UPDATE PHOTOS: President Jonathan visits Gov. Wada in Hospital

Three days after Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada was involved in an auto crash that claimed the life of his aide de camp and landed him in hospital, President Goodluck Jonathan Monday visited the governor on his sick bed.

President Jonathan was on Monday at the Cedar Crest Hospital, Abuja where Governor Wada is said to be recovering from injuries he sustained in the incident.

Accompanied by few of his aides the President was received at Garki II premises of the private hospital by the Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu, and the hospital's Chief Medical Director (CMD), Felix Ogedengbe.

Video: Kimye announce that they are expecting a baby

Kanye made this surprise announcement last night while performing at Revel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Kanye said:

"Stop the music and make noise for my baby mama," referring to Kim, who was in the audience.

Shortly after Kanye shared the news, Kim's sisters, Khloe and Kourtney expressed their happiness via Twitter.

Kim is reportedly 12 weeks pregnant. So happy for her. Congrats to them! See the video of Kanye's announcement

RITA DOMINIC more beautiful by the day

New Video: Banky W - Yes/No

PHOTOS: MERCY JOHNSON DELIVERS BABY GIRL AT AMERICAN HOSPITAL

Congratulations Mercy and Prince

PHOTOS/ VIDEO: P SQUARE, CHRIS BROWN AND RIHANNA LIVE IN ABIDJAN

Niger State governor puts up billboard for daughter's wedding

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State put up a billboard in the state to celebrate his daughter's wedding. A round of applause for him! :-)

See what The Rock did for his mum this Christmas

Nice, Right?

Obama Signs Bill To Grant Nigerian Student U.S. Permanent Residency

Victor second from left, his doctor to his right, doctor's wife and the nun that's been taking care of him 

President Barrack Obama just awarded a young Nigerian man with a very terrible genetic disease -Neurofibromatosis, permanent residence in the US and as such access to a US medical school. This hardly ever passes congress but because of his peculiar situation, it worked.

26 year old Victor Chukwueke came to the US eleven years ago to undergo treatment for massive face tumours and lived in Michigan on an expired visa. He graduated from a state university and wanted to attend a medical school but needed to have permanent residency for that to happen. 

Private bills, which only applies to one person and mostly focus on immigration, are rarely approved. Victors is the only one to pass in US Congress in two years. 

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes massive life-threatening tumours to the face.

Gov Wada rejects treatment Overseas

 the Governors' car after d accident

Cedar Crest Hospital Abuja

*Undergoes 2-hr surgery in  Abuja

Contrary to insinuations, Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State may not be flown abroad for the treatment of the injuries he sustained in the accident involving his convoy on  Friday.

Doctors at the hospital where the governor was receiving treatment hinted, yesterday, that Wada rejected the option of flying him abroad for further treatment after undergoing what was described as inter-locking nail surgery on his thigh broken in the crash.

The surgery, which lasted two hours, was said to have been successful.

Spokesman for the governor, Mr Jacob Edi, echoed the doctors position when he said his principal was stable.

“I saw His Excellency after the unfortunate accident. He has been stabilised since last night (Friday). I spoke with him and he shook my hands. It was after he stabilised that he was flown to Abuja,”Edi told Sunday Vanguard.

The governor was said to have suffered a broken thigh among other injuries when his vehicle ran into a ditch after a burst tyre on Friday afternoon at Emi Woro village, about 12 kilometers to Lokoja, the state capital.

His ADC died while his driver reportedly escaped unhurt.

Wada was returning to Lokoja from Kogi State University where he attended a function when the crash occurred.

The governor was rushed to the Kogi State Specialist, Lokoja where he was treated before he was taken to Cedar Crest Hospital, Abuja  for further treatment.

Vice President Namadi Sambo; Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State; and a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu  Ali; were among those who visited the Abuja hospital to see the injured Wada  yesterday.

The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Felix Ogodengbe, who spoke for the doctors handling the governor’s treatment, confirmed, yesterday, that Wada suffered a broken thigh among other injuries.

Ogedengbe said the governor ruled out the option of being flown abroad for further treatment of his injuries after a two-hour  operation on the thigh on Friday night.

He stated: “When  the governor was brought in at 8pm (on Friday),  we were told he was involved in a car accident and we checked him and explained the nature of his injuries to him. We also told him about our ability to manage the injuries. He had a broken thigh and he was taken to the theatre. The governor has since stabilized and he had a nice night; he said he would not be taken abroad for treatment because he has confidence in our capacity to manage him. There is no immediate need to fly him abroad.”

The medical director could, however, not  state the possible date when the patient would be discharged, saying Wada needed time to recuperate.

He said, “The governor is quite happy to take treatment here; the treatment is on-going. He needs some days in the hospital and I can’t give a date of discharge now.”

Findings at the hospital indicated that the surgical procedure performed on  Wada  would enable him regain the full use of the affected thigh  with interlocking nails.

The use of the interlocking nails procedure, according to medical experts, entails intramedullary pin secured in position by proximal and distal transfixing screws which engage the bone to the nail to provide axial bending and torsional stability.

Meanwhile, Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, yesterday, prayed God to grant Wada quick recovery even as he urged Nigerians to also pray for the governor.

Orji, who described the accident as “very sad and shocking”, also commiserated with the family of the Kogi governor’s ADC, who died in the accident.

The Abia governor, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Ugochukwu Emezue, lamented the death of the ADC.

Kaduna Swears In Bajoga As Deputy Governor

Nuhu Bajoga was sworn-in today as the new Deputy Governor of Kaduna State by the state Chief Judge, Justice Rahila Cudjoe, at Hassan Usman Katsina House, Kawo, Kaduna.

The swearing-in followed his confirmation by the state House of Assembly on Thursday.

The former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Yero, was sworn-in as the governor on 16 December, following the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa in a helicopter crash in Okoroba-Nembe, Bayelsa state.

Yero said at the swearing in ceremony that he was convinced that the ambassador’s patience, articulation and sensible leadership would help in moving the state forward.

According to him, the combination of the old and the young had also contributed immensely to his working relationship with the late Yakowa.

“Yakowa was older than I am by 20 years and I tried as much as possible to obey him and not to create problem for him.

“That gave me the idea that anybody that is going to be the deputy governor has to be somebody that is older than I am and has more experience than I have.

“This will benefit the good people of the state because they say age is an experience and I know that with the experience of Bajoga and his age, we will be able to work together and respect each other,’’ he said.

He reiterated his commitment towards peace, unity and development in the state, and urged the people to support them, as well as pray for them in order to enable the government to achieve its mandate.

Yero assured the people that he would have a cordial relationship with his deputy, understand each other, work together, and be patient with each other.

“I assure you that we will have a good working relationship. I as the head and he being my number one adviser, I will do as much as possible. I know what the office of the deputy governor is and will try as much as possible to improve from where I left it,’’ the governor said.

He said: “Anyone, who thinks he can come in between us, it is better for him to advise us to do the right thing, rather than seeking to divide us."

Bajoga pledged to discharge his duties to the state according to the 1999 Constitution, as he would be emulating the late Yakowa by fostering friendship and enhancing cooperation across the ethnic groups and religions.

“I intend to justify the confidence reposed in me as I will promote harmonious working relationship based on mutual cooperation.’’

He noted the expectations of the youths and women, and said he would endear himself to them by discharging his duties to the best of his abilities.

“I appreciate the series of views expressed by various strata of our society and interest groups in the course of filling the vacuum that was created in the office that I have now been called upon to occupy.

“I see this as a positive development, which will serve to enrich our democratic culture and ideals.

“And so rather than diminish my enthusiasm to serve our people, it has awakened me to the enormity of the challenges ahead of us and the need to give my best.

’’Bajoga appealed to the people to exercise more patience, eschew bitterness and promote issues that will unite them all.

“The security challenges that stare us in the face demand from us patience, sacrifice and tolerance,’’ he said.

Breaking News: 20 feared dead as gunmen sack police station, prison in Adamawa

No fewer than 20 persons were feared killed and inmates set free when unknown gunmen, Friday, struck in Maiha, Adamawa state.

Report says the Maiha attack, in the Local Government that shares a common border with Cameroun left many injured.

Eyewitnesses  said that the Divisional Police station, the prison, the  Customs area office, the presidential lodge, all located at the local government headquarters were completely razed.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen stormed the town at about 3: 00am with heavy artillery.

Reports have gathered that the gunmen overran the police station, carted away arms and ammunition, then proceeded to the prisons where the inmates were reportedly set free.

The entire town, according to the eyewitnesses was thrown into pandemonium as residents feared venturing out of their homes.

When contacted, Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, Godfrey Okeke  who confirmed the incident said, “nobody should disturb me now, already I am in Maiha, you people should allow me to rest.”

The Police public Relation Officer,PPRO, Mohammed Ibrahim (DSP), said they (the police) were in Maiha already to assess the situation.

Update: Kogi State Governor involved in auto crash. ADC, driver dies instantly

The Governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada and his aides were involved in a fatal car accident this afternoon .  His ADC and driver died instantly while the governor was rushed to the Emergency Ward of the Kogi State Specialist Hospital in Lokoja. He was later moved to the Government House Hospital where he's said to be in a coma.

The governor and his convoy were returning from an official assignment and were close to Lokoja when the accident occurred.

Update: Doctors at the Lokoja Specialist Hospital where Mr. Wada received first aid treatment said his leg is “totally broken.”

A government official who revealed that the governor was brought into the intensive care unit with a severely fractured femur according to the doctors, added that they said he is in good condition and did not sustain major head or spinal cord injuries.

“There is hope,” he said.

According to a source in the government house, the state government arranged for a helicopter which flew the governor to the National Hospital in Abuja.

Update: In a statement by the PDP's publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh, the party said “Our great Party is yet to recover from a rude shock arising from a recent similar incident. We therefore wish to direct all our members to observe compulsory minutes of prayers for the speedy recovery of Governor Wada and to spare the Party from further painful incidents.”

Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Mr Wada remained unknown, thereby fuelling speculations that he may have been flown abroad for medical attention.

Channels Television’s correspondent Doris Okenwa reported that as at 8pm there were no sign of the Governor at the National Hospital Abuja where he was said to be receiving treatment.

Government officials have not been forthcoming on the where the governor is receiving medical care. However, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Elesho, told journalists in a phone chat that Mr Wada was hale and healthy and not dead but refused to volunteer information on his whereabouts.

There are speculations that he was taken to the airstrip in Obajana, Kogi state enroute Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from where he will be flown overseas for more treatment.

The convoy of Mr Wada met with the unfortunate accident Friday afternoon at Emi Woro Village, about 12 kilometres into the Kogi state capital while returning from an annual Igala Education Summit which the Governor declared opened at the state university.

Sadly, the Governor’s Aide de Camp, Idris Mohamed, an Assistant Superintendent of Police died on the spot.

Gov. Rochas and Sen. Chris CLASH

Senator Chris Anyanwu yesterday accused Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha of ordering his security detail to attack her convoy and beat up her security men.

Wednesday’s convoy clash was the height of the personality clash between the two public officials both of whom were elected on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

But Okorocha’s spokesman Ebere Uzoukwa denied the claims by the senator.

He said the senator breached protocol by using a siren, which has been banned in the state.

“The senator’s vehicle suddenly rammed into the governor’s convoy close to the staff car, cutting off the lead security vehicle after overtaking dangerously and in a very suspicious manner,” Uzoukwa said.

But, Senator Anyanwu recounts the incident in Owerri, the Imo State capital. She described the governor’s security men’s action as “frightening” and “brutish”, adding that she had been threatened in the past at several occasions in the state.

Giving a graphic detail of the clash between her convoy and the governor’s security men, Senator Anyanwu said: “My day started around 9.30am when I visited the governor at the Government House on Tuesday to exchange pleasantries and he asked if I had adequate security and I said “yes” after which I left for my home town, Mbaise.”

“When we got to Azara Egbelu, we heard siren coming behind us and when it grew louder, we parked (our vehicles) to allow the convoy way to pass. But, surprisingly, the approaching convoy which comprised of truck loads of armed and stern looking men double crossed us and pulled out two of my drivers dragging them into the bush where they were mercilessly beaten and left with broken skull and bruises.

“When I could not bear it any more, I rushed out of my car barefooted and started shouting: “I am Senator Chris Anynawu please don’t kill my driver, but one of the armed men charged at me and threatened to shoot me for running into the governor’s convoy. All these while, the Governor was seated in his car with the glass wound down and I heard him shout at his security men to disarm my orderlies”.

Mrs. Anywanwu described the Governor’s action as “a misplaced show of power. The power of the state is so enormous and you don’t need to intimidate, harass or kill your people to assert your powers as a governor.

“I am tired of all these abuses and harassment in this state. It is not only in Imo State that they have female legislators. If they could do this to me, what will happen to the ordinary people, this has to stop”.

The governor’s spokesman insisted that Senator Anyanwu breached security, adding that her outburst of anger could have resulted in a heavy casualty if not for the discipline of the governor’s security men who displayed a high sense of decency, professionalism and maturity.

“Surprisingly, Senator Anyanwu, who no doubt knew the convoy was that of the governor of Imo State, alighted from her car and ordered her Naval security personnel to open fire. The Senator slapped both the governor’s Aide Camp and Chief Detail. She also rained abuses on the governor,” Uzoukwa said.

No Fuel Hike in 2013 - Okupe

The presidency Thursday  assured Nigerians that there were no plans to increase the pump price of petrol in the New Year.

Also, the Presidency said members of the opposition political parties who were in the habit of criticising President Goodluck Jonathan were not better should Nigerians vote them into power, describing them as a bunch of dishonest people.
The assurance came against the backdrop of lengthy queues at filling stations nationwide in the wake of the fuel scarcity that has lingered for months.

The fuel queues have worsened due to what many people have suspected to be hoarding by fuel marketers who intended to sell at a higher price should the Federal Government increase the price of petrol next year as it did last January 1.
Last January 1, the Federal Government had imposed a higher petrol price regime on Nigerians in the wake of the deregulation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry.

The deregulation exercise had led to hike in petrol price from N65 per litre to N141 per litre, triggering a nationwide protest led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) as well as their civil society allies, that was suspended after the government reduced the price to N97 per litre.

However, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said in an interview that there was no plan for any increase in fuel price in the new year.

He also listed details of plans to combat unemployment and sustain the steady decline in security challenges in the country, especially in the North.

“I can categorically tell you that there will be no increase in the price of petroleum products. There is no plan by the Federal Government to increase the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol). So, those who are hoarding fuel in the anticipation that there would be increase in price should open up their stations and commence sales to the public, because there would be no increase. This, I can assure you,” he said.

Okupe, who gave insight into the improvement in the standard of living of Nigerians, said that there would be a frontal approach in tackling unemployment, adding that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture through a programme termed ‘Young Graduate Employment Scheme’ has generated more than 780,000 jobs.

He also added that the SURE-P interventionist programme would commence the provision of 5,000 jobs each in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) next January.

Okupe further explained that over 50,000 unemployed graduates had registered under another graduate employment scheme.
He said as part of the Federal Government’s decision to tackle unemployment, the Nigeria Agriculture and Rural Development Board (NARDB) has concluded plans to grant loans to farmers at a single digit interest.
On security challenges in the North, Okupe said the rate of bombing in the North had been on the decrease from January to December.
“What this means is that there is containment in addressing security challenges posed by Boko Haram. The security agencies are always ahead of their plot,” he added.

Meanwhile, Okupe, while addressing a press conference in Lagos yesterday, said it was unfortunate that people who should be in jail were the ones criticising the president and telling the government what to do.
He also denied reports credited to President Goodluck Jonathan of having admitted that his administration was slow, saying the criticisms were needless.

Okupe said there was nobody that is better equipped and better to govern the country than Jonathan based on his pedigree as deputy governor, governor, vice-president and finally as president.

Gunmen kill eight in Maiduguri

The 10-day peace enjoyed by residents of the troubled city of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, was shattered, Thursday, as unknown gunmen went on the rampage, killing a prominent businessman and seven others.

This came as the Joint Task Force, JTF, in Kaduna, said yesterday that it raided and demolished a building suspected to be bomb making factory in Rigasa suburb of Kaduna killing five suspected terrorists.

The attacks were reportedly carried out simultaneously in several areas by different groups of young men, armed with assault rifles and other dangerous weapons.

Sources told Vanguard that a popular oil and gas merchant, Alhaji Abubakar Girigiri Gashua, 68, popularly known as A.A Girigiri Gashua, was reportedly killed by two gunmen at about 4.30pm when the assailants raided the Bolori Stores along Baga road.

The area has a large number of warehouses for consumer goods. Girigiri  hailed from Gashua Local Government Area of Yobe State, but settled in Maiduguri, upon esatblishing his business empire there.

According to the sources, the attackers reportedly walked into the area and met the deceased seated in front of his warehouse, pretending to be one of the customers. However, upon approaching the man, they instantly fired at him, killing him on the spot.

The invaders reportedly fired several warning shots into the air before fleeing the scene, even as the area was deserted.However, soon after the incident, all roads leading to the area were cordoned off by dozens of heavily armed soldiers just as another set of gunmen invaded a compound in Gamborou ward and killed seven other persons in the evening.

The attackers were said to have  held the victims at gun point, before using sharp objects to slit their throats.

Spokesman of the Joint Task Force,  Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, confirmed the killing of only three persons, and declined comments on the murder of the businessman.

Meanwhile, the Borno State Police Command has confirmed the murder of the businessman.
The command’s spokesman, DSP Gideon Jibril, confirmed the incident to newsmen last night, saying it was not yet clear if Gashua was killed by insurgents as those behind the act were still unknown.

According to Jubril, efforts were being made to arrest the fleeing assailants just as he asked  residents to furnish security agencies with useful information on the hide-outs of suspected insurgents and other criminals in their midst.

As JTF kills 5 suspected terrorists,demolishes bomb factory in Kaduna

The spokesperson of One Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Colonel Sani Usman, who confirmed the incident to newsmen in a statement added that two other suspects were injured in the raid.

According to him, “security agencies carried out a cordon and search operation at Rigasa in Kaduna North Local Government area and discovered a bomb making factory at a house located off Makarfi Road. On approaching the factory, some suspected terrorists opened fire and also threw already primed IED at the troops.” He explained that the exchange of fire that ensued resulted in the death of five suspected terrorists, while two of them that sustained various degrees of injuries are being treated.

“In line with our resolve to deter terrorists, the building housing the factory was demolished,”, he said.

Col Usman also said that the operation followed a tip-off from well meaning citizens. He commended their courage and reiterated the 1 Division’s commitment to fighting terrorism.

He equally assured that the actions of the Army and 1 Division in particular were aimed at ensuring peace and securing the lives and property of law abiding citizens of the state, urging the public to always report suspicious movement to relevant authorities.

The spokesperson listed some of the items recovered in the raid to include 5 Mark 4 Riffles, 3 Pump Action Riffles, 20 Rolls of Detonating Cords, 21 Nine Volts Batteries, 2 Remote Switches, 1 Testing Metre, 5 Assorted Daggers and Jack knives and other Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) materials.

PHOTOS: Calabar Carnival

Breaking News: Obasanjo's House on Fire

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s multi-billion naira hill-top mansion in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital was Thursday evening gutted by fire.The mysterious fire was reported to have started from the kitchen section of the mansion at about 5 pm which later spread to other sections within the premises.

An eye witness disclosed that Ogun State Fire Service truck marked OG 122 AO9 was seen at the compound even as men Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, State Security Service have joined the fire fighters to contain the fire from spreading to other parts of the sprawling estate.

Obasanjo who expressed appreciation to God said that, ” You have seen that it is only the office of my secretary that is burnt.”  He added in Yoruba, “Ile Obasanjo to jo Ewa lobu kun,ile Obasanjo to jo ewa lobu kun. This is translated, ” A king’s house gutted by fire can only add beauty to it.

Gunmen kill US-based doctor in Enugu

A United States-based financial expert, Dr. Ogbo Edoga, was shot dead by gunmen in his hometown, Aku, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Enugu State, yesterday. The deceased was a financial economist, who returned to attend the meeting of Nsukka USA, an organisation of Nsukka professionals in the United States to raise fund for the construction of an ultra-modern medical diagnostic centre in Ede-Oballa.

According to reports, the victim was trailed to the house of a kinsman by a five-man gang on a motorcycle, who accosted him and shot him at a very close range. He died on the way to the hospital. The bandits were reported to have escaped in a car belonging to a senior officer of the State Security Service (SSS), who was with the deceased at the time of the incident. The incident has thrown Aku community into pandemonium, disrupting programmes lined up by the villagers for the yuletide, notably the reception organised for indigenous priest and dedication of a new building by the twin brother of the deceased.

An eyewitness said the gunmen shouted at the deceased, “where is the money?” before opening fire. He reportedly pleaded with them to spare his life but they shot him with an AK47 rifle. Meanwhile, the Police Area Commander, Ros-Amson Halladu, confirmed the incident, describing it as hired killing. He also advised returnees to apply for police protection.

Army foils suicide attack in Abuja

Indications have emerged that authorities of the Nigerian Army Garrison headquarters in Abuja, foiled suicide plots by the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram to bomb strategic places within the Federal Capital Territory during the Christmas/New Year celebrations.

Vanguard gathered that two drums loaded with several sizes of cans including those of vegetable oils and palm oil converted to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDS), about six AK 47 rifles and timing materials were recovered from the hideout of the plotters.

More details soon

Drogba to head Ivory Coast’s Nations Cup squad

Ivory Coast superstar Didier Drogba headed coach Sabri Lamouchi’s 23-player Africa Cup of Nations squad unveiled here on Thursday.

The China-based striker is hoping to lead his country to the title in South Africa after missing out on penalties to Zambia in Gabon in the 2012 edition.

Manchester City’s Toure brothers Kolo and Yaya, the African Player of the Year, were among half a dozen players called up from the English Premier League.

The only non-foreign based name on Lamouchi’s list was goalkeeper Ali Badra.

Only six of the squad for the January 19-February 10 tournament did not figure at the 2012 Nations Cup.

Ivory Coast are preparing for the competition with a January 6-16 training camp in Abu Dhabi, with a friendly pencilled in against Egypt, who failed to qualify, on January 14.

“I’ve selected these 23 players to perform good work in Abu Dhabi and I hope that they will all be available to go the Nations Cup,” said the team’s French coach.

In South Africa, the Ivorians are drawn in Group D with Algeria, Tunisia and Togo.

Ivroy Coast squad

Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Lokeren/BEL), Daniel Yeboah (Dijon/FRA), Ali Badra Sangaré (Ivoire Academie)

Defenders: Souleymane Bamba (Trazbonspor/TUR), Siaka Tiene (Paris Saint Germain/RA), Kolo Toure (Manchester City/ENG), Igor Lolo (Kuban Krasnodar/RUS), Emmanuel Eboue (Galatasaray/TUR), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart/GER), Ismael Traore (Brest/FRA)

Midfielders: Yaya Toure (Manchester City (ENG), Didier Ya Konan (Hannover 96/GER), Max Gradel (Saint-Etienne/FRA), Didier Zokora (Trazbonspor/TUR), Abdul Razak (Manchester City/ENG), Romaric Ndri Koffi (Zaragosa/ESP), Cheick Ismael Tiote (Newcastle/ENG)

Forwards: Didier Drogba (Shanghai Shenhua/CHN), Gervinho (Arsenal/ENG), Salomon Kalou (Lille/FRA), Wilfried Bony (Vitesse Arnhem/NED, Lacina Traore (Anzhi Makhachkala/RUS), Arouna Kone (Wigan/ENG).

JTF cracks down on illegal fuel depot,ASP, others arrested for operating

A military Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield 01 has uncovered an illegal oil depot in Calabar, Cross River State, where no less than 8,000 drums of fuel and diesel were stored.

The Public Relations Officer of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Capt. Joseph James, who stated this on Wednesday, said six persons, including an Assistant Superintendent of Police, have been arrested in connection with the illegal depot.

Conducting journalists around the depot, James said the place was uncovered on Christmas Eve following a tip off.

He added that the raid was led by Major Abdulmaleek Mohammed, of the brigade.

He said, “Following a tip-off, the Commander of the 13 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Shehu Yusuf, ordered that the JTF should raid the depot, which is off Mesembe Avenue, in the Anantigha area and very close to the headquarters of the Calabar South Local Government Area.

“As you can see, there are nearly 8,000 drums of fuel and diesel well arranged here. You can also see how they have expertly dredged this canal to enable these boats to bring in the products from wherever. It appears that this illegal business has been on for some time now before this intelligence report came in.

“We are still carrying out our investigation to unravel their possible connections and where they got the products from. We have picked up six men among whom is an Assistant Superintendent of Police, who are presently in the custody of the Military Police at the Brigade. We will soon hand them over to the Nigerian Civil Security and Civil Defence Corps.”

Meanwhile, the force has burnt the products at Ikang in Bakassi Local Government Area of the state.

Asked why the products were not handed over to the state government, James said the mandate of the JTF team was to burn such items.

Biggest New Year’s Eve Party in Africa

Lagos State to host the Biggest New Year’s Eve Party in Africa featuring TuFace Idibia, D’banj, EME ft Wizkid, Banky W, Skales, Niyola, Mavin ft. Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, D’Prince, Choc Boyz ft. MI, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, Burna Boy, Iyanya and more.

The 2012 Lagos Countdown is a world-class celebration of the end of one year and the beginning of another…Lagos Style. The series of event will take place at Eko Atlantic City (Ahmadu Bello way through Bar Beach stretch until Eko Atlantic Office). The event is being conceived to create an end of year crossover tradition that would engage citizens of the state (and visitors) throughout the end of year holiday season. 

The event will take special significance at the Eko Atlantic City particularly because all of the land that was washed away by the ocean over 50 years ago, which is now being reclaimed. 

Speaking at a news briefing prior to the commencement of the event, the managing director of LASAA, Mr. George Noah, said the Lagos Countdown Event will be in the form of that witnessed in major cities of the world like Time Square, New York and Trafalgar Square, London.

With a maximum of 15,000 participants followed by a specially created audio midnight countdown and a 20-minute live show anchored from the rooftop of Avenue Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the countdown, which includes appearances by top music artists, will showcase display of lights, music, fireworks, pyrotechnics and lighting effects to signify the commencement of the New Year at the Eko Atlantic City on December 31 from 8pm.

This maiden edition of the Lagos Countdown is sponsored by GT Bank, Indomie Noodles, Avenue Suites, DStv, Pepsi, and is powered by Star Lager Beer.