OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

Dear President Buhari,

I hope you’re feeling better now. Me, my family and majority of the Benue people wish you a full recovery.

It breaks my heart to write this letter to you. My inward person is torn to tatters that it has come to this, but make no mistake it has come to it and I am left with no option but to express myself completely.

I am disappointed, nay disgusted by the apathy at which you have approached the crisis in the middle belt. The refusal to acknowledge it and the false sense of principle that seems to be driving it. I refuse to accept any reason even if it is refusal to generalize that the culprits are allegedly Fulani that keeps you from condemning these attacks. This is because by no stretch of anyone’s imagination can political correctness be worth more than the lives of your own citizens. This letter, I promise will spare no attempt to call a spade a spade and I will not embellish one iota of thought in it. Every life that is lost is already one life too many, hence I simply cannot afford to mince words.

I would like to point out to you that you campaigned on the auspices of providing security, if that security isn’t guaranteed for the defenseless farmers of the middle belt then it implies that we are either second class citizens not worthy of the resources at your disposal perhaps?

You began your administration with a well worded speech and we all assumed finally a man who will move beyond rhetoric, how wrong we were. Oh, how wrong. Your government has not only allowed such blatant crime to go unpunished, you have all but refused to even acknowledge the plight of the victims.

To think you were the same man who wore the Tiv and Idoma traditional colours and campaigned in our streets amidst chants of “Change! Change!” is simply unfathomable at this point. I will say this, you do not deserve to be clothed in our colours if you will turn your back on us when we needed your protection the most. Mr President, no crime is greater than yours in this string of events, for the culprits made no pledge to protect life and property; but you swore before God and man to do all within your power to protect the poor, innocent, defenseless people of Nigeria and one part burns under the hands of notorious criminals that have been rated as being the fourth deadliest terror group in the world and you do nothing. If this is the best you spoke of, kindly do everyone a favour and resign so more competent hands can come in and keep my people safe. This is not a request sir, this is a demand as a Nigerian and your employer. I see no reason why we should continue to spend money for your treatment, security, dedicate tons of hours, manpower, exotic security cars and intelligence to keep you safe if citizens who have every right as much as you to be alive are being slaughtered in their own homes. I see NO REASON WHATSOEVER.

I write this with tears in my eyes, over the irreparable damage this crises has caused. The economic loss if quantified will no doubt be in billions of dollars. I know of farmers who can no longer get the same value for their product. I know of people whose land has lost value simply because it is located in the epicenter of the raging war. I know people who planned to invest in hospitality and tourism business but can’t attract any tourists because the entire state has been depicted as being vulnerable to these attacks. Need I mention the loss of life? Need I?

This is the same state where people prayed for you to be made President. We have prayed for you, some have fasted for you. I know people who till date still spend hours online defending your policies and you repay them with silence when their kith and kin are being murdered left, right, center? With all due respect Your Excellency that is nothing short of pure wickedness. There is no political correctness where the lives of innocent people is involved. NONE!

No man, no matter how vile deserves to be slaughtered as their infants watch. These children do not deserve to be made orphans for a war they know nothing about. No cause, no tribal sentiment, no creed is worth the blood that has been spilled in Agatu, Buruku, Zaki Biam and elsewhere.

Again, I repeat we demand action or your resignation. Enough is enough. You sought the best medical treatment and went to the UK to rest. All we are asking for is your best in return. One last thing for every soul lost to this needless killing that you Mr President has willfully refused to comment or act on for whatever reason, know this, that blood rests solely on your hands and although no man can hold you accountable the God you and I serve surely will.

Finally for other readers of this correspondence, those who seem to find no displeasure in the ongoing events in Benue; who have no sympathy to offer nor solutions but mock my people by their implicit actions and inaction. We are seeing your responses to the plight of the poor and the defenseless. Our prayer is that may you not be deserted in your own time of need as you have done to your own people.

If this letter achieves its aim, then the middle belt will be safe in the next coming days and communities can return to pursue their daily activities without fear. If however nothing changes, then we the people will have no choice but to ensure our own safety. We will petition, we will go to court, we will do everything within the means of the laws of man and God to make sure no single innocent soul ever has to die needlessly again. Mr President I promise you this on the graves of Tiv warriors that served Nigeria and the world during the World War II, on the graves of the Tor Tivs past, and on the graves of every innocent soul that has been lost to herdsmen clashes. I promise you, if you do not save us we will save ourselves.

God bless Benue State,
God bless the Middle Belt
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Yours Tearfully
Ukan Kurugh
aim (Advocate for the Interest of the Masses)

By- Moses Kyegh

All is set for the occupation of the Complex of the Benue State House of Assembly and indications are it will be an interesting experience for leaders and the led. We hope that the fallouts from the occupation will be useful for moving Benue state forward.

The basis for this occupation is the annoying Fulani herdsmen attacks on hapless rural dwellers which has claimed thousands of lives. Over the past 7 odd years Fulani herdsmen have made a ritual killing Benue people during the dry season to the commencement of the farming season, often times and largely, without provocation.

This situation necessitated a coalition of concerned Benue sons and daughters under the platform of Movement Against Fulani Occupation (MAFO) who took issue with the actions of the herdsmen. MAFO acted via public protest, advocacy and lobby. It presented a Bill for a law emplacing Ranching and banning open grazing which as is obvious is the excuse for the attacks on Benue people. MAFO has made repeated visits on the leadership of the BSHoA resulting the promise to the Benue people by no less than the Speaker of the House that the law will be passed within 2016.

The fears MAFO expressed for a delayed passage of the Bill are already manifesting as 5 persons were killed recently in APA local govt area by Fulani herdsmen and 1 other in Zone A. The failure to pass the Bill into a law exemplifies the disdain the Legislator's; our elected representatives have for the people of the state. It is an abdication of duty. A negligence of serious import which is why we as a people must let them know how we feel about the attacks which have already started and insist on what we know is the correct solution: Passage of the law.

That Speaker Ikyange and his colleagues are making overtures and seeking a delay on the occupation is nothing but attempts at brinkmanship which must be resisted by MAFO. They forced this occupation on us.

Bills have been passed into law on accelerated speed in our history, Ikyange and company can adopt similar speed in addressing our concerns and surely, there will be peace for everyone.

Every well meaning son and daughter of Benue must participate in this act of civil disobedience to ensure the passage of this Bill into a law so as to guarantee the well being of our brothers and sisters who by accident of fate dwell in the rural areas.

Occupation will commence Tuesday 10/1/2017 till the Bill becomes Law. Venue is the Benue State House of Assmbly. Come prepared to stay as long as necessary!

#OCCUPYBSHoA
#STOPTHE KILLINGS
#OURLIVESMATTER
#MAFO
#VATIM

the guy is a serial rapist known in Benue State. I love the girls courage to expose him and @ least others won't fall victim. His academic qualification is even questionable that's why he has been seen to be all over writing on walls n street praising the governor who have refused to aligned with him because of his evil ways.

Honourable:
adjective
bringing or worthy of honor.
"this is the only honorable course"
synonyms: honest, moral, ethical, principled, righteous, right-minded; decent, respectable, estimable, virtuous, good, upstanding, upright, worthy, noble, fair, just, truthful, trustworthy, law-abiding, reliable, reputable, creditable, dependable
This is what describes the word that today is flung around Nigeria like a sachet of water; dished at every and any opportunity to described even people that enshrine not one of the adjectives above. That is the sad story of our nation and I witnessed the dishonourable showing of another Nigerian “honourable”. I am a proud Benue Man and the people I am about to talk about are my kinsmen, but posterity will not be fair to me if I remain quiet in the face of such brazen hypocrisy and public display of disrepute.
I witnessed the horror and displeasure of politics once again on “Honourable” Herman & Orkuma Hembe’s Facebook timeline yesterday (PICTURE 1 & 2). In my opinion his post (which attracted numerous inglorious comments and contemptuous language) was uncalled for. He had been declared winner by the courts, hence justice had been served so what end did his Facebook post and that of his brother seek to achieve? Nothing but more disunity, more disparity, and much more malice and hate.
What possible reason can there be to for the victor of an election to come on a public platform and display add salt should I say to the wounds of his opponent? Let us assume she has done the very frivolous sins and crimes they accuse her of, considering she will face God, why not let Him judge? Why descend so low as to disparage her and on your Facebook page.
Not every comment was in line though, a few criticized him and with utmost class:
Kizito Injo said to Okuma Hembe >>> “It’s a shame when exposed folks like Orkuma Hembe resort to this kind of beer parlour gossips on social media. You can attack the lady in question who perhaps is even old enough to be your mother, in the political arena is one thing. But to post this sort of mango tree talks i thought was beneath you sir. But i was wrong. I only add that i am still of the opinion that this is beneath you.”
This thread didn’t end there, “Honourable” Herman went on to recount the story of a young man who must have been going through a difficult phase of his life and asked him for assistance to get accommodation for everyone to see (PICTURE 3). Not a luxury like a phone or jewelry or even a car. He asked for assistance to get a roof over his head and the “Honourable” responded to his criticism of the vile post by asking him it was his fault that he couldn’t be of assistance. In other words “Honourable” Herman is God unless when you ask him to assist you get accommodation. Mind you the highest level of pettiness is he remembers the man enough to dig up the message and display in public but not enough to help him. Benue never ceases to amaze. You need to see the classy and HONOURABLE response (PICTURE 4) he got from the gentleman then you’ll know what the word honourable means.
It is not just the crass impenitence with which such posts are depicted that worries me, it is ultimately the amount of people who will be drawn to it and assume that it is okay for honourable gentlemen to act in like manner. Imagine a teenager who just joined Facebook coming across such a post, what will stop him/her from debasing an elderly person in the future? What will stop them from debasing Barrister Herman himself in the future? Nothing, he set the example and it can be used even against him.
Both posts brought to the fore a lot of hate, it even made a young man reveal how Herman tried to cripple his cousin, saying he swore revenge and meditated murder even at the cost of his life and was merely saved from the rage because of God. Yes! It got to that extent. The said man Mr Laha Fanen had this to say to Orkuma Hembe and I quote >>> “It's good you have apologized, because you reminded me of how Hon Hermann Hembe sent thugs to kill my cousin Paul Adzuana, who was working with Mrs Mato on her campaign. By the Grace of God they deformed him, but he's still breathing. Two of his children are staying with me. But just like small David fell a mighty Goliath, I was going to put myself up for a battle with you and your squad and no amount of might, streetwise, political might, spiritual might would have saved you guys. Benue would have witnessed the highest quality of horror never witnessed before. Maybe I wouldn't have survived it myself but it’s ok provided I would have achieved what I was out to achieve. It took the power of the Holy Spirit to get me to let go. Hopefully next time you, your brother and your squad pulls another hit on a human being, it would be your last. If you like, keep waking up healing wounds, one day you will, and the blood will splash on your face. I still have videos, pictures of the torture your squad melted out on my cousin. One day we would see... na the small pepper na him dey bitter pass. You got the money, you got the boys, and you owe the streets. Good. But I got the gutsy. Don't be deceived baby, YOU TOO CAN DIE. You fucking NOT IMMORTAL your brother provides good leadership and that's fine. I'm from ushongo, born and raised in korinya city while my cousins are from ute in vandeikya. I'm not under your constituency, I respect you alot but what you guys did to me cousin really hurts me and when I get an opportunity to revenge, I won't wait for God.”
It is sour that I have to write this about people I consider elder ones and pretty much hold in high esteem. I wish it were others but I don’t have that luxury the damage has been done.
One final thing, this post is not in support of Mrs Mato, I do not know her I have no idea of what she must have done to deserve this. Do you know why? She must have had at least just enough shame as a mother to do whatever she did in a place not so public. Then again even if she did, she is not the “Honourable” representing the constituency, she has lost at the polls and the courts, must she also lose her dignity? Is that the essence of the post? It is unclear and depicts nothing close to the word HONOURABLE.
For a man who seeks to be Governor if the rumour mills are right, this shows not just the incapability to lead, but also inhumanity, insensitivity, childish taunting and something I will expect from my 5 year old nephew not a full grown 3 time House of Representative Member with legislative duties and committee duties at hand.
He is human anyways and can still apologise, not because he is wrong and Mrs Mato is right. But because he is way above such an act

Honourable:
adjective
bringing or worthy of honor.
"this is the only honorable course"
synonyms: honest, moral, ethical, principled, righteous, right-minded; decent, respectable, estimable, virtuous, good, upstanding, upright, worthy, noble, fair, just, truthful, trustworthy, law-abiding, reliable, reputable, creditable, dependable
This is what describes the word that today is flung around Nigeria like a sachet of water; dished at every and any opportunity to described even people that enshrine not one of the adjectives above. That is the sad story of our nation and I witnessed the dishonourable showing of another Nigerian “honourable”. I am a proud Benue Man and the people I am about to talk about are my kinsmen, but posterity will not be fair to me if I remain quiet in the face of such brazen hypocrisy and public display of disrepute.
I witnessed the horror and displeasure of politics once again on “Honourable” Herman & Orkuma Hembe’s Facebook timeline yesterday (PICTURE 1 & 2). In my opinion his post (which attracted numerous inglorious comments and contemptuous language) was uncalled for. He had been declared winner by the courts, hence justice had been served so what end did his Facebook post and that of his brother seek to achieve? Nothing but more disunity, more disparity, and much more malice and hate.
What possible reason can there be to for the victor of an election to come on a public platform and display add salt should I say to the wounds of his opponent? Let us assume she has done the very frivolous sins and crimes they accuse her of, considering she will face God, why not let Him judge? Why descend so low as to disparage her and on your Facebook page.
Not every comment was in line though, a few criticized him and with utmost class:
Kizito Injo said to Okuma Hembe >>> “It’s a shame when exposed folks like Orkuma Hembe resort to this kind of beer parlour gossips on social media. You can attack the lady in question who perhaps is even old enough to be your mother, in the political arena is one thing. But to post this sort of mango tree talks i thought was beneath you sir. But i was wrong. I only add that i am still of the opinion that this is beneath you.”
This thread didn’t end there, “Honourable” Herman went on to recount the story of a young man who must have been going through a difficult phase of his life and asked him for assistance to get accommodation for everyone to see (PICTURE 3). Not a luxury like a phone or jewelry or even a car. He asked for assistance to get a roof over his head and the “Honourable” responded to his criticism of the vile post by asking him it was his fault that he couldn’t be of assistance. In other words “Honourable” Herman is God unless when you ask him to assist you get accommodation. Mind you the highest level of pettiness is he remembers the man enough to dig up the message and display in public but not enough to help him. Benue never ceases to amaze. You need to see the classy and HONOURABLE response (PICTURE 4) he got from the gentleman then you’ll know what the word honourable means.
It is not just the crass impenitence with which such posts are depicted that worries me, it is ultimately the amount of people who will be drawn to it and assume that it is okay for honourable gentlemen to act in like manner. Imagine a teenager who just joined Facebook coming across such a post, what will stop him/her from debasing an elderly person in the future? What will stop them from debasing Barrister Herman himself in the future? Nothing, he set the example and it can be used even against him.
Both posts brought to the fore a lot of hate, it even made a young man reveal how Herman tried to cripple his cousin, saying he swore revenge and meditated murder even at the cost of his life and was merely saved from the rage because of God. Yes! It got to that extent. The said man Mr Laha Fanen had this to say to Orkuma Hembe and I quote >>> “It's good you have apologized, because you reminded me of how Hon Hermann Hembe sent thugs to kill my cousin Paul Adzuana, who was working with Mrs Mato on her campaign. By the Grace of God they deformed him, but he's still breathing. Two of his children are staying with me. But just like small David fell a mighty Goliath, I was going to put myself up for a battle with you and your squad and no amount of might, streetwise, political might, spiritual might would have saved you guys. Benue would have witnessed the highest quality of horror never witnessed before. Maybe I wouldn't have survived it myself but it’s ok provided I would have achieved what I was out to achieve. It took the power of the Holy Spirit to get me to let go. Hopefully next time you, your brother and your squad pulls another hit on a human being, it would be your last. If you like, keep waking up healing wounds, one day you will, and the blood will splash on your face. I still have videos, pictures of the torture your squad melted out on my cousin. One day we would see... na the small pepper na him dey bitter pass. You got the money, you got the boys, and you owe the streets. Good. But I got the gutsy. Don't be deceived baby, YOU TOO CAN DIE. You fucking NOT IMMORTAL your brother provides good leadership and that's fine. I'm from ushongo, born and raised in korinya city while my cousins are from ute in vandeikya. I'm not under your constituency, I respect you alot but what you guys did to me cousin really hurts me and when I get an opportunity to revenge, I won't wait for God.”
It is sour that I have to write this about people I consider elder ones and pretty much hold in high esteem. I wish it were others but I don’t have that luxury the damage has been done.
One final thing, this post is not in support of Mrs Mato, I do not know her I have no idea of what she must have done to deserve this. Do you know why? She must have had at least just enough shame as a mother to do whatever she did in a place not so public. Then again even if she did, she is not the “Honourable” representing the constituency, she has lost at the polls and the courts, must she also lose her dignity? Is that the essence of the post? It is unclear and depicts nothing close to the word HONOURABLE.
For a man who seeks to be Governor if the rumour mills are right, this shows not just the incapability to lead, but also inhumanity, insensitivity, childish taunting and something I will expect from my 5 year old nephew not a full grown 3 time House of Representative Member with legislative duties and committee duties at hand.
He is human anyways and can still apologise, not because he is wrong and Mrs Mato is right. But because he is way above such an act

Direct transcript of Governor Samuel Ortom's statement in the joint press briefing with Minister of Interior, Lt Gen (rtd) Abdulrahman Danbazzau earlier this week.

By Usha Anenga

"...heard that killing in Benue State, it is not true. It's one other thing that we have discussed. I know that people have been killed, the numbers are 5, 15, 2 and this is as a result of criminal elements of both the herdsmen and also the farmers. They are two, and as we balance it up as Governor, the truth is that I'm aware of the criminality that is going on. But it is something that we must come together and work as Federal and state Government to ensure that we have peace for both the herdsmen and our farmers. We have made our position known as Benue State people. The fact is that we will love to continue to have more of the people come in but the problem is the land and today we are going back to agriculture. So becomes extremely difficult for herdsmen and farmers to live together. But we must sit down together on a round table. It is not a matter of killing, it is not a matter of destroying and carting away peoples property and all that. We must sit on a roundtable to discuss and fashion the best way to help us live together."

Took my time to transcribe this from the video on Governor Samuel Ortom's official Facebook page.

Politicians will understand better the relevance of neutrality and "political correctness" in the face of wanton killing of one's brothers and sisters in a daily basis. I will never understand.

To some of us, ordinary citizens, those words don't portray one who is ready to lead a resistance against the carnage going on in communities across the state. It's rather encouraging to the killer-herdsmen and devastating to victims, potential victims and their families.

Leadership is difficult and tough but the least a leader should know how to do is knowing how to talk, and we've seen too many of this verbal gaffes already. May be pleasing to the higher eaters but not funny for us at the bottom of the food chain.

I stand with Ortom but on this statement, NOOOOOOOOOO!!

February 17, 2016


After an about two year legal tussle the case instituted by Benue state university lecturer, Mr. Mkor Aondona was struck out by at the Chief Magistrate Court 7 holden at North Bank in Makurdi for lack of evidence.

Mr. Mkor Aondona in the suit Commissioner of Police Vs Benard Verr, Iorun Verr, Ukan Kurugh and Ati Terkula had alleged in

September 2014 that the four had connived to defame him and also threatened his life to which effect he approached the court via the police.

Mr. Aondona who is a lecturer at the Political Science Department had also claimed that he was victimized on account of his relationship with the former state governor whom he later denied ever having any ties with while under oath in court.

The trial magistrate while striking out the suit said there was no correlation in the facts presented by the complainant and the narrations of the PW1 and PW2 even as there is no evidence to substantiate the claim of threat to life or even defamation as claimed by Mkor Aondona.

Meanwhile the lecturer who is already facing a panel set up by the university to investigate this attempted rape of his student also has a pending issue with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), over a rape incident filed in Abuja on 1, October 2014. 


Source: AtiTerkula Blog

BREAKING NEWS

Charles Okah, the alleged mastermind of the Independence Day bombing in 2010 has reportedly died in Kuje prisons where he has been held in custody for a number of years now.That twin bomb blast on October 1, 2010, which was the first to be witnessed in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, left scores dead and many more injured.Quoting “sources close to the prison administration,” 247ureports.com said that Okah died in prison custody shortly after returning from a scheduled court appearance.It’d be recalled that the suspect had attempted suicide on two different occasions. Although the information surrounding his alleged death remains sketchy, there are indications he may have died of suicide.Just yesterday, Charles Okah had attempted to kill himself while at the court house – for a court appearance.According to the report of a security agent, Charles Okah might have also died from mismanaged interrogation by prison officials and other government investigators.

PUNCH
Abuja bombings: Police comb IDP camps for suspects
US to give Buhari $2.3bn to fight poverty
Bombings: Expose B’Haram sponsors, NLC tells Buhari
Housemaid jailed for stealing underwear
Britain right to demand Alamieyeseigha’s extradition – Sagay
Diezani: EFCC grills ex-NNPC chiefs


VANGUARD
N1.68trn cash inflow eases banking system liquidity
FG 'll foot bills of all bomb blasts victims —BUHARI
JONATHAN REPLIES EL-RUFAI: I spent N333m, not N64bn
NASS planning immunity laws for Senate President, Speaker, CJN
Alleged Oil Sector Fraud: ‘ Why FG is not charging Diezani, others now'
2019: PDP presidential ticket for North, excludes Hausa/Fulani


THE NATION
Probe of Abuja explosions to extend beyond Boko Haram
Military: no amount of distractions ‘ll deter us from ending terrorism by December
Easy access to loans ‘ll curb unemployment’
Fed Govt must buy insurance for industry to grow
Alleged bribery: UK tells Buhari of Diezani’s arrest
Oyo APC rejects Shittu for minister


THISDAY
Mo Ibrahim Urges Buhari to Fix Education
Presidency Declines Comment on Alison-Madueke’s Arrest in London
Power Generation Drops by 1,100mw as Egbin Workers’ Crisis Persist
US Supports Poverty Eradication in Nigeria with $2.3 Billion
Buhari Talks Tough, Orders Military to Crush Boko Haram
Wike: Testimonies of Police Officers Confirmed My Election
Rivers APC Threatens to Expose Secondus for Attacking Amaechi


TRIBUNE
Plot to sack IGP thickens •Southern AIG tipped as successor
Saraki's opponents tip Akume, Gemade, Adamu for Senate President
FG confirms arrest of Diezani Madueke, ex-petroleum minister, in UK
Buhari visits hospital, pays medical bills of bomb blast, robbery victims
We have clues on perpetrators of recent suicide bombing —Army
NNPC sues NNPG, CAC, others over trademark infringement

PUNCH
Presidency: Saraki’s trial purely a judicial process •Senate President appeals against arrest order
Man stabs, removes 74-year-old father’s heart
Democracy sliding under Buhari, PDP insists
NNPC gets N236bn loan to develop oil wells
Mama died in my arms – Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu
Experts canvass enactment of Nigerian Housing Act

VANGUARD
Scores feared dead as multiple explosions rock Maiduguri
Floods kill 53, displace 100,420 people in 11 states
Woman, 91, others to picket Ambode’s office today
Corruption: Nigeria is returning to sacred cow era, by Ndoma-Egba
Our culture, traditions can empower youths and promote tourism devt.—Ogbonna
Those calling for Saraki’s resignation ignorant, impostors, says APC

TRIBUNE
Fight against Boko Haram gaining momentum —Military
Again, PDP, APC bicker over style of governance •Democracy sliding under Buhari, PDP insists
NNPC secures $1.2bn alternative funding for 36 oil wells
TSA: Banks have nothing to worry about —Accountant-General

THISDAY
NSIA Faults Oshiomhole, Insists Funds under Management Remain Intact
Six Nigerian Pilgrims Killed in Crane Crash Buried in Mecca, Says Envoy
DSS Ambush: Concern Mounts over Israel-made Rifles Seized by Vandals
Guard against False Sense of Supremacy, LP Tells Buhari
Odumakin Demands Psychiatric Test for All Gun-toting Policemen

THE SUN
HID Awolowo may be buried on centenary birthday
Tension over N3bn owed prison food contractors
Expect more rains, flooding from Sept 27
Modular refineries’ll combat oil theft, illegal refineries –NAPE
Bayelsa guber: Just before APC decides
Buhari won’t ignore South-East -Ahamba

*The Inspector General of Police has instructed that Ms Lois Iorvihi's car be fixed by the Police immediately on the bill of the Nigeria Police, and ordered that a thorough investigation into the matter be carried out.

* "As we speak, the Policeman who shot and killed a woman in Lagos is being arraigned." - IGP, Solomon Arase

*The IG of Police, Mr Solomon Arase responding to a citizen's petition against the conduct of his men attached to Governor Tanko Al Makura of Nasarawa state.
#TheImpunityOfAlMakura

*Citizen Aisha Yesufu reading a citizen's petition to the Inspector General of Police.
#TheImpunityOfAlmakura

VANGUARD
Alleged false assets declaration Court summons Saraki, CCB, others
Ebonyi, Ekiti, Imo, Ogun, Oyo get FG's bail-out funds
INEC falsified result for Dino Melaye — WITNESS
Cash crunch hits NASS; Senate forced to halt hearing on power probe
Policeman shoots woman to death, injures husband in Lagos
Money-laundering: NDLEA arrests 6 for swallowing $156,000
Ooni: Court stops Giesi from producing candidate
Appointments: Buhari against Ijaw —INC

THIS DAY
US Demand for Nigerian Crude Rises
Navy Acquires Israeli Surveillance System to Tackle Oil Theft
Probe: Amaechi’s Aide Withdraws Suit against Wike
INEC Formally Opens Defence at Rivers Tribunal, Insists Election Held
APC Primary Postponement: Sylva Advises Supporters to Remain Steadfast
We Are Not Yet a Nation, Kwara Governor Declares
Nigerian Airlines Accused of Exceeding Expatriate Quota
Senators, Reps Yet To Collect August Salary

PUNCH
EFCC declares Saraki’s firm MD, Izuagbe, wanted
Bribe-taking policemen shoot at couple, kill wife
Army sends back pardoned soldiers to fight B’Haram
Sijuwade’s oloris to mourn for one year
Businessman arrested for alleged $130m fraud
Road projects: NEC okays N535.5bn refund to states
Gas explosion kills four in Rivers
PDP plans national conference to rebuild party
I’ll emerge APC gov candidate, says Sylva

NATION
Woman arrested for ‘kidnapping’ three kids
How The Sun DMD’s wife was released
Saraki: CCB chairman under pressure
Saraki fails to stop trial
States to share N535.5b
Alleged N3.3b fraud: EFCC declares Saraki’s associate wanted
Four killed in Port Harcourt gas explosion
WAEC adjusts exam timetable for Sallah
APC berates PDP for distracting Buhari
Nlc, Icpc to monitor bailout funds in states

GUARDIAN
Court summons CCB to defend Saraki’s trial
Global outrage against coup in Burkina Faso
Pipeline vandals kill 10 SSS operatives in Arepo, Ikorodu
Aviation workers to protest indebtedness of airlines
New policies and directions in property, security rights in Nigeria’s housing sector
NSE lists benefits of MOS for stockbrokers, dealers
Equities market records modest gain amid speculative pressure
SuperSport for Rugby World Cup coverage

LEADERSHIP
Fraud: EFCC Arrests 3 Impostors Over N20m Scam
Army Arrests Producers Of Fake National ID Cards For Boko Haram Members
Over 6m Saved As Malaria Death Rates Reduce By 60% – UN
Governor Ikpeazu Splashes Scholarships On 2 First
Ministerial Appointment: Lawmaker Urges PMB To Appoint FCT Indigene
FG To Quantity Surveyors: Embrace PMB’s Anti- Corruption Stand, Tackle Wastages
Appeal Court Dismisses Bello Yaki’s Petition, Upholds Gov Bagudu’s Election
Bakassi: FG Acted In Bad Faith – C/River Speaker

PUNCH
EFCC reopens probe into immigration job scandal
Buhari govt lacks economic direction, says PDP
Adeleke varsity raises hope on cure for liver disease
Student union leaders budget N1.8m for phone calls
Buhari’ll sustain Obasanjo, Jonathan’s power reforms – Perm Sec
Rivers may battle RMAFC over revenues –Wike

DAILY SUN
2019: el-Rufai, Sani’s war gets messier
...Governor’s supporters accuse senator of plans to cause religious tension
Economy in mess under Buahri-PDP
....It’s a ploy to distract President—APC
EFCC quizzes ex-immigration boss, Parradang
Boko Haram: France promises military, intelligence support
Kidnappers of The Sun DMD’s wife demand 100million naira
...how they invaded journalists home at 2.30am
Anambra killings: IGP lawless—MASSOB.....say, no going back on struggle
Bayelsa governorship: Rumpus over plans to disqualify aspirants

THIS DAY
CBN to Monitor States, Abia, Niger, Ondo, Five Others Get Bailout Funds
NNPC Issues Guidelines for Sale, Purchase of Nigeria’s Crude
External Reserves Fall to $30.794bn, Inflation Inches to 9.3%
How Gang in Gestapo Style Kidnapped The Sun DMD’s Wife
Death Toll from Jos School Building Collapse Rises to 10
Ife Kingmakers: New Ooni to Emerge in 40 Days
Sultan Declares September 24 Eid-el-Kabir
Bayelsa: APC May Ask Sylva, Others to Step down for Alaibe
Echocho Concedes Victory as Wada Wins Primary
South East APC to Review Activities of Leaders During Last Elections

VANGUARD
Steve Nwosu's wife abductors demand N100m ransom
NIS jobs: EFCC grills Paradang
Appointments: Ndigbo 'll get a fair share in Buhari’s govt —Anyim
Treasury Single Account: MDAs rush to beat today's deadline
Police beat up our members, stopped us from celebrating anniversary —MASSOB
Under Buhari, APC Nigeria evidently heading to economic doldrums - PDP
Nigerians that we respect destroyed power sector - Elumelu
Bayelsa gov poll: PDP not scared of Alaibe, Sylva – Senator
APC faults alleged plans by Rivers government to borrow another 10billion naira

NATION
Why there are delays in paying federal retirees, others, by PenCom
France to back fight against Boko Haram
’Ooni to be picked next month from Giesi family’
UNILAG panel probes student’s death
Fed Govt bars consultants from tax collection
Police parade ‘fake soldiers, car thieves’
‘Kano Airport terminal will take 10million passengers yearly’
Corruption: ICPC to assess Lagos, Abuja airports
Lawyer files contempt charge against NERC chief
Coalition against desertification
Wike, Peterside know fate Oct
Itsekiri kingmakers search for new ‘Olu’
Delta PDP expels six

GUARDIAN
PDP alleges neglect of economy by Buhari
Shortage of long-term finance hampers growth in Nigeria, others, says West Bank
Lagos insists on same resumption date for schools
Senate to probe Igali over alleged N3.5b scam
Alleged N34b NBC, MTN spectrum deal raises dust
‘We are suffering with our families’
Group decries poor state of township roads in Benue
Edo Community denies desertion reports over fake obituary poster
Lions District 404 A1 installs first female governor
Two-storey building collapses in Imo, kills two
Lawyer sues Okorocha’s CPS, claims N2 billion over alleged libel

TRIBUNE
Fight against Boko Haram is fight against Islamic State, French president tells Buhari
PDP statement on economy, ploy to distract Buhari, says APC
Nigeria to play friendlies against Congo, Cameroon in October
Death toll in Jos building collapse hits 10
Workers jittery as NIPOST demands for primary school certificates
Food prices on the increase —Survey

PUNCH
Ministerial list: DSS screens Odimegwu, Falana, Utomi, others
Obasanjo: I left N287bn Abacha loot in treasury
Corruption war, battle for Nigeria’s soul – Buhari
Corruption: Ali demands Customs officers’ files
Inflation rises to 9.3% –NBS
Don’t drop UNICAL rape case, groups warn

VANGUARD
Minsisterial list: Falana, Oyinlola, Odimegwu others undergo DSS screening
Scores of Boko Haram terrorists surrender
Boko Haram weakened, lacks strength to occupy North-East, says Buhari
DONU: Kidnapping must be tackled head-on — Dakuku
Battle for Enugu-East: Tension as residents await Tribunal judgment
Taxi plunges into river, recovered with 3 corpses after five days

THISDAY
Buhari Awaits Attorney General to Begin Corruption Prosecutions
Children, Others Killed as School Building Collapses in Jos
€20m Scandal, Leadership Tussle Rock Immigration Service
TSA Policy is Anti-employment, Anti-south, Says HURIWA
Patients Groan as UNTH Medical Services Remain Paralysed
Okorocha’s Trip to Turkey Cripples State, as Workers, Residents Lament Govt Insincerity

THE SUN
Osun: PDP, APC bicker over N20bn bailout fund
Air strikes: More insurgents, panic, surrender –Army
Oprah Winfrey pledges $100,000 in support of girl education in Nigeria
Resident doctors vow to continue 10-month strike indefinitely
Nigeria may lose more communities to Cameroun
Buhari off to France, meets Hollande on security, trade, investment

An Eye Witness Account

By Sunday Akoji

Sometime in 2009, I applied for a N5 million loan/Facility from Bank PHB. I provided the original C of O of a landed property valued at N34 million as collateral but the bank insisted I also provide a Guarantor who has an account with them.

I remembered my Uncle, Dr David Salifu, the immediate past Secretary to the Benue State Government has once given me his bank statement from Bank PHB as a sponsor for my UK visa application when I was applying for a student visa for an Msc in Health Economics at the University of Aberdeen. So I called Uncle up on phone for him to do the needful. He said I should come to his house in Makurdi on Saturday so that we can discuss, as he can't talk on phone at the moment.

On Saturday, at about noon I drove to his house. I met him about to go out. He told me he forgot that he had a scheduled event to attend with the Deputy Governor, Chief Steven Lawani in Lagos on Sunday when he asked me to see him on Saturday. He was about leaving for the Deputy Governor's House to join his convoy and proceed to Abuja from where they will catch a flight to Lagos. He was running late, but since I am already in his house, he suggested that I join him in his car so that we can discuss on the way to Abuja, and come back to Makurdi with his driver. I said no shakings, #Leggo.

I jumped into his car and we zoomed off to the Deputy Governor's Lodge from where we filed out in a convoy of about 9 cars enroute Abuja.

The Security details with their AK47 and koboko were in a Peugeot 406 Saloon blaring siren in front. Next was the Pilot 01. We are next and the Deputy Governor was in a Land cruiser 4x4 SUV directly behind us. The back up land cruiser was next, followed by three other cars and a battalion of riot Policemen armed to the teeth in a Hilux van completes the convoy.

This was where I witnessed the stunts, maneuvering and all the drama associated with executive convoys with my korokoro eyes. From what I saw, I can categorically tell you that any convoy on Nigerian road is an accident waiting to happen.

I won't bore you with the details of how effective the security details were in using koboko to chase motorists out of their way or the tactical maneuvers that I witness from Makurdi to Abuja. Permit me to shorten this story by zooming in straight on two incidents that occurred on our way.

As the convoy was descending the winding hills of Akwanga, I noticed there was a trailer ascending the hill from the opposite direction. What happened next was terrifying. The security car left it's lane and started accelerating towards the truck climbing the hill as if it was going for a head-on collision. When it got to about 10 yards before the trailer, the driver brought the car to a halt. The trailer driver also brought the long vehicle to a stop. The Pilot 01 zoomed past fiam, and we followed suit fiam, followed by the Deputy Gomina's car in that order until the last car in the convoy. The security car now veered off onto it's lane and overtook the 8 stretch of cars in the convoy to regain it's position as the lead car. All these drama on the winding hill in Akwanga!

I asked my Uncle's orderly what was that drama for? He told me that the truck was a security risk to the Deputy Gomina and it is the responsibility of the lead Escort car to neutralise any threat to their principal, even if it means sacrificing themselves. I asked him, what if the trailer driver didn't stop? He replied that by training, the Escort is meant to take any harm in front instead of the Oga behind. #LessonNumberOne Escorts are sacrificial lambs. That truck was on his own, minding his business, climbing the winding Akwanga hill jejely, the Escort car left his lane and came to a halt in front of the trailer and started dancing Azonto until all the vehicles in the convoy zoomed past the threat before he moved on. Those overzealous security personnel would have been crushed and pulverised into powered meat if the trailer had kontinu in a straight line with uniform velocity according to Sir Isaac Newton 1st Law of Motion.

More drama happened along the way but I zoomed straight to the climax because I don't want to make this story too long and boring, for the benefit of netizens who lacks the patience to read any update more than a tweet of 140 characters. If you have read up to this point, then keep reading as I am about to get to the biscuit bone of the gist.
After travelling on a single lane for over 250 km, we hit Keffi for the final home stretch to Abuja, spanning about 60 kilometres of dual carriageway or double express lane, if you like.

#TurboAllTheWay #SirenWailingAtHighPitchedDecibel
Give way! Give way!! Ogas at the top have right of way, the siren wailed as all the drivers in the convoy stepped on the accelerator, keeping it locked at maximum throttle as the convoy of cars glides on the road tearing through the air, like hot knife cutting through butter.
In no time we got to Zimbabwe (a local joint along the Keffi - Abuja express way) and the settlement after it.
Fiam the Escort car blaring siren charged towards Abuja.

Fiam the Pilot 01 followed!
Fiam my Uncle's car followed suit!!
Then it happened.
What happened?

The Deputy Governor's car was next but it didn’t follow suit fiam as expected.
Guess what happened? I was gisting with my Uncle and my eyes caught an image on the inner mirror of our car. Swiftly, I turned my head and looked out through the rear windscreen. My uncle did same and screamed: "My Father, My Father!!!!" (The Deputy Gomina is his godfather).
Why was he screaming?
We saw the bullet proof Land cruiser #4x4 in which the Deputy Governor was riding in with his friend Leo, Police orderly and driver somersaulting three times before smashing onto a mango tree, uprooting the entire tree from the ground before coming to a halt on the side where the Deputy Governor was seated.

Meanwhile the driver of our own Land Cruiser, the Pilot 01 and the Security/Escort car made a 180 degree turn and started driving towards the Deputy Governor's car as it was somersaulting. It was like a movie and everything was happening right in front of us. We were watching it live and my Uncle was screaming, "Jesus! Jesus!! each time the land cruiser somersaulted and hit the ground with all four tyres in the air.
What about the cars behind in the convoy? The backup car and the two cars behind opened up in a "Y" shape formation when BNSG 02 went on a May Day hail. One to the left, one to the right and the third one continued on a straight course at reduced speed so as to avoid running into the Land Cruiser dancing Makossa on the highway.
Let's go back to BNSG 02:
We were the first to get to the bush where BNSG 02 finally came to a halt, lying on it's side. The airbag has deployed from all sides and inside the car was completely dark. We could not see anything because gas fumes from the airbag, I guess, have filled the entire atmosphere inside the car.

Someone climbed the car and tried to open the door but it was jammed. Trust onlookers who have gathered round the car. Someone brought a digger and off course the bullet proof windscreen was not #DiggerProof. It obeyed and gave way after repeated pounding.

The Driver came out first, followed by the Police Orderly, both of them unhurt except minor scratches which did not required any treatment.
Next was the Deputy Gomina, he came out kamkpe with no bruise but agitated.
Leo, his friend was worst off. His head was trapped in the space between the two front seats. He had several bruises and a head injury with blood all over.
#Evacuation Completed.

They were transferred into the back up car and we zoomed off to Mayfair Clinic in Mararaba owned by Professor Obekpa for treatment.
The story is becoming too long so permit me to summarise what caused the accident before I sign off.
An Okada motorcycle with no one on it appeared on the road in front of BNSG 02 and the gap behind our car. The distance was so short and the convoy was moving at top speed.

The driver tried to go left in order to avoid a frontal collision with the motorcycle. That would have taken him on a straight course across the road divider to the oncoming lane from Abuja to Keffi. There was a fuel tanker moving in the opposite direction. With that speed any impact will lead to collateral damage. #AbortOptionOne
The driver changed his mind and decided to run across the motorcycle instead. He returned his steering and attempted to drive straight over the motorcycle and see what happens.

I tell you what happened.
The motorcycle got stuck in between the two front wheels. The momentum of impact at top speed pulled the car to the left, the driver returned it back to the right to stay on his original course. The car was dancing Shoki and Etighi simultaneously. At a point, one of the front tyres got punctured and the car now started somersaulting.
Everything happened in split seconds and I watched it all like a tension packed action movie.
At the hospital I saw the driver crying in a corner and I stepped up to him. Oyakwoche, why are you crying, I halla-ed at him. He told me he has been driving for 32 years now and has never had an accident until today.
I told him, C'mon it could have been worst. I told him that he saved the day. His reflexes were sharp and his instincts were on point. He took the right decisions and his courage through the storm was amazing. I saw all his maneuverings and I must give it to him. That motorcycle appearing in his front at such a short distance and with his speed, there was absolutely nothing any driver would have done to avoid a crash.
And he said, if not for the speed that the convoy was moving at, he would have been able to wriggle out of the situation. But Oga was almost missing his flight and they have to accelerate in order to catch the flight.

Anyway the didn't only miss the flight, they entered NO-SHOW on Arik Air.
That's just the way it is. Phew! Got to run. I have a 30 minutes live radio discussion on Naija Info 99.5 Wazobia FM at 9 am today. Tune in if you wanna know what's on the menu.
Dazzol

OPEN LETTER TO MR. TANKO AL MAKURA, CURRENT OCCUPANT OF THE NASARAWA STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSE


Written by Dr. Anhyula Tswar Uke (PhD)

September 13, 2015



Permit me to ignore all the protocol that have become the official appendage that accompanies you and your likes that occupy public positions of trust, even though on many occasions not giving thought to the nature, weight and manner of trust expected thereof. I cannot in good spirit go that way to massage your ego in an attempt to make you feel good about yourself; please bear with me.

On an occasion like this, I sincerely wish – even if just for a little moment - I was not educated or lettered, so that I can verbally take a plunge straight into your self-made pig water pool without second thoughts. Alas it is a mere wish that cannot be granted even by the gods. I am thus morally constrained from taking this dive to join you in this fools’ paradise you have made for yourself. I am left with no option than to attempt to pull you up and out of it so that we can reason at the same pedestal, hopefully devoid of any intellectual disabilities.

I will not bamboozle you with rhetoric and deviate from my core intent and purpose, so I will go straight to inform you of the intent and purpose of this open letter. I intend to re-educate you – in the assumption that you had one before - on the dignity and minimum standard of expectation demanded by the office you presently occupy. I intend to inform you that the obvious hate agenda towards the Tiv nation is no longer a secret.

The office you occupy is established by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under Part 2, section 176. Other aspects of the constitution that relate directly to the office include sections 177 to 185. Of particular interest to me, however, in this discuss, are Section 177[b] and 182 [1c].
Section 177 states thus: “A person shall be qualified for election to the office of the governor if – [b] he has attained the age of thirty five years.” The framers of the constitution - certainly from scientific basis – may have realised that thirty five years is the age when we are, centeris paribus, expected to have overcome ALL TRACES OF UNNECESSARY YOUTHFUL EXHUBERANCE!
This is also the minimum age limit for election into the Nigerian senate, which is five years higher than the limit for the House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly. It is therefore expected that the occupant of the office of a governor should not be easily swayed by the pecks and paraphernalia of office but should be able to rise above petty distractions such as occurred with your convoy on Thursday September 10, 2015 considering that you are well above that minimum age limit. But of course, like the old saying “…..The wisdom of young king Solomon had nothing to do with the age of Methuselah.” For some split seconds, I am sure you assumed a god status thereby making it a sin to be seen mingling with mere mortals. How did you feel after the incident? I hope you did not feel like a bully who had forcefully obtained a toy from a hapless young girl? It will be a thing of great shame if that was how you felt afterwards and I will advocate some growing up lectures for you Mr. Tanko al Makura.

Section 182 states thus: No person shall be qualified for election to the office of Governor of a State if – [1c] under the law in any part of Nigeria; he is adjudged to be a lunatic or otherwise declared to be of unsound mind. A lot of things are taken for granted in Nigeria today; else it would have been – on the strength of this provision – mandatory that a PSYCHIATRIC TEST be conducted on all politicians aspiring for public office and only those of sane minds would be allowed to stand for offices! My candid advice to you is to still go for the test; there is no harm in knowing your status Mr. Tanko al Makura and trust me, no insults are herein insinuated or intended by my statement.

There is an adjective that is usually ascribed to the office you presently occupy: Excellency (from the primary word excellent). The definition is thus:
■ EXCELLENT: very good, superb, outstanding, admirable, of high quality, of the highest standard, extraordinary…..
■ EXCELLENCY: a title of HONOR given to certain high officials; someone in an important official position…..
Can you in all honesty say that your actions, inactions and sudden denials and obvious half truths qualify you to be ascribed with any of the above?
Conversely, do you go to sleep at night fulfilled that you are equitably living up to the expectations of your office?

These are rhetorical questions that you need to answer only to yourself and not to any other person in particular for now - except of course the Nassarawa State House of Assembly which is legally empowered to demand same from you.
Your tenure as occupant of the Nassarawa state government house has been fraught with violent acts and unrest of all manners. The Ombatse saga is still fresh in our mind but for now I will constrain myself to violence against Tiv people. A people that lived peacefully on their ancestral lands who were in the past even elected into political offices in the present Nassarawa State now suddenly became settlers who are being displaced in your own regime. The killings and wanton destruction witnessed in neighbouring Guma LGA of Benue State have never occurred in that magnitude in the history of their cohabitation until recently and under your governance. We recall, with disgust, how you came out to defend those whom the military had arrested as culprits in the saga, calling them international hunters, but you failed to answer the following questions:

■What (who) were they hunting for?
■Who issued them hunting licenses?
■Does hunting go on during the farming season?
■Did their expeditions extend from Nassarawa into Benue State- beyond your area of influence - as well?
■Why were you not perturbed by the coincidence of their hunting expeditions and the wanton destruction of lives and property going on in neighbouring Benue State?

Your actions and inactions in the foregoing, apologies to Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, were very visible to the blind and audible to the deaf! The people at the receiving end were hapless Tiv farmers!
This may have informed the resolve of the Tiv community in Nassarawa to reject you at the polls prior to the April 11, 2015 gubernatorial elections, until it took the intervention of the APC National Secretariat which directed Senators JKN WAKU and George AKUME to join in your campaign team to persuade the Tiv block to rescind their decision. This the duo did successfully and you got their votes with a promise of a better deal.

However and regrettably, it appears your resolve to continue on the old paths was re-echoed on the day of your inauguration for a second term. A journalist with the Daily Trust newspaper, Joseph Hir, was severely molested and almost lost his life at the venue of the inauguration. Joseph Hir is also Tiv from Benue State! Then again, just on Thursday September 10, 2015, you and your convoy stopped to PHYSICALLY MOLEST A TIV FAMILY THAT WAS TRAVELLING DOWN TO BENUE FROM ABUJA! You stopped your convoy and your security details physically molested Lois Iorvihi and her siblings who were on their way to Makurdi.

■WHAT HAS THE TIV NATION DONE TO YOU BEYOND BEING TIV?
■DO YOU HAVE AN INFERIORITY COMPLEX OR JUST GENERAL DISDAIN TOWARDS TIV PEOPLE?
■DO YOU FEEL THREATENED BY TIV PEOPLE NO MATTER THEIR LEVEL OF AFFLUENCE OR POVERTY?
■ARE YOU EMOTIONALLY AND SOCIALLY INSECURE ESPECIALLY WHEN TIV PEOPLE ARE INVOLVED?

Sad as it may sound, you are gradually evolving – or exposing your true colours (?) – as a TIV HATE VERMIN, a situation that is totally unacceptable by any standards, for an occupant of your present office!
The least you can do in the light of these exposé is to tow the remedial line of which Adams Oshiomole, Edo State Governor, took when it was clear to him that he erred in his comments. YOU OWE THE LOIS IORVIHI AND HER SIBLINGS AS WELL AS THE TIV NATION AN UNRESERVED APOLOGY!

On a final note, I had a painful childhood; I almost hated my father because of the way my peers made fun of my name. However and with your actions in office, I am beginning to think that my father was a prophet of some sort. HE MAY HAVE HAD YOU AND YOU LIKES IN MIND WHEN HE GAVE ME MY NAME. THE ONUS IS ON YOU TO PROVE HIM WRONG, IF INDEED HE IS WRONG.

Thank you for your time.
Regards,

DR. ANHYULA TSWAR UKE DAANG [PhD]

Governor Tanko Al Makura's Media Team Have Just Issued A Press Statement on The #GoToHell Saga:

PRESS STATEMENT

The Attention of Governor Umaru Tanko Al - Makura of Nasarawa State has been drawn to an online publication Title “Go To Hell!” Governor Al Makura Tells Family On Highway As His Goons Beat them To Pulp" alleging that his convoy assaulted a family on their way to Abuja.

There is no iota of truth in that publication but the misrepresentation of facts calculated to tarnish the image of his Excellency by mischief makers.
For the avoidance of doubt and to set the records straight, on Thursday 10, September 2015 about 3.pm when the convoy of His Excellency was approaching Nasarawa Eggon Local Government a vehicle was right on the middle of the road and inspite of several efforts by the police outrider and the pilot to slow the car down, the vehicle remained right in the centre of the road refusing to make way for the convoy which nearly caused an accident.

The action of the vehicle gave room for suspicion considering the fact that it was at the same area in 2003 that the convoy of former governor of Benue state George Akume now a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was attacked.

A close look at the vehicle, the Escort commander noticed a women driving with a minor in the front seat and directed the convoy to track her with caution not to push her car by the shoulder.

This took up to 3-5 minutes before the Escort commander managed to halt her. She stopped abruptly on the road forcing the convoy to also stop and other road user causing heavy traffic along the high way.

As She came out, she began to rain abuses on the Police boasting that she is a lawyer and a daughter of a police Commissioner and has the right to drive the way she wants.

Noticing her unruly behavior, the Governor directed the Escort commander to invite the Police from the nearest police station to handle the matter to avoid further congestion and obstruction of traffic on the Highway while the convoy continued on its journey to Abuja.

It is the height of mischief and irresponsibility for anybody to insinuate that Governor Almakura made disparaging comments on the woman in question.
Any body that knows Al - Makura will attest to the fact that, it is not in his character to use derogatory words on people let alone a woman, the fact remains that the governor did not engaged in any exchange of words with the woman.

We called on the press and the general public to disregard the misleading and wicked insinuation aimed at portraying the governor in bad light.

Ahmed Tukur Special Assistant
( Media & Publicity ) to
Governor Umaru Tanko Al - Makura

By Soni Akoji

September 11, 2015

Yesterday my friends Lois Iorvihi, her younger Sister Joi and brother Jerry were at the receiving end of Police brutality at the instance of an Executive convoy.

The trio were on their way from Makurdi to Abuja. The journey from Makurdi through Lafia to Akwanga was smooth until they got to Nasarawa Eggon less than 100km from Abuja.

If you are familiar with the road, just immediately after the bypass on that sharp bend where many souls have perished, a dispatch rider overtook her car and was crisscrossing in front of her instructing her to clear off the road.

Before she knew what was going on she heard a loud siren from behind. As she was trying to veer off the road, a Hilux van loaded with riot Policemen armed to the teeth pushed her car off the road. In her agitated state she managed to bring the car to a halt in front of the valley.

Immediately she brought the car to a stopped four riot Mobile Police men descended on the car using the nozzle of their rifles to perforate and scratch the body of her car.

While this was going on, her brother seated on the passenger seat wind down and pleaded with the Police men thus:

“PLEASE SIR, TAKE IT EASY. CAN’T YOU SEE THAT SHE IS A WOMAN AND ALREADY AGITATED.”

Immediately they dragged him out of the car, used the butt of their rifles on his jaw and beat him up to a pulp.

While this was going on her younger sister Joi brought out her phone and took some pictures. They saw her and seized her phones and Ipad, and smashed all their devices.

Meanwhile Lois has gone hysterical and was screaming on the middle of the road shouting, “Is this fair,” repeatedly.

At a stage traffic began to build up on both sides of the road. Someone whispered to her, “Madam their Oga dey inside that Jeep, go and beg him.”

She then walked towards the heavily tinted SUV bearing the Nigerian Coat of Arm and insignia of a Governor. When she got to a few yards before the car, the heavily tinted widow was brought down. Lo and behold, seated at the owner’s corner was Governor Tanko Al Makura of Nasarawa state.

The first thing the Governor said was, “Young girl, you are so rude. Look at how you’re dressed like a prostitute.”

(She was wearing a short gown that covered up to her knee).

In her agitated state, she fired back at His Excellency, Governor Tanko Al Makura and said:

“How am I rude. Is this fair? Is this why we voted for you? We did not vote for you so that your convoy will run us out of the road. Look at what your security are doing? They are destroying my car, beating my brother to a pulp and smashing all our mobile devices just because we had the misfortune of driving in front of your convoy?”

Governor Al Makura fired back at her thus:

“You can take the case to wherever you wish or go to hell.”

He wind up and his ADC who was standing by the car window pushed her away and entered the car.

She saw his name on the tag on his chest. She called out his name, RINGIM!

And he fired back at her saying, “YES, THAT IS MY NAME. I AM THE GOVERNOR’S ADC. YOU CAN GO TO ANY LENGTH YOU WISH, WE ARE EQUAL TO THE TASK. WE WILL HANDLE YOU. RAT!”

And they zoomed off leaving the Hilux van loaded with riot Policemen.

They arrested Lois, Joi and her brother Jerry and took them back to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Lafia at about 5pm yesterday.

On getting to the station in Lafia, she was slammed with two count charges:

1) OBSTRUCTING THE CONVOY OF GOVERNOR TANKO AL MAKURA.

2) BEING RUDE TO GOVERNOR TANKO AL MAKURA.

The were detained until this afternoon and released after forcing her to write a letter of apology addressed to His Excellency, Governor Tanko Al Makura of Nasarawa state for obstructing his convoy and being rude to him.

As we speak Jerry is in pains and presently receiving treatment from Police brutality.

His offense: Asking the Policemen to take it easy with his sister who was driving in front of Governor Al Makura’s convoy.

Joi is depressed! Her phones, Ipad were smashed on the road and a Police man attached to the convoy of Al Makura used his jungle boots and jumped repeatedly on the devices so that they are destroyed beyond repairs.

Take a look at the attached photo of Lois’s car. That’s her Peugeot 407 without a single dent before the encounter with Governor Tanko Al Makura’s convoy.

My people, is this fair? Much as we cannot do anything and Tanko Al Makura and his Rottweilers playing God has all the powers and teeth to deal with hapless citizens who obstructs his convoy on a Federal Highway, we must ask the question again and again, IS THIS FAIR?

Today it is the turn of Lois, Joi and Jerry. Tomorrow it may be your turn. Remember injustice to one, is injustice to all.

Let the words go out, share it widely, the convoy of Governor Tanko Al Makura and the Policemen attached to him are a beast oppressing motorists on the road.

Run for dear life when Tanko Al Makura is driving behind you.

The Last line:

Tanko Al Makura SHAME ON YOU! BIG SHAME ON YOU!

ASTA LA VISTA!

HASTA LA VICTORIA SIEMPRE!!!

If you know anybody that will be serving this October,please tell d person to rush now & register online at www.nysc.org.ng
Its no longer business as usual. The website opened yesterday 8/9/15. You will have the option of choosing 3 states of your choice from 3 different geopolitical zones of which you are likely to be posted to 1 of them.

Once a state is filled up, it will be removed 4 possible selection. So, you see? 1st come 1st serve at the state of your choice. Rush now,

Please help to forward to those it may concern.

PUNCH
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BLUE PRINT
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I’ll name my cabinet this month—Buhari
Nigerian fugitive bags life jail for murder in U.K.
Nigerian Immigration Service withdraws former governors, ministers, others’ passports
Buhari asked to introduce PIB to 8th Senate
150 women, husbands trained as emergency responders

NATIONAL MIRROR
Government issues fuel import allocation for third quarter
Obasanjo blames immigrants’ death in Mediterranean on fall of Ghaddafi
100 days: President changing economy for better—Alaafin
NCAA monitoring sale of kerosene as aviation fuel-DG
FG withdraws diplomatic passports from ex-governors
..Senators, Reps, Ministers, others
President reassures on ministers’ appointments this month
Workers begin warning strike in Ebonyi
22,000 candidates for YABATECH post-UTME

NATION
Nigeria sends Togolese asylum seekers back home
21 ex-governors, ministers to lose passports by force
Buhari: I’ll name my ministers this month
No pay cut for Oyo workers
Baby’s cry exposes suspected kidnappers
Adeduntan is FirstBank CEO-designate
What is the trouble with the power sector?
21 ex-governors, ministers to lose passports by force
Buhari: I’ll name my ministers this month
No pay cut for Oyo workers
Adeduntan is FirstBank CEO-designate
What is the trouble with the power sector?
Stakeholders kick against CBN’s time limit on complaints’ resolution
NURTW urges drivers on traffic law 12:05 am
Obasanjo advises youths against risky voyage to Europe

NEWSWATCH TIMES
How Buhari shunned foreign influence to choose Ali, new Customs boss
Lalong invites EFCC to Plateau over stolen funds
Find solutions to migrants’ influx to Europe, OBJ charges African Union
Nigerian fugitive, Kekere-Ekun, bags life term in U.K. for murder
Default on Treasury Single Account by September 15 and face sanctions—President
Appeal Court judgement stalls Rivers’ Tribunal sitting
Why Senate should re-visit PIB –Paulker
CSO enumerates Buhari’s 100 days achievements
Sack fever in FERMA as management tenure ends
Naval Chief unveils strategic plan for maritime safety
Nigerian Ambassador’s body leaves U.S. Friday

THIS DAY
Nigeria Sends Togo Asylum Seekers Back Home
PPPRA Issues Additional Fuel Allocations for Q3
Comply with TSA by Sept 15 or Face Sanctions, Buhari Warns MDAs
Why APC, Buhari Skipped Observance of First 100 Days in Office
FG Withdraws Diplomatic Passports from Ex-Governors, Ministers, Legislators
Alaafin: Ooni Can Never Die
Rivers: Tribunal Stalls Proceedings, to Determine Peterside’s Eligibility Tuesday
Kogi Guber: Bello Debunks Claim of Support for APC Candidate
Wike: APC Has Refused to Acknowledge My Achievements
Lagos APC to Tinubu’s Critics: Stop Attacking Our National Leader
Jonathan Endorses Dickson for Second Term
Benue Governorship Tribunal Adjourns for Ruling
INEC Fixes Deadline for Transfer Of Voters In Kogi, Bayelsa

VANGUARD
Treasury Single Accounts: Buhari sets Sept 15 deadline for MDAs
My ministers, a must this month - Buhari
'Without sale of refineries we will not make any headway'
Buhari withdraws diplomatic passports of ex-govs, ministers, others
Poverty of ideas, corruption, inefficiency killing Civil Service, says Buhari
Senate begins probe of Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, others over power funds mismanagement

GUARDIAN
Sovereign Wealth Fund records N5.17b profit
Economic uncertainties hit industrial capacity utilisation
Senate probes power sector under Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan
TSA: FG operated illegal accounts for 48 years
Balarabe Musa, Aborisade fault Buhari, Osinbajo on assets declaration
NAICOM partners anglophone countries to strengthen insurance supervision

By Ukan Kurugh

When you build a glass house, you don't throw stones, so says an adage. Unfortunately, there seems to be misplaced priority today as much as we have reached a point in our history where life is at a rush; perhaps, we are in a jet age where undue competition, the 'I' syndrome, sycophancy, men pleases and 'no do gooders' have taken the centre stage, jettisoning reason as well as core values that used to be sacrosanct.
Maybe, it is due to the observable significant shift from what used to be obtainable then and what is currently obtainable. For instance, merit in time past was placed above parochial interest even as national integration took centre stage ahead of divisive tendencies particularly, as Nigeria moved out of the civil war.
Alas! The current trend is a depiction of theatre of absorb; no thanks to the so called modernisation. Or how else, can people who have distinguished themselves in their chosen career through hard work and dedication to duty, simply because they share no common ideologies with a select few are suddenly seen as enemies of progress?
To cut the long story short, I was taken aback by the barrage of insults and attacks on the person of Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, Commissioner of Police (Rtd) by neophytes and by Governor Samuel Ortom supposed attack dogs on the social media and even on the state owned Radio Benue on an issue that is supposedly a test of integrity.
The drama started with the governors's declaration at a funeral somewhere in Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State to the effect that the former Lagos State Commissioner of Police is penciled to head a committee for the enlistment of Benue indigenes in Nigeria Police Service. Tsav in his characteristic manner quickly responded, declining the offer on account that he was not consulted.

Ordinarily, I would not have commented on the issue because as I am not his information manager neither do I have his blessings to comment on same. I am however compared by reason to react owing to the dimension the whole thing has taken.
Maybe the following questions would help to unravel the puzzle here. What was the Governor Samuel Ortom's motive for the public statement? Was he out to ridicule Tsav? Has Abubakar Tsav no discretion to decide for himself what to do and what not to do? Why the outburst of anger and insults about Tsav's position on the whole situation?
Whether we like it or not, everyone of us is entitled to his own opinion and has the free will to chose; this is how we are made. And I hasten to say that official communications are made in writing for documentary evidence. In this case, this was not to be the case. Can any one of those who are quick to condemn him come out to say that other appointments made by Ortom were made public before the appointees were communicated? If no, why Tsav's case was different?

I am therefore convinced that, as an elder statesman, it would not have been out of place to have consulted the ex-cop on the subject matter. So was the governor out to ridicule the man, who in addition to distinguishing himself in his chosen career has earned for himself a reputation of anti-corruption crusader? Without been immodest, this was a statement in a rush and to my small mind, there were better ways to remedy same rather than giving into the temptation to calling names.
And to the supposed attack dogs, who says we must all be people of no moral values? Or who says we all believe that a "beggar" has no choice? Tsav could be a fool and may have switched religion to attain his personal goals in life. This a lone is enough reason (for me) to show that at least he has been exercising his freedom of choice long time ago even as he is protected by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

By the way, was it not until the 20th Century that the Tiv people embraced Christendom? We are all guilty (maybe, as Tsav) to have changed religion. We changed from our forefathers' religion to Christendom and he choosed Islam.
Away from that, good information managers and faithful followers would not engage Tsav in media war. This is a man that can hit front page of any national daily any time. Besides, what has he to lose? For he is carrying a basket of garden-eggs; tumble him and he will get up and pick them up and don't be confident that you will find your eggs in whole if you are tumbled.

He could be a mad man but he has his own life to live and cannot be forced to drink water when he don't want to.
To sum up, Tsav by his action has shown that he is not a poor student of history like those who are quick to haul insults on him. Remember the Ibrahim Babangida-Wole Soyinka story? Not all appointments, no matter how enticing, are made in good faith. Let Tsav be for we all must not be hallelujah boys?
To Facebook users, the "I am the first to post" attitude may one day land somebody in steam. A word is enough for the wise!

• President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the Nigerian judiciary to actively cooperate with the government in the launched anti-corruption war.

• Bauchi State Govt has disclosed that it Public Property Recovery Committee discovered an aircraft belonging to the state hidden in Morocco.

• Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State promised to review upward the monthly allowances the state government has been paying to corps members

• About N24billion has been recovered from 423 different bank accounts in Kaduna State, following the government’s decision to adopt a single account.

• Visit the PANDORA STORE at the Ground Floor of Silverbird Ent Centre. Get FREE bracelet when you buy jewellery worth N40,000. #PandoraAbuja

• Congo Brzzaville President, Denis Sassou Nguesso has officially declared the 11th All Africa Games Congo Brazzaville 2015 open.

• Former Governor and Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, who had an accident in ABUJA last week, sends in picture and greetings to Nigerians.

• President Muhammadu Buhari to Hold Economic Meeting With Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama in Accra Tomorrow, Monday 7th September.

• The Olu of Warri, Godwin Edomi, Ogiame Atuwatse II has passed on after suffering brain injury.

• Nigeria Premier League's current TV rights deal with Supersport is worth N6,766,000,000 billion ($34 million)

PUNCH
Tax: FG to audit registered companies
PDP, Presidency bicker over invasion of A’Ibom House
Trader gives seven-year-old daughter N10 after rape
Igbo has best appointment under Buhari – Keyamo
Presidency to hold peace confab for politicians
My administration had a good team –Jonathan

TRIBUNE
Looters’ trial: EFCC, ICPC, Sagay’s committee meet tomorrow
Navy commences mop up of illegal refineries in Rivers
A/Ibom invasion, terrorism on democracy —PDP
Why we are bailing states out —CBN
NNPC begins move to recover $9.46bn owed Nigeria
FG gives states N37bn grant annually to boost basic education’

NEWSWATCH TIMES
NPC moves to retrieve 1.9 trillion naira from Joint Venture Partners
Treasury Single Account: El-Rufai recovers 24billion naira from banks
Drug: NDLEA, other security agencies probe Arik staff
Nigerians in for shocker over Buhari’s ministerial list
Mystery bullet kills teenager in Kwara
Eight electrocuted in Kebbi
Olu of Warri’s exit painful, says Saraki
Buhari congratulates Okonkwo on his 70th birthday
Plateau killings: Lalong seeks Buhari’s help in reconciling aggrieved communities

NATIONAL MIRROR
Cabinet: Tension in APC....as Buhari seals list in Kaduna
Technocrats dominate, few APC chieftains will emerge—Source
Our admission won’t disappoint Nigerians—Osinbajo
Nigeria airports to become Africa’s hub in 2016—FAAN
Fowler, FIRS boss, consults audit firms to boost revenue
Excessive use of antibiotics could damage your liver!
...may also increase risk of Type 2 diabetes, says expert
Embrace change mantra, not Buhari’s wealth, says Okowa
Ndume seeks preventive measures against corruption

NATION
Tinubu: Buhari ’ll give priority to education
Navy declares war on oil thieves
FIRS auditors to assess all firms
Oyo workers vow to resist salary cut
Govt restricts daytime movement of trailers
Ex-military chiefs jittery as arms purchase panel sits
Why Buhari gave Ali Customs job
Ex-military chiefs jittery as arms purchase panel sits
Why Buhari gave Ali Customs job
Tinubu: Buhari ’ll give priority to education
Navy declares war on oil thieves
FIRS auditors to assess all firms
Oyo workers vow to resist salary cut
Govt restricts daytime movement of trailers

THIS DAY
Presidency: Boko Haram May Fall Before Deadline
Reports: Absence of Cabinet Hurting Nigerian Economy
NNPC Report: Nigeria to Save $1bn from Fuel Import Substitution
Adadevoh, Fesse Shine Through at THISDAY 20th Awards
Jonathan: Adesina, Oteh’s Appointments Show We Had World Class Economic Team
How NNPC Purportedly Ruined TAM Offer on P’Harcourt Refinery
Buhari on One-day Visit to Ghana, Greets Okonkwo at 70
Akwa Ibom Invasion: PDP Spits Fire, Warns against Civil Unrest
APC Group Urges Buhari to Introduce Birth Control Policy
Appointments: Buhari Will Treat South-south Fairly, Says Eta
Buhari So Far So

VANGUARD
Investors lose N1.6trn in first 100 days of Buhari tenure
Adesina, Oteh’s appointments show we had a world-class economic team - Jonathan
Rivers APC slams Wike over Amaechi documentary
Dissolution: NDDC board drags Buhari to court
Trips to Paris, Dubai: Ex-Works Minister replies Vanguard
Daddy touches me, puts his manhood in my mouth, gives me money—7-yr-old girl
With N30m savings, Buhari may be Africa’s least corrupt leader – report
Cars snatcher slashes vehicle owner’s throat in Enugu
I pledge to Buhari my President
Robbers raid NYSC members’ lodge in Abeokuta
100 Days Buhari’s governance: What has changed?
Arms purchase: Buratai sets up panel to probe his predecessors
Sanitising NNPC’s oil swap regime
Be concerned with change, not Buhari’s wealth – OKOWA

This is a pro-ported photo of a dead Abubakar Shekau, the ex boko haram leader, Authenticity of the photo cannot be confirmed at the time of this post.

More Details soon

Source: Borno Vanguard

PUNCH
P’Harcourt, Warri refineries begin crude production – NNPC
Corruption: FG goes after ‘super rich’ civil servants
PDP broke, plans to reduce staff by 50%
Ooni’s death ’ll be announced in due course — Source
Homosexuality: Nigerians go after Bisi Alimi on Facebook
EU ban on Nigerian food exports
Oil worth $13.7bn stolen under NNPC, says NEITI
$6bn stolen by ex-minister worries Sanusi
Ogun pays N496m WAEC debt

VANGUARD
95 generals moved in fresh Army shake-up
P-Harcourt, Warri refineries to produce 8.5m litres of petrol per day - NNPC
I am praying for Buhari that God will protect him, enemies will not destroy him - Rev Fr Mbaka
President Buhari a listening leader, say Tompolo, Ex-MEND leaders
Buhari's appointments has shown his hatred for Igbo - Ohaneze
Ooni of Ife is alive — Royal Council
Senate ‘ll make Nigeria economy compete with developed nations,says Saraki
Buhari is still making haste slowly

BLUE PRINT
Army redeploys 334 officers
Senate will make Nigeria work—Saraki
...canvases North-east rehabilitation committee
APC not behind Toyin Saraki’s EFCC ordeal—Oyegun
Chibok girls gone 472 days
Senate constitutes 3 out of 57 committees
Reps to IGP: Halt Katsina killings
Air Force intercepts Boko Haram fuel, other items
Nigerian Prison Service eploys top officers to directorates, commands
I did not castigate Northern Ulamas—Shettima

DAILY TRUST
As Buhari meets Cameroon’s Biya.....Boko Haram: No border for multinational force
Why banks seized bail out funds—Yari
Ooni of Ife: Mourners besiege London residence
472 days since Chibok school girls were kidnapped
Father Mbaka fountain of inspiration—President
Uncertainty as Juwah begins ‘fresh tenure’ at NCC
Port Harcourt, Warri refineries resume production
Man, 32, held for killing friend
Collapsed bridge separates Katsina from Zamfara
Buhari: Oil price decline our serious concern

NATION
Nigeria’s envoy visits Sijuwade’s family in UK
EFCC quizzes Saraki’s wife for five hours
Tumultuous welcome for Buhari in Cameroon
Air Force cuts Boko Haram’s supply routes
Motion: 22 APC Northern senators ‘working against Buhari’
Nigeria is seventh largest in the world, says UN report
Oil sector probe: El-Rufai gets dossier on NNPC
Saraki names members of four standing committees
How Ooni of Ife’s death should be announced
‘Ascension to Oodua’s throne should’nt be controversial’
Petitions: Wike, Akpabio fail to stop hearing
How Ooni of Ife’s death should be announced 1:47 am
‘Ascension to Oodua’s throne should’nt be controversial’

THIS DAY
Modernity Clashes with Tradition: Ife Chiefs Insist Ooni is ‘Alive’
BUA Gears up for August Launch of 3mmt Obu Cement Plant
Obasanjo: Yar’Adua Regrettably Reversed Sale of Refineries
Rewane: Fuel Subsidies Must be Removed at All Cost
Nigeria’s Chigozie Obioma in the Race for $78,000 Booker Prize
Paternity Fraud in Nigeria: Are You Your Baby’s Daddy?
Beneficiaries of Delta Scholarship Stranded Overseas
PDP Accuses DSS of Membership of APC
Again, High Court Refuses to Grant Ex-parte Order against Dogara
Kogi West, Central Meeting with Audu Ends in Deadlock
We are Under Siege by SSS, Akwa Ibom PDP Cries out
APGA Lawmakers Backed Minority Leader’s Removal
Bayelsa Will Remain a PDP State, Says Dickson
Obi: NEC is Not Proper Body to Approve ECA Payments

NIGERIAN PILOT
Revealed! DSS DG, Daura is APC member
Head Buhari’s campaign intelligence committee
He’s one of us, party admits
Why we can’t pay 4bilion naira WAEC fees—Governors
Ailing Jonathan’s ex-C.S.S. to be flown abroad
Ooniu of if alive, preparing for son’s weeding, says Palace
Reps demand FG’s blueprint on promised 3million annual jobs
Investors lose 1,01 trillion naira as beers dominate stock market
Boko Haram: Senate seeks Presidential Committee to fix North-east
Governor Ajimobi declares journalists security threat
Army Chief appoints five new G.O.Cs, others
Rio 2016 Olympics
2015 community shield: Why Chelsea will beat Arsenal

THE SUN
How ex-gov Orji, wife, son squandered N474bn in Abia
Buhari vows to trace, recover stolen oil funds
APGA candidate, Umeh storms tribunal with truck-load of documents
Fraud: Edo govt reads riot act to permanent secretaries
Nigeria’s oil revenue drops to $52bn, says IMF
Pipeline fire kills 100 in Lagos
PUNCH
Alleged fraud: EFCC invites Saraki’s wife
Jonathan’s ministers behind oil theft –Buhari
Dogara lures Gbajabiamila’s ally with post
Ambode scraps Lagos finance dept
Boko Haram burns down Chief of Army Staff’s home
Multiple explosions kill 40 in Gombe
Parents, candidates protest as UNILAG defends cut-off marks
US trip: Buhari rejects gay marriage, says Presidency
No information on seized $15million arms funds –SA envoy
Boko Haram burns down Chief of Army Staff’s home
OAU workers suspend strike as Ooni intervenes
Confab report: Afenifere insists on Nigeria’s restructuring
NATION
Buhari: ex-ministers, others will face trial for oil theft
Applicants protest JAMB’s cut off marks at UNILAG
Nigeria rejects gay marriage
EFCC invites Saraki’s wife, Yar’Adua’s daughter
Scores feared dead in Arepo pipeline fire
DSS releases Jonathan’s ex-CSO Obua after six days in detention
1985 coup: Dasuki denies arresting Buhari
U.S., Nigeria partner to increase electricity access
Minority Leader: Court refuses to restrain Saraki, others
Ex-Commonwealth Secretary General Ramphal for Nigeria
Onaiyekan advises Buhari to tread softly on anti-graft probe
First Class graduates to serve in higher institutions, says NYSC 2:01 am
‘Nullify INEC chair’s appointment’ 1:59 am
Nigerians fleeing to Cameroon, says UN 1:57 am
Buhari seeks access to U.S. weapons to fight terrorists
THIS DAY
Buhari: Leahy Law Hindering Fight Against Boko Haram
Cracks Surface in Gbajabiamila Camp as Supporters Disown Letter to APC
Scores Feared Dead as Another Explosion Rocks NNPC Pipeline in Arepo
Saraki: Jonathan Did Not Give Me Any Bribe over Missing $20bn
Police Recover Explosive Devices from Impounded SUV in Damaturu
Revealed: Dasuki Did Not Arrest Buhari in 1983 Coup
NGF Meets amid Controversy over Fayose’s Bid for Deputy Chair
INEC to Use Kogi, Bayelsa as Test Case for Reforms, Says Zakari
Akwa Ibom Election Tribunal: APC Accuses Ex-commissioner of Snatching Ballot Boxes, Disrupting Collation
Governorship Tribunal in Imo Strikes out Ihedioha’s Petition for Time Lapse
VANGUARD
Crisis in Gbajabiamila's camp over letter to Oyegun
Vandals die as NNPC pipeline explodes in Lagos
Again, Buhari vows to crush insurgents
Dasuki denies maltreating Buhari after 1985 coup
Oil theft: Axe dangles on ex-ministers, others
Confusion as NBC and ‘Radio Biafra’ operators engage in hide and seek game
Fuel tanker explosion kills one in Ogun
Underdevelopment: Jonathan tried for Niger-Delta but we failed him —Lori-Ogbebor
Groups at war over invitation to EFCC to investigate former Gov Orji
Synagogue inquest: Court orders status quo as contractors sue Coroner, others
Crime Alert: Lagos warns residents of new robbery dimension
10-yr-old boy buried alive in Enugu
GUARDIAN
President Buhari vows to recover stolen oil money
100 pipeline vandals feared dead in Arepo, Ogun State fire
Crack in Gbajabiamila’s camp as Doguwa accepts offer of House leader
Former SGF, Saleh dies at 82
Construction workers march to Lagos gov’s office over sack of 500
There is no room for gay rights in Nigeria, says Buhari
‘APGA, shortest route to Igbo presidency’
‘PDP won’t concede Ondo to APC’
‘2014 was Earth’s warmest year ’
Nigerians in London form supporters club for Okagbare
APC’s mistake caused National Assembly crisis, says Odigie-Oyegun
Falcons hope on Oshoala, Ebi to overcome Nzalang Nacional in Bata

DAILY TRUST
4.2trillionnaira projects under threat nationwide
Security personnel defuse bomb at Jos Church
455 days since over 200 school girls were taken from Chibok
Investigate NLNG payments APC tells Buhari
506 Nigerian refugees arrive Yola from Cameroun
Picture shows two men carrying bags of orange
Gas supply pushes power generation above 4000Mega watts—TCN
Jonathan’s centenary city is ‘crime personified’---PDP chair

NATION
$4bn NLNG cash payments ‘missing’ from govt account
NNPC targets 20% petrol supply from local refineries
Explosives found in Jos church
Presidency denies rift between Buhari, Tinubu
Southeast group asks Ekweremadu to resign
Three kids survive as trailer crushes dad, wife, son
President orders police to vacate Rivers local governments
Battle to save naira, forex reserves intensifies
Falana to Okonjo-Iweala: apologise for ‘illegal’ ECA withdrawal
Kuku to Buhari: appoint right man for Amnesty Office
Nigeria’s phone lines hit 146m, says NCC
Congrat adverts should be on hold for now, says Banire
Election cases: Vacationing Court of Appeal justices placed on standby
ITF begins 2m yearly jobs scheme for youths

THIS DAY
NLNG: Due Process Not Politics Oversaw $1.6bn Tax Remittance
Boko Haram: Shettima Insists on Amnesty as Church Escapes Bombing in Jos
Nigeria Spent N813bn on Sugar, Wheat, Others in 2013
Police Raise the Alarm on Increased Cult Groups in Lagos
Most Parts of North-east Remain Susceptible to Boko Haram Attacks, Says Lawmaker
Group Faults EFCC’s Action against Oronsaye
Ondo: Residents Besiege Data Centre for Registration
PDP Laments Absence of Policy Thrust in Buhari Administration
APC Leaders Urged to Close Ranks with President
Ex-Speaker Bamisile: APC will Recapture Ekiti in 2018

VANGUARD
I'm not caged, Buhari replies Nyiam
APC, PDP battle over $5.5bn NLNG dividend
PDP, APC bicker over alleged EFCC move against Fayemi
Ondo denies receiving FG’s bailout
FG committed to affordable housing provision - Osinbajo
Banks face massive decline in public sector cash flow in July
How my father beat me with barbed wire because of mum’
Nigerians will be fed up with APC in 1 year — Ojougboh
Boko Haram: Buhari didn’t promise to do magic – Babatunde

PEOPLES DAILY
Unremitted oil tax: APC asks PDP to account for 12.4billion dollars
...claims misleading lies---Metuh
Panic as STF diffuses 2 bombs in Jos Church
We are happy with Buhari’s performance so far—Governors
455 days after...will the abducted Chibok school girls ever be rescued?
Too many guns, arms in wrong hands in Rivers---Dakuku
Niger: Curfew in Paiko as religious crisis averted in Minna
Police alert on rising ATM criminals in Bauchi

NATIONAL MIRROR
Lawyers charge EFCC on diligent prosecution of corruption cases
APC urges Buhari to probe missing 6.9billion dollars NLNG fund
...says rot under Jonathan shocking
NLNG under ten-year tax rebate—PDP
Saraki flays Saudi’s visa policy for hajj
Scientists grow body parts in lab....plan to mass produce them for sale
Marine Police in Lagos to be equipped—Ojukwu

NIGERIAN PILOT
Buhari took 200million dollars from Excess Crude Account—Umahi
...says states didn’t get bail out
PDP seeks probe of Governor Oshiomhole, council chairmen
Interbank rate doubles as CBN mops up public sector funds
Worshippers escape death as 3 explosions hit Jos Church
...bombs picked from ECWA gate, toilet
Buhair mocking ‘Change’ agenda with slow pace—ex-militants
LG Chairmen’s sack: Police dare Rivers APC, PDP over planned protest
Nigeria has 146million active phone lines, says NCC
‘CBN policy on Foreign Exchange restriction harmful to economy’

PUNCH
Senate on a collision course with Buhari ...over Perm Sec’s refusal to honour invitation
I earn $50 per tweet, says ex-gov’s daughter
LASTMA official, who slumped on traffic duty, dies
US trip: Govs, Amaechi, Bakare may make President’s team
Woman cuts neighbour’s throat during argument
APC seeks probe of NLNG payments under Jonathan
US trip: Govs, Amaechi, Bakare may make President’s team
Peterside accuses Wike of dishonesty
Umahi visits Obasanjo, says pay cut can’t ensure growth
Military roadblocks return to FCT
Dickson responds to NBA’s query on court attack

Tweet from Christian Purefoy (CNN Nigeria Correspondent):

2 bombs found in Church in Jos, bomb experts detonated the bombs, some panic over the explosion, but no one killed or injured - Red Cross.

VANGUARD
War in House of Reps over leadership posts
Jega, 6 INEC commissioners bow out Tuesday
Oshodi-Apapa traffic gridlock: Ambode assesses situation, sets up task force
Poverty level in Nigeria intolerable — Osinbajo
IKORODU ROBBERY: Uneasy calm as banks begin repairs of affected property
Jilted DELSU student commits suicide

PEOPLES DAILY
NASS leadership crisis: Reps exchange blows
Wrestle in pursuit of mace
Saraki, senators defy APC
Fracas disgraceful, barbaric, says PDP
Buhari remains APC leader, Presidency restates
Troops kill 15 insurgents, arrest 20 at Niger Republic border
Court sacks Anambra Reps member, Idu
Obama hosts Buhari for Boko Haram, economy talks July
13billion naira Katsina funds unaccounted for—Masari
436 days after: will the abducted Chibok school girls ever be rescued?

NEWSWATCH TIMES
Fracas in Reps over leadership positions
House adjourns abruptly.....APC, PDP react
Nigerians divided over NASS crisis
Senate fills principal officers’ posts, Saraki spurns APC letter again
Tragedy as rains claim two in Kano
U.S. worried over renewed Boko Haram attacks as Obama hosts Buhari July 20
Jega quits June 30 with six INEC commissioners
Kashamu: Court fixes July 1 for ruling on FG’s extradition application

NATIONAL MIRROR
House of Reps show of shame
.....exchange blows over Gbajabiamila....pro Saraki senators emerge principal officers
Insurgency: Army drafts student pilots to war front
E.U. to offer 150million Euros grant for power sector....as NERC inaugurates technical inspectors
Bring Back Our Girls Group movement writes President, seeks audience over missing Chibok girls
Cholera kills 3 in Ebonyi, 17 hospitalized
NIPOST closes 4 illegal courier firms
Nigeria, ECOWAS, ECCAS to agree on new summit date on Boko Haram

PUNCH
Reps exchange blows, PDP blames Buhari
DSS officials barred from ‘close protection’ of Buhari
Senate: Ndume, Na’Allah, Alimikhena emerge as principal officers
‘Don’t impeach Aregbesola’
Lagos issues 21-day ultimatum to motorcycle riders
Obama, Buhari meet July 20 to discuss B’Haram
Wike restores Omehia’s rights as ex-gov
Let’s celebrate ourselves, Obasanjo tells Nigerians
Absence of co-accused persons stalls Sylva’s arraignment
‘Probe N2.1bn Youth ministry programme’
‘Unpaid salaries pose security threat to Nigeria’
Don’t sign TETFund bill, group tells President

NATION
Lagos APC cautions tanker drivers
National Assembly crisis: Buhari backs APC’s stand
Row in House of Reps over principal officers
Dollar scarcity hits banks
Senate adjourns after Saraki announces officers
PDP condemns fracas in House over positions
Buhari for talks with Obama
Niger Republic kills 15 Boko Haram suspects
Again, Saraki defies party’s directive
APC: Party supremacy undergoes stress test

THIS DAY
National Assembly Adjourns after Emergence of Senate Leaders, Fracas in House
Osinbajo: Merit Should Supersede Federal Character for Govt Appointments
Obama to Host Buhari Next Month
Twerk, Other Online Slang Added to Oxford English Dictionary
Rogue Trader Kweku Adoboli out of Prison
Senate Begins Move to Reduce its Allowances
Jega, Six National Commissioners Bow out June 30
APC State Chairmen in Crucial Meeting over N’Assembly Crisis
Wike Restores Omehia’s Rights as Former Governor of Rivers
‘National Assembly Members with Pending Election Cases Don’t Deserve Full Pay’

THE NATION
Senate summons NNPC, others over tanker accidents
NJC penalised 64 judges in five years, says CJN
Robbers smash two banks with explosives in Lagos
Presidency has ‘not expelled DSS from State House’
Why Nigeria missed global analogue switch-off deadline
ICPC moves against corrupt officials at airports

PUNCH
Our senators must respect party’s position – APC govs
FG investigates AI’s allegations against military
Reps to probe NNPC’s crude swap contracts, $8bn loss
Woman leads robbery attacks on Lagos banks
Assembly confirms judge’s call for Aregbesola’s impeachment
Lagos faults Sexual Offences Bill, seeks amendments

VANGUARD
Court restrains Wike from sacking 23 LG chairmen
Banks lose millions in daring robbery attack
UNPAID SALARIES: FG should take over governance in Osun, Benue — LP scribe
It’s shameful to import toothpick, fish, eggs, sugar, wheat —CBN
Police nab 18-year-old man for defiling 8-year-old boy
Man to die by hanging for killing 6-year-old girl

THISDAY
Presidency: DSS Personnel Not Expelled from Villa
Death Row Convict Allegedly Tips Warden N50, 000 to Escape from Prison
Group Berates Buhari on Empty Treasury, Demands Publication of Jonathan’s Handover Notes
APC Zoning: South-south Group Cries out to Buhari over Marginalisation
Court Refers Question on Relocation of Governorship Tribunal to Appeal Court
Customers Accuse Banks of Unlawful Enforcement of BVN Registration