Police parades 53-yr-old man for having canal knoledge of his two daughters

The police has paraded a 53 year old man,Yusuf  Alabi for allegedly having cannal Knowledge his two daughters in Kogi state.

The police also paraded six robbery suspects for allegedly carried out various robbery in the state.

Parading the suspect, the Acting police commissioner, Austine Evbakhabokun said, the Alabi who is Staff of the Kogi State Printing and Publishing Corporation,publishers of "The Graphic newspapers"
 was apprehended following a complaint by one Abdulmalik to the state investigation and intelligence bureau,alleging that his father was having sexual intercourse with immediate younger
sister.

Austin said when the boy challenged his father for committing act,the suspect threatened to kill him if the news got to the public, saying that the suspect confessed to the crime, which he was to protect his children from dying prematurely.

“I didn’t sign one-term deal with anybody,” Jonathan says

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan

Contrary to the insinuations by some Northern Governors that President Jonathan signed one-term pact with them, the President yesterday denied ever signing agreement with anybody.

“I have not signed agreement with anybody. If I have signed agreement, they would have shown you.”

He stated this at the periodic presidential media chat with a team of journalists.

He added: “We have laws in this country. I quite appreciate that Electoral Laws tend to regulate political activities. If you do it earlier, you will destabilize the country. Don’t force a President to declare. It is against the Electoral Law. It has time. Don’t wait for me to declare before you declare your intention if you want to contest”.

“I didn’t sign one-term deal with anybody,” Jonathan says

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan

Contrary to the insinuations by some Northern Governors that President Jonathan signed one-term pact with them, the President yesterday denied ever signing agreement with anybody.

“I have not signed agreement with anybody. If I have signed agreement, they would have shown you.”

He stated this at the periodic presidential media chat with a team of journalists.

He added: “We have laws in this country. I quite appreciate that Electoral Laws tend to regulate political activities. If you do it earlier, you will destabilize the country. Don’t force a President to declare. It is against the Electoral Law. It has time. Don’t wait for me to declare before you declare your intention if you want to contest”.

Great is the future of Nigeria. By Yinka Dallas

Great is the future of Nigeria. By Yinka Dallas

A few days ago, I was watching a DVD proudly displaying Nigeria’s glorious past.

 

It showed the apparent joy on the faces of Nigerians on October 1st, 1960. You could see from the video, the promise of a great future; the Atilogwu dancers were at their best, regaling the audience with their acrobatics; the nation’s leaders were dressed in their long flowing gowns, celebrating and congratulating themselves for successfully fulfilling the mandate of their generation: LIBERATION.

 

Looking at their happy faces, I wonder if they could see what was lurking in the future. As I watched,  I wondered if they had the benefit of far sight, would they consider our 53rd Anniversary as a moment of jubilation? Would they know that 53 years “up the line”, several million hopes would be dashed? Could they have ever imagined that 53 years later, our educational system would deliver a 79.4% failure rate in the WAEC examinations? Could they ever have an inkling that 53 years from then, our nation would be buried neck deep in debt, after having been blessed with over  billon dollars as revenue from crude oil.

Fashola Commissions N30 Billion Tallest Hotel In West Africa

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola has commissioned the tallest hotel in West Africa, Intercontinental Lagos erected at a cost of N30 billion.

The hotel, located at Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeris is a 23-storey building housing 358 rooms and 37 suites and a Presidential suite.

The Intercontinental Lagos, a subsidiary of the Intercontinental Hotel Group, IHG, is owned by the Milan Group.

Speaking while commissioning the edifice on Sunday, Fashola stated that the hotel would surely boost the hospitality and tourism industry in the state and urged other entrepreneurs to look inward and invest their money in hotels and public utilities such as roads.

South South, South-East Governors Forum Fail to Endorse Jonathan for 2015

President Goodluck Jonathan

For the second time, governors of Imo, Rochas  Okorocha, Edo Adams Oshiomhole, and Rivers, Rotimi Ameachi, Sunday were absent at  meeting  of south-south/south east governors forum held in Enugu, even as the forum failed to endorse Jonathan for a second term in office.

The meeting, held at the Enugu state government house was attended by governors of Anambra, Peter Obi, Ebonyi, Martin Elechi, Enugu, Sullivan Chime, Delta, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Akwa Ibom, Godswill Akpabio, Abia, Theodore Orji, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, John Jonah and Cross River state, Liyel Imoke.

Kogi Deputy Governor convoy hit

The escort vehicle in the convoy of His Excellency, Yomi Awoniyi, Kogi State Deputy Governor, was this afternoon hit by a Mercedes Benz jeep with Lagos registration No YAB 966 AQ in a motor accident at Yangoji,in Kwali, along Abuja- Lokoja highway.
The escort was among the four vehicles in the Deputy Governor's convoy.
Other vehicles in the convoy escaped been hit by the Mercedes Benz jeep.

Urhobo professionals endorse Dafinone

Prominent Urhobo leaders in Abuja and Northern Nigeria on Sunday
described Delta Central Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) Senatorial
Candidate, Chief Ede Dafinone as a beacon of hope and a great source
of inspiration.

“What is at stake in Delta Central is to vote for the right candidate
who will rekindle hope for the progress and development of the Urhobo
nation. Chief Ede Dafinone  is a very intelligent man, a great
visionary, an achiever,  a man of action and above all, a humble,
kind, God fearing and compassionate man” Leader of Urhobo Think Tank,
Engineer Enunuaye Akporotu told journalists Sunday.

Kenya evades mall warning question

Kenya's interior minister has refused to answer questions about possible intelligence failings in the wake of the Westgate shopping centre attack.

Joseph Ole Lenku said intelligence issues were confidential and would not be discussed in public.

The questions arose after Kenyan papers reported that the intelligence agency had issued warnings a year ago.

London 2012 athletes 'had bad teeth'

Dentists have found "striking" levels of bad teeth in athletes competing at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

A fifth of athletes surveyed said their oral health actually damaged their training and performance.

The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, suggested cavities, tooth erosion and gum disease were common.

Pellegrini stays calm despite defeat

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says he will not panic despite seeing his side's search for a first away win of the season continue following defeat at Aston Villa.

The visitors twice led through Yaya Toure and Edin Dzeko but goals from Karim El Ahmadi, Leandro Bacuna and Andreas Weimann gave Villa a 3-2 win.

Man Utd need to move on - Moyes

David Moyes insisted Manchester United should be judged on how they "move on" after their worst start for 24 years.

Goals from Morgan Amalfitano and Saido Berahino for West Brom either side of a Wayne Rooney free-kick kept United on seven points, the same tally they had after six games of the 1989-90 season.

Man Utd need to move on - Moyes

David Moyes insisted Manchester United should be judged on how they "move on" after their worst start for 24 years.

Goals from Morgan Amalfitano and Saido Berahino for West Brom either side of a Wayne Rooney free-kick kept United on seven points, the same tally they had after six games of the 1989-90 season.

Flame lit ahead of Sochi Olympics

Russian ice hockey player Aleksandr Ovechkin ran the first leg of the relay.

A torch-lighting ceremony has been held in Greece to mark the official launch of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

At the ceremony, Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach urged Russia to uphold the values of the Games.

He said the torch was a symbol of friendship, excellence and respect "without any form of discrimination".

Gunmen attack college in Nigeria

A number of students are feared dead after suspected Islamist gunmen struck a college in north-eastern Nigeria.

The students were shot dead as they slept in their dormitory at the College of Agriculture in Yobe state.

North-eastern Nigeria is under a state of emergency amid an Islamic insurgency by the Boko Haram group.

Ajaokuta steel; FG urged to sustain current effort

The chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria,(ALGON), Kogi state, Aloysius Okino has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to sustain the current efforts aimed at completing the Ajaokuta Steel Complex in Kogi state.‬

‪In a statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to ALGON on Media and Strategy, Ibrahim Obansa, the chairman expressed confidence in the present efforts of government to complete the ailing project and put it to commercial use.‬

Agriculture---South-South Co- operation storm Kogi

Team if Agriculture expert from 13 African countries which also includes Brazil, China and Vietnam known as South-South Co-operation have arrived Kogi state to formerly asses agricultural potential in the state.

Kogi state is one of the states in the country that is chosen for the project.

Receiving the team over the weekend, the state Governor, Captain Idris Wada said agriculture agenda of the Federal Government is a way forward for the country.

FG to Establish Food Processing Plants in Designated Zones Across Nigeria

To reduce the cost food production and transportation of produce, the Federal government of Nigeria says efforts are underway to partner with private investors to establish food-manufacturing plants in some selected rural areas in the country.

In a chat with Journalists in New York, the minster of Agriculture Dr Akinwunmi Adesina who disclosed this also explained that the designated zone code-named “staple crop processing zone,” will be vast areas that have high yield of a particular farm produce even as he stated that the aim is to reduce cost and boost food production.

Flood Sacks 21 Families, Destroys Widow’s House in Imo

At least 22 families have been rendered homeless and property valued several millions of Naira have been destroyed by a devastating flood that occurred on Friday at Duruaku village, Okponaakuma community in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.

Among those seriously hit by the disaster is a poor widow, with six little children, whose house was pulled down after the flood submerged it.

Abdul Adama Hails NFF on Confluence Queens Protest Win

After recording his first giant stride as the Chairman of Confluence

Queens Football Club, Mallam Abdul Adama has hailed the Nigeria

Football Federation (NFF) for her verdict against Standard Babes FC of

Aba on Friday.

The NFF’s Organising and Disciplinary Committee (O&D) on Thursday

awarded three points and three goals to the Kogi ladies after meeting

over the protest filed against Standard Babes of Aba on fielding an

ineligible player in a Week-18 tie played on August 26th, 2013 in the

previous 2012/2013 season.

Kwara State government Approves N1.5b Road Construction

Kwara State Government has awarded the construction of 32.8 kilometre Ilesha-Baruba/Gwanara/Kenu/Okuta road project at the cost of over N1.5b.

This was in addition to the award of the 64 kilometre Kisi-Kaiama road project already awarded.

The State Commissioner for Finance, Engr. Ademola Banu disclosed this while briefing newsmen of the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, Ilorin.

Three Months After, Police Recover Stolen 4-year-old Boy

Three months after 4 year old little master Emanuel Okenwa, was stolen from the premises of Mayblossom nursery school Enugu, operatives of the Anti Kidnap Unit of the Enugu state police command, Friday recovered the child in 0nitsha, Anambra state.

Little Okenwa was allegedly stolen from his school on 2nd July, 2013 by unknown person.

Kenyan MPs to quiz security chiefs

Kenya's security chiefs have been summoned to appear before parliament's defence committee for questioning over the Westgate mall siege.

The BBC's David Okwembah says a blame game is playing out in the Kenyan media, with various security agencies pointing the finger at each other.

Sixty-seven people are known to have died in the attack, while Kenya's Red Cross says 61 people are still missing.

Gov Wada assure on economic transformation

Private Business Initiatives that are in tandem with the economic transformation agenda of Capt. Idris Wada have been assured of Government’s support.

The Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, who was represented at the commissioning of Ultimate Benefit Integrated Micro – Finance Bank in Lokoja, gave the assurance.

The Governor described Micro – Financing as a developmental tool for poverty alleviation, said the initiative to establish the bank across the 21 Local Government is in line with his administrations agenda of empowering people and communities.

Kogi gov to secure agric loan

Kogi state government in collaboration with the Bank of Agriculture is to secure N2 billion naira credit facility in support of agaric development in the state.

The credit scheme which is to be disbursed to farmers in the state would be launched in October in Lokoja.

Hackers steal Michelle Obama ID data

The social security numbers of Michelle Obama and many others were stolen from data brokersHackers stole millions of social security numbers by cracking open the networks of large US data brokers, reveals an investigation.

The ID details of US First Lady Michelle Obama and many other famous people were exposed by the hack attack.

Journalist Brian Krebs tracked the information back to hackers who ran an online market for confidential data.

He found they got their data by compromising computers sitting on the data brokers' corporate networks.

Messi in Spain tax fraud hearing

Lionel Messi made a 5m-euro payment to Spain's tax authorities in August

Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi and his father are to appear in a Spanish court over tax fraud allegations.

The 26-year-old Argentine, who has been named World Player of the Year four times, and his father Jorge Messi are accused of defrauding the authorities of more than 4m euros (£3.4m).

They are suspected of using companies abroad - in Belize and Uruguay - to sell the rights to use Messi's image.

They both deny the allegations, which date back to 2007-09.

Fashola begs Igbos over Deportation

Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) said while offering an unreserved apology for alleged ‘deportation’ of some destitutes to Onitsha, Anambra State.

Governor Fashola was accused of dumping 70 beggars at Onitsha Bridge on July 24, a situation that generated public outcry and bad blood but the government said it relocated only 14 people to Onitsha after rehabilitating them. This did not go down well with the Igbos.

Fashola offered this apology at the silver jubilee of the Igbo socio-cultural think-tank, Aka Ikenga held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island.

Dignitaries at the event include: the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Ayim, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan; House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Chief Emeka Ihedioha; Catholic Bishop of Sokoto diocese, Matthew Kuka; former Minister, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu; President Aka Ikenga, Goddy Uwazurike; former ambassador George Obiozor and President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Gary Enwo-Igariwey.

Others are: the former President Aka Ikenga, Chief Chris Asodoka; Director, Lagos Business School, Prof. Pat Utomi; Captain Emma Iheanacho; Nollywood artistes, Onyeka Onwenu and Kanayo O. Kanayo.

He explained that the largest herds of cattle he received when his father died was from the Igbos.

Interpol seeks UK woman's arrest

Samantha Lewthwaite is "wanted by Kenya on charges of being in possession of explosives and conspiracy to commit a felony"

International police body Interpol has issued a wanted persons notice for Briton Samantha Lewthwaite, at Kenya's request.

Ms Lewthwaite is the widow of one of the four suicide bombers who attacked London on 7 July 2005.

Known colloquially as the "white widow", she has been linked with Somali militant Islamist group al-Shabab.

The group was behind the attack on the Westgate shopping complex in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, at the weekend.

The assault and subsequent four-day siege left at least 67 people dead.

No port would be abandon, as Markurdi port underway - NIWA MD

The Managing Director Nigeria Inland Water Authoriy, Hajia Inna Maryam Ciroma has said that no port under construction by the Authority would be abandoned.

The Managing Director who stated this in Lokoja during an interaction with the journalists said the contract for the construction of Makurdi port on the river Benue would soon be awarded .

"Completion of all the ports on the river Niger is top priority of authority. Onitsha port has been completed while there is  significant work  on the Lokoja port because the contractor has increase the speed of work, Oguta and Baron ports are of significant interest to us and we are trying to see how we can help the contractors to speed the work there," she said 

Arewa group tasks youth on peace

The Arewa Citizens Action for change (ACAC) has urged youths across the country not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to create insecurity in the country.

The Vice President, North West of the group, Jamil A. Bello, stated this in Lokoja, during a workshop on crisis  prevention and peace advocacy organized by ACAC in conjunction with Centre for Crisis Prevention and Peace Advocacy.

Sole Administrator of Kogi Utd/Confluence Queens Appoint Management Teams

Following the confirmation of his appointment as the Sole
Administrator of Kogi United and Confluence Queens FCs, Mallam Abdul
Adama has approved the appointment of Mr Henry Ameh and Mr Owolabi
David Ayo as Team Managers for Kogi United and Confluence Queens
respectively.

The approval of Mallam Abdul Adama as the Sole Administrator was
conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Kogi State
Government, Professor Olugbemiro Jegede.

China general's son jailed for rape

Li Tianyi was previously detained over a traffic altercation

A court in China has convicted the son of a high-profile army general and sentenced him to 10 years in jail for rape, state media say.

The court said Li Tianyi, 17, and four others raped the woman at a Beijing hotel in February after having drinks.

He had denied any sexual relations with the woman, whom he alleged was working as a prostitute, previous reports say.

Li Tianyi is the son of army Gen Li Shuangjiang, known for his renditions of patriotic songs on television.

We will make Kogi a tourism destination--- Awoniyi

The present administration in Kogi State says it is committed to making the State a tourism destination.
Kogi State Deputy Governor,Yomi Awoniyi,made the remarks at a meeting with officials of Jumeirah, a United Arab Emirate Investor and their Nigerian Partners,Quality Trend Group of Companies.
The Deputy Governor disclosed that the state tourist sites,made up of historical and colonial monuments as well as other supporting infrastructures needed to make the state a tourist delight are currently  undergoing rehabilitation.

Jackson family seeks $290m from AEG

A video documenting Jackson's life was played during closing arguments

Michael Jackson's family are seeking $290 million (£181m) in personal damages from concert promoters AEG over his death in 2009, it has emerged.

The figure was revealed for the first time as the family's lawyer, Brian Panish, made closing arguments at the star's 21-week wrongful death trial.

Jurors were urged to award Jackson's mother Katherine $35m (£21.8m) and award a further $85m (£53.1m) to each of the singer's three children.

Foreign experts join Kenya clue hunt

Kenya's investigation into a bloody siege by Islamist militants in Nairobi has been joined by experts from the US, UK, Germany, Canada and Interpol.

Forensic experts are combing the Westgate shopping complex for DNA and ballistic clues, Interior Minister Joseph Ole Lenku said.

He confirmed that five militants were dead and said the bodies of more "terrorists" were expected to be found.

Kogi state Governor Captain Idris Wada commend Judiciary

The Kogi state governor Captain Idris Wada has rated the Judiciaries high saying that democracy cannot grow without a viral independent Judiciary.

Captain Wada made this known on Wednesday during the 29th Annual Federal High Court Judge's Conference holding in Lokoja Kogi state.

He noted that he is happy that Judiciary in Nigeria is living up to public expectation stressing that their is the need for government to observe the rule of law.

The Governor also called for cordial cohesion  between the Executive, Legislative and Judicial arms of government noting that the three must co exist to give a balance of sound governance.

He assured that his administration will ensure and encourage conditions favorable for quick dispensation of justice in the state.

He added that judiciary is not only the hope for the common man but all stakeholders.

Eradicate Polio---gov Wada call on Northern Traditional Rulers

Polio eradication a necessary tools  

The Kogi state a governor Captain Idris Wada has said that Polio eradication in the North is a task that must be accomplished by stakeholders from the north.

He made the statement during the 3 quarter meeting of the committee and sensitization meeting for Northern Traditional Rulers from the 19 Northern states of the country  on Wednesday.

Flooding: move to higher ground--- Kogi state Government warns

Amina Abdullai

Kogi State Government says the operators of Jebba Hydroelectric Dam have finally released the waters from the Dam. To this end,people living around flood plains in the State have no hiding place as the flood will come.

By this development, people living along the flood plains, have now been asked by the State Government to move to higher ground.

China to execute toddler thrower

Han Lei said he thought the pram was a shopping cart

A court in China has sentenced a man to death for killing a two-year-old girl in Beijing over a parking space row, state media report.

Han Lei, 39, pulled the toddler out of her pram and threw her to the ground after her mother refused to make way for his car in July.

He fled the scene but was captured. The girl later died from her injuries.

Why do people lie about their age?

British TV and radio host Nicholas Parsons says he has been covering up his real age for years. Why are some people reluctant to say how old they are, asks Kathryn Westcott.

Parsons, who is coming up to his 90th birthday, says that he was worried that disclosing his real age would make him unemployable.

Celebrities have been holding back the years since the dawn of celluloid. Joan Crawford, for one, was evasive about her date of birth. Depending on who you read, it was 1904, 1905 or 1906. Her gravestone says 1908.

'Dramatic' drop in global HIV infections

The number of HIV infections and Aids-related deaths has fallen dramatically, according to a UN report.

Death rates fell from 2.3 million during its peak in 2005 to 1.6 million last year, says UNAIDS.

The number of new HIV infections fell by a third since 2001 to 2.3 million.

Moyes: Replacing Ferguson is tough

Manchester United boss David Moyes insists he always expected a difficult start to his tenure as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Old Trafford.

United have been beaten by Liverpool and Manchester City in their opening five Premier League games.

But Moyes, who left Everton to replace Ferguson, anticipated a testing opening to life at Old Trafford.

Walcott to miss World Cup Qualifiers

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott will miss England's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland as he needs to have abdominal surgery.

The 24 year-old was injured prior to Arsenal's 3-1 win against Stoke on Sunday, when he was originally named on the team sheet but did not play.

Gov Idris Wada meeting the mandate of the people

Ralph Omololu Agbana
I am not expecting some people to cease their swords formed against Capt Idris Wada even with recent efforts to jumpstart the economy of Kogi State through agricultural and industrial development and youth empowerment, because they never will. When 5,000 youths were taken off the streets to undergo trainings and given jobs to make them self reliant, what we got was a hiss from recalcitrant detractors. Upon the award of contracts for the resuscitation of the moribund radio stations at Egbe, Otite and Ochaja, some have said Radio is not what we need.

OVER 40,000 CASES PENDING AT FEDERAL HIGH COURT - JUSTICE AUTA

 
The Chief Judge of the Federal High court of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Auta has revealed that close to 50,000 court cases are still pending within the different Federal High Courts located across the country.

Justice Ibrahim Auta stated this yesterday at the Federal High Court, Lokoja during the Special Court Session to mark the commencement of the Federal High Court Legal year 2013/2014.

Justice Auta however attributed the delay in court cases to the short number of judges at the Federal High court, and the inadequacy to fill the void of retired judges and those elevated to the court of Appeal.

Obama jokes 'I'm scared of my wife'

President Obama and Maina Kiai (second from left) appeared on a UN panel on Monday

US President Barack Obama conquered a long-term smoking habit because he was afraid of his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama, he has joked with a UN official.

The jesting admission, which the president made apparently unaware he was on camera, came at the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday.

Mr Obama privately told a human rights campaigner that he had not had a cigarette in roughly six years.

"That's because I'm scared of my wife," he said with a smile.

Kenya forces 'control' Nairobi mall

Kenyan security forces say they have taken control of all floors of the Nairobi shopping centre attacked by suspected al-Shabab militants.

An explosion and bursts of gunfire were heard coming from the complex on Tuesday morning as speculation grew that the operation was nearing its end.

At least 62 people have been killed with more than 170 injured.

FAKE SSS OPERATIVE ARRESTED IN KOGI

Kogi state police command has arrested  a  fake State Security Service

operative who specialized in fake recruitment .

Parading the suspect before newsmen at the command

headquarter in Lokoja, the acting police commissioner, Austin

Ebvakhabokun said  Egah yahaya John the fake SSS operative was

arrested while trying to dupe one Uche John.

The acting Police Commissioner said members of the syndicate have

collected various sums of money ranging from #25,000- #50,000 from

unsuspecting members of the public with the pretext that they will

help them secure recruitment into the state security service and the

Nigerian police force

President Jonathan has performed on his mandate - Gulak tells Nigerians in Diaspora

The Electoral reform promoted by the Jonathan Administration has deepened democracy in Nigeria and opened the way for Nigerians in Diaspora to participate in the politics of the country, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak has stated.

Addressing the Annual Conference of the Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO) of all America, in New Jersey, Gulak reiterated that the transparency and the fairness of the electoral process was one of the major achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan in two years.

Gov Wada to commission Federal High Court Building

Gov Wada to officially commission new Federal High Court building tomorrow in Lokoja 

Egypt bans Brotherhood 'activities'

The army portrays its crackdown on the Brotherhood as a fight against terrorism

A court in Egypt has banned "all activities" by the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Cairo administrative court had been asked to review the Islamist movement's application for non-governmental organisation status in March.

The military authorities have launched a crackdown on the group since ousting President Mohammed Morsi on 3 July.

Dozens of senior Brotherhood figures, including its general guide Mohammed Badie, have been detained on suspicion of inciting violence and murder.

Hundreds of people demanding Mr Morsi's reinstatement, most of them Brotherhood members, have also been killed in clashes with security forces, who portray the crackdown as a struggle against "terrorism".

BBC 

Merkel faces tough coalition talks

Chancellor Angela Merkel's triumphant conservative party is considering who to team up with to form a new German coalition after their election victory.

Her conservative bloc got 41.5% - their best result since 1994, but just short of a clear majority.

The election was a shock for their liberal partners, the Free Democrats (FDP), who failed to get any seats.

​Teaching not a second-rate profession – Don

A Professor of Educational Management at the Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Prof. A.Y. Abdulkareem, has appealed to Nigerians to stop downplaying the contributions of teachers to national development, pointing out that teaching is not a second-rate profession.

Prof. Abdulkareeem said this while delivering the Keynote address at a two-day workshop organised by the Parent Teacher  Association (P.T.A.) of the University School for its  teaching staff .

The don noted that teachers are total image makers and advised them to always cooperate with the school authorities to sustain their role as instruments of positive change in the society.  

Joe Abraham's elevation as SAN is a honor----Awoniyi

The Kogi State Deputy Governor,Yomi Awoniyi has described the Senior Advocate of Nigeria rank conferred on Joe Abraham,the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General as a honor in recognition of his hard work and commitment to the legal profession over the years.

The Deputy Governor made the remarks shortly after a special session of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to mark the beginning of new legal year as well as conferment of the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria on some lawyers in Nigeria,including Joe Abraham,the state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State.

Awoniyi described the recipient as one who has remained a worthy ambassador of the State. 

In a statement issued in Lokoja, Awoniyi,said Bar Joe Abraham has remained a symbol of integrity,industry and enterprise in the discharge of his legal duties as a lawyer,said the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria conferred on him was well deserved and should encourage younger lawyers that hard work and sincerity to professional purpose pays.

RE: IS JONATHAN CONSTITUTIONALLY QUALIFIED TO CONTEST IN 2015?

By Shaba Ibrahim.

The debate over the qualification or otherwise of President Goodluck Jonathan to seek re-election in 2015 is assuming an interesting dimension, what with  members of the publicexpressing divergent views on the matter, the most recent being the view expressed by J. S. Okutepa Esq., Senior Advocate of Nigeria in The Nation newspaper of tuesday the 10thof September 2013.

While not disputing the learned SAN’s right to air his views on such topical issueespecially as a member of the privileged class of legal practitioners, I am however of theview that the opinion expressed by the learned SAN borders more on curious moral logic than law.

Kenya Stand-Off: Explosions In Renewed Assault

Kenyan troops are carrying out a major assault in an attempt to end the stand-off with al Shabaab gunmen inside the Westgate shopping centre in Nairobi.

At least three loud explosions and heavy gunfire have been heard coming from the complex where 68 people, including three Britons, have died since the siege began on Saturday.

Putin Spokesman Denies Kabayeva Wedding Claim

Vladimir Putin’s spokesman has been forced to deny rumours the Russian president has married a former Olympic gymnast.

Social media and internet forums were flooded with claims the recently divorced leader had tied the knot with Alina Kabayeva in a secret ceremony
The rumours were sparked by Mr Putin's political rival Alexei Navalny, who tweeted: "I'm told that Putin and Kabayeva are marrying today at the Iver Monastery. All of Valdai sealed off."

Jonathan to Opposition: Constitution Allows me To Run For Two Term

President Goodluck Jonathan has told the opposition that the constitution allows him to run for two term of eight years.

Speaking at a lunch with Nigerian professionals in diaspora in New York, United States, President Gooddluck Jonathan also stated that when somebody is voted into the office the opposition must desist from distracting the person adding that such person must be allowed to work for the good of the country.

Jonathan Not in New York With 600-Man Delegation

Presidency Press Release

We have noted with regret the continuation today by Saharareporters.com of its usual scurrilous and baseless attacks on the Jonathan Administration with publication of a false claim that the President is leading a 600-man delegation to the 68^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

While we trust that discerning members of the public who are already very familiar with Sahara Reporters’ usual fare of mischief, outright falsehood and erroneous speculation will rightly dismiss this latest claim as a fresh manifestation of the online medium’s ill-will towards President Jonathan and his administration, we wish to affirm for the benefit of the unwary that there is absolutely no truth in the allegation that the President took a 600-man delegation to New York.

There is also no substance to the rehashed charge of profligacy which Sahara reporters annually makes against the President when he leads Nigeria’s delegation to the UN General Assembly.

The truth is that less than 30 persons arrived in New York with the President this morning as members of his entourage. Other than them, the only other persons who are in New York for the UN General Assembly with the President’s knowledge and approval are relevant ministers and few essential aides.

President Jonathan’s official delegation is definitely not out of proportion with Nigeria’s size, role and relevance in Africa and the global community.

Sahara Reporters’ claim that the President’s delegation is the largest at this year’s General Assembly is an unjustifiable fabrication which can never stand any rigorous test of truthfulness.

We are certainly aware that many Nigerian citizens are currently on visits to New York. These persons are here for their own purposes and neither President Jonathan nor his administration has any responsibility for the presence of these persons in New York.

We will not be surprised if it is such persons who include Nigerian businessmen who are here for an African Business Roundtable event, members of non-governmental organizations and tourists that Sahara Reporters  has been counting, for the sole purpose of mischief-making, as “members of the Nigerian delegation”.

Reuben Abati

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 22, 2013

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