Nigerian Army panel praises captain who exposed Ekiti rigging video, recommends sack, prosecution of top officers

The Nigerian Army has commended Sagir Koli, a Captain, who exposed a video recording exposing plans by his commanding officer and top officials of the Goodluck Jonathan administration to rig the June 21, 2014 election in Ekiti State.

The army praised Mr. Koli’s “non-partisanship and professional conduct during the election period.”

The commendation was contained in a statement released by the Acting Director of Army Public Relation, Sani Usman, a Colonel, detailing the recommendations of a board of inquiry into allegations of unprofessional conducts by some officers and soldiers during the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

The video recording revealed the connivance between Mr. Koli’s commanding officer, Aliyu Momoh, a General, and former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of Police Affairs, Jelili Adesiyan, Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party: Andy Uba and Iyiola Omisore, to rig the 2014 election in Ekiti State.

Mr. Koli was forced into hiding after he was tipped off of a plan by the army to arrest him. His younger brother, a 15-year old secondary school pupil was however arrested, detained and tortured by the army.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan refused to investigate the video, saying Mr. Koli refused to come out of hiding to authenticate the recording.

The statement by the army Monday said the board of inquiry, chaired by Adeniyi Oyebade, a Major General, made “far-reaching recommendations” meant to assist the army in future involvement in civil elections.

In arriving at the recommendations, the board spoke to 62 officers, over 100 soldiers and 62 civilians.

According to the statement, the board recommended the compulsory retirement of two officers from the army.

It also recommended that three officers should lose their commands and another recommended for prosecution for collecting financial gratification.

The board further recommended the placing of 15 officers on watch list while nine others were to be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission for further investigations following allegations of corruption against them.
Six officers are to face an audit committee and 62 officers (mostly of the rank of Majors-below) were to be given letters of displeasure and to appear before their respective General Officers Commanding for counselling, the board also advised.

Three officers are to be given letters of commendations for top-notch professional conducts during the election, the board recommended.

The statement did not disclose the names of the affected soldiers and officers.

The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, thanked the board of doing “a thorough and dispassionate job”, which he said was devoid of external influence.

He assured the board that the report would be reviewed in accordance with Nigerian Army’s legal and administrative procedures.

SOURCE:Premiumtimesng

Boyfriend held in Ghana over British actress's murder

The boyfriend of former British soap actress Sian Blake has been arrested in Ghana over the murder of her and their two young sons, and now faces extradition to the United Kingdom, police said Sunday.

Investigators tracked Arthur Simpson-Kent to undergrowth near the seaside town of Butre, where he was taken into custody Saturday in connection with the death of the former EastEnders actress and their two children Zachary, 8, and Amon, 4.

"We are waiting for the British authorities to send a formal request for the extradition to begin," Prosper Ablor, head of the Ghana Police Criminal Investigative Department, told a news conference.

Simpson-Kent, hands shackled behind his back, sat in a chair and stared at the ground as police spoke.

Blake and the children were last seen on December 13 in their south east London neighbourhood, and Simpson-Kent was questioned three days later over their disappearance.

The bodies of the boys and their mother were discovered earlier this month in the garden of their home.

Blake is best known for her mid-1990s role on EastEnders, which follows the lives of neighbours in a fictional borough of London.

Simpson-Kent flew to Ghana just days after he was questioned by investigators in Britain.

"While escaping from the United Kingdom, (Simpson-Kent) travelled to Glasgow in Scotland, from where he flew to Ghana via Amsterdam on December 19, 2015," police told reporters.

Authorities said "intelligence gathered on the ground" led them to Simpson-Kent, but did not elaborate. He was arrested after being "smoked from a thicket" and was armed with a knife.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Gwyn of London's Metropolitan Police told the press conference in Ghana: "Our thoughts continue to, and always remain with Sian's family and the boys.... We are here to get justice for them."

He added in a statement: "I would like to pass on my extreme thanks to the Ghanaian Police for their valuable assistance in this matter."

SOURCE: MSN News

US donates $11m mine resistant vehicles to Nigerian army

In a bid to fulfill its promise of helping Nigeria fight the Boko Haram insurgency, the United States will today, donate 24 mine-resistant and armor-protected vehicles to the Nigerian Army.

The vehicles, which are valued at $11m, would be handed over to the military authorities at the Nigerian Army 9th Brigade Parade Ground, Ikeja Army Cantonment in Lagos.

A statement yesterday, by the Public Affairs Section of the United States Consulate General Lagos, said: “The US is pleased to donate 24 Mine-Resistant, Armor-Protected (MRAP) vehicles valued at $11m to Nigeria’s military authorities.

“The equipment donation represents part of the continuing US commitment to Nigeria and its neighbours to counter Boko Haram’s senseless acts of terror and promote regional security.”

SOURCE: Vanguardngr

5 Places To Get Fish In Lagos

Lagos is surrounded by water. Lagos Island is practically on the ocean and the availability of water has contributed to the growth of Lagos: Tourism, Holidaying, Transportation and food. The availability of fish is therefore not a surprise and there are lots of markets were you can shop for your favorite fish: salmon (Titus), herring (Shawa) tuna (Kote), catfish. etc. whether you want to make stew or soup, garnish your jollof rice or yam porridge, enjoy a tantalizing plate of pepper soup, your fish is good to go.

Check out the 5 most popular fish markets in Lagos

Makoko Fish Market

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Makoko is a community on water and land so it’s no surprise that fishing is the main occupation. There are lots of fishes for sale and trust me they are fresh with crystal eyes and shiny skin. Imagine the sizzling sound you:ll hear when you’re frying them!

Epe Fish Market

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Located at Epe, the fish market is a place to behold. The fishes caught in the Lagoon are big and fresh. You can also get snails if you like them. Honestly, the sheer sizes of the fishes will surprise you .

Ojah Market

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Located in Badagry, Ojah market caters for the needs of Nigerians and Beninese. Fishing is a common occupation there so you’ll be treated to a meal of fish alone if that’s what you want. The next time you visit Badagry, make sure you shop for fish at this market.

Ijora Olopa

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Located in Iganmu, Lagos Island, this market provides all the sea food you want. Most are frozen foods though but it’s a way of preserving your favorite fish.

Apapa Fish Market

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Interested in sea food, then this market will give you more than than. Located in Apapa, it offers baskets and baskets of your favorite varieties of fish. They market exclusively provides whole sales for people who want to go and resell. Whats more, a canoe ride comes with the treat of shopping there.

SOURCE: naij

19 Gestures That Makes A Woman Feel Absolutely Adored

After the initial giddiness of falling in love dies down, it can be hard to find the little things that give your relationship sparkle. The thrill that once came from holding hands for the first time can become ordinary.

These 17 actions can bring delight into your relationship once again, and make your sweetheart feel how much you truly adore her.

Play with her hair

Women are actually like very large cats. Playing with her hair will immediately cause her to internally start purring. (Note: If your lady has naturally curly hair, do NOT do this without first asking permission.)

Kiss in public

Little kisses on the train or at the grocery store are sweet reminders you are proud to be with her. They also take you back to the beginning days of your relationship when a simple kiss was enough to make your head spin.

Bring up past conversations

Linking previous conversations into current ones shows her that when she talks, you’re not mindlessly thumbing through Instagram – you’re attentive enough to what she is saying that you’ll remember it later on. Remember her likes and dislikes and work those into the conversation as well.

Run away from p****graphy

There is no better way to destroy your wife’s confidence than looking at s*xual images of other women. Show her she is enough by choosing to be committed only to her – even in your thoughts.

Make an effort to love her family

Her mother may be critical, her brother a major moocher and her uncle that awkward guy at the reunions that tells off-color jokes, but if she loves them, you should to. Make an effort to participate in family events she would like to be at … no matter how much you may dislike them.

Whisper in her ear at a party

Whisper a little compliment, inside joke or flirty remark to her when you’re in public. Those innocent shared secrets make her feel connected to you.

Take care of her

She may be a strong, independent woman, but be man enough to show her you love her enough to take care of her when she needs it. In turn, she’ll want to take care of you at your weakest moments as well.

Push her to follow her dreams

When it comes to dreams, jumping in to do it can be terrifying. Know her dreams, and tell her she can achieve them. Give her the confidence she needs to be who she wants to be.

Don’t buy that video game

Money disagreements are the third largest cause of divorce, according to the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts. Sometimes not buying that toy you’ve wanted for so long because you can’t totally afford it says “I love you” more than anything else. Living within your budget is the most practical type of love.

Pause to make time

Your busy schedule is hard to navigate, but try foregoing something important one evening to demonstrate she is still the No. 1 priority on your list.

Don’t ask permission

There are times when she doesn’t want to choose the date, the restaurant or her birthday gift. Don’t worry so much about her liking it, and just surprise her. It’s the little surprises that keep love lively.

Just simply say it

The three words we should say a lot more than we actually do; a well placed, “Sweetheart, I love you,” is always welcome.

… or write it

There may be no quicker way to a woman’s heart than a hand-written note slipped into her purse or pocket.

Do the dishes

Do them, and watch the magic happen.

Lead in important conversations

Your lady doesn’t want to be your babysitter, and by initiating important conversations about your relationship, your finances, your children and other concerns allows her to not have to feel that way. Help her be your lover, not your mother.

Be on time

Or better yet, be early. If you have plans together, make them a priority. Being on time or early shows her you are excited to spend time with her.

Appreciate her getting ready

On the reverse, you’ll surely be waiting on your lady at some point as she is getting ready and will only be “five more minutes.” Have patience, and appreciate that sometimes looking stunning actually takes some time.

Initiate texts

Send her a text during the day, just to show her she is on your mind.

Give specific compliments

How long has it been since you told her she was beautiful? How much you love your life with her? How much you admire her ability to make others feel better about themselves? Don’t make her assume these things; tell her often.

SOURCE:fornaija

FG Declares Dec. 24, 25, 28 As Public Holidays

The Federal Government has declared Dec. 24, Dec.25 and Dec. 28 public holidays to mark Maulud Nabiy, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, respectively.

The Minister of the Interior, Retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Bassey Akpanyung.

“The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 24th December, 2015 as public holiday to mark Eid-El-Maulud celebration.

“Friday, 25th and Monday 28th December, 2015 have also been declared as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day celebration,” the statement said.

The minister enjoined Muslim and Christian faithful to use the unique occasion to‎ pray for the peaceand unity of Nigeria.

He also advised Nigerians to cooperate and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari in his efforts to build a peaceful, united and virile nation.

Dambazau wishes Nigerians, home and abroad, happy celebrations.

Eid-Maulud is the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammed in Islam, while Christmas is celebrated by Christians to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

SOURCE:nigerianmonitor

Fuel Scarcity: Buhari Apologies To Nigerians, Says Pump Price To Stay At N87

President Mohammadu Buhari on Tuesday apologised to Nigerians over the long queues being experienced at petrol stations across the country.

The president made the apology while presenting the 2016 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja.

He said government was making efforts to bring an end to the shortages.

He added that the pump price of petrol will remain at N87 “for now”.

“ Government profoundly apologises to Nigerians for this prolonged hardship and misery.

“It is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by somestakeholders.

“Government is working very hard to end these shortages and to bring fuel to the pumps all over the country,’’ he said.

He said the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had been directed to explore alternative funding models to enable government honour its obligations in Joint Ventures (JVs) and deep offshore fields.

The president expressed optimism that the measures could be achieved and would lower the burden that the traditional cash calls had imposed on the budget.

He further said it would reduce the burden on cash flows as well as contribute towards shoring up the country’s national reserves.

He said his administration would not lose focus on the need to restructure the oil and gas sector which had been marred by corruption and inefficiency.

According to him, he has directed the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to adjust its pricing template to reflect competitive and market driven components.

“ We believe this can lower input costs and attain efficiency savings that will enable PPPRA to keep the selling price for all marketers of petrol at N87 per litre for now,’’ he said.

NAN reports that oil-related revenues are expected to contribute N820 billion in the just presented 2016 budget.

SOURCE: nigerianmonitor