Tuesday 21 July 2015

Boko Haram attacks family home of New Chief of Army Staff

Boko Haram members in a daring move attacked the family home of the new Chief of Army Staff Maj. Gen. Tukur Buratai in Buratai village in Borno state today July 21st. According to Reuters, two people wee killed while 8 others were injured during the attack. Several houses were burnt as well.

Buhari speaks to Amanpour, says nobody will escape justice, not even his party members

In an interview with CNN's Amanpour, President Buhari talked about what he wants the US to do for Nigeria as it relates to the fight against Boko Haram
"The United States and even the G7 promised to do what they can to help Nigeria so we have brought our requirements in terms of training and equipping and in intelligence gathering for Nigeria to be able to fight Boko Haram" - he said
As regards speculation that Boko Haram wants to trade some of their members in prison for the kidnapped Chibok girls, President Buhari said 
"We have to be very careful about the credibility of various Boko Haram leadership coming up and claiming that they can deliver. We have to be very careful indeed and we are taking our time because we want to bring them safe back to their parents and their school"he said
Asked further if he was against negotiating with Boko Haram, he said 
"I cannot be against it because as I told you our main objective as a government is to rescue those girls back to their schools and rehabilitate them back to normal sight. If we are convinced that the leadership that presented itself can deliver those girls safe and should, we will be prepared to negotiate what they want"he said
Asked if he will crack down on corrupt leaders even if they were from his party, Buhari said 
"I just have to. There isn't going to be any party member or personality that can escape justice"he said
Asked if he was dissapointed President Obama who is due to visit Africa soon isn't coming to Nigeria, President Buhari said 
"I wouldn't say I was disappointed but how I wish he will change is mind and go to Nigeria"
Asked if he asked President Obama o come to Nigeria when they met, he said
"Well I asked him and I will send a formal invitation"he said 
Asked what he thinks of former Chadian dictator who is being tried in Senegal instead of the International Criminal Court, President Buhari said 
"Justice is Justice whether it is done in Africa or else in the world. The important thing is let justice be done. Whatever evidence the prosecutors have in Senegal I think they should proceed to make it available to the world and prosecute him according to international law on Human rights".
"I support any process that is based on Justice"he said

DSS presents detained former CSO to GEJ to the public following speculations of his death (photo)

Above is Gordon Obua, the former Chief Security Officer to former President Jonathan. He was presented to the press this evening by the Department of State Security at their headquarters in Abuja following speculations that he died in their custody yesterday. The DSS wanted to put an end to the false report by presenting Obua to the public.

The former CSO, who has been held by the DSS since Thursday July 16th, had embarked on hunger strike to protest his detention and fainted on Sunday. He was rushed to the hospital where he was treated and discharged today. He is said to be suffering from hypertension and diabetes. There are also reports that Obua is being denied access to his lawyers and family.

Pics: Buhari, John Kerry hold joint press conference to discuss fight against Boko Haram


President Buhari and US Secretary of State John Kerry held a joint press conference today to discuss on the fight against Boko Haram in Nigeria. More photos after the cut...

IGP awards post humous awards to three police officers killed in Yobe bomb blast

The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase has awarded post humous award to the three police officers who were killed in a bomb attack on a military checkpoint in Borno state yesterday July 20th.

In a statement released today July 21st, IGP Arase praised the deceased officers for their commitment to duty even until death. He also announced that 4 children of each of the officers killed will be given scholarship up to their secondary school level. The statement after the cut...


The IGP salutes the courage and gallantry displayed by officers of the Yobe State Police Command in containing the menace of insurgency in the State. He is highly pleased that in spite of imminent challenges, the officers exhibited a high sense of patriotism and dedication to duty.
While regretting the death in active service of three officers in the unfortunate incident of Monday 20th July, 2015, the IGP observed that but for the indomitable spirit, sacrifice and professionalism of the deceased officers, the terrorists would have detonated the explosives in a high profile target. To further consolidate the commendation, the IGP has approved the post-humous promotion of the deceased officers.
He has also ordered the Medical Department to foot the medical bill of the injured officer. In addition, four children each of the deceased officers will be offered scholarship up to secondary school level while the families will be afforded priority in the budding Police Housing Scheme. Similar gesture will be extended to other officers who paid the supreme sacrifice in the course of fighting insurgency. 
ACP EMMANUEL C. S. OJUKWU, psc FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA
Rihanna abhors bras. Absolutely hates it! Lol. She was spotted going without one as she returned to her New York City apartment after an outing yesterday morning.

What is Governor Rochas Okorocha doing in this photo?


He is listening, abi? Lol. See an up-close photo after the cut...


PDP Chieftain in Rivers state assasinated


A PDP chieftain in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers state, Mr. Alala Osondu, has been killed. According to reports, he was assassinated close to his home in the Ada-George area in Port Harcourt at about 12.30am today July 21st. He was said to be returning from a political meeting when he was attacked by people who trailed him. The Rivers state police commissioner, Chris Ezike while confirming the incident, said further investigation into the matter is ongoing.

I Will Appoint Ministers In September – President Buhari


President Muhammadu Buhari has explained his resolve to appoint his ministers and other cabinet members in the month of September.

According to him, it would be careless and irresponsible of him if, as a leader, he hurriedly appoints members of his cabinet without putting new rules of governance in place.
“When cabinet ministers are appointed in September, it will be some months after I took the oath of office. It is worth noting that Obama himself did not have his full cabinet in place for several months after first taking office; the United States did not cease to function in the interim. 
“In Nigeria’s case, it would neither be prudent nor serve the interests of sound government to have made these appointments immediately on my elevation to the presidency; instead, Nigeria must first put new rules of conduct and good governance in place.
“So the path we must take is simple, even if it is not easy: First, instill rules and good governance; second, install officials who are experienced and capable of managing state agencies and ministries; and third, seek to recover funds stolen under previous regimes so that this money can be invested in Nigeria for the benefit of all of our citizens”, he noted.
He also indicated that his newly appointed service chiefs will relocate from Abuja to Borno State until the war against Boko Haram is won.

Buhari asserted that his determination to introduce a new culture of leadership should not be underestimated, including instilling good governance and tackling the scourge of corruption that has held Nigeria back for too long.

“I cannot stress how important it is to ensure that this process is carried out correctly, just as it has been crucial to first install the correct leadership of the military and security services before we fully take the fight to Boko Haram.”

See All The Photos of President Buhari's Meeting with Obama


After the meeting, President Muhammadu buhari also addressed thousands of Nigerians who came to greet him in front of the Blair's House in Washington, DC on Monday. See more photos below:







Lagos Big Boy E-Money Celebrates Wife’s Birthday In Style


Musician Kcee’s elder brother and Five-Star Music CEO, E-Money celebrated his wife’s birthday at their home in Lagos. The guy said his wife stood by him when there was really nothing, so he has to celebrate her in her a big way. Many celebrities attended the party. See more photos: