Rita Ora poses topless on the cover of Lui magazine

Rita Ora posed topless in a sexy new shoot for Lui magazine .

The Online Warriors By Reuben Abati

My criticisms of the excesses of the online phenomenon in terms of its brazen abuse in an unregulated environment has often made me the target of attacks, with many insisting on quoting the opening paragraph of a piece I once wrote along these lines as if it is a memorial verse, but further developments have shown that indeed, liberal, accommodative, useful and open as the growth of the new media may seem in Nigeria, we may well, if care is not taken, be dealing with a dangerous tool in the hands of the unscrupulous which could drive society towards the lunatic fringe.

Charlyboy's Warm Letter To His Wife On Her Birthday

My Dearest Diane,

Like joke like joke we both are getting older. Today is your birthday and  once again I can't help but to celebrate you in the open, what I have always done for the past 37yrs of our married life. Celebrating our extraordinary life together. I hope that our togetherness over the years have taught some people about perseverance, tolerance, discipline and love.

Witness claims Metuh gave her $2million cash to invest for him

At the resumed hearing of the case filed by EFCC against former PDP National Publicity secretary, Olisa Metuh for receiving N400 million from the office of Sambo Dasuki, one of the prosecuting witnesses, Nneka Ararume, told the court that Metuh gave her $2 million at his house in Prince and Princess Estate, Abuja, to help him invest.
Nneka who says she is a Wealth Manager with Asset and Resource Management Company Limited, a company reportedly owned by Metuh, said she changed the money to its Naira equivalent through two bureau de change operators and put the money in the company account.

We Are Yet To See The Change Buhari Promised- Okogie

 The Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Anthony Car­dinal Olubunmi Okogie, yesterday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari, to re­tool and lead by example on all fronts or risk plunging Nigeria into a state of despondency.
In a statement by the Director of Social Com­munications of the Diocese, Monsig­nor Gabriel Osu, Okogie accused the pres­ident of acting disdainfully towards the judicial authorities while millions of Nigerians are abandoned to face unimaginable social problems.

Jonathan To Talk About boko Haram & Fighting Insurgency At World Press Conference In Geneva, Switzerland

 Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, will on Wednesday, hold a world press conference in Geneva, Switzerland. The press conference, which holds at 3pm local time, is part of activities lined up by the Circle of Diplomats (Circle Diplomatique), Geneva in honour of Jonathan, which would be concluded with a dinner same day.

CONCUSSION BY CHARLY BOY

Are you a movie buff?
Have you seen the movie CONCUSSION?
If not, I suggest you do so.
In the movie, Super A-list actor, Will Smith plays a lead role, where he depicts the character of a notable Nigerian Doctor, Bennet Omalu, the first ever doctor to research and find out the link between banging heads in American football and a disease called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, CTE and whose works have  saved lives in the NFL  in the United States and worldwide.

Where Are The Public Intellectuals? by Reuben Abati

Something sad has happened and is happening, and is getting worse in our society: the decline of public intellectualism.  And so I ask, where are the public intellectuals? Once upon a time in this country, the public arena was dominated by a ferment of ideas, ideas that pushed boundaries, destroyed illusions, questioned orthodoxies and enabled societal progress.  Those were the days when intellectuals exerted great influence on public policy, and their input into the governance process could not be ignored. Ideas are strong elements of nation building, and even where interests are at play, you know the quality of a country by the manner in which a taste for good thinking propels the leadership process.

Borno Elders say those involved in arms deal scandal are the real Boko Haram sponsors

The Borno Elders Forum has alleged that all those that have been accused of misappropriating $2.1 billion arms fund are the real sponsors of Boko Haram. The group made the allegation in a statement signed by their chairman, Ambassador Gaji Galtimari and released yesterday Jan. 21st.The statement  reads in part;
    “Much has been said about the sponsors of Boko Haram. With the horrifying revelations about the ‘Arms Deal’, it is no longer necessary to continue delaying the search for the real sponsors of Boko Haram.

Buhari won’t spare ex-president Jonathan if he's proven corrupt – Presidency

According to the Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, anyone including former President Goodluck Jonathan that is found guilty of corruption will be made to face the law. He said this in an interview with Premium Times yesterday January 21st
    “There is no accord. If the corruption fight needs to get there (making Mr. Jonathan face justice), it will get there. With this president, nobody will be protected. And I underscore it, if it needs to get anywhere, it will get there.” he said
Adesina added that there was no agreement prior to the March 2015 presidential election that Jonathan would not be made to face trial if corruption allegations were proven against him.

Rotimi Amaechi threatens to scrap NIMASA, says parastatal outsourced its responsibility to Tompolo

Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has threatened that the Federal government will scrap the Nigerian Maritime and Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) if the parastatal does not sit up and fulfill their obligations. Amaechi said this while appearing before the senate committee on Maritime yesterday January 19th. He alleged that the parastatal outsourced their responsibility to former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo.
Amaechi said this administration is contemplating on scrapping the Nigerian Maritime University started by the last administration

Senate receives letter for the corrected version of 2016 budget from the presidency

The Senate has received a letter from President Buhari, stating that some adjustments were made to the 2016 budget presented to it on December 22nd. The letter which was read before the house by Senate President Bukola Saraki this morning reads in part ‪
    “It will be recalled that on Tuesday, 22 December, 2015, I presented my 2016 budget proposals to the joint sitting of the national assembly. I submitted a draft bill accompanied by a schedule of details.

Nigeria signs agreement with UAE on recovery of stolen funds

  Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today Tuesday January 19th in Abu Dhabi signed six agreements to enhance bilateral relations between them.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Femi Adesina, the signing of the agreements on trade, finance and judicial matters was witnessed by Pres. Buhari and the Crown Prince of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Olisa Metuh granted N400million bail

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted embattled National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Olisa Metuh, a N400million bail. Olisa is being tried for receiving N400 million from the $2.1 billion arms deal fraud. The judge also ordered Metuh to submit his international passport and that as part of his bail conditions, he must provide two sureties with N200 million each. The sureties must have properties in Maitama district of Abuja.

Jonathan ran CBN like Idi-Amin – Soludo

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Charles Soludo, has said former President Goodluck Jonathan ran the apex bank like the former Uganda dictator, Idi-Amin. Speaking in an interview in the current Business Edition of The Interview, Soludo described the recent revelations from the arms deal scandal as startling. He said the Central bank under the last administration was “the ATM of the Presidency,” 

Blame past administration for the poor state of the economy- APC

The APC has asked Nigerians to blame the past administration for the poor state of the nation's economy and the increasing fall of the Naira. The party's position was made known by its acting spokesperson Timi Frank in an interview with Vanguard
    “Personally, I am worried about the current situation of the economy but again I am letting you know it is not our fault because this is what we met. We met a bastardised system. We took over from a government that destroyed our economy.

Pres.Buhari To give Out N60Billion To One Million Artisans, Market Women

 According to reports, social protection programmes of the Muhammadu Buhari presidency, including a scheme to grant soft loans to about one million artisans and market women in the proposed 2016 budget.A senior federal government official who described the current controversy in the Senate regarding two versions of the proposed budget as a “distraction and a storm in a tea-cup,” confirmed that a provision to grant a one -time soft loan of about N60,000 each to one million market women, men and artisans is in the budget.

Legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson to return to Man U if Louis Van Gaal is sacked

Former Man Utd coach Sir Alex Ferguson will return to Manchester United if Louis Van Gaal is sacked and Assistant manager Ryan Giggs is given the role of Head coach at Manchester United.
According to MirrorSport, Sir Alex Ferguson will take up a hands on role and assist Ryan Giggs from now till the end of the season if he is appointed as the new manager because of his close relationship with his former protege and his desire to see Man Utd progress under the Welshman.

Buhari Appoints Maryam Uwais As Special Adviser

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Abuja-based lawyer and activist, Maryam Uwais, as his Special Adviser for Social Protection Plan. Mrs Uwais, wife of Muhammadu Uwais, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, was appointed weeks ago.

Photo:Nigerian minister Dambazau makes SSS officer clean his shoes in public

Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, made one of the SSS officers attached to him clean his shoes in public.The minister, dressed in white, was seen lifting his legs as the SSS officer stood before him and began cleaning his shoes with a handkerchief. This happened as the minister attended the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Academy, NSCDC, in Abuja sometime in December.

Photo: Man buys two tubers of yam for N7000 at an African store in the US

A twitter user Wole (@Kingwole) shared this photo of two tubers of yam he bought for $23.68. (N7000). 

Double Tragedy-Celine Dion's brother dies 2 days after her husband

Celine Dion's brother has died from cancer - just two days after her husband also passed away from the disease. Daniel, 59, was facing a serious cancer battle. Her sister Claudette told the Le Journal de Montreal: "He was ready and he no longer suffers. It was serene.
Celine's husband, René Angélil, lost his battle with cancer on Thursday aged 73.

Blaming the past administration for the Lassa outbreak is quite frankly infantile- Ben Murray Bruce

He shared this on his facebook.

A Visit To FRSC by Reuben Abati

One of the things I have had to do in recent times was to renew my driver’s licence. This took me to the headquarters of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Abuja. The procedure requires the applicant’s presence: forms to be filled, fees to be paid, fingerprinting to be done, and so, that was how I found myself in the expansive and impressive premises of the FRSC Headquarters.  It turned to be a memorable experience.

Customs boss orders officers to declare assets in 14 days

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Hammed Ali, has directed all officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service to declare their assets within 14 days. The order was stated in a circular signed by the comptroller-general and sent out to all deputy comptrollers-general, zonal coordinators and customs area controllers.

Abuja Socialite,Yeye Bola Dare Dies

Abuja society lady, Bola Dare passed on in the early hours of today in an Abuja hospital. She was said to have been rushed to the hospital after having dinner last night and complained of stomach pain.Yeye Bola Dare is a top society figure in Lagos and Abuja,she is highly influential in the political scene. she is also known for her philanthropic nature, she is the owner of “Mother Theresa Orphanage” Gwarinpa Abuja.Yeye Bola Dare became popular for her work with some first ladies in Nigeria. I heard abot her death early hours of today.i didnt post immediately because i wanted to confirm.May her gentle soul rest in peace.Amen

Presidency-Why cameras were banned during Buhari's meeting with Chibok parents

The presidency has reacted to reports President Buhari walked out  during meeting with Chibok parents yesterday.They also explained why cameras and journalists were banned from covering the meeting..According to SSA media to the president ,Garba Shehu

We thank the BBOG_Nigeria for a good event. But that is not to say that all of the accounts of the meeting on Twitter are accurate.President Buhari could not have stormed out of his meeting with the #Chibok parents, stakeholders and the BBOG_Nigeria.He (President Buhari) was called to speak at a meeting he did not start. He did his part and left so that the meeting would continue It is a simple meeting procedure. He had to leave without being disruptive That is what happened.

Celine Dion's husband, Rene Angelil, dies at 73

 Celine Dion's Husband, Rene Angelil has died at the age of 73. Rene died in the early hours of today January 14th. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998. His health got so bad last year that Celine took a leave of absence from her Las Vegas show at Caesars Palace.
Sources close to Celine say Rene's death was completely unexpected because recently he'd felt much better. He and Celine have children together...a 14-year-old and 5-year-old twins. He also has three children from a previous marriage.

New Ebola case emerges in Sierra Leone

Health officials in Sierra Leone have confirmed a death from Ebola, hours after the World Health Organization declared the West Africa outbreak over.
The country was declared free of the virus on 7 November, and the region as a whole cleared when Liberia was pronounced Ebola-free on Thursday.

8 Nigerian Athletes Banned After Testing Positive To Drugs

 Eight Nigerian athletes have tested positive to banned drugs. According to the Minister of Youth and Sport, Solomon Dalung the athletes who tested positive to banned drugs who have now all be banned from sporting activities are; Samson Idiata (Athletics) Sunday Ezeh (Para-athletics), Thomas Kure (Para-powerlifting) Patience Opuene (Wrestling), James Igbadiwei, Deborah Odeyemi and Chinazom Amadi.They were reported to have tested positive at the 2015 All Africa Games held in Congo and have been banned for 4years except, a weightlifter, Elizabeth Owuah who was banned for eight years.

Where we came from By Reuben Abati"

 January 15 every year is Nigeria’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day: wreaths are laid, statements are made, soldiers, government officials and the Nigerian Legion attend parades, pigeons symbolizing peace are released, a dinner is organized for widows of fallen soldiers and there is so much talk about death and dying for one’s country all in honour of Nigerian soldiers who have had to die so that Nigeria may live. In terms of context however, what is also celebrated is the surrender of the secessionist Biafran forces to the Nigerian government on January 15, 1970, a throw back to the country’s three years of civil war.

See the first thing president Buhari does every morning

Special adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina has revealed the first thing president Buhari does when he wakes up. Speaking during an interview with Radio continental 102.3 fm, Adesina said:
    "He gets to the office in the morning about 9 a.m, the first thing he requires us to do is get the highlights of newspapers ready for him, and so before he comes in, we have reviewed the newspapers, we have done all the highlights and that is the first thing he looks at. Then he begins to attend to all the other things lined out for him. Across all the sectors, ministers and directors of agencies are meeting with him. He is a hard worker and at 73, I wonder how he does it.

Missing budget: PDP wants NASS commence impeachment of Buhari..Wants Finance, Budget Ministers and CBN Governor to Quit

Read the press statement from PDP below...

    The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party Pdp rose from a meeting Thursday charging the National Assembly to commence impeachment of President Muhammedu Buhari for the various constitutional breaches especially the submission of two version of the 2006 budget.The party said the National Assembly should thoroughly investigate the shameful act, including  the distortion and banding of  figures to accomadate their personal interest and ensure that appropriate sanctions is meted to whoever has a hand in the dubious action that has brought embarrassment to the legislative body.

Pastor Ashimolowo to Buhari: Looters deserve only 20% of your time

 Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre, KICC,has advised president Buhari to ensure that ,just 20 per cent of governance time is dedicated to the past, “otherwise, it will take forever for majority of Nigerians to see changes.
He said going by Parento’s Principle, the Federal Government should dedicate 20 per cent of its resources to going after perceived looters, while 80 per cent should be given to creating an enabling environment for Nigerians,Vanguard reports..
Speaking to journalists at the 10th edition of the annual widows New Year party in Ode-Omu, Osun State, he said:

Bukola Saraki speaks on reported missing 2016 budget

Metuh Tears Confessional Statement, Attempts To Put Pieces In His Mouth

 The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh, has torn a confessional statement he made to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, a top operative of the commission has said.
The top officer of the commission, who confided in one of Punch reporters on Tuesday, alleged that Metuh tore the statement when it was brought to him for his signature.

Actor John Travolta pays tribute to his son 7 years after his death

The actor posted this touching tribute on Facebook, few days after the seventh anniversary of his 16-year-old son Jett's tragic death. Jett Travolta died after he suffered a seizure at their family holiday home in 2009.

2016 budget reportedly goes missing at National Assembly

According to a report by Daily Trust, the 2016 budget proposal submitted to the National Assembly by President Buhari on December 22nd is missing. The disappearance of the budget document was announced by Senator Ali Ndume during a closed door session that lasted 90 minutes today January 12th. This comes amid rumors that the budget was withdrawn from the Legislature by the Presidency. The Senators were supposed to commence the consideration of the N6.08tr budget today.

TRUMPs Painfull Truth by Charly Boy

A round of applause for the greatest Jackass of all Times.
There is no denying that Donald Trump's actions and words have brought a more entertaining landscape to American politics that is only rivalled by Naija politics at this point.                           
Like him or hate him (for your pocket), this man no send una.
Who could have guessed Trump's longevity in American politics, with his put-outs and the notorious words that roll out of his mouth!?

VP Yemi Osibanjo arrives Kaduna for the groundbreaking ceremony of the affordable housing schemes

 Vice President Yemi Osinbajo arrived Kaduna State today to perform the ground breaking ceremony for the affordable housing scheme at the Millennium City and the Galaxy Mall, a UPDC partnership with Kaduna State.

N82million Wole Soyinka Dinner: Information Commissioner to demand a refund from Nobel Laureate

    Rivers State Information Commissioner , Dr Austin Tam-George has declared  that the  state government  will demand  a refund of the N82million expended by former Governor Amaechi on Professor  Wole Soyinka's  dinner if it confirms that the Nobel Laureate received part of the  the funds in cash.

Nigeria to start producing pencils in 2 years, says minister

Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonaya Onu says Nigeria will start manufacturing her own pencil within the next 2 years. Ogbonnaya said this during a facility tour of Projects Development Institute (PRODA) in Enugu State yesterday January 5th. He said the local manufacturing of pencils will provide 400, 000 jobs for unemployed Nigerians