TAMBUWAL, SANI-BELLO MAKE SURPRISE VISITS TO STATE HOSPITALS

In a move that seems to be after the foot steps of the Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the governors of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal and his Niger State counterpart, Abubakar Sani-Bello, have made unannounced visits to their respective state owned hospitals. (See more pics after the cut).

OBIANO TO BUILD MILLIONAIRES CITY

The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has revealed his plan of building an Ultramodern Millionaire City to showcase the heritage of the state which prides itself as the "home to the greatest number of millionaires in Nigeria".

BOKO HARAM: SUICIDE BOMBER KILLS 3 NEAR MAIDUGURI

A suicide bomber suspected to be of the dreaded Boko Haram Islamic sect, killed three civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) members yesterday at a checkpoint near Maiduguri.

CHINA'S EX-SECURITY CHIEF BAGS LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR CORRUPTION

Former Chinese security chief, Zhou Yongkang, has been sentenced to life in prison at a secret trial, state media reports. Once a member of the ruling Communist Party's Politburo Standing Committee, the 72 year old is the highest-ranking former official to be investigated for corruption and the biggest target to fall so far in President Xi Jinping's ongoing anti-corruption campaign. 

FUEL SCARCITY: PORT HARCOURT REFINERY TO COMMENCE OPERATIONS

The recurrent fuel scarcity that has bedevilled the nation many years may soon be a thing of the past as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited will start refining crude oil and will contribute to petroleum product availability by the end of this month.

INSURGENCY: MINIMAH VISITS TROOPS IN BORNO, ADAMAWA

 The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Kenneth Tobiah Jacob Minimah, paid an operational and morale boosting visit to troops in the frontline fighting war against Boko Haram terrorists groups in Borno and Adamawa States. 

During the visit, he addressed and encouraged the troops of 7 Division Strike Group (7 DSG) and 121 Special Force (SF) Battalion that comprised the Armed Forces and Nigerian Army Special Forces located in Pulka, 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, 28 Task Force Brigade and 174 Battalion in Mubi.

BOKO HARAM: BUHARI DEMANDS CONTROL OF JTF BY NIGERIA

President Muhammadu Buhari has rejected a proposal for an alternate leadership between Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroun and Benin, of a joint military force against Boko Haram.

At a meeting with leaders of the Lake Chad nations Thursday in Abuja, Mr. Buhari insisted Nigeria must be the sole leader of the joint military operation.

KIDNAPPERS NABBED AT ILE-IFE TODAY

Kidnap Victim

Kidnapping was almost entirely limited to the Niger-Delta region in the past. It is, however, becoming a daily affair in other parts of the country today having had several cases reported from Lagos state and, of recent, Kogi state.

Top on the list is a failed attempt at kidnapping a school girl earlier today.

BOKO HARAM: FEMALE SUICIDE BOMBERS DIE IN BORNO

Three suspected female suicide bombers were killed in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State when their Improvised Explosive Devises (IEDs) detonated on their way to Maiduguri, the capital of the North eastern Nigerian state.

BOKO HARAM: FG REOPENS MAIDUGURI INT'L AIRPORT

MIA

The Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Mustapha, has announced today that the Federal Government has reopened Maiduguri International Airport for commercial purposes.

Mustapha disclosed this with newsmen during a visit saying that he had received a letter from the Chief of Air Staff on the reopening of the airport. 

I WON'T RECOGNISE SARAKI AS SENATE PRESIDENT-TINUBU

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

At last, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reacted to the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki as the President of the Senate.

Tinubu, while speaking on the development at the national secretariat of the party on Tuesday in Abuja, said, “I will never recognise such a kangaroo arrangement that produced Bukola as the Senate President.

MARWA RETURNS TO APC

Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) 

The Former Military Administrator of Lagos State, Brig.-Gen. Muhammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), earlier today (Wednesday) formally announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

BOKO HARAM: BORNO GOVT PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR MILITARY HIGH COMMAND IN MAIDUGURI

Gov Kashim Shettima

The Borno State Government has said that it is willing to provide logistic support toward the relocation of the Military High Command to Maiduguri.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Mustapha Zannah, stated this while receiving members of the Borno Correspondents’ Chapel on a solidarity visit at his office in Maiduguri.

OGOGORO: DEATH TOLL RISES TO 66

The death toll of those who have died after consuming dog meat and the locally brewed gin popularly known as Ogogoro or kai-kai has increased to 66 across four local government areas of Rivers state. The affected local governments are Ahoada, Gokana, Bonny Island and Obio-Akpor.

AREGBESOLA: WORKERS PROTEST NON PAYMENT OF SALARIES

Got this sympathetic eyewitness report of the siyuation in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State. The workers are protesting against their unpaid 7months salary by the State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Just yesterday, the governor, through his media aide, Mr Aremu Okanlawon, said the governor has performed creditably well but today the workers are on the streets of the state capital to protest their unpaid salaries.

See more pics after the cut

MY ADMINISTRATION HAS PERFORMED WELL-AREGBESOLA

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said on Tuesday that his administration had performed creditably well despite its inability to pay the salary of its workers for the past seven months. This assertion was communicated by his Media aide, Mr Semiu Okanlawon.

POLICE RECOVER STOLEN GOVT VEHICLES IN RIVERS STATE

Security operatives on Monday evening recovered 10 vehicles allegedly stolen from the Rivers state Government House inPort Harcourt by officials of the immediate past administration in the state led by Mr Rotimi Amaechi.

The vehicles were recovered from Rumuokparali and Trans-Amadi in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

FOOD POISONING: FG BANS CONSUMPTION OF OGOGORO

The Federal Government has banned the consumption of local gin, popularly called Ogogoro in all parts of the country.

The decision was sequel to deaths in Rivers and Ondo states due to food poisoning allegedly caused by the consumption of local gin.

APC CRISIS: APC GOVERNORS CALL EMERGENCY MEETING

To avert a major crisis over the leadership tussle for the 8th Assembly, Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have called an emergency meeting to seek ways of reuniting the aggrieved parties of both Chambers of the National Assembly ahead of the election for the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives tomorrow.

The meeting was called by the chairman of the APC governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

FANI-KAYODE CAMPAIGNS FOR GBAJABIAMILA

Femi Fani Kayode

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, on Sunday, asked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in the House of Representative to vote for the speakership candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as the Speaker of the House in the election slated for tomorrow, Tuesday.

SPEAKERSHIP TUSSLE: GBAJABIAMILA WINS APC PRIMARIES, AS DOGARA KICKS

Femi Gbajabiamila

Ahead of the battle for the leadership of the 8th Assembly next week, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) speakership candidate for the House of Representatives. Gbajabiamila is the Former minority leader (of the 7th Assembly) and lawmaker representing Surulere I Federal Constituency (of Lagos State) in the House of Representatives.

FAKE DOCTOR ARRESTED AFTER WORKING FOR 10 YEARS WITH FG

Police have arrested a man who had been working in the federal ministry of health as a doctor for nearly 10 years on a practice licence he allegedly stole from his friend.

The man, identified as Martins Ugwu, was a top official of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), where he has worked since 2006 under the name of Dr George Davidson Daniel until his arrest on Thursday in Abuja, officials told Daily Trust.

CHINA CRUISE SHIP MISHAP: DEATH TOLL RISES TO ABOVE 400

Rescuers have recovered most of the bodies of those who perished after a cruise ship sank in the Yangtze River, Chinese local media reported Saturday.

The confirmed death toll rose to 396 after salvage workers using two large cranes righted the capsized vessel late Friday, the report said.

JONATHAN RECOMMENDED FOR NOBEL PEACE PRICE

Goodluck Jonathan

Nigeria's former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been recommended for the Nobel Peace Prize by a public policy organisation on African affairs, the Africa Political & Economic Strategic Center (AFRIPOL), for conceding defeat and thereby ensuring peaceful transition of government to an opposition party.

ROBBERS INVADE LAGOS SECRETARIAT, STEAL 3M

A sum of N3 million was carted from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice armed robbers invaded the ministry at Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

The fund, which was raised to offset the allowances of about 40 ad-hoc staffs working as mediation officers for the ministry, was brought in at the close of work on Thursday and kept in one of the offices in the Account Department. 

APC MEMBERS SHOT DEAD IN IMO STATE

Three members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party members in Imo state, Eastern Nigeria were shot dead on Sunday by yet to be identified gunmen.

The victims, identified as Placid Ejimmadu, Livinus Iwumune and Jonathan Ibemere were shot at about 8:00 pm on Sunday while they were relaxing in the shop of Ejimmadu's wife at Umuokpo Village in Nwangele Local Government Area of the state.

The gunmen were reported to have carried out the act using a black SUV.

AERO AIRCRAFT DEVELOPS FAULT MID-AIR

Over 120 passengers on board an Aero Contractors Airline Flight 180 from Lagos to Kaduna yesterday almost lost their lives as the aircraft developed technical fault after taking off.

The aircraft was said to have suddenly lost altitude, 20 minutes after it departed the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, forcing the aircraft to wobble in the air for over one hour before it was eventually diverted to Abuja.

TRAGIC PHOTOS: TRAIN CRUSHES MAN TO PIECES IN AGEGE

Another tragic event occured this morning in Agege area of Lagos State as a man who boarded a train at the Agege train station hung in one of its coaches but fell off few minutes after take off. He was subsequently dragged and crushed into parts by the moving train.

See photos after the cut.

WARNING: Traggic photos! Viewers Discretion Advised!

PHOTOS: TANKER EXPLOSION ROCKS IDIMU

There was a massive fire outbreak early this morning, at about 1am around the Idimu axis of Ejigbo, Lagos state after a tanker fully loaded with fuel which eyewitnesses are suspecting to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) popular known as Diesel exploded. 

The tanker was said to have ran into a building resulting in burning of several houses and properties. 

Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal and State fire services have arrived the scene. See more pics after the cut.

WE WILL NOT BE BOWED BY TERRORISTS-ATIKU

Atiku Abubakar

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar earlier today visited the site of the suicide bomb that occured yesyerday at Jimeta Main Market. He thereafter took to his twitter handle, @atiku toexpress his commitment.

See more pics after the cut.

GRAPHIC: PHOTOS FROM YOLA BOMB BLAST

See more graphic images from the suicide bombing that occured at the ever busy Jimeta Main Market in Yola yesterday.

More pics after the cut

YOLA BOMB BLAST: MANY DEAD, SCORES WOUNDED

Over 30 persons have been killed while about 40 others are currently receiving treatment for varying degrees of injuries resulting from the bomb blast that occured at the busy Jimeta Main Market Yola, the capital city of Adamawa State in Northeastern Nigeria.

FRENCH OPEN 2015: DJOKOVIC BEATS NADAL, TO MEET MURRAY IN SEMI-FINAL

It was a resounding victory for World's Number one Tennis player, Novak Djokovic as he trashed the 'king of clay', Rafael Nadal, 7-5, 6-3,6-1 to set up a semi-final clash with Britain's top-seeded Andy Murray in the ongoing French Open championship.

ANCELOTTI REJECTS MILAN OFFER

Carlo Ancelotti

Erstwhile manager of Real Madrid FC, Carlo Ancelotti, has rejected an offer to comeback to his former club, AC Milan.

BENITEZ APPOINTED REAL MADRID COACH

Rafael Benitez

Former Liverpool and Chelsea Boss, Rafael Benítez, as been appointed to manage Real Madrid FC. The 55 year old Spaniard who had played in the same team described the development has 'Returning Home' as he began his playing and coaching career in the junior ranks at the Bernabéu.

ANOTHER BOMB EXPLOSION IN MAIDUGURI

There was a fresh bomb eplosion in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state in Northern Nigeria. The blast occurred in a crowded area along the popular Baga Road part of the northeastern city.

SENATES PASSES 46 BILLS IN 10MINS, APPROVES BUHARI'S NOMINEES

There was uproar in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly today Senate passed 46 bills into law in less than ten minutes. The passage of the bills,which was presided over by the Senate President, David Mark, was done by voice vote immediatly they were presented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang.

OKOROCHA SACKS IMSU VC

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State on Monday relieved the Vice Chancellor of the Imo State University (IMSU), Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, of his appointment.

HERBALIST DEFILES HIS DAUGHTERS AND NIECES

The Oyo State Police command has arrested an herbalist, Tajudeen Awoniyi, having carnal knowledge of his two daughters and two of his nieces aged 14, 15, 15 and 17.

KOGI COMMISSIONER KIDNAPPED

The Commissioner for Land in Kogi State, Mr. Steven Mayaki, has been kidnapped in his farm on Sunday by a group of gunmen. The five man kidnapp gang was said to have trailed the commissioner to his farm in Osara village, Adavi Local Government Area of the state on Sunday morning.

BOKO HARAM: MAIDUGURI UNDER FRESH ATTACK

The is an unconfirmed report of heavy artillery attack on Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state in Nigeria early this (Tuesday) morning. The attacks are coming from the dreaded Boko haram insurgents using rocket launchers on a moving vehicle. The rocket launchers are powered by generators.
We'll keep you posted as events unfold.

BUHARI APPOINTS SPECIAL ADVISERS

Pres. Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has announced the first set of appointments into his administration. This is according to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mal. Garba Shehu, who is also one of the appointees. 

Read the full statement below:

FRSC GIVES TIPS TO IMPROVE DRIVING SKILLS

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has released ten tips that would help Nigerians to improve their driving skills and operate their vehicles more successfully. These tips are useful for both learners and experts alike.

Enjoy!

TWIN BOMB BLAST DISRUPTS WEDDING PROGRAMME IN BORNO STATE

As preparations were being intensified towards the Swearing Ceremony in the Federal Capital Territory and the various state capitals in Nigeria, not less than 7 people were confirmed dead while several others were injured as a twin bomb blast rocked a wedding programme in Tashan Alade in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno state.

BABANGIDA ALIYU STONED AT NIGER STATE INAUGURATION CEREMONY

Muazu Babangida Aliyu

The immediate past governor of Niger State, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu was booed and stoned by angry crowds at the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium, venue of the inauguration of the new governor, Alhaji Abubakar Bello.

EL-RUFAI'S INAUGURATION DISRUPTED BY VIOLENT YOUTHS

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai

The Inauguration of the former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir El-Rufai as the new governor of Kaduna State ended abruptly as angry youths present at the Murtala Square venue of the event pelted the dignitaries present with stones and satchet water.

INAUGURATION OF DELTA STATE GOVERNOR, IFEANYI OKOWA (IN PICS)

Check out these beautiful pictures from the Inauguration of the new Delta state governor, Senator Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, earlier today.

More pics after the cut.

OKOROCHA'S SWEARING-IN (IN PICS)

Owelle Rochas Okorocha, was sworn in today for a second term of four years the Executive governor of Imo State. See more pics of the event and what he said after the cut.

FULL TEXT OF GOVERNOR AKINWUMI AMBODE'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS

Read the full text of the Inaugural speech of thenew governor of the Centre of Excellence (Lagos State), Governor Akinwumi Ambode after the cut.

AMAECHI IN FESTIVE MOOD AT THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION CEREMONY

Former governor of Rivers state and the Chairman of the APC Presidential Campign Organisation, Rotimi Amaechi, was apparently in festive mood at the Inauguration ceremony for President Muhammadu Buhari at the Eagle square today.

See more pics after the cut.