nation’s total external indebtedness, the states owed 32.13 per cent; leaving the Federal Government with 67.87 per cent.
Loans from China Export Import Bank and monies raised from Eurobond accounted for $2.54bn of the Federal Government’s $6.36bn external debt while multilateral sources accounted for $3.82bn.
As of June 2013, the nation’s total external loan stood at $6.92bn. This means that over a period of one year, the country’s external debt rose by $2.46bn, showing 35.51 per cent increase.
The growth of the nation’s debt stock can be seen in the budget for debt servicing. The Federal Government plans to spend N2.08tn servicing the country’s debt within the next three years.
The figures for debt servicing as well as the county’s debt stock are contained in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper of the Federal Government.

www.punchng.com/news/national-debt-rises-to-n10-8tn/

comrChris:
Story for the osun gods
Just tell us you are having an affair with your husband brother
Who knows you may even be the one raping him

what are u insinuatingI quess u avent taken ur pills vhiz eveninq??

FLAWLES:
Op.........i don't tink i believe ur story...either ways...u ga2 tell ur husband+make sure u bite his PE.NIS b4 doing dat......for EVIDENCE

U wicked ooo...She should qo and bite his future?

ronald4lif:


Wow! Why resorting to insult, is that really the best line you can come up with?

........was not insulting yhu!

ronald4lif:


I have read this sometime before on FB, why claiming credit to it as though you know this person?

Ain't surprise with ur comment...cus I already am qona met some smellous like yHu ere#commenting tru my Glo 4G Lite#winks

DickDastardly:
Those days the NTA starts around 5pm with RAINBOW on its screen accompanied by the phiiiiiiiiiiiii sound!
Then they show some cartoon reruns and some other boring programmes. We still patiently wait till that time, that time when the old man with his flute on top of a tree appears accompanied by the sound tandadan dadandan tan tan tan

Spare us your tales by moonlight

Made up story

well u can take it anyway u like...Buh Must u comment?

I am in my mid 30′s successful, happily married with 2 kids, my husband loves me so much in fact I don’t think there’s any man like him.
He has a younger brother called Dele. We are very good friends even I do call him my younger brother he just finished his youth service and refused taking up any job on the ground that he has not find the one that suites him.
Of late Dele started coming to the house to demand money from my husband it got to a point that I said to myself this is becoming too much so I decided to have a chat with him thinking I could talk some sense into him.
After having a word with him he thanked me and said he was going to wait for my husband to arrive because he needed some money coincidentally when my husband arrived he said he has no money, Dele then left the house angry.
I tried calling him back to at least give him T-fare but he just walked away. The next day when my husband left for work and my children for school He showed up at the door on letting him in he started yelling at me calling me all sorts of name accusing me of preventing my husband from giving him money.
I tried explaining but he won’t listen, on leaving the house he said he will show me. That night I refused telling my husband just to avoid further tension between him and his brother.
To my surprise the following day he showed up again this time on opening the door for him he just pushed me, I staggered off my feet to the floor and got up. He went to the door and locked it up with the key when he came back he said he has come to show me.
I was terrified I pleaded with him again trying to explain but he pushed me again this time I fell on the couch, he came on me at this point I knew what he was up to, I tried fighting back butthe woman in me was just so weak, he finally had his way inside me and he ended up r@ping Me he didn’t even care despite the fact I was on my period, I felt so bad and dejected I wept but no way to fight back.
That evening when my husband came back he noticed I wasn’t feeling too well but I tried covering it all up because I don’t just know how to tell him about the incident.
Just last week Dele came again and this time the same thing happened again he r@ped Me for the second time, am so traumatized I don’t know what to do.
Should I tell my husband? What if he doesn’t believe it was r@pe? don’t you think my home will be destroyed?
Can someone please tell me how to at least stop this guy because I’m scared it will happen again for the third time.
Please I need your advise on how best to go about this.

A loud explosion suspected to be bomb blast has hit the Peoples Democratic Party secretariat in Calabar, Cross River State.
The incident, which happened at the PDP secretariat along the Murtala Mohammed Highway at about 5.30am on Monday, also affected several buildings within the vicinity.
Our correspondent, who visited the scene at about 6.30am, observed the high presence of heavily armed policemen and soldiers who barred taking of pictures.
Although no group has claimed responsibility, it should be noted that the secretariat had been under lock following controversies that trailed the November 1 wards delegate election.
However, one of the residents of the area, Joel Ogunlana, said he felt the effect of the blast in his building which is 300 metres away.
“I heard a loud bang and everywhere started shaking. I thought the house was going to collapse,” he said.
In the compound that shares the same fence with the secretariat from behind, several glass doors and windows were shattered.
Policemen rebuffed attempt to even speak with neighbours at that building as they threatened to unleash terror on our correspondent.
Some of the overzealous security personnel jumped over the fence with their guns and threatened to deal with our correspondent and smash his phone if he did not leave at once.
However, confirming the incident, the state chairman of the party, Mr John Okon, said “I understand they threw in a bomb or dynamite or something. The police are there and the anti-bomb squad are on the way. We would not be able to use the secretariat for the ward congresses. We would be using the Presidential Lodge. All the electoral officers are collecting their materials and going to the field. The windows and other things inside the office were destroyed.”
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Hogan Bassey, read, “Early today, 24th November at about 0535 hours, hoodlums who were unable to penetrate the heavily fortified secretariat by officers and men of the Command threw an explosive device from behind the premises into the building. The explosion only shattered some louvers on the ground floor. No life was lost and nobody sustained injury.”
Chief Fire Officer of the Quick Intervention Squad of the Emergency Response Centre, Ugbong Celestine, who arrived the secretariat at about 11am said he was called by his coordinator that there was a blast and fire and they came for rescue operations.
There was heavy presence of heavily armed security agents at the Presidential Lodge. Journalists were not allowed inside. The security agents said they were under strict instructions not to let anyone inside.
Reacting to the developments, Director-General of the Ndoma-Egba campaign organization, Mr Ernest Irek, said, “They are militarizing a simple thing as ward congresses and chasing away party members.”

www.nigerianeye.com/2014/11/bomb-blast-hits-cross-river-pdp.html?m=1

President Goodluck Jonathan has described himself as the best leader to be produced by Nigeria.
The President said no leader since the country gained independence in 1960 had done better than himself for the country.
He, therefore, said the comment made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in which the ex-President described Jonathan’s performance as below average, was untrue.
Jonathan said this in a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, in Abuja on Sunday.
Okupe’s statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to comments made by a former President of this country, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, regarding the performance of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
“Obasanjo had at an event over the weekend declared that he rated the President Goodluck Jonathan administration ‘below average’.
“We aver that Obasanjo’s comments are untrue, misleading and clearly do not tally with the facts on the ground.
“We therefore wish to assert without equivocation that in terms of performance and achievements, no administration since 1960 when Nigeria gained independence from Britain, has done as much as that of President Jonathan.”
He said that every discerning and unbiased Nigerian would definitely attest to this “as the evidence stare all of us in the face.”
Okupe, who had also worked with the former President while in office, added that contrary to Obasanjo’s position, the Federal Government under Jonathan had performed excellently given the prevailing circumstances and resources available to it.
He said while it was true that Nigeria had been faced with incidents of insurgency and terrorism, especially in the last few years, the Jonathan administration had successfully contained the initial widespread activities of the insurgents, which he said were prevalent in 12 states of the North, including the Federal Capital Territory.
He added, “While it is true that the present activities of the terrorists in the three north-eastern states have become more deadly in mindless killings, kidnappings and supposed territorial seizures, government has made giant diplomatic strides with our neighbouring countries in order to checkmate the crisscrossing of the insurgents.
“The military and other security agents, which have engaged the insurgents since inception, have done a great job in spite of recent challenges.
“The truth of the matter which we must know and accept is that we have an internal enemy supported by internal and external resources waging a major warfare against our nation.”

www.punchng.com/news/jonathan-to-obasanjo-im-nigerias-best-leader/

Robbers in Guinea have stolen blood samples believed to be infected with Ebola, the Red Cross in the West African nation has said.
The samples, stored in tightly wrapped vials tucked into a cooler bag, were in the care of a Red Cross courier who was among nine passengers sharing a taxi when three men on a motorbike robbed the vehicle and took the samples, said Saa Mamady Leno of the Red Cross in Gueckedou.
The robbers forced the passengers out of the vehicle on Wednesday, stole mobile phones, cash and jewelry, and fired into the air as they demanded the handover of the cooler bag, Leno said.
The courier was taking the blood samples on a 265km journey along winding rural roads from central Kankan prefecture to a test site in southern Gueckedou.
Faya Etienne Tolno, a spokesman for the Guinea Red Cross, said the aid group had a shortage of vehicles for transport, which explains why a taxi was used. No one was injured in the incident, which took place on a road known for banditry.
“We don’t understand why they stole the blood sample. Perhaps they thought there was cash hidden in the flask,” Tolno said.
Dr Barry Moumie, who heads patient care for the national Ebola response coordination committee, told the Associated Press news agency: “We have informed the security services. If these thieves handle this blood, it will be dangerous.”
Authorities publicly appealed on national radio on Friday to the unidentified robbers to hand over the samples.
Ebola, which has killed more than 5,000 people in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, is spread primarily by contact with infected bodily fluids including blood, faeces and vomit.
The virus emerged in Guinea at the start of the year and has infected around 1,900 Guineans, killing almost 1,200.

www.punchng.com/news/robbers-steal-ebola-blood-samples-in-guinea/

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and his Ekiti State counterpart, Governor Ayodele Fayose, on Thursday exchanged hot words over the state of the legislature in their respective states.
While Oshiomhole told Fayose not to drag his (Oshiomhole) name into the “political gangsterism that has become peculiar with the Ekiti State Governor,” the Ekiti governor said his Edo counterpart lacked the moral right to question developments in Ekiti when he had not managed well the crisis in his state legislature.
The Edo governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, said there was no crisis in the Edo State House of Assembly, and that 15 of the 24-member Assembly were members of the All Progressives Congress, while the other nine were of the Peoples Democratic Party.
He explained that out of the nine PDP members, three were on suspension while the seat of another member had been declared vacant.
But Fayose, who also reacted through his Special Adviser on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, on Thursday, insisted that Oshiomhole allegedly perpetrated illegality by shifting the sitting of the Edo Assembly to the Government House and that he should face the administration of his state and stop meddling in the affairs of Ekiti.
Okhiria’s statement read, “We find it utterly laughable and as the height of political childishness for the Ekiti State governor to hide behind his media aides and seek to drag the name of the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, into his crude gangster tactics, which he has re-introduced into Ekiti politics less than two months after assuming office.
“If the Ekiti governor is too lazy to read and too politically-illiterate to know what is happening in Edo State House of Assembly, we expected his psychedelic media aides to simply shut their loud mouths rather than behave like capering neophytes.
“Even a kindergarten knows that 15 is greater than 5. So if five PDP members decide to sit with three suspended members and another, whose seat was declared vacant, in a chamber which is undergoing renovation, then we can at best regard that as the height of crass legislative irresponsibility.
“It is ridiculous to even contemplate that the Ekiti governor and his media aides do not know that 15 is greater than five. For sure, they seem engrossed with their stomach infrastructure mantra, such a dubious contraption which can only be contrived by an ideologically-clueless and gluttonous administration.
“But for the kind of democracy we practice in Nigeria, where the PDP promotes and condones all manners of illegalities, inanities and shenanigans which have become the second nature of that party, Ayodele Fayose would have been cooling off his heels in gaol rather than brandishing the appellation of being a governor.
“We are thoroughly ashamed that Ekiti, hitherto known as the fountain of knowledge, is being reduced to a mindless bubble by a man running her affairs without a discernible direction like a drowning man clutching desperately at flotsam.”
Olayinka’s statement, sent toThe PUNCH, said in part, “Is it proper for a state House of Assembly to sit in the Government House? Should a state House of Assembly complex be put under lock and key for six months? And can actions taken at the sitting of a House of Assembly held inside the Edo State Government House be said to have the stamp of legality?
“Here we are with a supposed progressive comrade governor perpetuating illegalities in Edo State with lawmakers of his party, APC, sitting exclusively in the Government House where he resides with his wife and children; and instead of his aides to remove the timber in their boss’ eyes, they are getting concerned with the toothpicks in another person’s eyes.
The reality is that whether the APC lawmakers are 15 or 5, the lawmakers cannot sit anywhere else apart from the state House of Assembly. Or are they saying that the National Assembly can also relocate to Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos?
“It is our advice that Governor Adams Oshiomhole should solve the problems in the Edo State House of Assembly and stop meddling in the Ekiti State affairs because on June 21, 2014, the people elected their governor in person of Ayodele Fayose, and millions of APC evil machinations cannot stop him from governing Ekiti State for four years.”

www.punchng.com/news/assembly-crisis-oshiomhole-fayose-exchange-hot-words/

President Goodluck Jonathan and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, praised the nation’s police force Thursday after an attempt to force the speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, out of the National Assembly plunged the complex into chaos.
Speaking through a spokesperson, the president said the police were merely enforcing their “constitutional duty”to keep the peace, and that they acted independently.
The PDP lambasted Mr. Tambuwal and other lawmakers who forced their way through a police cordon, wondering what would have happened in the absence of security operatives.
“The whole scenario as we witnessed it is rather unfortunate,” Doyin Okupe, a presidential spokesperson, told reporters Thursday afternoon, hours after the siege.
“We wish that at all times national interest should supersede all other interests including personal and political interests,” he said.
Mr. Okupe defended the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, saying the police chief was doing his job by deploying scores of officers to the assembly.
Police raided the National Assembly early Thursday ahead of a crucial sitting at the House of Representatives.
The House had planned a session to discuss a request by Mr. Jonathan for an extension of the emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States- all three hit by a virulent insurgency by Boko Haram.
Officers mounted a blockade at the assembly, refusing to allow the speaker, Mr. Tambuwal, in, a move the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, said was aimed at unseating the speaker as punishment for defecting from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Police fired teargas after defiant lawmakers forced their way through three barricades and helped escort Mr. Tambuwal into the central building called the White House.
In an earlier statement, police denied any wrongdoing and said they acted on an “intelligence report” regarding a threat that could have undermined the security of the National Assembly.
The APC and the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, have called for sanctions against the police Inspector General, Suleiman Abba.
But the presidential spokesperson, Mr. Okupe, said the IGP did nothing wrong. He also denied that the police acted on the orders of the president.
“Once there is infraction in the law, the police has to come in and the IGP does not need to take permission from the presidency first. He acted in the discharge of his duty. The IGP did not invade the National Assembly,”Mr. Okupe said.
He said the government hopes the House of Representatives, which has adjourned, will sort out all outstanding issues and return to lawmaking.
“From government perspective,” Mr. Okupe said, “the overriding concern today is the issue of insurgency which necessitated the request by Mr. President that the National Assembly considers an extension of the State of Emergency to give the Security forces the needed legal framework and space for a successful prosecution of the war against Boko Haram terrorists.
“It is our hope that the Honourable members of the House of Representatives will use the period of adjournment to resolve all matters so that they can resume to deliberate and act on issues of national importance.”
After a brief session Thursday, the lawmakers rejected the request to extend the emergency rule in the northeast.
Separately, the PDP described as “embarrassing” the violence that broke out at the National Assembly, and blamed the lawmakers for it.
The party denied having a role in the police action. It also absolved the presidency of blame.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said in a statement that lawmakers “are responsible adults elected by their constituencies and wondered what would have happened if the law enforcement agencies were not there to maintain law and order”.
The PDP described the incident as unfortunate and cautioned that the legislature, being the nucleus of democracy, its members should be above board as Nigerians expect the best of behaviour from them.

www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/171592-jonathan-pdp-defend-police-blockade-national-assembly.html

Left is a notice posted on the students' notice board at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi Araba. The Dean of Student Affairs has officially banned the use of earphones on its premises as fromMonday, next week. Thought I should spread the message here in case some of you students haven't seen it yet! Lol

www.lindaikeji..nl/2014/11/funny-notice-to-luth-medical-students.html?m=1

Admin...Front Page please...

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There's currently heavy police and SSS presence at the National Assembly in Abuja as the House of Reps reconvene today to discuss the proposed state of Emergency extension in Yobe, Adamawa and Borno state. Some people are saying that the security operatives are there to deny the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, access into the complex. A lot of other lawmakers were also denied access into the complex. Some of them are pictured scaling the locked gates to enter the complex. A Rep member shared these photos on his Facebook page to let people know what's going on. See more photos after the cut...

www.lindaikeji..nl/2014/11/ghen-ghen-heavy-police-presence-at.html?m=1

Na real Divine Sorrow. Lol. So annoyed with what happened today!

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday told a gathering of the Peoples Democratic Party leaders in the Presidential Villa, Abuja that he hardly gets what he looks forward to in life.
Jonathan, who boasted that no party would defeat the PDP during the 2015 polls said sometimes, things that he did not think about are the ones he gets.
The President spoke while hosting members of the Presidential Declaration Committee led by a former Minister of Defence, Dr. Haliru Bello, to a luncheon.
The committee which he formally dissolved during the luncheon was the brains behind his formal declaration on November 11 in Abuja.
Jonathan said, “In my own life, the things I look for I hardly get. It’s what I don’t even think about that I get sometimes. I believe most of you will smile. But collectively, first and foremost, let us unite the party and work together for our collective victory.”
He advised PDP’s aspirants at all levels not to see their aspirations as a do-or-die affair because the world does not begin or end with the offices they are aspiring for.
The President said even if somebody blocked them from getting to the office, God might be preparing something better for them.
Jonathan disclosed that he was taking note of happenings in some states ahead of the elections and would compensate some aspirants.
He said, “Let me use this unique opportunity to plead with all of us who are aspiring for electoral offices that the world does not begin and end with the office you are looking for.
“Sometimes, you would be looking for an office, you may not be able to get it for one reason or the other. Let us say somebody blocked you, so be it, let somebody block you.
“But if God wants something better for you, even after that blocking, you will get something else.
“I plead with all of us that we should not play the do-or-die, except I get it, let the party sink. We are taking inventory of all what is happening in all the states and I promise that we will try and use as many people as possible.
“There are challenges in some states. People may deliberately block you. You may even be the best candidate in that particular constituency, but let us move ahead.”
Jonathan also boasted that he had yet to see any party that would beat the PDP in the elections.
He said while opposition parties would continue to “make noise,” they cannot beat the PDP, which according to him, does things differently.
The President added, “I’m yet to see those who can beat the PDP. They will continue to make the noise but they cannot beat us, because the gap between PDP and others is very wide.
“The way we do things and the way they do things are very different; the way we talk and the way they talk are very different; the way we reason and the way they reason are very different.
“Our commitment to transform this country and their thinking about Nigeria are very different. And I promise you my party men and women and indeed all Nigerians that with your support, collectively we must move this country to where we want it to be.
“Every day, every week and every month, we must add something; we must change and continue to change.”
Jonathan also thanked all party faithful for their support before his declaration, admitting that there had never been a time in the nation’s political history that there had been a lot of opposition coming up every day.
He said but for their support, his administration could not have achieved the little it had done.
Jonathan said with his endorsement by all organs of the party, he had become “a privileged aspirant.”
Despite the privilege however, Jonathan admitted that it was only after the party’s national convention that he could be referred to as a candidate.

www.www.punchng.com/news/i-hardly-get-what-i-want-in-life-says-jonathan/

LETS TEACH ONE ANOTHER
PLS INCLUDE YOUR TRIBE WHILE TELLING THE NAME

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For those who don't know, some American presidents have had the opportunity to have their own gardens within the White House though some didn't grow gardens, but Eleanor Roosevelt, Clinton and now, the Obama's have their gardens in the White House.
Michelle Obama started her own garden, which is the biggest White House kitchen garden so far, when her daughters Malia and Sasha were not receiving nutritious meals. They had been eating out a lot and the family's pediatrician recommended a diet change. This was revealed in Michelle Obama's book entitled "American Grown: The story of the White House Kitchen Garden".
This year, the kitchen garden, as it is called, for the first time included orange sweet potato, a root vegetable that is rich in vitamin A that most Nigerians and Africans are conversant with. The sweet potato was chosen to highlight its role in improving the nutrition and health of millions of children and women throughout Sub-Saharan Africa by providing this essential nutrient.
Under First Lady Michelle Obama, the White House kitchen garden has been expanded and reinvigorated to include a wide range of herbs, fruits, and vegetables. It serves to educate people, especially children, on the importance of good nutrition and the role that vegetables and fruits can play in improving health. The sweet potatoes that were planted in the garden were provided by North Carolina State University (NCSU) and include Covington, a variety developed at NCSU, and Beauregard, a variety developed at Louisiana State University.

Peter Okoye & Lola Omotayo Celebrate 1 Year Wedding Anniversary

Terry G is serious about being an entrepreneur as he delved into Sachet water business..He even said the demand is so high now and his challenge is getting more trucks..Way to Go

The Super Eagles Yesterday evening defeated their Congolese counterpart, the Red Devils, in a 2-0 match to get them closer to qualify for the 2015 African Cup of Nations holding next year.
The first half of the match ended 0-0 for both teams but the second half saw Nigeria’sIkechukwu UcheandAaron Samuelscoring a goal each to beat Congo.

i have problems with my old church…(girl gossiping stuff) so i started attending a new church and want to get to know this church and youth group. so i was wondering is it okay to attend more than one church?

When Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was governor of Bayelsa state & Goodluck Jonathan was his deputy. Photo credit: Ovation magazine.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has accepted the APC presidential nomination form purchased for him by some members of the House and “broad-based associates.”
The presentation took place at his Maitama residence in Abuja. Tambuwal said he would continue with consultation and give a final position soonest.
Details later…

www.punchng.com/news/tambuwal-accepts-apc-presidential-nomination-form/

Nigerian Army names of shortlisted candidates for 2014 regular intake (72RRI Zonal Screening) recruitment is slated for release on 13th November, 2014. The pre-screening exam result is to be released on this date. The step 7 on the Army recruitment website ( narecruitment.org) states that candidates should check the website on 13 November 2014 for the shortlist of successful candidates for the Zonal Screening Exercise.
Candidates that took part in the 72rri Pre-Screening examinationthat took place between Monday, 8th September and Monday, 27th October 2014 can check from this date if they have been shortlisted for the zonal screening exercise.
How to check Nigerian Army Shortlist for 2014 72RRi Zonal Screening
Candidates who took part in the pre-screening test and would like to see the shortlist of successful candidates are required to visit http://www.narecruitment.org/to check. You can then log in to check your result and see if you made the shortlist.
Zonal Screening Date, Venue and Schedule for 2014
Shortlisted candidates are expected to take part in the Nigerian Army 2014 zonal screening of on 15 November 2014 at the designated Zonal Centres for your state of origin. The page where you can access the zonal centers is not opening at the moment but we have a list of the Zonal centers used in July 2014 for 71RRI here.
You may want to check that to prepare your mind. If the Nigerian Army releases different zonal centers for the shortlisted candidates for the November 15th Zonal screening date, we would update you here.
Candidates selected at the Zonal Screening Exercise usually commence training immediately at The Depot, Nigerian Army, Zaria.

www.ngscholars.com/2014/11/nigerian-army-shortlisted-candidates-2014-72rri-zonal-screening/