This page is under reconstruction. All inconveniences are regretted.

THIS PAGE IS BACK

ASUP SUSPENDS STRIKE The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics Tuesday afternoon suspended its 3-month strike action that paralysed academic activities at federal and state polytechnics. According to the Publicity Secretary Clement Chiamen, the decision was taken at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the body.

ASUU/FG MEETING DEADLOCKED The meeting between university lecturers and lawmakers was not fruitful as ASUU demanded 100% implementation of the 2009 agreement with the FG. The FG proposed partial implementation. The meeting was delayed earlier because SGF Anyim Pius Anyim arrived late. The meeting was held at the National Assembly Complex. ASUU has been on strike for 2 weeks now.

PATIENCE JONATHAN IS MY 'JESUS CHRIST'- ANTI-AMAECHI LAWMAKER The leader of the 5 anti-Amaechi lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly Evans Bipi has said that the First Lady Patience Jonathan is his 'Jesus Christ on earth'. He was seen making this statement when he was being prevented from attacking Pro-Amaechi lawmakers in a video during the fracas that engulfed the assembly. He later confirmed the reckless statement when PREMIUMTIMES called him. He said he has no father or mother and that the First Lady is his 'mother'. He asked why Governor Chibuike Amaechi should be insulting the president.

ASUU STRIKE: UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN STUDENTS PLAN PROTEST THURSDAY StanleyIbekuPage can authoritatively report that students of the University of Ibadan will match to the streets of Ibadan Thursday to protest against the on-going strike by ASUU. StanleyIbekuPage learnt that protest will begin at 7:am.

ASUU FAILS TO MEET WITH FG, LAWMAKERS At the proposed meeting of the Federal Government, members of the National Assembly and representatives of ASUU and ASUP, members of ASUU failed to attend. However ASUP led by their president Chibuzor Asomugha atttended the meeting which had in attendance Education Minister, Labour Minister and members of the National Assembly. With this act by ASUU, hopes that the over one week strike by university lecturers will be suspended soon seem dim even as the Education Minister Prof. Ruquayatu Ahmed Rufai gave assurances that the impasse will be resolved in few days.

ASUU STRIKE: FG, LAWMAKERS, LECTURERS MEET TUEDSAY Representatives of Federal Government and ASUU as well those of lawmakers will have a crucial meeting on Tuesday at the National Assembly, Education Minister Prof. Ruqayatu Rufai has said. She told reporters on Monday that the meeting is aimed at resolving all crisis. She pleaded with the lecturers to 'call off the strike' and 'go back to the classrooms'. The strike embarked by members of ASUU entered its second week Monday. Source:NAN

30 STUDENTS FEARED DEAD AS BOKO HARAM STRIKES Reports say about 30 students may have been killed in Potiskum Yobe State. The BBC Hausa service reports that the attack happened Saturday morning. You may refer to realtime news site for details.

JAMB PEGS 180, 160 FOR ADMISSION INTO VARSITIES, POLYTECHNICS Rising from a meeting between heads of tertiary institutions and the ministers of education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has pegged 180 as minmum score for admission into universities and 160 for polytechnics. Minister of state education Nyesom advocated 150 for polytechnics.

MAN HANDS OVER HIS 'BOKO HARAM' SON TO JTF A 60 year old man has handed over his biological son to JTF in Maidugiri Borno state. The son was a member of the Boko Haram sect. The son was eventually killed by the JTF after the dad handed him over and as he tried to flee. The son had come to his father and confessed that he had been part of the sect and had been involved in bank raids and killing of people. He sought refuge. But the father said he couldnt keep someone who has murdered people. The son before had earlier threatened to kill the dad. He confessed that he had two cars and hid about 2million naira near the house.

AMAECHI FLOORS JONATHAN, WINS GOVERNORS' FORUM CHAIRMAN Rivers State governor Chibuike Amaechi has won the chairmanship of the Nigeria's Governors Forum for a fresh 2 years. According to PREMIUMTIMES, Amaechi won against the antics of the presidency believed to edge him out. Details later.

SENATE APPROVES STATE OF EMERGENCY The Senate on tuesday approved the state of emergency earlier declared by President Goodluck Jonathan in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. At the end of a closed door session, the 100 senators present unianimously backed the move. The House of Representatives is expected to also consider the measure aimed at checking the activities of terrorists in the north.

SENATE IN SECRET DEBATE OVER STATE OF EMERGENCY Reports from the National Assembly indicate that the Senate has gone into a secret session to consider the State of Emergency declared by the Federal Government in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. After reading the letter from the president as to that regard, the senators went into the secret session to debate on the measure. By this, the public will not know the individual opinion of the senators. 2/3rd majority from the senate and the house of representatives is required for the measure to be endorsed.

JAMB RELEASES 68,000 WITHELD RESULTS The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the release of over 68,000 results of candidates who sat for the UTME last saturday. The results were witheld mainly because of biometric inconsistencies. Affected candidates are advised to check their results on JAMB's website. Meanwhile the Computer-Based Test version of the exam is holding today at the designated centres across the country.

JONATHAN DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN BORNO, YOBE, ADAMAWA STATES The Federal Government has declared states of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. In a broadcast tuesday evening, President Goodluck Jonathan said the decision to declare the state of emergency was necesitated by the worsening security situations in the states.

JONATHAN ADDRESSES NIGERIANS BY 7PM President Goodluck Jonathan will at 7pm address the country. In a tweet statement by his media advicer Reuben Abati a short while ago, the broadcast will be on the network services of the NTA and the FRCN. Other broadcast houses are expected to hook up to the networks.

JAMB RELEASES 2013 UTME RESULTS, WITHHOLDS 12,110 RESULTS

MEND THREATENS ANTI-ISLAM ATTACK The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has threatened to attack muslims in the South in 'defense of christians' who are being killed by the Boko Haram. In a release on Sunday, its spokesman Jomo Gbomo said the group will from May, 31 begin attacks in mosques and other Islam institutions. It will also attack muslim clerics. The statement added that it could only stop the planned attack if Boko Haram shows committment towards stopping the attacks and if CAN and the catholic church intervenes.

MEND THREATENS ANTI-ISLAM ATTACKS

IMO DEPUTY GOVERNOR IMPEACHED AS OKOROCHA NOMINATES CHIEF OF STAFF AS REPLACEMENT Following the impeachment of the deputy governor of Imo State Sir. Jude Agbaso thursday, the state governor Rochas Okorocha has nominated his Chief of Staff Eze Madumere as his replacement. This was contained in a letter from the governor to the house of assembly read by the speaker Mr. Ben Uwajumogu. Agbaso was found culpable by an adhoc committee set up to investigate a bribery scandal of over N480 million. The motion was moved by Adaeze Ihuoma and seconded by Pat Ekeji. 23 members of the house voted for the impeachment.

HENRY OKAH BAGS 24 YEARS INPRISONMENT OVER ABUJA BOMBING A South African court today sentenced Henry Okah, the leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to 24 years inprisonment for the October 1, 2010 bombing. He was found guilty of the charges brought against him. The family says they will appeal the judgment.

PROF. CHINUA ACHEBE IS DEAD Nigeria's foremost literary icon and publisher Professor Chinua Achebe is dead. Reports say the author of many novels died last night in an undisclosed hospital in Boston United States of America. Until his death, he was a professor at David and Marianna University in the US. He wrote 'Things fall apart' that has sold over 12 million copies and has been translated in more than 50 different languages. Other influential works of his include Arrow of God, A man of the people and his last work 'There was a country' which drew wide criticisms. A family source said the news of his death will be officially made known today. Chinua Achebe was 82 years. He was a pioneer student of the then University College, Ibadan and was initially admitted to study medicine but he changed to English after his first year and came out with a second-class degree. He has been a critic of the government right from the era of the military. He was married to Christy and they were blessed with four children. Additional report from PREMIUMTIMES

JONATHAN APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF SERVICE President Goodluck Jonathan has appointed Bukar Goji Aji the new head of service of the federation. He succeeds Isa BeloGoji is from Yobe state. He was born in 1959. He has served as permanent secretary in defence, works, police affairs.

POPE FRANCIS INAUGURATED AS 267TH PONTIFF Pope Francis was today inaugurated as the 267th pontiff following the resignation last month of Pope Benedith XVI. He was elected last Wednesday. At the inaugural mass a St Peter's Basilica Rome, hundreds of devotees thronged the venue. Before the mass, Pope Francis venerated at the tomb of St. Peter. He was handed the Pallium(a wooden cloak), the fisherman's ring(the symbol of St. Peter) and the book of the Gospels. The pope's homily was delivered in italian, it dwelt on man's need to help the poor and peace in the world. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, U.S Vice President Joe Biden including other dignitaries across the world attended the mass. Nigeria sent a 5-man delegation led by Senate President David Mark.

25 DEAD AS BOMB EXPLODES IN KANO According to Reuters, a bonm exploded at the Saboganri area of Kano state killing at least 25 persons. The blast occured Monday evening at a very busy luxury bus terminal where travellers especially those going to the southern parts of the country board buses. The police has confirmed the incident but hasn't given casualty figures. A Reuters reporter said he counted 25 bodies. The area has been cordoned off by security men.

FACTS ABOUT THE NEW POPE His name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio He is 76 years old He hails from Argentina He is the first Latin American to be elected Pope He is to be addressed as Pope Francis the first He is living with one lung He is a strong advocate of good governance He is opposed to the legalisation of homosexualism He is not in support of the use of condoms He has special interest in the poor He goes to work with public bus thus abandoning his limousine He was the first runner-up during the last conclave that produced the Pope Emeritus.

ARGENTINE EMERGES NEW POPE A new Pope has been elected for the world's 1.2 billion catholics. He is Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina. He is the first latin American to lead the church. He has chosen to be called Pope Francis de Ist. White smoke emerged from the sistine chapel signifying the emergence of a new Pope. About 115 cardinals have been having elections since Tuesday. Details about the new Pope will be published.

GUNMEN KILL PRISONERS, OFFICIALS Gunmen opened about 7 prisoners and officials in Warri, Delta state. The gunmen opened fire on the van conveying the prisoners to the court. The incident happened at Okere junction in Warri. The police confirmed the incident. It was learnt that some of the injured prison officials were taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNOR AKPABIO ACQUIRES MILLION-DOLLAR BULLET-PROOF SUV Profligate governor of Akwa Ibom state Godswill Akpabio has acquired a customised amoured SUV. The mercedes benz top-of-the range car is said to be worth over a million dollar. Impeccable sources told Saharareporters that the bullet-proof car is specifically designed in tantem with the governor's taste. Akpabio is famous for spending state's resources on stupendous and sometimes irrational expenditures. Just last week, the governor donated 2 SUVs to musician Tuface and the wife. He promised to sponsor 29 people from Akwa Ibom state for the couple's wedding later on this month in Dubai. Akpabio in the name of the state government acquired a state-of-the art jet last 2 years.

NCAA BOSS DEMUREN SACKED The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Harold Demuren has been sacked by the Federal Government. A statement by the Secretary to the Government of the federation endorsed by Sam Nwobasi says the sack is effective from Tuesday 12th March 2013. The sack according to the government is because of Demuren's unsatisfactory replies from various issues arising from stakeholders in the sector.

NEW ISLAMIST SECT ANSARU KILLS 7 FOREIGN HOSTAGES The new islamic sect Ansaru said it has executed the 7 foreign hostages it kidnapped in Bauchi on February 7. 7 foreign workers of Setraco were abducted at a construction site. The hostages include a briton and a french national. The sect in a screen message posted on an islamic website announced on Saturday that they had to execute the men following Nigeria's and Britain's effort at locating their hideout, they said they noticed helicopters hovering in Bauchi. They said they kidnapped the foreign nationals because of France's deployment of soldiers to fight against islamic rebels in Mali.

APC MAY ADOPT ACN'S 'BROOM' SYMBOL Barring any last minute change, the newly formed party All Peoples Congress (APC) may adopt the broom symbol of Action Congress of Nigeria's (ACN) symbol- the broom. According to PREMIUM TIMES, the committee headed by former PDP chair Audu Ogbeh has settled for the logo after debates. They settled for the broom since according to them, the symbol is more popular than CPC's pen and ANPP's corn. APGA symbol was excluded because of factionalisation in the party.

POLICE COMMISSIONER KILLED IN ENUGU The Kwara State Commissioner of Police Chinwike Asadu was killed by assasins Saturday in Nike area of Enugu state. His orderly and driver were battered by bullets and are critically down at National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu. The Cp was said to have paid a private visit to his place. He went to see off a visitor while assasins trailed him while coming back. He was shot 100 metres away from his house. Source-Vanguard

ABIA VARSITY STRIPS EX-GOVERNOR ORJI KALU OF HIS DEGREE The Abia State University Uturu has stripped former Abia State governor and Visitor to the university of his degree certificate. A statement from the university's Registrar O.E Onuoha said the action followed the consideration of an investigating panel of the institution which was adopted at a special Senate session of the school held on March 1, 2013. According to the Registrar, kalu did not meet the extant rules of the university. According to him, Kalu did not stay up to 8 semesters for the award of the certificate. Orji Uzor Kalu was said to have tranferred from the University of Maidugiri to ABSU.

4 YEAR OLD GIRL RAPED TO DEATH IN IMO A 4 year old pupil Charity has been raped to death by one man Onyebuchi in Imo state. The 30 year old man who committed the heinous act is from Omuma Umuezeala in Oru East of Imo state. The man who was paraded Friday by the new Imo State Police Commissioner Muhammed Katsina was said to have abducted the girl on her way to school and took her to a farm where he raped her leading to her death. He was arrested by Police detectives while trying to bury the corpse of the girl in a pit.

JONATHAN CAN CONTEST IN 2015, COURT RULES An Abuja High Court Friday ruled that President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest for the presidency in 2015. Cyriacus Njoku has asked the court to declare that Jonathan cannot contest again in 2015 arguing that he is presently serving the constitutional 2-terms. But the Judge dismissed the claims and said that Jonathan is eligible to contest in 2015 since the constitution allowed for 2 terms. By the judgement Jonathan was said to have completed the first term of late Umaru Musa Yaradua.

EXPLOSION KILLS ONE IN LAGOS An explosion at Festac link bridge in Lagos has killed a man and left others injured. Police Area E Festac spokesman Dan Okoro confirmed the incident and said the person that died is the chairman of the sand dredgers association. It is not yet clear if bomb was the cause of the explosion. The bridge links Festac with Amuwo Odofin.

I DIED FOR SEVEN DAYS- PATIENCE JONATHAN First lady Dame Patience Jonathan on Sunday admitted that she was hospitalised last year in Germany saying that she passed through 'hell'. According to her, the doctors lost hope at a point thinking that she won't make it. She said 'I passed on for a week'. According to her, she had about 9 surgeries in a month and her tummy and intestine were opened. She spoke at Aso Rock Villa Chapel to mark her thanksgiving. She said God gave her a second chance adding that she has devoted herself to the service of the poor. According to the Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa state, some of her close friends thought she had died and would not return to the country alive, they started scrambling and even selling her properties, she added. The occassion was attended by President Goodluck Jonathan and top government functionaries.

GOLDIE DIDN'T DIE OF DRUG COMPLICATIONS- HUSBAND Andrew Harvey, the widow of flamboyant Nigeria singer Goldie Harvey has dispelled speculations that his wife died of doping complications. A lagos-based tabloid P.M News had reported on Friday that a close source told the paper that Goldie died after issues from drugs. Goldie died on thursday after returning from the U.S where she went for the Grammys. Andrew said for the past 10 years he knew Goldie, she had not used drugs. He also released pictures of their wedding and Goldie's childhood pictures.

POPE BENEDICT RESIGNS Catholic pontiff Pope Benedict the Sixteenth has annouced his intention to resign as Bishop of Rome and successor to Saint Peter on the 28th February citing health challenges. The Pope thanked the clergy and the faithfuls for their support since his election since April 2005. The cardinals are to convoke a special conclave to elect his successor.

HAPPYNIGERIA CONDEMNS KILLING OF HEALTH WORKERS

Health Advocacy, Promotion and Partnership by Youth in Nigeria (HAPPYNigeria)  has strongly condemned the killing of health workers in Kano. Below is a press statement by the Director of Communications and Advocacy, Dr Laz Ude Eze;

HAPPYNigeria received with rude shock and disappointment the news of the killing of nine female health workers who were administering polio vaccines in Kano.  We condemn this senseless, callous, inhuman and unprovoked violence against health workers in the strongest terms. We are particularly worried about the adverse effect this reprehensible act would have on the families of the deceased, the anti-polio campaign and the availability of health services in Kano State and other troubled regions of the country. Nigeria presently accounts for about a half of the global polio burden. Therefore, successful polio immunization program in the country is required for a successful global polio eradication campaign.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased health workers, the people and government of Kano State. We call on government to identify and punish the culprits, and also take measures urgently to protect lives and properties. We will continue to mobilize young Nigerians to support every measure aimed at improving the health of the Nigerian people.

For more about HAPPYNigeria, check out the website - www.happynigeria.org and facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/messages/100002512417595#!/HAPPYNigeria 

3 KOREAN DOCTORS MURDERED IN NOTHERN NIGERIA According to a report in the Associated Press, three South Korean doctors who are working with the Yobe state government were in the early hours of Sunday killed by unknown gunmen. Two of them had their throats slit while one was beheaded. Yobe state Police Commissioner Sanusi Rufai confirmed the incident but said that no group has claimed responsibility.

JONATHAN IN LONDON HOSPITAL OVER INTESTINAL PROBLEM President Goodluck Jonathan has undergone medical screening at London Clinic in Harley street, a dependable source told Saharareporters. He is said to have an intestinal disorder referred to as Amoebic Colitis. His case is not pathetic as sources say he just needed the screening regularly. Jonathan has been on a whirlwind 3 country tour to Egypt, United Kingdom and France. He is expected to be in Paris on Monday but it is not immediately clear if he will still make that day. He was to surprise the Super Eagles by making appearance at Sunday's final clash with the Burkina Faso's players at the AFCON 2013 in South Africa. Super-rich Nigerians have made London hospitals their choices while health institutions in Nigeria continue to be rated low.

JONATHAN OFF TO LONDON, PARIS, EGYPT President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday night left the country for London and Paris. He is to confer with David Cameron and Francois Hollande on matters of mutual interest. The talks will focus on bilateral trade between the countries. The president is expected to stop over at Cairo Egypt. He is also expected to attend the launch of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation in London on Friday. He is expected to return to the country on Monday.

ACN, CPC, APGA, ANPP MERGE The much awaited merger of major opposition parties took place today at the Lagos House in Marina Lagos. Four parties- Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) today merged. Ten state governors were present including those of Lagos, Imo, osun, Ogun, Oyo and others. Details later.

JONATHAN SPENDS $60,000 ARRANGE CNN INTERVIEWS President Goodluck Jonathan's penchant for foreign media's interview costs Nigerians thousands of dollar. According to documents exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the president pays at least $59,200 to appear on CNN. In at least one of the documents seen by PREMIUM TIMES, a lobbying firm Flechman-Hillard demanded $59,200 to arrange for an interview with CNN in 2010. It was learnt that the lobbying agency was hired since 2010 to help arrange interviews with such foreign media organisations as Bloomberg, Reuters, CNN, New York Times and others. Jonathan two weeks ago appeared on CNN with Christiane Amanpour as host. The interview received widespread condemnation as Nigerians were not happy with the president's shallow answers and poor use of grammar.

UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN SACKS 75 STUDENTS FOR POOR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE The premier institution University of Ibadan has sacked 75 100 level students admitted in the 2011/2012 academic session for poor academic performance. The Vice chancellor of the university Professor Isaac Adewole disclosed this on friday at the institution's matriculation ceremony for new students. The university admitted about 2691 out of over 41000 admission-seekers that applied. In essence, the university admitted one out of 16 candidates representing 6 percent. The event was held at the International Conference Centre of the school.

FAROUK LAWAN, EMENALO REMANDED IN PRISON Former Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Farouk Lawan and Secretary of the committee Boniface Emenalo have been remanded in prison custody after being arraigned today at an Abuja High Court. They were dragged to court by the government over the allegation of demanding bribe from Femi Otedola in order to remove Zenon Oil and Gas from the list of those that fraudulently took monies for fuel subsidy. The judge refused their bail applications. The case was adjourned to February 8th.

UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN HOLDS MATRICULATION TODAY The premier university, University of Ibadan today holds her matriculation for the 2012/2013 new students. A release by the Directorate of Public Communication, Office of the Vice Chancellor puts the venue at the International Conference Centre of the university. Time is 11:00 am. The matriculation is for both new undergraduates and postgraduates, they are expected to sign the university's matriculation register at the ceremony.

BOKO HARAM FACTION DECLARES CEASEFIRE A faction of the deadly Boko Haram sect today in Maidugiri the Borno state capital declared ceasefire after a meeting with top officials of the state government. The deal was announced around 3:00 pm. Boko Haram has caused death of persons and properties.

COURT SENTENCES EX-PENSION BOARD BOSS TO 2 YRS INPRISONMENT FOR STEALING N23.3 BILLION A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja Monday sentenced former Chairman of Pensions Board Yakubu Yusuf to 2 yrs inprisonment for stealing N23.3 billion. He is also to forfeit properties worth more than N346 million naira.

FULANI HERDSMEN TAKE OVER UNIABUJA AS VARSITY REMAINS SHUT The University of Abuja which was shut down in November 2012 as a result of students' protest is now home to some Fulani herdsmen and other refugees, according to a report by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. The school was shut following protests by affected students from the faculties of Engineering, Agriculture whose programmes were denied accreditation. It was learnt that some Fulani herdsmen are leaving with their families in tents especially near the Administrative building. Also, some refugees as a result of Gwari clash are taking refuge in the campus. It remains unclear when the varsity will be re-opened for academic engagements as virtually all those concerned are doing little or nothing towards raising hopes high.

WHY CATHOLIC CHURCH PULLED OUT FROM CAN- BISHOPS The Catholic church temporarily exited the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) saying recent activities and comments of the Oritsejafor-led executive negate the foundations of the church and the teachings of Jesus christ. In a letter by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria to the President of CAN, the bishops said the church is temporarily exiting the association untill CAN returns to the original vision. The letter which was written in September 2012 but was made public Wednesday was signed by the president of the bishops Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama. CAN has been recently described as an arm of the PDP. The President of the association has in recent times being accused of making comments in support of the PDP. It's been alleged that CAN has fallen into partisan politics. CAN was formed in 1976 with the catholic as one of the five founding bodies.

13 POLICE RECRUITS BURNT TO DEATH IN AUTO CRASH 13 Police recruits on Sunday were burnt beyond recognition in a deadly auto crash at Omu-Aran in Kwara state. They were said to be travelling to Nassarawa State were they were posted to. They were mostly Kwara indigenes. The accident involved a Mercedes Benz car and an 18-seater bus. The corpses have been deposited at at nearby morgue. The number of women involved in the crash is not yet unknown.

FG DECLARES JAN. 24 PUBLIC HOLIDAY The Federal Government has declared Thursday January 24, 2013 as a public holiday to allow muslims celebrate Eidel Malud.

ARRESTED GOAT DIES IN CUSTODY A goat arrested by Osun State Waste Management Agency (OWMA) has died in custody. The goat belonged to Mrs. Adetayo. The goat and others were arrested and the owners arraigned in court. They were ordered by the court to pay N2,500 each.

3 'GAY' MEN BEATEN, STRIPPED NAKED IN IMO STATE StanleyIbekuPage can report that three men were stripped naked, beaten and paraded round Ekwe, Umuaka in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State. The men were said to be having sex together. The incident happened on Monday 14th January, 2013. The village mob tied the three men together and paraded them round the community amid beatings and chants. The Nigerian National Assembly is seeking to criminalise gay marriages. The practise is seen as alien in the black world while some states in Europe and America have endorsed the relationships.

FIRST LADY PATIENCE JONATHAN AGAIN FLOWN TO GERMANY FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION The first lady Dame Patience Jonathan has been again flown to Germany for medical attention. The first lady has been having issues with her health conditions even though the presidency has consistently denied it. Saharareporters report that Patience was formally billed for Spain but the plan was changed and she was flown to Germany. Recall that Patience was flown to Germany in August 2012 and she returned in October. She denied being hospitalised. StanleyIbekuPage learnt that the first lady was sheduled to join President Goodluck Jonathan in a function Monday by 6:00pm at the Presidential banquet hall, but she was conspicously absent. Her spokesman denied having knowledge of the trip when Saharareporters contacted him.

YAKOWA'S BROTHER DIES AT 60 Barely a month after the death of former Kaduna State governor Patrick Yakowa in the doomed helicopter, his younger brother Adamu Yakowa died on Sunday, according to Saharareporters. Adamu was said to be suffering from an undisclosed illness even before the brother's death in a helicopter crash on December 15.

2 DEAD, 8 INJURED AS PETROL TANKER BURSTS INTO FLAMES IN RIVERS According to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), a fully loaded petrol tanker friday fell, spilled its contents and burst into flames at Mbiama bypass in Ahoada Rivers state. Two persons died, eight others were injured while about 6 vehicles were either burnt completely or partially destroyed. Unlike in past occurences, people did not scoop fuel at the scene.

EFCC DETAINS EX-CBN GOVERNOR SOLUDO OVER CONTRACT SCAM The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) thursday questioned former Central Bank Of Nigeria Governor Chukwuma Soludo. He was said to be quizzed over a contract scam involving some CBN officials. An Australian firm Securency was said to have paid bribes to some officials of the bank for the printing of polymer notes when Soludo was the Governor.

FG APPROVES 3 NEW VARSITIES The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday approved the establishment of 3 new universities. The universities will be located in Kebbi, Yobe and Zamfara states. The universities are expected to commence activities in the 2014/2015 academic session.

PDP FAILS TO ELECT BOT CHAIRMAN, TO RECONVENE FEBRUARY The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has failed to elect a new Board of Trustees Chairman after its meeting Tuesday. The party set up a special committee to screen all the 12 contestants for the position. Nigeria's Canadian ambassador Ojo Madueke briefed correspondents early Wednesday morning after the meeting. The party is expected to get the new BOT chairman in february. The position became vacant last year after former president Olusegun Obasanjo quit the position.

NIGERIA'S UNIVERSITY OF BENIN DISCOVERS 'CURE' FOR HIV/AIDS A major breakthrough may have come in the search for the cure of the killer disease HIV/AIDS that have defiled all solutions. A professor at the University of Benin (Uniben) Isaiah Ibeh says the herbal drug Deconcotion X (DX) or Bioclean II can 'cure' the deadly virus. According to Ibeh who is also the Dean of School of Basic Medical Sciences, the drug has undergone various bacteriological and toxicological tests. The drug was administered on five HIV/AIDS patients and after six months, it was found out that 3 of the patients tested siro negative while 2 tested faintly positive. The drug has been tested both in Nigeria and The US. The don called for support from the government and the private sector to continue in the search. Credit: NAN

DELE GIWA'S MUM DIES AT 87 The mother of late Ogoni Rights activist and journalist Dele Giwa died Tuesday at Ikorodu Lagos. Elekia Giwa died at about 5:am. Dele Giwa was killed through a parcel bomb in 1987 supposedly by the military junta then.

34,000 STUDENTS BATTLE FOR 3000 BED SPACES About 34000 undergraduates of the University of Ilorin are battling for bed spaces meant only for 3000 students. Punch gathered that the balloting exercise for the hostel accommodation kicked off in earnest. Unilorin has been rated many times as Nigeria's best university in Webometric World University Rankings.

15 DIE AS TANKER RAMS INTO BUS 15 persons were feared dead Sunday in Ogbomosho as a fuel tanker rammed into a commercial bus. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), three persons escaped at the incident. It was not clear immediately where the bus was going to. It was learnt that both the tanker and the bus caught fire after the collision.

JONATHAN'S RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN POSTERS FLOOD ABUJA Less than two years after the 2011 General election, campaign posters for the 2015 elections bearing President Goodluck Jonathan's picture has flooded major areas in Abuja. Jonathan is seen clad in his traditional Ijaw attire with such inscriptions as 'There is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2015', 'One good turn deserves another'. Dr. Jonathan has since kept his 2015 action pending as he has refused from commenting on whether or not he will run for the post of presidency or not. His administration has received lots of criticisms on the general performance.