Suicide bomber dies after failed attempt to attack church in Gombe state

A suicide bomber was the only one to die in a failed attempt
to attack the Evangelical Church of West Africa, ECWA
(pictured above), at Tudunwada in Gombe state yesterday
January 1st.
According to reports, the suicide bomber arrived the church
at about 8am in a motorcycle and attempted to forcefully
drive into the premises which was parked full of worshipers
as the church was holding its new year celebration service.
As he made to enter, the suicide bomber was stopped by
members of the church's Boys Brigade stationed at the
entrance of the church for security purpose. The bomb on
him immediately exploded, killing him and injuring 8 others
who were immediately rushed to the hospital for medical
attention.
This attack came barely 24hours after two suicide bombers
attempted to attack the Army barracks in Gombe state on
New years eve. Reports say the suicide bombers arrived
the military check point leading to the barracks at about
8pm and in the course of waiting to be searched, the bomb
which was in a bag carried by one of the suicide bombers
blew up, killing both of them instantly.

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Rev. Father Mbaka; Jonathan Is Surrounded By Corrupt Officials

He spoke while delivering a sermon tagged, “From
Good luck to Bad luck,” during the end-of-year mass
Wednesday night at the Adoration Ground, Emene,
Enugu.
Rev. Father Mbaka, Founder of Adoration Ministry,
Enugu said Jonathan has surrounded himself with very
corrupt public officials. As a result, he said, the
President has turned a blind eye to their corrupt
activities while millions of Nigerians suffer daily in
abject poverty and endless insecurity.
He said: “Jonathan has ruled for six years. We need
change. NEPA is not working because of corruption.
The privatization of public companies has not yielded
any fruit because of corruption.
“Jonathan surrounded himself with very corrupt officers
who advise him. Nigerians are sick and tired of wasting
innocent lives without government doing enough to stop
the destruction.”
He said he and millions of Nigerians were disappointed
by the government’s failure to ensure the release of the
Chibok girls kidnapped by the Boko Haram terrorists
over 200 days ago.
“Up till now, nobody knows the whereabouts of the
innocent Chibok girls kidnapped by Boko Haram and we
say we have a government that cannot guarantee the
welfare, safety and security of the citizens,” he told the
congregation of over 30,000 worshippers.
The cleric said he resisted delivering the sermon which
he said came from the Holy Ghost but that God warned
him to ensure the message was given to the nation not
minding whose ox was gored.
Fr. Mbaka recently anointed Mrs. Patience Jonathan as
the next First Lady in 2015. The First Lady, and the
Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekweremadu
worshipped at the Adoration Ministry where the First
Lady admitted that she experienced “a spiritual rebirth.”
Fr. Mbaka that day released some birds that he said
would go and fight for Jonathan.
But on Wednesday night Fr. Mbaka said Jonathan was
going nowhere as far as next year’s election was
concerned, recalling that one of the birds – which he
released during Mrs. Jonathan’s visit has refused to
fly.
“All the other birds I released flew away but the
healthiest of them which is Jonathan’s bird could not
fly. I tried to make it fly but it could not fly,” he recalled
to a hugely excited congregation that cheered him on.
When Jonathan was aspiring to become Nigeria’s
President, Mbaka said he was happy like other
Nigerians but that the bad luck which millions of the
citizens had faced since he came into office was quite
disturbing; hence the masses want a change.
“Nigerians are calling for change. We need a change,”
he repeated. “We don’t want to move from bad luck to
bad luck; Nigerians want to move from bad luck to good
luck,” he said.
Fr. Mbaka criticised other priests who, he alleged,
visited the Presidential Villa and other Government
Houses in the country to hold “Breakfast Prayer” with
the politicians only to collect fat envelopes of money
rather than “tell the politicians the level of hardship the
poor masses are suffering.”
He added: “The men of God only go there to dine and
wine with the leaders for their own welfare without
telling them the truth. But I’m happy that I, Fr. Mbaka,
I’m not that type of priest. If you want money, I dash
you money because the God I serve has blessed me
abundantly.”
Commenting on the presidential candidate of the All
Progressives Congress (APC) and former Head of State
General Muhammadu Buhari, Fr. Mbaka, said Buhari
cannot Islamise Nigeria as being rumoured in some
circles.
He said he had never met the General but recalled that
he fought corruption seriously as Head of State.
“I don’t know Buhari. I have never sat with him before. I
am not being partisan, but I want total change in
Nigeria.
“Buhari cannot make Nigeria an Islamic country
because we are in democracy. It was IBB government
that dragged Nigeria into OIC. When Buhari fought
corruption, people became careful about their actions.
Anyone who says Buhari will Islamise Nigeria is not
being fair,” said Mbaka.
He added that he was not bothered whether the next
President would be a Northerner or Yoruba or Igbo so
long as the person fights corruption and means well for
the citizens.
“If a northerner will rule the country and insecurity will
stop, so be it. If a Yoruba man will rule Nigeria in 2015
and we have peace and stop the shedding of innocent
blood, so be it. Nigerians are tired of wasting innocent
lives,” he said.
The end-of-year Adoration mass was attended by some
notable politicians from Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra
States.
Source: Dailytrust

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Federal Secretariat Gets N445m For Security

The Federal Government has set aside, the sum of
N445 million for provision of security at the Federal
Secretariat, Abuja as terror attacks continue in the
country. This was contained in the 2015 budget which
has now been presented before the National Assembly.
According to reports, the money will be used to provide
security equipment in selected Ministries, Departments
and Agencies, MDAs, considered possible targets for
the insurgents.
As part of the new security improvement, “under-
vehicle inspection system,” hand-held explosive
detectors and bomb inhibitors will be installed at the
MDAs in focus.
The sum of N295.2 million will go for
The security equipment will cost N295.2 million, while
electrical components of the Federal Secretariat, Abuja
will be upgraded with N150 million.
Vanguard reports that N140 million has been budgeted
for the celebration of this year’s Democracy and
Independence days, while N765 million has been put as
a lump sum for the issuance of National Identity Cards
by the National Identity Management Commission
(NIMC). Another N120 million has been budgeted for
NIMC for “Development of Direct Access to National ID
Database,” as part of a total N6.8 billion budgeted as
expenditure for the commission.
Throughout 2015, the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, (EFCC) plans to spend the sum of N200
million to fuel its vehicles and generating sets.

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Quick Recharge your GTB mobile number with one click

Time to stop waiting at ATM point for hours,  just because you want to recharge your phone.
It was middle of june when i received a message from
GTbank on how to Top up my line by dialing certain ussd
code, I really ignore the message but later try it out
recently and it seems to works fine… The new e-Top up
service by Gtbank now enables her customers to
purchase airtime credits right from their mobile phone
without the need of downloading applications like mobile
money, entering your ATM card details or applying for a
token. It is very fast, easy to use, and also saves time.
All you need is your mobile phone containing the
particular telephone line that is associated with your
bank account at GTbank.

How to Buy Airtime Credits Direct from your GTBank Account

To use this service, all you have to do is Dial
*737*amount# from your mobile phone then press the
send button i.e *737*1000# or if you want to buy credit or transfer credit to another line,  dial *737*amount*mobile number#.

NOTE:
Don’t forget to dial the code from the line that you
normally use for receiving SMS alerts on your account,
Any other line not associated with your account won’t
work.

dont forget to hit the share botton as you may be helping someone else.

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A MUST READ: 10 Reasons Why All Nigerians Need To Re - Elect Jonathan

True to this statement, the average Nigerian has been
indifferent or lukewarm towards political power and
consequently, the political elites have dominated power
since independence. As the 2015 elections draw nearer, I
have studied the unfolding dynamics and permutations, my
conclusion is that all factors considered, it is in the best
interest of Nigeria to re-elect President Jonathan for
another four years. I have summarized my reasons below.

My first reason is that Nigeria has recorded remarkable
economic growth under President Jonathan. Only two
Months ago, Nigeria overtook South Africa as the
continent’s largest economy after it overhauled its gross
domestic product data for the first time in more than two
decades. According to verifiable figures for 2013, released
by Nigeria’s statistics bureau, Nigeria’s GDP hit $503bn
(£307bn) – nearly double previous estimates and well
ahead of South Africa at around $350bn.
This pushed Nigeria up 12 places to become the 24th
largest economy in the world – on par with Poland and
Belgium and ahead of Argentina, Austria and Iran. This is a
huge achievement. This development was not achieved
overnight. It was a result of the direct dynamic approach of
the President in terms of greater investment in
entrepreneurship and private sector participation.

My second reason is that President Jonathan has recorded
significant improvements in the power sector, backed up
with greater roads and infrastructural development. The
bold privatization of the defunct NEPA paved way for
improved power supply in Nigeria. Most Nigerians can
confirm that although we do not have power supply round
the clock, however there has been a commendable
improvement. There has been also greater road
rehabilitation in Nigeria like the Lagos-Benin Road, the
ongoing second Niger bridge etc. This government has also
commissioned many new schools especially in the north of
Nigeria aimed at bringing education to the door steps of the
commoners.

Thirdly this administration has pursued a robust foreign
policy since inception. Nigeria which previously lagged
behind in the comity of nations, has now assumed her
rightful position as a leader in the international community.
The recent successful hosting of the World economic
summit is a testament to this. Nigeria under President
Jonathan has been a dynamic force in Africa and beyond.
Nigeria has been leading the peacemaking initiatives in the
West African sub region, with our troops deployed in Mali,
Liberia and beyond. Nigeria’s partnerships with our
international allies like the UK, US and France have
deepened and improved under the Jonathan led
administration.
The number four reason is the need for continuity and
stability in our democracy. Having made tremendous
progress as discussed above, there is an important need
for continuity in order to sustain these achievements. We
cannot afford to start afresh all over again. What is needed
is a sustained initiative and a planned change of
government after another four years.
Another important reason Jonathan should continue is that
he is a democrat in all ramifications. Even some elements
of the opposition attest to the democratic disposition of the
President. President Jonathan’s tolerance of the opposition
is unprecedented in the annals of Nigeria. In the first
republic, the leader of the opposition Chief Obafemi
Awolowo and his supporters were harassed and
imprisoned. In the second republic, the ruling NPN allegedly
tried to intimidate and capture all States by all means
including the Ondo State Gubernatorial election “victory” of
1983 which caused an uproar in Ondo state.
But today, members of the opposition can sleep with two
eyes closed, thanks to the liberality of the President. The
President has a non violent body language which connotes
peace. Today many opponents throw personal abuses and
insults at the President without facing any consequences.
Many African leaders wouldn’t take personal insults and
abuses from the opposition or anybody for that matter. In
the recent past this would have been unthinkable. Those
critics who think the President is weak should realize that it
takes strength of character to absorb insults and abuses
without negative reactions. To his credit, there has been no
politically motivated assassinations till date. Friends and
Foes agree that Mr. President cannot “hurt” a fly.

Similarly the President has supervised fairer elections than
his predecessors. Many States today are controlled by the
opposition. In fact it is on record that opposition parties
have won more elections under President Jonathan than
under all previous dispensations put together. This can be
attributed to the democratic inclination of the President. He
has reasonably erased the do or die politics of the past.

Again, victory for Jonathan is victory for the common man.
Jonathan can be said to be the first Commoner from a
humble beginning to emerge President. The political elites
have dominated politics in Nigeria from time immemorial. It
doesn’t matter if they are from the North or South,
Christians or Muslims. The elites had always been in power
in Nigeria. Jonathan emergence was an act of God which
no mortal envisaged. Therefore ordinary and working class
Nigerians must ensure that the elites do not bully Jonathan
out of office. At the moment the elites have united with the
sole purpose of recapturing power for themselves and their
descendants. They are using sensitive issues like
insurgency and insecurity to blackmail the President.
Nigerians should not be fooled by the antics of these
desperate folks. No single godfather owns Nigeria. Nigeria
belongs to us all. Therefore we are all equal stakeholders
and therefore the will of the majority must prevail.
Similar to the above is the seventh reason. Jonathan is the
first minority to be elected President.

Therefore Jonathan
represents hope for the down trodden and minorities in
Nigeria. From independence the major ethnic groups
dominated politics in Nigeria. It was unimaginable then to
have a minority as President. Today we have a minority as
President on a platter of gold. Added to this is that the
South-South region where Jonathan comes from accounts
for over 90% of the resources Nigeria has been using to run
for over four decades now. Strangely Jonathan is the first
President from this region. It would be a good idea to allow
Jonathan govern Nigeria with our support. Jonathan can do
better with our support and cooperation. Those opposed to
his ambition based on the so called unwritten agreement
should realize that Nigeria and her Constitution are greater
than any parochial arrangement.
Moreover another four years of Jonathan would mark the
beginning of the end of the era of godfatherism in Nigerian
politics. The so called godfathers in our national political
life have held Nigeria to ransom, without rhyme or reason.
They place unrealistic and unreasonable demands on the
incumbents. The first battle Jonathan fought was to liberate
himself from his so called godfather which he has
successfully and bravely done. The next four years would
give the President the opportunity to level all inequalities
and provide a level playing field for all Nigerians, to enable
eligible candidates contest and win elections without
depending on godfathers.
The ninth reason we should re-elect President is because of
the lack of a credible opposition. Opposition in Nigeria has
weakened due to the absence of a defined ideology. We
have seen members of the opposition jump from party to
party without any ideological framework. The only constant
feature is the lust for power. As a result we do not have a
formidable opposition that can make a difference politically.
The recent merger of several political parties to form the All
Progressive Congress (APC) was received warmly with
great expectations. At last the vibrant opposition has
arrived! So we thought! How wrong we were! Most
Nigerians expected a strong opposition that would mobilize
Nigerians behind them. We expected an opposition devoid
of pettiness and cheap blackmail. We expected an
opposition that would be defined by principles and ideals.
We expected an opposition that would present a clear cut,
well defined, and practicable alternative to the present. We
expected a credible opposition based on principles. To say
the APC dashed our hopes is an understatement. APC
missed the opportunity to stand out as the new national
umbrella. All we hear is ” Give us Power”. But what are you
going to do differently? What are your plans? Nigerians
need to know what agenda you have before they give you
power.
The PDP has been in power since 1999. As expected some
Nigerians have some reservations on the performance of
PDP. This is not unexpected considering the fact that the
Party has been in power for fifteen years now. But the
pertinent question is, what will APC do differently? APC has
refused to tell Nigerians what they have in stock for us.
Instead they are over driven by the lust for power without a
defined agenda. Mere criticizing the incumbent without
proffering solutions is grossly inadequate. What Nigerians
are waiting to hear is the action plan of APC. Does any
Nigerian know how the opposition would tackle this
insurgency? Does anyone know their plans to create jobs?
Does anyone know their plans to fight corruption? What
about Education, Power, Healthcare? The list is endless. If
the opposition wants to be taken seriously by Nigerians,
first it needs to go back to the drawing board and define the
agenda. Then communicate the agenda to Nigerians and
allow Nigerians to decide who governs them in a free and
fair election. At the moment the present opposition style of
chasing shadows leaving the substance behind has played
to the advantage of the incumbent.
It is either the opposition steps up the game by addressing
issues, not personalities, or forget the 2015 Elections. As
long as the opposition continues to chase shadows, the
incumbent would have an easy ride come 2015.
Finally Nigeria should re-elect President Jonathan because
of the present circumstances of security challenges, which
the President is working hard to contain and defeat. Put
differently, the country is in a state of war with terrorists,
and we cannot change the Commander-in-Chief in the
middle of the war. In fact it would be morally wrong for Mr.
Jonathan to abandon ship halfway down the sail without
achieving total victory against the terrorists. We should
therefore rally round the President in solidarity and defeat
the terrorists. The prevailing opinion in Nigeria and the
Diaspora is that President Jonathan should hang on and
fight these insurgents to the very end. Let us therefore
renew his mandate on the 14th of February, 2015.
God bless Nigeria.

Source: Edozie Okeiyi - A Director of Media and Strategy Great Nigeria Movement.

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BREAKING: INEC POSTPONE ELECTIONS DATE

News breaking out of INEC Headquaters at Abuja
reveal that plans are being made to postpone the
elections scheduled to hold in February next year
to November of the same year in order to allow the
major actors in the election get ready for the polls
on all sides.
According to INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru
Jega, “We have received multiple complaints from
the parties contesting the polls, particularly APC and
PDP that there is hardly enough time for their
candidates to sufficiently prepare for the elections
scheduled to hold on February 14.
For example, PDP complained that President
Goodluck Jonathan needs more time tpo spend his
21 billion Naira while in office without being
disturbed by EFCC. This is very understandable, as
the immunity clause that applies to the president
empowers him to act outside the probe of
investigation.

PDP also complained that President Goodluck
Jonathan needs more time to look for and appoint a
Campaign Director, especially given the fact that
MAVIN Boss Don Jazzy recently refused the offer
to be his Campaign Director. The President can’t
effectively prepare for the elections without a
Campaign team.
I am personally recommending and suggesting that
the President appoints Banky W to head his
campaign team.
APC also complained that their Vice Presidential
candidate Professor Yemi Osibanjo needs more
time to dye his hair into a presentable format. We
all know that his hair is not electorable enough, and
APC needs to do something about it.
They also complained that Buhari needs more time
to complete his medical check-ups abroad, and he
has not even gone for any.
Therefore, in view of the above reasons advanced
by the two major political parties, the elections
hereby stand postponed till November.

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Jonathan Vows To Ensure Free And Fair Elections In February

President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed his
administration’s commitment to a free and fair election,
vowing not to tolerate violence of any form.
“Decisive action will be taken against any individuals or
groups who attempt to disrupt the public peace before,
during or after the 2015 elections,” the president said
on a New Year message yesterday.
“The elections are very important for us as a country.
Their successful conclusion will further strengthen our
democratic institutions and place our beloved country
even more firmly in the comity of truly democratic
nations.
“Given the challenges that have characterized some
previous electoral contests in our country, the eyes of
the world will certainly be on the conduct and outcome
of our fifth post-military rule general elections.
“I reassure all Nigerians and the international
community of our firm commitment to free, fair and
credible elections. My commitment to free elections and
one man, one vote remains unwavering.
“Our administration has worked hard in previous
elections to prepare all key stakeholders, including the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),
security agencies and the electorate optimally, to
ensure a progressively improved electoral process in
the country under my watch. We will continue to do so
for the coming elections.
To ensure the smooth running of its conduct of the
February elections, Jonathan said the government will
adequately fund INEC, while ensuring its continued
independence.
“We will continue to provide adequate funding to INEC
and maintain the commission’s independence and
isolate it from any form of interference or meddling in
its day-to-day affairs. This shall continue to guarantee
its impartiality and ability to conduct more credible and
acceptable elections.
“National security agencies will also be given all
necessary support to enhance their ability to ensure
that the elections are peaceful and violence-free.
“I am optimistic that with the cooperation of all law-
abiding citizens of the country, our commitment to have
a peaceful and violence-free election will be actualised.
He also urged politicians in the country to discourage
divisions, violence and hate.
“I will like to say this, once again, to my fellow
politicians and political leaders. None of our political
ambitions is worth the blood of any of our countrymen,
women and children.
“The improvement of their lives and living conditions
ought to be our primary motive and the driving force of
our quest for political power and leadership positions.
“Let us not promote sectionalism, disunity, intolerance,
hate, falsehood or the malicious abuse of political
opponents.
“Whatever we feel or seek, we must have a nation and
a people before we can dream of political ambitions.
Let us put the nation and the people first.
“Let us all conduct our electoral campaigns with the
highest possible decorum and civility towards political
opponents. Let us give INEC the fullest possible support
and cooperation it requires to conduct credible and
violence-free elections in 2015.
Electoral violence
“After the 2011 general elections, some unpatriotic
elements embarked on an orgy of violence, resulting in
the destruction of lives and property. That will not be
allowed to happen this time around.
“This government will act decisively against anyone
who disrupts the public peace, before, during or after
the 2015 general elections.
“All Nigerians, of voting age, are free to vote based on
their convictions. It is our duty to defend and protect
that basic right, and let no one be in doubt, we will,” the
president said.
He however promised that the elections will not distract
him from his duties.
Jonathan wished Nigerians a happy and prosperous
2015, urging them to enter the new year with renewed
hope, patriotism and zeal to serve their fatherland.

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Shocking Video Of APC’s Presidential Candidate Gen Muhammadu Buhari TellingHis Supporters To Kill People If He Loses

This video will send chills down your spine
how can someone be this callous to utter
such a Dangerous command to his devoted
followers?
Many have vindicated General Buhari from
The post election violence which took place
in 2011 where over a thousand people
where killed many of them youth corpers
well this video proves otherwise and points
fingers directly at Buhari as the Major
Instigator of all the bloodsheds. At a
campaign rally in minna Buhari is caught
on camera telling his supporters in the
hausa
dialect to Kill who ever tries to stop them I
Think with this Campaigning with other
languages should be Banned in Nigeria
because someone might Just be Going
around Nigeria Campaigning in the name
of “Presidency” not knowing he could be
passing out messages which instigates
hatred of his opponents into the hearts of
his supporters or just simply plotting
another bloody Civil war in broad daylight,
We all know majority of Buhari’s
supporters are all Nothern Stark Muslim
illiterates who can die for him, Well even
though they cannot understand English
then i think they should learn Pigin
English, We have heard so many
controversial statements some which
openly instigates violence have been
attributed to Gen Buhari
checkout A List of some..
In 2001 at a seminar in Kaduna, northern
Nigeria, General Muhammad Buhari had
this to say:
“I will continue to show openly and inside
me the total commitment to the Sharia
movement that is sweeping all over
Nigeria, Buhari said, quoted in
press reports.
The infamous “i will make Nigeria
ungovernable” At the height of the Sharia
debate during the Obasanjo administration,
Buhari declared that Muslims should vote
only for fellow Muslims. This was
politically suicidal for a man seeking
national office. He became an advocate for
implementation of Sharia all over Nigeria.
With the Boko Haram insurgency in the
north, Buhari played to the Northern
gallery yet again, calling the Jonathan
government “the biggest Boko Haram.”
Wole Olaniyi was a fly in the wall at a
meeting in Kano Government House
designed to persuade PDP rebel governor,
Rabiu Kwankwaso, to decamp to the APC.
Assuming that only Northerners were
present, Buhari declared the Boko Haram
was a “strategic plan” by the government
of Goodluck Jonathan to “destroy the
North.” When Jonathan declared a state of
emergency in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa
states, Buhari still saw this with Northern
goggles, insinuating that the President is
waging war on the North.
He protested to the Oyo State governor, in
the context of a dispute between Fulani
herdsmen and indigenous farmers in the
state, that your people are killing
my people.
This turned out to be unfounded and
perhaps the reverse.
Many of his devoted followers have since
debunked all of them claiming he never
said such things and that we provide A
Video Proof of him uttering any of the
statements now we have finally laid our
hands on one and i know that instead of
them to go and give it to A Professional to
authenticate it they will just decide to
ignore it then sit at the comfort of their
homes yelling “Photoshop” “Photoshop”
hoping that their utterance of the
statement “Photoshop” like “Abracadabra”
will magically change the Authenticity of
the video, Well i have taking out time to
investigate, a friend of mine who is very
good at photoshop confirmed that the
above voice in the video is authentic and
was not doctored or added into the video
so i then went on to ask another of my
friend who is a Linguistic and he helped
me translate what the voice was saying in
that Video and it 100% Corresponds to the
subtitle.
Download Video HERE

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Prophecies for the year 2015 for Nigeria and the World by Pastor E.A Adeboye

Welcome to 2015! Pastor Enoch Adeboye
made some Prophecies concerning nigeria
and the world. While stressing that he
won’t say anything about the outcomes of
the election, he goes ahead to say that;
One thing… Daddy says by the end of the
year, many will say “All is well, that ends
well”….
Below are other Prophecies by the man of
God for the World at large.
1. Daddy says scientific and medical
breakthroughs will be many, particularly
in the areas of lack of sleep, dreams, and
brain disorders.
2. Daddy says Ebola will dry out
3. Daddy says all over the world,
insurgency will be considerably weakened.
4. Father asks us to pray against massive
calamities.
5. Daddy asks us to pray against massive
earthquakes, strong hurricanes and
typhoons.

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Despite Security Challenges, Mark Assures Nigerians Of ‘Light At The End Of The Tunnel’

Senate President David Mark has urged the citizens not
to despair, saying “there will be light at the end of the
tunnel”.
The senate president also expressed the confidence
that the nation’s socio-political and economic problems
in the last one year would give way to better days in the
New Year.
Mark spoke in a statement yesterday by his Chief Press
Secretary, Paul Mumeh.
The statement read in part: “There is no doubt that the
situation, especially insecurity, is challenging. We
cannot pretend that all is well with us. But we are a
nation of good faith in one God. When it seems
impossible, God will make it possible.
“This trying time is only, but a phase in our match to
greatness. With cooperation, dedication, honesty and
patriotism on the part of all of us, we shall surely
triumph.
“All that is required”, Mark insisted, “is for all citizens;
both the government and the governed to see our
challenges as a collective problem facing all of us and
not only to a part.
He noted that there was no problem too difficult for the
nation to surmount, “if we come together in one accord
to confront the menace.

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Nigeria Will Be More Peaceful If Buhari Wins Presidential Election, APC Senatorial Aspirant Claims

Nigeria will be a more peaceful place if Gen.
Muhammadu Buhari wins the presidential election in
February.
This is according to the All Progressives Congress
(APC) senatorial candidate for Edo North, Francis
Alimikhena, who spoke at the home town of Governor
Adams Oshiomhole in Iyamu, during the end of the year
celebration also described Oshiomhole as a servant
who has dedicated his life to the service of mankind.
Alimikhena said that the people of Edo State would not
have tasted the dividends of democracy if Oshiomhole
had not emerged as governor.
He expressed his gratitude to the people of the state for
their support and encouragement for the governor. The
senatorial aspirant also wished Nigerians a happy new
year.
Urging the people to continue supporting the APC, he
noted that “Nigeria has a long way to go in order to
redeem our lost ground and APC is the vehicle that will
take us on this rescue mission.”
If voted into the Senate, Alumikhena promised the
people of Edo North of effective representation with the
provision of water, good health facilities, good schools,
job creation through micro-credit scheme and skill
acquisition centre.

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Sambo’s Comment About Lagos Display Of Ignorance, Says Fashola *Agbaje Not A Threat

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday
said the remark by Vice President Namadi Sambo that
people were leaving Lagos in droves because of high
taxation is a mark of ignorance and diabolical on his
part.
Fashola, who stated this at the end-of-year media
briefing held at the Ikeja House, Lagos, said he
sincerely believes that Mr. Sambo was misquoted or the
utterance could be a reflection of the quality of people
the country parades as its leaders.
“That statement is a very serious display of ignorance
if it was true that the vice president said so. How do
you then justify the perception that people are leaving
Lagos? Is the VAT being collected from Lagos reducing
compared to other states? Is the air traffic into Lagos
reducing? Or have you a significant reduction in traffic
in Lagos? More hotels are being built in Lagos,
companies are licensing and operating in Lagos.
“Displaced people from other parts of Nigeria are
moving into Lagos; has the workers’ demand in Lagos
reduced? Has the demand for hospital services
reduced?
“So, it is a very grave statement to make. That is why I
say may be he was misquoted because that is the
chairman of the Nigerian Economic Council. So, if he
misunderstands what is happening in the commercial
and economic nerve centre of the country, it may be a
very revealing index to their understanding of the
country’s economy.
“It may also confirm to you some of the things you
heard from the president that he receives all sorts of
contradictory advice and may be this is part of it. It is a
very dangerous statement to make; it is either an
ignorant statement or diabolical, and either ways, it is
not good because it tells you then why the economy is
not functioning if the chairman of the economic council
does not know anything about people and number. The
economy is always about people”, he said.
The governor, who reeled out the achievements of his
administration in different sectors, said the All
Progressives Congress (APC) had delivered dividends of
democracy to Lagosians.
On the fears expressed in some quarters that the
candidacy of Jimi Agbaje as the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) governorship candidate is a threat to APC
in the state, Fashola said, “He is not a threat to us.
Let’s go and check the result of the 2011 election.
“He got three percent of the votes cast. Even his party,
we have defeated PDP in all elections done since 1999.
Our candidate, Akinwumi Ambode is going to defeat
Agbaje with your support. This is not the place to
experiment; one needs a lot of experience to achieve
what we have done in Lagos.
“When you look at what their party has done with the
country, for instance, there are missing funds, non-
functioning rail, epileptic power supply and others, do
you want that to happen in Lagos?”
On PVC and electoral process, he said the real head of
INEC should be a statistician and not a professor and
academician or others as currently obtains.
“It is not about theory; it is about practical. People who
should also do this job should be those who have
managed distribution activities in the country. It is not a
judicial work but logistics”, he added.

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Read Full Text of President Jonathan’s New Year Broadcast

Dear Great People of our nation,
1. I greet and felicitate with you all as we enter the New
Year today. As we mark the beginning of this New Year,
2015, a new nation is being born.  A new nation is being
born because of the foundations we have all laid, working
together for the good and progress of our dear fatherland.
2.        I join you all in thanking God Almighty who has
brought us this far, for continually bestowing His Grace
upon us and for guiding our great nation safely through all
the challenges of the past year.
3.        This year, as in the year past, I reaffirm my
commitment to work to ensure a secure future for our dear
country and the generations yet unborn.
4.        Last year, we celebrated our hundredth year of
nationhood. The year brought us further progress,
challenges and fresh opportunities.
5.        We have contended with the normal challenges of
nation-building and the unusual challenges of terrorism.
6.        But we have continued to vigorously confront those
who seek to destroy the bonds of unity that hold us
together.
7. On this first day of the New Year, I want to pay
special tribute to the gallant officers, men and women of our
Armed Forces and other security agencies who have been in
the forefront of the war against terrorism and violent
extremism in our country and sub-region.
8.        I also commend all Nigerians who have remained
vigilant and cooperative with our security agencies in the
fight against the common enemy.
9.        We are re-equipping and re-positioning our armed
forces to enhance their capacity to win the ongoing war
against terror and insurgency.
10. Regrettably, terrorists have unleashed much pain and
agony on our land. They have made widows of our mothers
and sisters and orphans of our children. They have shut
down businesses, desecrated places of worship and brought
untold hardship to both men and women. They have
violated the culture and peaceful way of life in our country,
which took generations to build.
11.     They have destroyed countless schools and displaced
people from their communities, driving them into exile.
12. I want to assure you that the terrorists will not get
away with their atrocities: they will not win; they will be
routed. As President, I feel the pain of all affected
communities and families. I hear their cries and share their
sorrow and pain.
13. We will not forget; we will not look the other way. We
have done a lot of painstaking planning and work to resolve
the current security challenge. We will bring justice to the
savage terrorists known as Boko Haram. They will be
defeated.
14. That is the solemn commitment I make today as
President of the Federal Republic, and Commander-in-Chief
of our Armed Forces.
15. By the Special Grace of God, the Federal Government,
under my leadership, has continued, in the past four years
to lead our country forward, even under the most trying
circumstances.
16. The progress we have made in priority areas bears us
testimony.
17. Amongst other achievements, we have rehabilitated
and expanded our rail transportation network, successfully
privatized power generation and distribution, significantly
reformed and increased local participation in our oil and gas
industry, and improved nationwide access to potable water
from 57% in 2010, to 70% at present.
18. We have also made significant progress in improving
access to primary, secondary and tertiary education by
building and equipping more schools, including special
Almajiri schools, and establishing additional universities to
ensure that each state of the nation now has at least one
Federal University.
19. Our national economy maintained a steady growth
rate of close to seven per cent in the past four years and
millions of fresh employment opportunities were created for
our people as a direct consequence.
20.  Recently, we launched the Youth Employment in
Agriculture Programme (YEAP) and the $100 million dollars
Government and Donor Fund for Agriculture Finance in
Nigeria (FAFIN) to fast-track the positive transformation of
our agricultural sector.
21. The Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme
(YEAP) targets 750, 000 market-oriented young agricultural
producers while the $100 million dollars Fund is to provide
affordable long-term financing to support the development
of small and medium agribusinesses in the country.
22. This is in addition to a N50 billion Farm Mechanization
Support Fund set up by the Central Bank to establish 1,200
agricultural equipment-hiring enterprises.
23. Both funds will become fully operational this year.
Policies and programmes such as these to boost
agricultural production remain topmost on the agenda of
this administration.
24. Being very conscious of the inherent perils of our over-
reliance on income from crude oil exports for national
development, we have focused on accelerating the
diversification of our economy.
25. The non-oil Sector which has grown by an average of
8% in the last few years, is now a major driver of growth in
our economy.
26. The 2015 national budget, which is now before the
National Assembly, is targeted at deepening our efforts at
becoming a non-oil economy.
27. The budget also includes measures to ensure that the
downturn in the price of oil does not affect our development
plans and our national economy too adversely. We are
adjusting our financial processes to safeguard our
economy. We are also taking steps to ensure that the poor
and the low and medium income earners do not bear the
brunt.
28.  In 2015, this administration will continue to lay the
foundation for a vibrant economy that attracts significant
Foreign Direct Investment and promotes policies that ensure
economic stability.
29. We will ensure stability in the value of the Naira by
striving to take away speculative behaviours that cause
market exchange pressures.
30.  We will continue to build and maintain a healthy
external reserves position and strengthen fiscal buffers. We
will ensure the Naira remains strong, and gives foreign
investors the clarity and certainty that they need, to guide
future investment decisions.
31. We will continue to improve our payment systems and
strengthen risk-based supervision mechanism for Nigerian
banks to ensure overall health and stability of the banking
system.
32. We are introducing a broad spectrum of financial
instruments to boost sector-specific enterprise areas in
agriculture, Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises
(MSMEs), manufacturing, and oil and gas to enhance our
aggregate supply capacity, reduce poverty, promote job
creation and increase the general well-being of our people.
33. These efforts and other measures being spearheaded
by relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, are
geared to ensure a secure future for Nigeria and create a
much more prosperous country, where people live more
peaceful and fulfilled lives.
Fellow countrymen and women,
34. As we enter an election year, I assure you that our
administration will remain fully focused on providing good
governance and the delivery of better public services to our
people.
35. The coming campaigns and elections will not distract
us from our ongoing work to significantly improve the living
conditions of our people. And I urge all tiers of government
not to be distracted as well.
36. The elections are very important for us as a country.
Their successful conclusion will further strengthen our
democratic institutions and place our beloved country even
more firmly in the comity of truly democratic nations.
37. Given the challenges that have characterized some
previous electoral contests in our country, the eyes of the
world will certainly be on the conduct and outcome of our
fifth post-military rule general elections.
38.  I reassure all Nigerians and the international community
of our firm commitment to free, fair and credible elections.
My commitment to free elections and one man, one vote
remains unwavering.
39. Our administration has worked hard in previous
elections to prepare all key stakeholders including the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security
agencies and the electorate optimally, to ensure a
progressively improved electoral process in the country
under my watch. We will continue to do so for the coming
elections.
40.  We will continue to provide adequate funding to INEC
and maintain the Commission’s independence and isolate it
from any form of interference or meddling in its day-to-day
affairs.  This shall continue to guarantee its impartiality and
ability to conduct more credible and acceptable elections.
41. National security agencies will also be given all
necessary support to enhance their ability to ensure that the
elections are peaceful and violence-free. The Nigeria Police
has already established an Elections Security Planning and
Monitoring Unit.
42. I am optimistic that with the cooperation of all law-
abiding citizens of the country, our commitment to have a
peaceful and violence-free election will be actualized.
43. I will like to say this, once again, to my fellow
politicians and political leaders. None of our political
ambitions is worth the blood of any of our countrymen,
women and children. The improvement of their lives and
living conditions ought to be our primary motive and the
driving force of our quest for political power and leadership
positions.
44. Let us not promote sectionalism, disunity, intolerance,
hate, falsehood or the malicious abuse of political
opponents. Whatever we feel or seek, we must have a
nation and a people before we can dream of political
ambitions. Let us put the nation and the people first.
45. Let us all conduct our electoral campaigns with the
highest possible decorum and civility towards political
opponents. Let us give INEC the fullest possible support and
cooperation it requires to conduct credible and violence-free
elections in 2015.
46. After the 2011 general elections, some
unpatriotic elements embarked on an orgy of violence,
resulting in the destruction of lives and property. That will
not be allowed to happen this time around. This government
will act decisively against anyone who disrupts the public
peace, before, during or after the 2015 general elections.
47. All Nigerians, of voting age, are free to vote based on
their convictions. It is our duty to defend and protect that
basic right, and let no one be in doubt, we will.
48.  Fellow Nigerians, I urge all of you to enter the New Year
with renewed zeal and patriotism, to serve our fatherland
with love, honesty, faithfulness and hope for a greater
tomorrow.
49. As I have always maintained, none of the challenges
before us is insurmountable. We must come together as a
people and work with single-minded unity of purpose to
overcome them.
50.  Nigeria is a key country in Africa. We must work
together to maintain our strategic position and collaborate
with others to move the continent forward. I call for peace in
Africa and an end to all conflicts in our continent. I urge all
Africans to promote democracy in their respective countries
to ensure faster development of the continent and faster
economic and political integration.
51. We will continue to pray and offer hands of fellowship
and assistance to our fellow Africans suffering from the
Ebola Virus Disease. I urge all Nigerians to show
compassion and contribute in whatever way we can to help
our African brothers and sisters.
52. As we go into this New Year, I salute the indomitable
and resilient spirit of our people in Nigeria and wherever
they are in the world. Our spirit of enterprise and the
doggedness to succeed amongst all odds has been our
strength.
53. With our collective prayers and efforts, we will grow our
economy and our people will become wealthier. Government
will continue with programmes deliberately designed to
create more jobs for our youth, to enable them contribute
more to the growth and development of our nation.
54. Let us continue our march to the future, towards the
attainment of our collective vision of a strong, united,
prosperous and harmonious nation – a secure nation for us
and for our coming generations.
55. I wish you all a happy and fulfilling 2015.
56. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
57. Happy New Year, Nigeria!
58.   I thank you all.

File photo: President Goodluck Jonathan addressing the
Nation at The State House in Abuja

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UPDATE On Missing AirAsia Flight – The Bodies of Passengers spotted floating in sea (Photos)

New reports suggest that, teams
searching for the missing AirAsia flight
8501 have found upto six dead bodies,
luggage, a plane door and an emergency
slide floating in the water off the
coast of Borneo Island.
Indonesian officials coming off a helicopter
said they spotted a numerous bodies over
40 floating in the water..
Images shown on Indonesian television
showed at least one bloated corpse floating
in the water, causing many of victims’
relatives – who were watching live reports
at crisis-centre at
Juanda International Airport in Surabaya –
to burst into tears, and at least one woman
to collapse in grief. Navy spokesman
Manahan Simorangkir confirmed the
discovery to TVOne, saying several victims
were found.  So sad but unlike the missing Malaysian
flight, atleast the families will have closure.

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POLITCS: Timetable and Schedule of activities for 2015 general election

See the INEC Timetable for the 2015
General Elections below:

Source: Premium Times.

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See what the mother of the transgender teen who killed herself wrote on Facebook

17 year old Leelah (Josh) Alcorn committed suicide on
Sunday December 28th by walking in front of a tractor
trailer and left a suicide note before he died. But when her
mum reacted to her death on Facebook, she wrote
something that many folks in the gay/transgender world
are very upset about. First the mother said she was 16
when Leelah wrote she was 17. Carla called her Joshua
instead of the name she'd given herself, Leelah and she
also refused to acknowledge that Leelah had committed
suicide instead she wrote that she was hit by a trailer.
Meaning that she still doesn't accept who Leelah was as a
person even after she committed suicide. After the
backlash, Carla deleted the post and removed herself from
Facebook. Leelah Alcorn blamed his suicide on his Christian parents

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Two Germans killed in Nigeria

Two German Nationals have been shot dead in Nigeria.
According to German newspaper, Ostsee Zeitung, the two
nationals, both male aged 34 and 20 were working as
engineers at Julius Berger and were shot dead last
Saturday December 27th while riding on a motorbike in
Abuja.
Confirming the incident to AFP, a foreign affairs official said
“Unfortunately we can confirm that two German nationals
were killed in Nigeria last weekend".

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2015 Elections: Dokubi-Asari Calls Northerners Ungrateful Parasites Again

Leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Salvation Force
(NDPSF) Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari has again called
northern politicians ungrateful parasites who have not
appreciated the south and especially the Niger-Delta for
providing oil which has been the main stay of the
country’s economy over the past four decades.
Asari said this in reaction to recent comments by the
Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido that
President Goodluck Jonathan’s supporters such as
Asari and Chief Edwin Clarke were making statements
capable of throwing the country into turmoil.
In his reaction, Asari told Vanguard over the phone that
the north was bleeding over their loss of political power.
He therefore advised the zone to take its mind off the
mentality of “born to rule”, saying they would continue
to meet stiff resistance from the south.
“The president will win. There is no other option. If they
contest they are wasting their time. He who pays the
piper will dictate the tune. We own them. We are
feeding them. They are parasites. A beggar has no
choice. In all religions, in Islam, every where, if you are
a beggar, you will respect the one who gives to you.
They are beggars and parasites,” Asari said.

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Why We Have Not Reclaimed All Towns Captured By Boko Haram – Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army has been criticized in several
quarters for allegedly being lackadaisical in its fight
against insurgency in Nigeria’s north east. The army
however said on Wednesday that the need to reduce
collateral damage had delayed the recapture of some
towns seized by Boko Haram.
Brig.-Gen. Olajide Laleye, the Director, Army Public
Relations gave the explanation while responding to
questions from journalists.
“We are not interested in collateral damage,” he said.
“The Nigeria Army is very careful about collateral
damage, to that extent our operations are carefully
planned to make sure that collateral damage is reduced
to the barest minimum.
“If certain areas have not been recaptured it is because
the Nigerian army is giving such areas very careful
plans, the plans are ongoing.
“At the right time you will see the outcome; we will not
tell you, of course, before hand, of what we intend to
do; but you will see the outcome,” Laleye said.
He however said Nigerians will be pleased at the end of
the operations going on to dislodge the terrorists, such
that collateral damage is reduced to the barest
minimum.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to restate its determination
to bring this counter insurgency and counter terrorism
operations to a speedy and decisive end.
“Equally, the Nigerian Army seizes this opportunity to
reassure Nigerians of its preparedness to support
relevant agencies in the successful conduct of the 2015
general elections,’’ he said.

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Jonathan To Address Nigerians On New Year’s Day

President Goodluck Jonathan will in Thursday
broadcast his New Year day message to the nation at
7a.m.
According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser
to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben
Abati, the broadcast would be transmitted on the
network services of the Nigerian Television Authority
(NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria
(FRCN).
Other media houses can broadcast the message live, by
linking up with the NTA, the statement adds.

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