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Thursday, 23 April 2015

Robber Set Ablaze In Attempt To Rape Housewife


A suspected member of a robbery gang terrorizing residents of 7UP area of Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State has been set ablaze.

Vanguard gathered that the robbers numbering about 12 were raiding an apartment in the area when a member of the gang attempted to rape a woman but was resisted by her husband.

However, luck ran out on him when neighbours raised the alarm which attracted the attention of others who came to the rescue of the couple while the gang fled leaving behind the randy member.

A resident of the area who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that while the suspect tried to escape, other members of the community seized and tied him up and later set him ablaze at the 7UP junction.

The source added the gang has been terrorizing residents of the area, raping women, dispossessing them of cash, mobile phones and other valuables.


When contacted, Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) Ezekiel Onyeke who confirmed the incident disclosed that before policemen from the nearby Ohuru Isimiri Division could get to the scene, the villagers had already set the suspect robber ablaze.

50 Cent Buries Hatchet With Mayweather 'He's My Brother'


Seems the 50 Cent vs. Floyd Mayweather feud is finally OVER -- with the two superstars coming together Wednesday night .... months after they trashed each other in public.

Don't forget ... these two hated each other after a bitter falling out -- with 50 publicly saying Floyd was so dumb, he couldn't read. Mayweather called 50 irrelevant.
 
But last night in Vegas, the two didn't just hang out -- they took a photo together ... and 50 posted it to Instagram with the caption, "THE original MONEY TEAM, you gotta love it. My brother ready,may 2 don't get scared now."

So, beef squashed?!

TMZ

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Tickets Sell Out in 60 Seconds


And just like that ... All the tickets were gone!!!!

Less than 60 seconds after tickets to the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight went on sale to the public on Ticketmaster's website, they were sold out!!

All of them
.
Even the  $7,500 tix!!!

Several people timed the sale, and some say they got the "No Tickets Left" graphic less than 20 SECONDS after it started. Insane!

So, if you wanna be at the fight, you have to go to the secondary market ... where seats are going for up to $80,000-a-pop!!!

Good luck!

Joke Of The Day


A man and a woman walked into a guest house and requested to book a room. 

The owner of the guest house, Mr Ben, who is a member of MFM refused to allow men and women stay together in his hotel because of fornication.

The woman explained; He is my son, not my spouse and so they checked in.

After 30mins, Mr Ben sent his maid to go and check if those folks were truly mother and son.

The maid came back and said;

Sir,she’s truly the mother. The Boss asked; how did you confirm?

The maid smiled; Sir I am sure, I saw her breastfeeding the Man

How My Houseboy, Others Robbed Me, By Indian


Lagos High Court  heard yesterday how a housekeeper, Peter Maina, robbed his Indian boss, Aja Bikram, of cash and property worth N3.2million.

Led in evidence by a state counsel, Afolabi Sholebo, Bikram told Justice Aishat Opesanwo that Maina and three others gagged him, his wife and 15 year-old daughter and threatened them with a knife last November 10.

Bikram, who works with Euro Global Food Distillage Limited in Lekki, Lagos,said that the defendants wanted to attack him on November 9, but postponed it till the next day because he had visitors
.
He said: “On that fateful day, Peter our housekeeper of eight months who lived with my family rang our doorbell, my wife opened the door for him after she looked through the security viewer of our home.

“He was followed immediately by three accomplices who forced their way into our house.
“I, my wife and 15-year-old daughter were shocked to see the strangers in our house. One of his accomplices pulled out a jack knife and held it to my throat.

“Peter ran to the kitchen to take our household knives to arm his accomplices during the ordeal.
“They ordered us with knives on our throats to remove our jewellery and wristwatches and we were also ordered into the toilet where my wife was forced to bring out all the cash in the house.

“I and my wife were tied with ropes while my daughter was tied with the dog leashes used for our two puppies.

“My mouth was also gagged with a red handkerchief and I was locked in the toilet while my wife and daughter were left in the bedroom,” he said.

The Indian said the ordeal last 45 minutes, adding that the defendants planned to kill him and also abduct his daughter for ransom.

“I overheard them plotting to kidnap my daughter, after collecting N265, 000, an IPad, our Iphones, three laptops and our household ornaments which amounted to N3.2million.
“Peter and his gang also wanted to kill me but changed their plan after they heeded to the pleas of my wife and daughter.

“After they left, my daughter was able to set herself free from the dog leash used to tie her and she untied my wife and they unlocked the toilet door and released me.

“We raised alarm and our neighbours who live in the boys quarters came to our rescue and called the police.”

Explaining how Maina was apprehended, Bikram claimed it took the intervention of the Presidency, following his report at the Indian High Commission when he realised the police were unable to get the prime suspect 10 days after the incident.

“After I lodged a complaint with the Indian High Commissioner who in turn spoke to the Presidency, the matter was taken up by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police.

“Peter who was already working as a security guard at Anthony area of Lagos was arrested by the police as well as his accomplices.

“Some of the phones that were stolen from us were found in Peter’s possession. The phones are currently in possession of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS),” he said.

Court Dissolves 20-Year-Old Marriage Over Man’s Insanity


An Igando Customary Court in Lagos yesterday dissolved the 20-year-old marriage of Mr and Mrs Demola Lawal because of the husband’s insanity.

The petitioner, Mrs Abosede Lawal, sought dissolution of the marriage, citing her husband’s mental sickness, threat to her life and irresponsible acts.

She said she discovered her husband had mental sickness after she had her first baby.

My husband is mentally sick, I have stayed with him for 20 years, thinking he would get well, he always exhibits his madness by destroying our household items and misbehaving.

I discovered after I had my first baby but I decided to stay praying to God to cure him of the illness,” Abosede, a designer said.

She also accused her husband of always threatening her with acid and dangerous weapons.

“My husband brought acid home and he always threatens to pour it on me saying that he wanted to disfigure me so that I will look unattractive to people,” she said.

She said: “My husband refused to take care of the family. I pay our bills because anytime I asked him for feeding money or the children’s school fees, he beats me up.

Lawal, a 47-year old automobile technician, agreed that he is insane, saying his wife wanted to divorce him because of his sickness.

“My wife wanted to quit our marriage just because of my state of health, I believe God will heal me one day,” he said.

Delivering judgment, the court’s President, Mr Hakeem Oyekan, said it appeared that the parties were tired of the marriage, adding that efforts to reconcile them have failed.

My Wife Beats Me, Man Tells Court


A 55-year-old retiree, Emmanuel Osuya, shocked a court yesterday when he claimed that his wife of 32 years beats him up at “the slightest provocation.”

But Mrs Abigail Osuya (50) denied the allegation, saying: “it is my husband that always beat me up”.

Osuya, a retired civil servant is seeking the dissolution of his marriage at an Igando Customary Court in Lagos for alleged battering by his wife.

His wife, he said, had turned him into a punch-bag.

Osuya said he was afraid his wife may kill him one day.

 “My wife wants to kill me; she beats me almost every day with dangerous weapons. On three occasions, she broke my leg, preventing me from going out for days,’’ he said.

Osuya also accused his wife of turning his children against him, saying: “Abigael succeeded in creating enmity between me and my children, she tells them false and damaging stories about me in order to hate me.

“So my children only care for her by sending her money and other items every month, without extending their love to me, they always ignore me as if I do not exist.’’

The petitioner described his wife as a thief, claiming: “I cannot keep money at home again because my wife will steal it.

 “She acted as if she is not always satisfied with the money I give her in spite of the fact that my children always send her money every month.”

Osuya said Abigael also starves him.

He appealed to the court to dissolve the marriage, saying: “I am no longer interested in the marriage, I don't want to die now, more so that I am out of love’’.

Denying the allegation, Mrs Osuya said since they married she had never beaten her husband.

She said: “It is my husband that always beat me at any slight provocation, I have never beaten him.

The mother of five said she had never stolen her husband’s money, explaining that she cooks for him wherever he gave her money.

She asked the court not to grant her husband’s prayer.

“I am still in love with him,’’ she said.

The Court President, Hakeem Oyekan, adjourned the case till April 30.

62-Yr-Old Oil Mogul Rescued From Kidnappers In Lagos

Operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, yesterday, rescued a 62-year-old female oil mogul, Mrs Kudirat Adeboye, who was abducted last Wednesday at Elemoro in Ibeju-lekki area of Lagos State.

The woman was reportedly abducted at about 7pm, while she had gone to inspect her site where the construction of a filling station was ongoing.

Her abductors had made a demand of N50 million ransom, threatening to kill her if their demand was not met in one week.

On receiving news of her abduction, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, reportedly directed the Commander, SARS, Abba Kyari, to go on the trail of the kidnappers and ensure the release of the woman.

The kidnappers were lured to a place around Lekki to pick the ransom, while SARS operatives condoned off the vicinity.

At the appointed time, a member of the syndicate, identified as Niyi Omosola, a native of Ondo State, reportedly appeared to pick the money, only to be accosted by the operatives. He was said to have opened fire on sighting the policemen, but was overpowered.

Police sources hinted that the suspect took the operatives to a bush around Epe, where the 62-year-old victim was held hostage and subsequently rescued.

Spokesman for the command, Kenneth Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, confirmed the rescue, disclosing that the kidnap suspect later died from the gun injury he sustained during the cross fire, and that one double-barrelled pistol, two expended and six cartridges were recovered from the suspect.

Effort, he said, was on to apprehend fleeing members of the gang.

In another development, Nwosu disclosed that the teenager, who was rescued from his abductors yesterday, would formally be handed over to his parents today at the Police command headquarters.

The teenager, Daramola Otolarin, was reportedly abducted by unknown persons Tuesday night, from his parents Mile Two estate abode. He was said to have been hypnotized by his abductors.

Today's Newspaper Headlines : Thursday, April 23, 2015


Newspaper headlines from selected newspapers.....Read

VANGUARD
  • Drama, as Abba stalls handover for hours, 3 DIGs protest Arase's appointment
  • APC challenges Kashamu's victory at tribunal
  • Shortage of gas mars power generation
  • 62-yr-old oil mogul rescued from kidnappers in Lagos
  • WAEC official killed in war-torn Agatu LGA in Benue
  • Saraki, Akume split North-Central Senate caucus
  • FG pays N373bn to former PHCN workers
  • Abia supplementary poll: Ikpeazu calls for soldiers' withdrawal
  • Xenophobia: FG may take Zulu King to ICC
  • I have stepped on many big toes, particularly the feet of cabals 'Deziani
  • Boko Haram terrorists out of arms, ammunitions ' DHQ
  • South Africans Attack Nigerians
  • With the people behind me I will win ' Ikpeazu
  • Election was a rigging competition between PDP and APGA ' Nyerere, APC candidate
  • BoI chief proposes reverse engineering for economy
  • Nigeria set to enhance agro-allied products export earnings
  • N220bn CBN facility: Skye Bank woos S/East SMEs operators
  • The 'Booby traps' in Keshi's contract
  • AYAC: Kenyan rescues Nigerian athletes
  • All set for Zenith Bank B/ball League
  • NFF to announce Keshi's assistants
  • Okpekpe Road Race gets Ecobank as official banker
  • Chelsea offer Mikel to Southampton
  • Sunshine strippers beg LMC
  • Real Madrid, Juventus into Champions League semi-finals
  • UEFA Champions League: Chicarito sends Real Madrid to Semi-Final
  • Chelsea, Samsung, fans celebrate Mikel
  • Dagrin: 'If I die, make you no cry for me
  • Dagrin's lyrics: If I die
  • Constitution amendments: What options left for National Assembly
  • Why ex-minister, Kuforiji-Olubi is in court with foreign partners
  • Book on corruption & human rights law in Africa
  • Anambra evacuates 30-yr-old dumpsite from Onitsha
  • Statesmanship in Africa, a fool's prize
  • Where Cancer Feasts: Lamentation for Oronto Natei Douglas
  • Scorecard for Jonathan administration
  • water's like electricity in Calabar: No service, huge bills
  • Combined, Cross River's deadly addictive illicit drink
  • I Was Surprised At Scale Of 'Malicious Libel' ' Diezani Speaks About Asylum
  • PHOTOS: Meet Boy Whose Head Hangs Upside Down Due To Mysterious Condition
  • EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Sacked IGP Suleiman Abba Handovers To Solomon Arase
  • Nigeria Immigration Begins Recruitment Exercise
  • Too Many Vitamins Can Give You Cancer, Major New Study Warns People Who Take Them
  • Ex Green Eagles Star, Peter Anieke, Passes On
  • Photos: Truck Up In Flames Along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
  • Who buys a private jet for $10m for goodness sake' Alison-Madueke
  • How Opposition Helped Ajimobi Break Oyo Political Jinx
  • Ibadan Polo Tourney Begins

THISDAY
  • Report: How Tinubu Could Shape Nigeria's Government
  • Ezekwesili Tasks Obama to Replicate Osama Effect and Rescue Chibok Girls
  • Certificate Forgery: Two Plaintiffs Withdraw Suits against Buhari
  • LCCI Blames CBN for Scarcity of Foreign Exchange
  • APC: How PDP, AGPA Rigged Abia Guber Poll
  • PDP Calls for Imo Guber Cancellation
  • South-south Group Backs Iriase for House Speaker
  • Nasarawa: Maku, Others Take Cases to Tribunal
  • Rivers Must Always Come First, Princewill Cautions Wike
  • Yobe Polls: Maina Waziri Faults Exercise, Heads For Tribunal
  • Adewale: Jonathan's Selfishness Ruined PDP
  • Brace Up for Opposition Role, APC Tells PDP
  • Lagos PDP House Candidate Drags Gbajabiamila to Election Tribunal
  • Saraki: Belief in Federal Might Undid the PDP
  • Orji, Others Intimidated Abia REC, Says Otti
  • Ikpeazu: Abia REC Made up Figures for Otti
  • Fayose's Impeachment: Women Protest against Lawmakers
  • Agbakoba: Buhari Should Take a Cue from Roosevelt
  • Protesters Storm S'African Embassy in Lagos, Mission Shut Down
  • Buhari to Publish PwC Forensic Audit on NNPC
  • FG Asks Supreme Court to Nullify Amendments to Constitution
  • FG: Jonathan will Hand over to Buhari on May 29
  • Nigerian Military Guns Down Top Boko Haram Commander
  • Home Office Ordered to Bring Back Mother and Five-year-old Son Deported to Nigeria
  • Abia Guber Election: Obiano Rallies Support for Otti
  • Ayade Gets Certificate of Return, Says No Winner, No Vanquished
  • Mnguni: Mandela Won't Be Happy With the Xenophobic Attacks
  • Mnguni: Mandela Won't Be Happy With the Xenophobic Attacks
  • Nigeria's Code of Corporate Governance Ready
  • Continuity Agenda, Impetus for Kwara's Transformation
  • Does Continuity Automatically Ensure Good Governance
  • Don Advocates Overhauling of Nigeria's Value System, Ethics
  • Community Sensitised on Environmental Hazard of Rock Blasting
  • UN Officials Seek Continued Investment in Fight against Malaria
  • Jose Foundation Tasks Buhari on Corruption
  • FG Expends N373bn on PHCN Severance Benefits
  • Judge Orders Agip MD to Appear in Court
  • Ebola Reduced Lagos Hotel Patronage by 75% in 2014
  • Zuckerberg Defends Internet.org Despite Indian Controversy
  • CardExpo 2015 to Discuss E-Payment Growth Potential
  • Check Point Introduces Threat Extraction for Zero Malware
  • Recounting the Card Reader Experience
  • Ace Roots vs. Orijin: Renewed Drive to Win Consumer Loyalty
  • Barrow: Technology Solutions are Key to Business Growth
  • Why Do South Africans Hate Nigerians
  • Samsung Redefines Smartphones with Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge
  • Globacom Unveils Products with Exciting Bonuses
  • Stakeholders Back NITRA's Innovation Seminar
  • House Summons Agip Over Oil Spill

THE NATION
  • Seven convicted over BRT violations
  • Lagos generates 11,000 metric tonnes of waste daily
  • I was mistaken for a thief, says suspect
  • Judge bars reporters from murder, robbery trial
  • Sack fever grips Jonathans aides after Abbas exit
  • Presidents wife calls emergency African First Ladies summit
  • FRC audits banks accounts
  • Fayose: APC planning chaos from May 29
  • APC to Fayose: youre a hypocrite
  • Olanusi: Ondo Assembly directs CJ to raise panel
  • President wont hand over till May 29, says Fed Govt
  • Elections in Imo, Abia, Taraba my priority, says Arase
  • Boko Haram chief killed as troops storm insurgents enclaves
  • Eight Nigerians seek to leave South Africa, says envoy
  • WHO traditional medicine strategy: 2014-2023
  • Anti-aging tips for Buhari in Change era (3)
  • Wanted: Law in traditional medicine practice
  • Should teachers be afraid of pupils
  • Be job creators, bank chief advises PG students
  • Reopen LASU now, ASUU urges govt
  • Community craves secondary schools, roads
  • Malala, Obaji are education champions
  • Law faculty best in Nigeria
  • 12-year-old gets football scholarship
  • VC, others mourn Tamuno
  • AAU to honour Oyakhilome, others
  • LBS graduates 132 executives
  • I pray God heals me
  • Doctors in the house
  • The past is behind us, says UNILAG VC
  • Acting Rector for Bida Poly
  • Strike over poor funding needless
  • Auditors meet April 28
  • How govt can help us, by students
  • College hails Ajimobi
  • AIS forms out
  • DELSU graduates 59 pharmacists
  • Payment of PHCNs workers severance package hits N373b
  • Reps consider 2015 budget report today
  • Court orders govt to pay ex-NITEL/MTEL workers 20% annual salary
  • Lagos rakes in N27b on land transactions
  • NLNG generates over $10b revenue
  • Nigerias cocoa production to reach 1mt in 2020
  • How standardisation can boost Nigerias trade power
  • NLC scores BPE below 10%

Diezani: I’m Being Persecuted For Stepping On Big Toes In Oil Industry


Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Wednesday said she was being persecuted for stepping on big toes while ridding the petroleum sector of corruption.

She equally declared that she had not sought for assistance from anywhere to protect her name as reported in some dailies, because she has not been indicted for committing any crime.

The petroleum minister, who fielded questions from State House correspondents, said she had done her best for Nigeria and attained many firsts in the history of oil and gas especially in the reforms carried out by President Goodluck Jonathan's administration.

"In this period of time, I have stepped on many big toes, particularly the feet of the cabals that were in the industry when we came in. Because I have said severally that we will open up the industry to all Nigerians and we have, but that is not to the pleasure of certain cabals.

"And I have been continuously maligned because of this and we have taken millions and in fact billions of Dollars out of the hands of fuming multinationals and their subcontractors and put them in the hands of Nigerians through Nigerian Content," she said.

On Federal Allocation and Account Committee (FAAC) asking Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to refund money, the petroleum minister explained: "The PriceWaterhouseCooper forensic audit that was done a few weeks ago in his recommendation mentioned that $1.48bn was owed by NPDC for a block that had hitherto been assigned from the NNPC to NPDC, which is its subsidiary, and they felt that the right process would be that NPDC will refund that money to the federation account."

She added that NPDC had apparently started refunds, and in discussion with NNPC and DPR on the same issue.

On the reports that her meeting with Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar was to save her name and protect her from some of her actions while in office, she told journalists that Abubakar had already addressed the issue and called it unnecessary mischief.

She tasked the media to do its research properly and deal with the facts.

The petroleum minister noted: "I have the privilege of meeting with many senior statesmen during the course of my job in the federal executive council and I was surprised that he should be singled out in any such form. The short answer is no.

"I have not sought such assistance because I am not aware that I have been indicted of any crime that I will need a soft landing.

"Over the last four years, I have been severally and unfortunately accused and labelled in so many malicious and vindictive ways. I have explained these things and pushed back robustly on these accusations and I have even gone to court on many of them, yet they keep being regurgitated.

" And I think it is unfortunate, particularly when we are moving into a transition period and looking forward to an incoming government  which is coming to take over where we have ended. For everything that has a beginning there is an end and that is not a surprise.

" What is the surprise is the sort of malevolence bothering on personal malicious libel to my person during this period of time.  Hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have come into the oil and gas industry because of our reforms.

"Quite frankly, I think as unprecedented as it is, it does not please everybody and that cannot be helped but let us remember the unprecedented reforms that have happened in the oil industry during our time, such as major gas reforms, the Petroleum Industry Bill, which has been completely revised, reformed and put into the hands of members of the National Assembly where it has languished for two years in the National Assembly.

"In that bill are all the reforms needed to tear NNPC apart, make it a National Oil company, an equity share company through transparency, accountability and responsibility and reduce corruption in the industry.

"We did all these and we put them in place to reduce corruption so for me to be tagged with various tags of corruption, $10 million jet purchases, who buys jet for $10 million dollars for goodness sake? And $20 billion missing money for which PWC had done a report and the $1.48 billion which is not missing, which is actually money transferred by the NNPC to NPDC which is a subsidiary and NPDC has actually started making payments under my directives.

"I have said during our time that there are gaps in the NNPC and I said that openly. But I can also say that there is no time in Nigerian history in the oil and gas that NNPC has been as open and audited as it is today.”

"It has been positioned to go forward in the industry, it is true that the revenue profile is not sustainable. But we have done our best and the Nigerian oil and gas sector is today in a better shape than it has ever been In terms of achievements that we have recorded.

"So let me state it clearly for the records that Nigeria is my country and am not going anywhere, I love my country and I do think that I have done the best for my country and I would also like to point these malicious, malevolence, vindictive libels coming out of places like Osun Defender and other faceless online and other entities need to stop .

"We have done enough for this industry, we cannot please everybody. Yes, we have stepped on toes but we did that in the best interest of Nigeria and we have opened up the oil and gas industry to all Nigerians, thousands of Nigerians have benefited from our reforms in the system."

She however described fuel queues in filling stations across the country as unfortunate.

Diezani Alison-Madueke stressed that Premium Motor Spirit's supply and distribution  had been one of the high points of Jonathan's administration when it came on board.

A Year After 'Conscious Uncoupling,' Paltrow Seeks Divorce


Gwyneth Paltrow has filed for divorce from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, a year after the A-list couple announced their "conscious uncoupling," according to court documents.

The 42-year-old Oscar-winning actress filed her petition to end their 11-year marriage Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, citing irreconcilable differences for the split from Martin, 38.

In a statement posted a year ago on Paltrow's lifestyle website Goop, the stars announced they had decided to separate, labeling the move a "conscious uncoupling."

Paltrow is seeking joint legal and physical custody of their son Moses, 9, and daughter Apple, 10, according to the documents.

Paltrow and Martin reportedly met backstage at a Coldplay concert in late 2002, after the singer asked an assistant to arrange a meeting.

The following year, the couple tied the knot in a secret ceremony in California soon after announcing they were expecting their first child together.

British singer Martin founded Coldplay with a university friend in 1996 and the band enjoyed huge critical acclaim with their first albums "Parachutes" and "A Rush of Blood to the Head."

Since then the band has sold tens of millions of records. The group's sixth album, "Ghost Stories" was released last May.

Paltrow, who co-stars in the billion-dollar blockbuster "Iron Man" movie franchises, won a Best Actress Oscar in 1999 for her role in "Shakespeare in Love."

In last year's joint statement, the couple said: "It is with hearts full of sadness that we have decided to separate... We are, however, and always will be a family."

Fuel Tanker Catches Fire At Lagos Airport


There was panic at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos on Wednesday evening as a tanker suspected to be carrying aviation fuel burst into flames while in motion.

It was learnt that the tanker, with plate number MUX165XX, caught fire at Strabag Bus Stop opposite the Terminal 2 of the airport.

Witnesses said the tanker was carrying flammable liquid suspected to be aviation fuel before it caught fire.

The fire was, however, immediately put out by a combined team of the tanker driver, officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, passers-by and Lagos State Traffic Management Agency officials.

Their prompt intervention, our correspondent gathered, halted the spread of the fire to other vehicles.

The tanker, which had the inscription, “Heizol,” on its side, was said to be on its way out of the airport when the incident happened.

The incident caused traffic gridlock on the road and officials of FAAN and LASTMA had to control vehicular movements in a bid to reduce the congestion on the busy road.

Patience Jonathan To Quit As African First Ladies President


President Goodluck Jonathan’s loss in the March 28 presidential election has started taking its toll on his wife, Patience.

Arrangements had been concluded for her to quit her position as the President of the African Ladies Peace Mission, two months before the expiration of her tenure.

The mission comprises of wives of Presidents of all African countries.

Mrs. Jonathan was elected the mission’s President at its seventh summit held in Abuja in July 2012 and her tenure would have expired in July 2015 when a new president would have been elected.

But because she will cease to be Nigeria’s President’s wife from May 29 when her husband will hand over power to the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari , Mrs. Jonathan had summoned an emergency summit of the mission for May 15 for the purpose of electing her successor.

According to a copy of the invitation to members dated April 6 and personally signed by the President’s wife, she explained that she summoned the emergency summit to ensure that there would not be leadership vacuum in the organisation as it happened in 2010 when her predecessor left office without handing over.

She said her desire was to put in place a standard that would strengthen the organisation and ensure effective mechanism to guarantee seamless takeoff for the incoming leadership.

The invitation partly read, “…Your Excellency may recall that Nigeria was re-elected President of the AFLPM at the 7th Summit in Abuja in July 2012. With the recent election in my country and a new government coming on board from May 29, 2015, it has become necessary to convene an emergency summit of the AFLPM to facilitate a smooth and formal hand over to the new Executive Committee that will pilot the affairs of the Peace Mission for the next two years.

“The Emergency Summit is proposed for Friday, May 15, 2015 at the Interim Secretariat of the African First Ladies Peace Mission, Abuja by 2pm. The Summit will, however, be preceded by the 4th meeting of the Executive Bureau by 9am, on May 15 at the same venue. The Bureau Meeting is for members of the Executive Bureau, comprising South Africa, Sudan, Cameroon, Libya and Congo Brazzaville.

“…In the light of the above, may I appeal to Your Excellency to give utmost consideration to attending the Emergency Summit in order to ensure that our organisation maintains its current momentum.

“We will deeply appreciate your kind early response to help us in planning the Summit, in view of limited time available to us.”

The AFLPM, which aims at promoting peace and harmony in Africa, was established in 1995 after the United Nations’ Conference on Women in Beijing, China.

After 50 Years Of Marriage, Couple Ties Nuptial Knots Afresh


In this time and age when many marriages are hitting the rock and crashing like a pack of cards, regardless of creed, age, race, culture and experience, having a couple stick to each other for as long as fifty years is, no doubt an uncommon and implausible feat.

This amazing feat is what the Octogenarian Rev. Dr. Moses Iloh and his amiable Septuagenarian wife, Edith celebrated last Sunday when they renewed their marriage vows in the presence their children, grand-children, friends, family and church members at a warm and well attended service and reception, which held at their church, Soul- Winning Chapel, situated at No 279 Borno Way, Ebute-Metta, Yaba, Lagos.

Indeed, the ambience of the church auditorium bore witness to the fact of a new dawn for the couple; even as the groom, Daddy Iloh, as he is fondly called, assured all that the outing was not to celebrate his wedding anniversary but to marry his wife afresh.

His words, “I am not here to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. I am marrying my wife again. She is God’s special gift, for which I shall forever be grateful.”

Exuding unparalleled joy and rapture, the firstborn of the family, who also happens to be an American-based cleric, flew in from the United States to join the couple. In her address as the officiating minister, Rev. Molly Iloh-Hudson testified that her parents have left a rare legacy for her and her siblings, which has continued to mark them out for excellence wherever they go.

Said she, “Daddy and Mummy have been worthy example to us. We are so blessed because the love they share is not common; it is not seen in everyday life.”

“They taught us that marriage is not honeymoon; it is not a go and come back trip. It is a life-time journey of love and it is only with continued care that such love is protected”, she added.

While leading her parents to take their marriage vows, Molly noted, “We are here to celebrate a renewal of marriage vows. We celebrate this significant event in their lives. In marriage, we give ourselves freely and genuinely into the hands of the one we love. My parents have been an example for us. These are hearts that communicate truth and sincerity. They are bonded with simple, pure love, which will never fade. So, we celebrate this renewal of love with utmost respect and gratitude.”

Also speaking at the occasion, the world-acclaimed Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr. Mike Okonkwo, who also happens to be the younger brother to the bride, Mummy Edith Iloh, confessed that he could not hold back his tears when he saw his 85 year old brother-in-law, Rev. Iloh march into the hall with his groomsmen, (his sons and sons-in-law) to celebrate half a century of blissful marriage.

“Is it not a wonder that at 85 and with 50 years of married-life, this man is still so strong and amazing? We live in a world of waywardness and rebellion; it is a selfish world where people do not care about family.

“I can recall when these children were growing up and the challenges we had raising them. So, when you see children that can look back and celebrate their parents while they are still alive, it is a great thing; a most desired blessing for which we should give thanks to God.”

In his sermon, Okonkwo read from Psalm 34 verse 1 and spoke on the subject of Praise in the Valley. According to him, “50 years is not an easy feat, going by the fact that life often hands you a tornado and if you don’t handle it well, you will fade away.” He noted that “Life is not an expressway but a journey filled with mountains and valleys.”

The cleric added: “Today, marriages are breaking up because people are not willing to pay the price to keep it. Selfishness is uppermost on the minds of many; hence they are not able to succeed”.

He therefore admonished all to embrace and respect the sanctity of marriage because it is God’s institution and is meant to beautify our lives.

“Marriage is a process; it is about continuous learning and sacrifice. Marriage is God’s idea and He alone has the authority to tell us how to run it. Until we learn to conquer our failures, we cannot get to the mountain top”, he noted.

“Marriage can be laced with mountains and valleys but that is not the final stop. According to Psalm 76 vs. 1 – 3, it is only in the valley that God is really known. The devil has a tradition of showing us the valley and how deep it is but we must know that all the things we see are temporal; whatever the challenges are, they are temporal and will pass away if we do not give up; only spiritual things are eternal”, he added.

On hand to felicitate with the couple was a long time close friend of the family, an elder statesman and well respected erstwhile presidential candidate of the defunct Nigerian Advance Party, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, who also attested to the uncommon love and sincerity shared by the Ilohs.  Recounting the mercies of God on his own 59 year old matrimony, he upholds that the presence of God cannot be wished away by any couple that desires peace, progress and lasting happiness. While supervising the cutting of the cake, he admonished the younger generation of married couples to give Jesus his rightful place in their homes, even as they uphold the values of trust, love and forgiveness as necessary ingredients to continually spice their union.

Speaking on behalf of the children, Izuchukwu Iloh admits that his father is such an amazing and gracious man.

“Daddy is the most amazing father you can ever have. He was rich as a successful business man and spent his earnings to give his wife and children the best of life. Our parents sent us to the best schools; they also sent us to different parts of the world on vacation. So, when daddy came up and said he had received a call to full time ministry, it was with mixed feelings that we received it because what it meant was that we would no longer have the privilege of enjoying the goodies of life. Looking back today, we have every cause to thank God that daddy answered the call”, said Iloh Jnr.

In his ‘thank you’ response, the celebrant, Daddy Moses Iloh said, “I count myself one of the most blessed men on earth because God has given me the best of all things. He gave me the most amazing wife ever; he gave me incredibly lovely children and grand children. In addition, he ordered the steps of my children such that they have not given us sons and daughters-in-law but sons and daughters from another mother and father. So, we all are one big, happy family. He has also surrounded us with great friends, partners, burden bearers and church members that continually bring us joy. For all these, I cannot but continue to praise God. I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

Asked how and where they intend to spend their honeymoon after this history wedding, Rev. Iloh said although vacation is a tradition for them, they cannot travel now because they need to give their daughter, Molly some time and attention since she left her job, family and all in the United States to celebrate her parents at this auspicious time. He, however assured that very soon, he would take his wife out again for a time of fellowship and prayer.


South Africa Closes Consulate In Nigeria


The South African Consul General in Nigeria, Sam Monaisa, has announced that the South African Consulate in Nigeria will close operations until Thursday.

The decision was made in response to a combination of threats from social media and anti-xenophobia protests by Nigerians.

Monaisa wrote that, although the situation in South Africa was calming down, he still had concerns about Nigerians especially those being repatriated from South Africa.

He said that Nigerians on social media were blowing things out of proportion and that the situation in Durban was calming down.

He also warned South Africans living abroad to be cautious as South African businesses and citizens have become threats in retaliation of the xenophobic attacks.

In Mozambique, Sasol Ltd., a Johannesburg based company has announced that it will be repatriating their South African employees in the country as a precaution.