l was ‘blocked’ from meeting President Buhari and that would not make my mouth sealed - Ben Bruce

The senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Ben Murray-Bruce, was ruffled by presidential security detail during a dinner with the president Monday night because he breached “elementary protocol”, his colleagues present at the event said.
An infuriated Mr. Murray-Bruce had shortly after the feast taken to his Twitter page to protest the way he was treated, suggesting that the action was meted out to him because of his criticism of Mr. Buhari’s policies.
“I was at the Presidential Villa today. Went to the President’s table. DSS wouldn’t allow me

''Biafra Anniversary Celebration Turned Bloodly yesterday''

(By Jeff Amaechi Agbodo, ONITSHA)

The Indigenous of Biafra (IPOB) worldwide under leadership of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu yesterday said that the total number of members killed during the Biafra anniversary were 53, those with bullets wounds 207 and those arrested 403.
The group also alleged that Hausa/Fulani terrorists group who were not on uniforms attacked its members with the army, Navy and police who killed

Anyone against my appointment is ignorant – Wole Soyinka

                  
Lagos State Governor Ambode launches activities to mark Lagos @50 celebration,In a Remark;
NOBEL Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka said those kicked against his appointment as co-chair of Lagos at 50 Committee were only exhibiting ignorance.
Soyinka said this last Friday during the official launch of the one-year-long activities to mark the 50th anniversary celebration of the state.
While stating that he would not

I remained Divorced And Not Part Of Christ Embassy Again

                           

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome's divorced wife, Anita has denied social media reports that she has reconciled with her estranged husband. Pastor Anita filed for divorce in February, 2016 citing her husband’s “unreasonable behaviour” and inappropriate relationships with members of staff, an euphemism for “adultery”.

Read the statement she released via her website stating her decision to dissolve her marriage with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome was final

'Effective Birth Control Method For New Mum'

For family planning purposes or in a bid to prevent unwanted pregnancies, there are variety of options provided . Talking to your gynaecologist for professional advice comes top on our list but if you are still in doubt, see what these mums have to say about their own options…
Nnenna Uche (31)
I’ve got four kids, though I initially planned to stop at two. The natural type of birth control that I adopted didn’t work for me. I got pregnant

Niger Delta Militants Attack Agip Oil Company Early Hour Today

By Emma Amaize, Sam Oyadongha, Egufe Yafugborhi, Akpokona Omafuaire and Brisibe Perez
*As soldiers lay siege to Oporoza
YENAGOA- THE strike teams of Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, in the early hours of today,Saturday, struck in Bayelsa State, blowing up trunk line belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC and Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC
The group, which claimed responsibility for the explosions in a tweet, said: “At About 2.15am on Saturday the @NDAvengers blow up Nembe 1, 2 and 3 Brass to Bonny Trunk Line belonging to Agip and Shell.”
Meanwhile, soldiers invaded Oporoza, the traditional

Stella Odua Appointed As ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians.

Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Mrs Stella Oduah, has on May 26, emerged the president of the Economic Community of West African State, ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians.
Oduah, announcing on twitter, said she was delighted to have been chosen for the position, and spelt out her agenda for the new position.
She said she will channel her energy towards improving the quality of life for women, primarily.
She went on to say while in office, she would also advocate for laws that would empower women, especially those in rural areas.
Oduah also said she will work towards increasing women participation in politics.
The Anambra-born senator recently charged the Independent Electoral Commission to consider creating avenues for independent candidates in election, as it reviews the electoral act.
In the interview she had with News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, she said “I have been proposing a bill and I think I would continue to push it: that bill is called Independent Candidate Bill.
“I believe, people should have a choice; if our constitution guarantees us that choice, then the Electoral Act itself should address that and allow us the option.
“You do not have to belong to a political party, it should be a choice to belong or not to belong. And so, the issue of Godfather and Godmothers would disappear. I am really hopeful that that will happen so that people will get the best.’

Manchester United Officially unveil Jose Mourinho As Club New Coach

Jose Mourinho has being appointed to take charge as manager of Manchester United on a three-year deal.
United confirmed Mourinho’s appointment in a statement released at 9.30am, with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward saying: “Jose is quite simply the best manager in the game today.
“He has won trophies and inspired players in countries across Europe and, of course, he knows the Premier League very well, having won three titles here.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome him to Manchester United. His track record of success is ideal to take the Club forward.”
Mourinho, who has the option for a further year on his deal, said: “To become Manchester United manager is a

How i was Sexually Abused and Pregnanted in Primary Six - Nollywood Actress Rita Edochie

ln a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday at Abuja, popular Nollywood actress, Mrs Rita Edochie, who was in the FCT as a guest at a seminar to end violence against children, disclosed that she was a victim of sexual abuse many years ago and called on parents to regularly communicate with their children.

The veteran actress who told our source that she was sexually violated at

Explosive - Bokoharam Strikes Near Maiduguri

At least six civilians were killed when Boko Haram militant attacked a village near Maiduguri last night, vigilantes and resident said.

Boko Haram insurgents stormed a village of Ladi Butai in Jere LGA of area Borno State,  opened fire on villagers

Health Alert! ‘Tomato Ebola’ Hits Nigeria

                                               
The Federal Government has advised farmers to use their management skills to help curb the spread of Tuta absoluta, popularly known as ‘Tomato Ebola’, which has spread to six states in the country.
According to Punch, the Federal Government on Tuesday revealed the cause of tomato scarcity in the country as it said some pests that spread the plant disease are

Top Discipline: Things Parents Should Do to Their Children to Stay Calm

Children are quite a handful. As a parent who constantly has to guide them and curb their excesses, it’s easy to get worked up and lose your cool. However, doing that is always counterproductive. Find top things you should do to enable you always stay cool, calm and collected when your kids push your buttons…
Manage Stress
Juggling a lot of responsibilities with parenting takes its toll on your health, so you must

Kwabena Kwabena - “Marriage Is A Task For Showbiz Persons”

                                                     

                                 

  Showbiz personalities, like many other people, are usually pressured to get married when they are of age and still single.But celebrated highlife maestro, Kwabena Kwabena, has frowned on this act and given reasons marriage should not be forced on people.

 In connection with

One Pot Soup -' DINNER RECIPE'

Here’s one of my healthy and low calorie family dinner recipe. It’s very filling, easy to prepare, and as usual, very yummy. Try it out this weekend.

'Ex-MEND leader begs militants to stop bombing'

                                                                                                         
 EX-MILITANT'S leader of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), have called on new militant groups, the Niger Delta Avengers and the Red Egbesu Water Lion to stop the attacks on oil and gas instal­lations and allow President Mohammad Buhari to fulfill his electoral promises to the region.

Adeshina - “GEJ loss triggered Biafra agitations”

                                 

   What is IPOB asking for? They say they are being marginalised, when did they realise that they are being marginalised? Is it about 12 months ago when power changed hands? If the former President Goodluck Jonathan government had continued, would there have been that agitation? Were they not saying he is Ebele Azikwe and he is their brother

Sahara - Biafra Or Death! A Lesson From Brave IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kalu

                            

When the indigenous people of Biafra took to the street for the release of their leader, Nnamdi KANU  Radio Biafra Director,  We tagged them losers and jobless miscreants this remarks even came from high profile personalities such as Obasanjo and Gowon.  Some believed that their protest will die a natural death as usually

El Rufai Should Stop Using Buhari’s Name To Fight Me – Senator Shehu Sani

                            

Senator Shehu Sani, representing Kaduna Central at the Nigerian senate, on Friday, May 20, 2016, said that Governor Nasir Elrufai of Kaduna State is using the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state to fight him.

Senator Sani’s reaction is coming on the heels

Cameroon Urges Religious Leaders to Fight Boko Haram

 

YAOUNDE, CAMEROON — 

Boko Haram reportedly is working to enlist traditional and religious leaders in northern Cameroon to recruit new members amid continued military pressure on both sides of the border.
Abdouraman Ousman, a Muslim religious leader, says members of the militant group kidnapped him from his home in Kerawa on the border with Nigeria last year.
The militants told him that he could go

I'm Not Aware That Amaechi Brought Money To Funds Buhari's Campaign - Oyegun

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, John Oyegun on Friday, dismissed an insinuation that President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 presidential campaign was largely funded by the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi.
He said he was not aware the former Governor of Rivers State brought huge funds to

Nigeria Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to create jobs in Abuja

                                    

Nigeria Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on Friday announced that he would establish an animal feeds factory in Abuja as part of his contribution towards boosting employment in the country.
In a statement released to newsmen in Abuja by his Head of Media, Paul Ibe, Atiku said arrangement for the take-off of the factory was at an advanced stage.
Mr. Ibe said the factory would

EXPLOSIVE : Jerry Gana group holds parallel PDP convention in Abuja

                                    
The faction of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, led by a former Minister of Information, Jerry Gana, has carried out its threat of conducting a parallel national convention.
The faction is currently holding its national convention in Abuja, while another convention is simultaneously holding in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
The Port Harcourt convention is led by

Lagos State welcomes President Buhari on two-day working visit

The Lagos State Government will formally welcome President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, May 23, 2016 on a two-day working visit to the State.
                                                                                                                               
   It will be President Buhari’s first official visit to the state since he assumed office about a year ago.
A statement issued by the

Buhari To Niger Delta Militants - Don’t confront my administration,

                                                                                                   
    PRESIDENT Muhamma­du Buhari, on Friday, urged militants in the Niger Delta to drop their confrontational stance and work with his government to

PDP Convention Will Still Hold – Gov. Wike

                                                                                                                
 Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers says the Peoples Democratic Party’s National Convention will hold on Saturday as scheduled by its National Executive Committee.
Wike, Chairman of the party`s National Convention Committee, said at a news conference in Port Harcourt on Friday

Stella Damasus shares ’20 Interesting Ways to Handle Haters & Trolls’

                                                                                 Nollywood actress Stella Damasus has had her share of negativity and criticism in the past years. In this new post on her blog, she shares her personal tips of dealing with haters and trolls.
Read below:
People have asked me over the years how I have handled the criticisms, trolls, negative comments, media bashing and crazy insults. I have put together 20 of the most effective methods that have helped me. I hope you find them useful.
1. Acknowledge

I Will ‘Murder’ Shatta Wale On stage – Flavour

                                                                                   Nigerian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and performer, Flavour has given a hint of how his performance at this Saturday’s Tigo Ghana Meets Naija will be like.
The “Ada” hitmaker in an interview with Amanda Jissih on Gh One’s E-Talk Show Thursday evening said he was going to

Pope Francis to Juventus and Milan players - Be ethical model for fans

                                                                                                 Pope Francis on Friday said football stars should speak out about their moral and religious beliefs so that they may be ethical role models for their fans, giving an audience to Italian league football players.
Juventus and AC Milan teams were granted an audience at the Vatican, along with Serie A football league executives, on the eve of squaring off for Saturday’s final of the Italian Cup in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.
“You should

INC Leader - Blame Buhari for renewed violence in Niger Delta

The renewed violence in the Niger Delta region occasioned by the destructive activities of the Niger Delta Avengers has further put a strain on the Nigerian fragile economy. In this interview, the Acting President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Mr Charles Ambaiowei, gives a number of postulations on the possible causal factors that triggered the new waves of militancy in the region. He particularly blamed President Muhmmadu Buhari for pursuing policies aimed at alienating the Niger Delta people.
The Niger Delta Avengers which claimed

APGA to participate in Edo Governorship Election

Official

APGA to participate in Edo governorship election — Official

— 20th May 2016

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will participate in the Edo governorship poll coming up in September, the National Director of Publicity, Mr Ifeanacho Ogbuejiofor, has said.
Ogbuejiofor made the fact known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.
He said that

EXPLOSIVE: Buhari fires Christian Pilgrims Commission boss

                                
President Muhammadu Buhari, has approved the disengagement of Mr. John Kennedy Opara as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission.
The announcement came barely two hours after

Buhari condoles with Egyptian leader over plane crash

                                 

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday called President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt on the telephone to commiserate with him and all Egyptians on Thursday’s EgyptAir crash which claimed many lives.
The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists.

While condoling the Egyptian leader on the loss of 66 lives in the crash, Shehu quoted Buhari as

Second Rescued girl Not Part Of Chibok Girls - Nigerian Army

Two parents of the abducted Chibok girls say they are doubtful about the identity of a second girl, Serah Luka, reportedly rescued by Nigerian troops.

A spokesperson of the Nigerian Army made the claim on Thursday.
In separate phone interviews with SaharaReporters, however, the parents said they have yet to be shown the girl, a full 24 hours after she was said to have been rescued, and affirmed they do not have a Serah Luka on their list of the kidnapped girls.
                                   

 Amina Ali at the Presidential Villa yesterday
One of the of parents, Lawan Hannah who is the secretary of the Parents Association of the Abducted Girls from Chibok, said

Why we backed out of Labour strike –PENGASSAN …As IPMAN welcomes deregulation

                                                                                                                            
      THE Petroleum and Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has said it backed out of the ongoing nationwide indefi­nite strike led by the Nige­ria Labour Congress (NLC) following the withdrawal of its parent body, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other key unions in the country.
PENGASSAN spokesper­son, Babatunde Oke, who spoke in a telephone inter­view explained that NLC operates

Yobo Testimonial tickets go on sale on Tuesday

                                                                                                                            
   Tickets for the Yobo Testimonial game in Port Harcourt on May 27 will go on sale on Tuesday May 17.
Organisers say the tickets are priced at N500 Regular, N2000 for VIP and N5000 for VVIP.
“We have a lot of international stars coming, but we are also mindful of the current economic situation in the country so we have tried to make the tickets as affordable as possible,”
Waidi Akanni, Coordinator of the testimonial game, said.
Tickets will be sold

Fulani Herdsmen Violence: Enugu bans night grazing

Grazing and rearing of cattle at night was on Monday banned in Enugu State after a meeting between Gov ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and leaders of Fulani/Shuwa Arab herdsmen in the state.
Also banned are the carrying of firearms or any form of ammunition by the herdsmen and movement of cattle from one location to another at night in the state.
Another far reaching decision taken during the crucial meeting was

Muslim Ban Plan: I may end up having bad relationship with UK-Donald Trump

                                                                                                               
   The  presumptive  candidate  of the  Republican Party  in the United  States  presidential election  in November, Donald Trump  has said  he may end up having a bad relationship with British Prime Minister David Cameron  if  elected  president.
The reason Trump adduced for planned feud is because

No More Forex For Nigerians Schooling Abroad - Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has finally put paid to the uncertainty that has been trailing the provision of foreign exchange to Nigerians schooling or hoping to school abroad, saying that

Fuel Subsidy: We Deserve An Apology From APC - PDP Law Makers

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP members in the National Assembly on Monday, May 16 demanded an apology from the All Progressives Congress, APC administration over the removal of fuel subsidy.
Addressing journalists in Abuja after a caucus meeting, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Leo Ogor said

CBN denies plan to devalue Naira

                                     

Nigeria's central bank denied a report that it planned to devalue the naira, while the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reiterated that Nigeria would benefit from a more flexible exchange rate but said no request for funds had been made.

Talk of a devaluation has been rife since Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said on Wednesday the central bank needed to change its foreign currency policies to spur investment.

Hours earlier, Nigeria had cut petrol subsidies, lifting pump prices by up to 67 percent, a move the IMF usually insists on before releasing funding. President Muhammad Buhari also had agreed to

President Buhari meets with Gov. Wike behind closed-doors

                

President Muhammadu Buhari is currently in a closed-door meeting with the Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Daily Trust reports.

The Governor was said to have arrived Aso Rock at about 2.00 pm.

The purpose of their meeting was however unclear as at the time of filing this report.

Wike, who is a member of the main opposition party, People's Democratic Party (PDP) had on several occasions criticised the Buhari administration, especially his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, who is now the Minister of Transport under the current administration.

PMS Price Hike: Reps ask NLC to suspend planned strike, to meet labour leaders

                              
The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Labour Congress to suspend its planned strike over the hike in the price of petrol.
The lawmakers, after their meeting with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, during a special session on Monday, set up an ad hoc committee, comprising heads of relevant committees, including those of downstream, upstream and Navy, to meet with

#324billion Scam - How Nigeria’s Accountant General deceived VP Osinbajo, governors;

                     
At a time Nigeria is facing severe economic crunch, a comprehensive oil report presented to the National Economic Council (NEC) has been found to be silent on a whopping N323.58 billion earned as crude oil revenue under the President Goodluck Jonathan government.
The report, submitted to NEC by Mohammed Dikwa, the then Director of Funds, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), revealed a startling discrepancy of about ₦323.58 billion, which his analysis failed to explain.
President Muhamadu Buhari later appointed

Fuel Price Hike: Reps summon oil minister, Ibe Kachikwu

                                         
The House of Representatives has convened a special session at which Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, will interact with the lawmakers over the new premium motor spirit price regime hiked to N145 lask week, some lawmakers, including Ahmed Kaita and Akeem Adeyemi, have told PREMIUM TIMES.
The special session is slated for today, Monday, at noon – a shift from its regular schedule of plenary which holds Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays starting.
Last week, Mr. Kachikwu announced the new price regime capped at N145 from a subsidized rate of N86.50.
The Vice President and head of government’s economic team, Yemi Osinbajo, said

Bola Tinubu - Why I Withdrew My Support From Subsidy Removal

             
The vocal national leader of the ruling All progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again lend his voice in support of the Federal Government's decision to end the subsidy regime when it announced few days ago that the Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, popularly known as petrol would hence be sold at N145 against the initial pump price of N87/per in the new deregulated price regime. 

Tinubu via his personal confirmed twitter handle, @AsiwajuTinubu confirmed that

Herdsmen Terrorism: FG Sneaks N940m Into The Budget For Grazing Reserves

                                    
   Fantastic corruption :
The federal government has budgeted N940 million in the 2016 budget  for the development of strategic grazing reserves to stem the tide of herdsmen and farmers clashes in the country.
This is contained in the breakdown of the budget by the minister of Budget and Planning, Udo Udoma on Thursday at the Presidential Villa.
It will be recalled that herdsmen and farmers clash has been on

Pipeline Vandalism

                        Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state has set up a high powered advocacy committee to tackle pipeline vandalism in the state headed by the Deputy Governor, Bar. Kingsley Otuaro and Dr Chris Ekiyor as secretary.
Having recognised the antecedents of Dr Ekiyor as a former president of Ijaw Youth council during the arms struggle day of the Niger Delta agitations and as a peace builder/non-violence instructor, the governor have put a roung peg in a round hole.
Ekiyor, a formwer commissioner of commerce and industry, who despite the prevailing risks toured all the volatile camps and creeks in the quest for peace at that time and was largely instrumental in the roundtable dialogue to disarm and

Breaking - Pro-Biafra agitators arrested in London for confronting President

                                                              Two pro-Biafra activists have been arrested in London for leading a protest to confront President Muhammadu Buhari, who in the United Kingdom for an anti-corruption summit.

The men were arrested on Friday, May 13, after they confronted Buhari to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

A BBC journalist, Will Ross, wrote on twitter that the activists were arrested by UK Police.

“Nigerian men protesting for Independence for Biafra arrested close to Buckingham Palace,” Ross tweeted.

Nigeria Labour union to embark on nationwide strike on May 18

          The Nigeria Labour Congress has reportedly concluded plans to embark on a nationwide strike on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 to protest the increase in the fuel pump price from N86 and N86.50k to N145 per litre by the Federal Government.

In a report by Punch Newspaper, the union made the decision known after an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee on Friday, May 13, 2016.

It was also reported that the strike is expected to commence on Wednesday in other to give the Federal Government a two day period to reverse the price increase.

The meeting, which was chaired by the President of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba and attended by all the major civil society organisations based in Abuja, held at the Labour House in th

Speaking after the meeting, Wabba said, “Comrades, we have had our meeting, but we cannot talk to you now. We have a press briefing for tomorrow at 12noon. We will address the press jointly with the TUC and our position will be made known to the media and the country.”

Meanwhile the Trade Union Congress has given the Federal Government a five days ultimatum to meet with labour or face industrial action.

President of the TUC, Bobboi Kaigama, told journalists after its National Executive Council that the TUC rejected the hike in price of petrol from N86.5 to N145 per litre and demanded revert in price.

In his words,  “The NEC-in session rejected in its entirety the astronomical increase in the price of petrol from N86.5 per litre to N145 per litre and demanded that the government should revert to the old price regime with immediate effect.'

Continuing, 'The NEC-in-session gave the Federal Government up till Wednesday, May 16, 2016, to invite the leadership of labour for discussion aimed at determining the appropriate way forward.

'The NEC-in-session also directed the leadership of the TUC to interface with the NLC and the civil society allies to work out plans that would be put in place to protest the insensitive fuel price hike should the government fail to meet on Wednesday, May 18, 2016,' Kaigama said.

The labour unions are currently unhappy with the increase of the price of Premium Motor Spirit by the Federal Government, hence have been meeting to embark on a strike if the FG refuses to reduce the fuel price.

Late MKO Abiola's daughter pledges Nigeria govt. support to German investment

The German Government has committed three million Pounds to assist Ogun Government in developing its agricultural and construction sectors through demand-oriented vocational training programme.

The Programme Head, Mr Horst Bauernfeind, made this known in Abeokuta on Sunday at a news conference.

Bauernfeind said the programme would be supervised by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a German agency.

He added that the gesture was part of an ongoing development cooperation between Nigeria and Germany, based on a 1974 bilateral agreement signed by the two countries.

The German explained that the programme, which would run concurrently in

Residents Fear Disease Outbreak As Refuse Take Over Calabar

                                                                                    Some parts of Calabar, renowned for its cleanness and once rated the cleanest city in the country has now been taken over by refuse, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
A check by NAN shows that the most affected places in the Cross River capital are the popular Marian Market, Akai Street, State Housing Estate and Ikot Ishie area among others.
The NAN check also shows that the refuse has taken over a better part of some roads, forcing motorists to use one lane.
Passers-by close

Deadly ISIL Suicide Attack Hits Iraqi Gas Plant

                                                                                     An ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) attack on a state-run gas plant in Baghdad’s northern outskirts on Sunday killed at least 11 people, including policemen, and forced two power stations to suspend electricity production.
A suicide car bomb went off at the entrance of the facility in Taji at around 0600 local time (0300 GMT), allowing another vehicle carrying at least six attackers with explosive vests to enter and clash with security forces, police sources said. Twenty-one people were also wounded.
The armed group said in an online statement that four fighters with machine guns had killed the guards at the plant which it said the Iraqi army was using as a headquarters.
When reinforcements arrived, they set off a parked car bomb before clashing with the security forces and detonating their suicide vests.
A spokesman for Baghdad Operations Command said three of the facility’s gas storages were set alight before security forces were able to bring the situation under control.

Deregulation: CSOs Urges NLC To Shelve Proposed Strike over the increase in the petrol price

                                                                                                              A coalition of civil society organisations has called on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to shelve their proposed nationwide strike over the increase in the price of petrol.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Tosin Adeyanju, Executive Director, Conscience Nigeria, for the group and issued on Sunday in Abuja.
He listed some members of the collation supporting deregulation of the oil sector as

FIFA President To Visit Nigeria in June,

                                                                                                   
 The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Sunday announced that President of Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, will visit Nigeria in June.
A statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by NFF’s Assistant Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, said that the visit was a fall-out of NFF President, Amaju Pinnick’s recent meeting with Infantino in Mexico.
The statement said that during the visit, the FIFA president would visit President Muhammadu Buhari and also attend the final of the NFF/ZENITH Bank Future Eagles Championship.
“He will also have an evening with Corporate Nigeria and as well as have an interactive session with a horde of African FA Presidents who will also be in Nigeria to receive him,’’ it said.
It added that Infantino believed that Nigeria was a big country and a massive football-playing nation that should help with “the new FIFA leadership’s drive to truly develop the game’’.
“He is excited about our various capacity–building and youth development programs and that is why he is coming to watch the NFF/ZENITH Bank Championship finals,’’ NFF said.
Infantino assumed office as head of world’s football governing body after winning election at an extraordinary general congress in Zurich on Feb. 26, 2016. (NAN)

'Barcelona romp to title after Luis Suarez hat-trick'

                                                                                             
 Barcelona clinched the Spanish Liga title after a hat-trick from Luis Suarez gave them the three points they needed against Granada to finally overcome rivals Real Madrid in a captivating title race.
With all to play for on the final day of the league season, Zinedine Zidane’s side, who were a point behind their rivals at the start of play, scored through Cristiano Ronaldo in the seventh minute at Deportivo La Coruna.
The Portuguese winger doubled his side’s lead in the 25th minute, but his goal came shortly after Luis Suarez notched his first of Barcelona’s match at Granada with a simple tap in from Jordi Alba’s cross.
When the Uruguayan added a second after Javier Mascherano and Dani Alves combined to set him up, the title race looked over before half-time in both matches.

Shatta Wale will win an Int’l Award before 2016 ends – Kwaku Bonsam

Ghana’s most sought after fetish priest, Nana Kwaku Bonsam has assured ‘Am Ok’ hitmaker Shatta Wale over his VGMAs snub.
                                
According to Bonsam, it wasn’t fair for Charterhouse to disqualify Shatta Wale and that the hatred is just too much. Bonsam however has a word of assurance for Shatta Wale in that he can promise he would win an authentic international award between now and December.
He posted about some 7 minutes video on his Facebook timeline where he basically said, “I’m assuring Shatta Wale that he will get an award before the year ends. He will get award not in Ghana but outside the country where it’s gonna be an authentic award. Between now and December, it will happen.”
He continued, “Nobody can stop Shatta Wale from shinning and those who hate him, it’s gonna be back to the sender. I don’t know you, I’ve not met you before but I like and admire you.” He ended.

EFCC must stop acting irresponsibly – Fayose

                                                                            Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has frowned at the persistent
harassment of Nigerians by the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC), describing the continued detention without trial of
Mr. Warimopei Dudafa, a former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs
to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and invasion of the Abuja residence
of former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode as
irresponsible, barbaric and undemocratic.
Governor Fayose said

Breaking - PDP Breaks Into Two Factions

Main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party has broken into factions, SUNDAY PUNCH has learnt.

Already, 12 of its former governors and no fewer than 14 former ministers are leading a breakaway group, which is labelled, Concerned PDP Stakeholders Steering Committee.
The 57-man committee, named in Abuja on Saturday, is expected to take over the running of the party from May 21 when the tenure of the current members of the National Working Committee of the party comes to an end.
Already, the NWC members led by the party’s National Chairman, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, are planning for the national convention scheduled to take place in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
The party is expected to elect new national officers at the convention.
The former governors, who have formed the breakaway group are Lucky Igbinedion (Edo),  Bonnie Haruna (Adamawa),  Ibrahim Shema (Katsina), Donald Duke (Cross River),  Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto),  Mahmood Shinkafi (Zamfara),  Abdulkaldir Kure (Niger),  Mohammed Makarfi (Kaduna),  Achike Udenwa (Imo), Babangida Aliyu (Niger)  Okwesilieze Nwodo (Anambra) and Gbenga Daniel (Ogun).
They have been joined by 14 former ministers who served under the PDP-led Federal Government when the party formed the government at the centre.
The former ministers are Prof. Tunde Adeniran (Education),  Inna Ciroma (Women Affairs),  Adamu Maina Waziri (Police Affairs), Prof.Jerry Gana (Information), Dr. Abubakar Suleiman (National Planning),  Tanimu Turaki (Special Duties),   Ishola Sarafa (Solid Minerals),  Zainab Maina (Women Affairs),  Joseph Anenih (Women Affairs), Ojo Maduekwe (Transportation), Prof. ABC Nwosu (Health), Dubem Onyia (Foreign Affairs), Bala Mohammed (FCT) and   John Odey (Environment).
However, it was gathered that the list was still being