FORMER GOVERNOR CHIEF IBORI EXPLAINS HIS EXPERIENCE AT A LONDON PRISON

After seven years of serving jail term in London prison, Ibori has spoken on his prison experience - He says what pained him most was not actually his prison service but his people whom he left behind - He, however, said he was not guilty of the offences leveled against him but he accepted it as a way to escape the plot of his enemies Former governor of Delta state, Chief James Ibori on Sunday, February 12, 2017 said he never once doubted his prospect of returning to Nigeria and reuniting with his friends, political associates and kinsmen in Oghara, Ethiope west local government area of the state. Ibori also dismissed insinuations that he was guilty of the offences to which he admitted in 2012, disclosing that at the point of his trial, his guilty plea was the only leeway with which he could escape the malevolent plot of his enemies under the guise of anti- corruption crusade. James Onanefe Ibori The former governor spoke in Oghara during a thanksgiving service organized by the leadership of Oghara community and held at the First Baptist Church, Ogharefe. The event was widely attended by thousands of supporters, including Ibori's elder cousin and successor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; Ibori's deputy, Chief Benjamin Elue, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Steve Oru, Managing Director of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Williams Makinde, traditional rulers, serving and former commissioners, political stalwarts, captains of industries and artisans across the state. READ ALSO: See faces at James Ibori's thanksgiving service in Oghara Delta state Ibori who spoke in English and Urhobo languages revealed that the reality of his seven years absence from the country was not as painful as the suffering and pains which his people were subjected to within the period of his absence. His words: "My entire life is a testimony; I have said it over and again that my life was fashioned by God, directed by God, seen, acknowledged and blessed by God. I have always believed that since I was born, I’m living in accordance with destiny. "When the whole commotion started, what was most painful to me was the pains and sufferings that my people were going through. It had nothing to do with me as a person because for some reasons, I drew my strength from God and, somehow, I knew God will stand by me. "I knew that one day, this day of celebration will come. I am indeed very pleased that I can now stand before you and look at your faces, especially the faces of those I have missed and those who suffered the pains of my absence. "When I reflect on the past, it gives me joy that all your prayers have been answered by God; all your support and solidarity with me all through this period are untellable. Ibori while in London prison "The only testimony I have is the fact that I am alive, well and in your midst. I never had any doubt whatsoever in mind that I will get back home. ” On his guilty plea about seven years ago, Ibori maintained that his analysis of the situation showed that his life was at stake and the enemies were bent on taking him from his people, hence he accepted his alleged offences as a "pragmatic decision" to thwart the plans of his foes. He narrated how he had pre- informed Uduaghan of his intention of going for the guilty plea which, he said, was "the shortest route back to his people ", insisting that he was not guilty as alleged. Ibori, who was in a very high spirit, led the congregation in songs of victory just as special prayers were offered for him and his family members, Oghara community, Ethiope west, Delta state and Nigeria. Earlier in a homily titled: "Knowing the Gift of God", the South-South Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Goddowell Awomakpa, said Ibori served as a bridge that united the church with the government of the state, urging politicians to be more concerned with the welfare of the masses than their personal gratification. Awomakpa also enjoined political leaders to shun hatred for one another, charging them to embrace humility and respect for the electorate during and after their tenure in offices. Meanwhile, prominent kinsmen of Ibori have continued to eulogize the former governor, describing him as people oriented and generally acceptable to Nigerians. Ibori celebrating his release in London with speaker of Delta state house of assembly, Monday Igbuya READ ALSO: Die hard PDP critic dumps APC for PDP in Delta Former Commissioner for power and energy and Chairman of the Ibori's thanksgiving central planning committee, Chief Emmanuel Ighomena, expressed utmost gratitude to God for keeping Ibori alive despite the desire of persecutors to get him dead or alive. In an interaction with newsmen, Ighomena attributed the jubilations that greeted Ibori's return to his continuous struggle for the emancipation of the Niger Delta region, noting that Ibori never fought a personal cause but advanced the true yearnings of Nigerians. On his part, a former Commissioner representing Ethiope west, Sapele and Okpe local government areas on the board of DESOPADEC, Chief Henry Ofa, urged everyone "to accord Chief Ibori the greatest respect that he deserves and tell others to do same", adding: "We must heed his fatherly advice and show him all the needed love.” "As we all rise in unity to reaffirm our undying loyalty to this great leader, we must understand that each of us has a stake in the issue at hand; we have a role to play and we have an all important task to perform. Ibori during the celebration service in church on Sunday "Now, more than ever, has the rolling ball been placed on our courts; it is either we score the goal and continue in our unabating joy or stand the risk of missing the reward forever. A fact worth knowing is that history beckons on you .” On her part, a lecturer at the Delta State University, Abraka, Dr. (Mrs) Elizabeth Ogini observed that the time for a genuine reconciliation between Ibori and all aggrieved interests has come, noting that there is no gain in bickering. COMMENT PLEASE

PASTOR FLESS AFTER ALLEGEDLY KILLING CHURCH MEMBER FOR RITUAL IN DELTA

A Pentecostal church pastor identified as Jessiah (surname withheld) with his church in Ugbolu community near Asaba, Delta state is currently on the run after he allegedly killed one Ejiofor Ujah, a member of his church during prayer session for rituals. Not real photo Leadership reports that Ujah was allegedly called by the pastor for a prayer session but was not seen after that. His body was later found by a hunter in a soak-away not too far from the church, with the pastor's whereabouts unknown. READ ALSO: Horror! Blood, 5 human skulls discovered at church altar in Imo (photo) The police public relations officer in the state, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the incident, saying two persons have been arrested are still being detained in connection with the act, while investigation is ongoing with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects (the pastor and two others). Investigation revealed that the incident which occurred Tuesday, February 7, in Ugbolu community, has put terror in the hearts of residents around the area. The church has been deserted by its members since the incident involving their general overseer occurred. PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App An insider, Kate Okafor alleged that the pastor had on the fateful Tuesday called the victim for a prayer session and in response, the victim who allegedly smelt a rat of danger told the wife of his movement to the church before the bubble burst. READ ALSO: Charms, people's pants and photos found in a church in Benin But this was not to be when the victim the following day did not return home, this created suspicion and the wife raised the alarm as after she visited the church in her efforts to see the husband met a brick wall. Mrs. Rosemary Ujah, the victim’s wife told our reporter; “I was confused when I did not find my husband in the church two days after and I raised the alarm after reporting to the police at Ugbolu Police Division and a search party conducted which discovered his corpse in soak away”. Unconfirmed sources said the pastor had allegedly been found suspicious before the incident as many occasions, he performed unholy act in the church. So sad!

OBASANJO TO MEET WITH OSINBANJO ON MONDAY,READ MORE

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo will meet with Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday, February 13 - The duo are expected to attend the 2017 Murtala Muhammed Memorial Lecture to be held that day - Osinbajo is the special guest of honour while Obasanjo will chair the event Former President Oulsegun Obasanjo will meet with Acting President Yemi Osinbajo at the 2017 Murtala Muhammed Memorial Lecture scheduled to hold in Abuja on Monday, February 13. Osinbajo, Obasanjo to attend 2017 Murtala Muhammed Foundation lecture Osinbajo is the special guest of honour while Obasanjo, who is the chairman of the board of trustees of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF), is expected to chair the event. The keynote address of the event will be delivered by Governor Kashim Shettima, governor of Borno state, with the theme “Managing the Boko Haram Crisis in Borno state; Experiences and lessons for a multi-party, multi-ethnic and multi-religious Nigeria". In a statement sent to NAIJ.com by the chief executive officer of the MMF, Mrs Aisha Oyebode, she noted that the lecture “celebrates and sustains the good governance initiatives of our fallen hero whose inclination for humanitarian ideals we continue to uphold.” According to Oyebode, this year’s lecture will focus on humanitarian crisis and response in a pluralistic society and the role of leadership in the face of a multi-ethnic population. “Nigeria is contending with tensions arising from the activities of micro- nationalistic agitators, threatening to compound existing security challenges occasioned by the Boko Haram insurgency that has caused fatalities in excesses of 14,000 people and displaced over 1 million people. More worrisome are the implications these issues have on an already fragile security environment in the region, characterized by unmitigated small arms proliferation, weak state and security institutions in the component countries and a large number of out of school children and unemployed youth with dire economic prospects who are vulnerable targets for radicalization,” she said. The MMF is an organization founded on the ideals of Nigeria’s former military president, Late General Murtala Muhammed. The foundation has overtime led efforts to develop innovative approaches to dealing with the challenges facing the country. READ ALSO: Pictorial exhibition to celebrate Murtala Muhammed Last year, President Muhammadu Buhari attended the 40th memorial lecture of the MMF with the theme Buhari attended the 40th memorial lecture of the MMF with the theme "Regional Security and State Building, Portents and Prospects."

OVER 2000 APC MEMBERS DEFECTED TO PDP IN BENUE

Scores chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue state have dumped the party - The party members defected enmasse to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). - Numbering over 2,000, they were led by Honourable Thomas Mlanga A report by Leadership indicates that over 2,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue state The defectors were received by Benue state former governor, Gabriel Suswam According to the report, the party members numbering over 2,000 were led by Honourable Thomas Mlanga. They are from Ucha in Ukum local government area of the state and their welcome ceremony was performed by former governor Gabriel Suswam. READ ALSO: Over 1,500 defect from APC to PDP in Katsina In a statement signed by the state PDP publicity secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, the opposition party commended the decampees for “taking the wise decision to cross over into the light having realized they were only tricked with empty promises by the APC.” The statement read: “As rightly stated by the lead decampee, Thomas Mlanga, at the occasion, the immediate past PDP-led administration of Rt. Hon. Gabriel Torwua Suswam, brought unprecedented prosperity and development to the people of Sankera area through the execution of massive infrastructural projects, pointing to the Zaki-Biam-Afia-Gbeji Road which passes through Ucha, as one of such projects. “We like to emphasise here that, after sixteen years of stable existence during which period the PDP steered the ship of the Nigerian state to entrench democracy, and having emerged as one of Africa’s foremost political parties, our great party remains the only viable alternative for the Nigerian people, irrespective of tribe, religion or social status. “The doors of the PDP are still wide open to receive more and more of Benue people who, realising their mistakes and are returning home.” PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on NAIJ.com News App Similarly, at least 5000 supporters drawn from the APC, Labour Party (LP), Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) over the weekend defected to the PDP in Onitsha North local government area of Anambra state.

A NEW PRESIDENT EMERGING IN NIGERIA- PRIMATE OLABAYO DECLARES

PRESIDENCY STAFF PUT ON STANDBY BECAUSE OF BUHARI'S RETURN

In what appears to be a sign that President Muhammadu Buhari may return to the country this weekend as earlier reported , presidential aides have been put on standby his return from London, United Kingdom. After sometime in the UK, presidential staff are expecting President Buhari back in the country today. The Punch quotes sources at the Presidential Villa in Abuja as saying on Friday, February 10 that the president was being expected this weekend and that presidential aides and officials of the Protocol Unit, including security operatives, had been put on the alert over the Buhari's imminent arrival. READ ALSO: UK media casts doubt on President Buhari's London whereabouts “The President is expected back this weekend. We are expecting him to return either on Saturday or Sunday. “As of now, we are not sure of the time of his arrival yet. The Protocol Unit will confirm that to us later, ” a source said. The Punch quotes another confident official as saying that the president would return on Saturday, February 11 afternoon if not in the morning. Recall that Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman had told Channels television during the week that Buhari would soon return. He said: “In a communication to the National Assembly, the President did not disclose when he is coming back but the President may be coming back sooner than people think.” Meanwhile, there were reports of a rift between aides to President Muhammadu Buhari and the president's doctors. It is alleged that the rift is over a possible return of the President this Saturday, February 11. Presidency sources have said that President Muhammadu Buhari plans to return to Nigeria on Saturday after his test results came in “fine.” However, Mr. Buhari’s return remains uncertain as his team of doctors in the United Kingdom has yet to certify him fit to take on the significant burden of his office.

LAGOS STATE SPRINT RUN ENDS.READ DEATAILS AND WINNER

Kenya’s Abraham Kiptum has emerged winner of the 2017 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon and will be going home with the cash prize of $50,000. Kenya's Abraham Kiptum wins Lagos City marathon for the second time. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi Kiptum won the 42.1km race for the second time after he won the maiden edition in a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes, 21 seconds. Kenya's Abraham Kiptum wins 2017 Lagos City marathon. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi Below is our LIVE coverage of the 2017 Lagos City Marathon. 10.30am Official Result 1st - Abraham Kiptum - 2:15:23s 2nd - Ronny Kipkoech Kiboss - 2:15:25s 3rd - Kiprotich Kiroi - 2:15:30s A snapshot of the top 10 runners this year #iGetStamina pic.twitter.com/EbsLoCe8lw 10:58 AM - 11 Feb 2017 71 2 58m Access Bank Plc @myaccessbank Terry Apala. #iGetStamina Tekno, Seyi Shay, Olamide, Kiss Daniel, and Davido are backstage. pic.twitter.com/ NXL1t1LAKO Access Bank Plc @myaccessbank 10.00am Report reaching us has it that a 7-year-old, Damilola Oluwaseyi, just completed the marathon. Damilola Oluwaseun, 7, crosses the finish line at Lagos city marathon. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi 9.40am Fadeyi, the first Nigerian woman, has crossed the finish line. The first Nigerian woman crosses the finish line . #iGetStamina pic.twitter.com/ sUE9x6zeLf 9:53 AM - 11 Feb 2017 101 19 2h Access Bank Plc @myaccessbank This man can confidently say #igetstamina . He came, he saw, he conquered, then rested. pic.twitter.com/ MAnqx1BFAW Access Bank Plc @myaccessbank 9.30am Rodah Tanuyi from Kenya is the first lady to cross the finish line. Rodah, the first woman. #AccessBankLagosCityMarathon #iGet Stamina 9:48 AM - 11 Feb 2017 91 15 Access Bank Plc @myaccessbank 9.15am Ilya Pam Nwanta is the first Nigerian to finish the race and he will be going home with N1million. Ilya Pam Nwanta is the first Nigerian to finish the race Nwanta crossed the finish line before Philip Sharabutu who was the second Nigerian to finish the race. Sharabutu had finished as the first Nigerian in the Lagos city marathon maiden edition last year. 9.10am 2017 Lagos city marathon winners - 1st Abraham Kiptum (Kenya), 2nd place Ronny Kipkoech (Kenya), 3rd place Kiprotich Kiroi (Kenya) Winner Abraham Kiptum with other athletes. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi Kenya's Abraham Kiptum wins 2017 Lagos City marathon Kiptum will be going home with $50000 while Kipkoech and Kiroi will go home with $40000 and $30000 respectively. Kenya's Abraham Kiptum wins Lagos City marathon for the second time Kenya's Ronny Kipkoech finished second 9am After close to three hours of marathon race at the Access Bank Lagos City 42.1km, Kenya’s Abraham Kiptum, has emerged winner of the 2017 Lagos city marathon. This makes it the second time he is winning the competition. 8.50am' The leading athletes are ten minutes away from the finish the line. Abraham Kiptum won last year's marathon. He is neck to neck with two others. 8.45am An athlete has reportedly fainted on third mainland bridge. "@CreatesTm : Reports say he fainted on 3rd Mainland Bridge @Gidi_Traffic | #LagosMarathon #RunLagos #GIDITRAFFIC 8:57 AM - 11 Feb 2017 17 3 GIDITRAFFIC @Gidi_Traffic 8.40am Information reaching NAIJ.com has it that the leading athletes have gotten to Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi and are less than one hour away from the finish line. Kenyan athlete, Kitaka leading the female athletes #DolphinEstate #Ikoyi #RunLagos 8:37 AM - 11 Feb 2017 4 Lagos Sports Comm @LagosSportsComm Second set of athletes to reach Dolphin, Ikoyi. #RunLagos 8:38 AM - 11 Feb 2017 6 Lagos Sports Comm @LagosSportsComm Fadekemi leading the Nigerian team. #DolphinEstate #RunLagos 8:39 AM - 11 Feb 2017 9 3 Lagos Sports Comm @LagosSportsComm 8.35am Some special athletes are also participating in the race. Special athletes at marathon race. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi Special athletes at marathon race. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi Special athletes at marathon race. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi 8.30am Governor Ambode as gotten to the finish line as he awaits the winner. Gov @AkinwunmiAmbode at Eko Atlantic City, the finish line. #igetstamina #RunLagos #RunWithAquafina 8:16 AM - 11 Feb 2017 3 3 Doctors Magazine Nig @doctorsmag 8.25am As expected, some athletes can't keep up with the pace and strength of others and they wouldn't be getting to the finish line. Down but not out. #RunYourRace #RunLagos #RunWithAquafina #AccessBankLagosMarathon 8:29 AM - 11 Feb 2017 2 2 V|#BringBackOurGi ... @TheVicmoss 8.20am Surprisingly! some kids are also taking part in the race One the kids looking dehyrated. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi More kids participating in the race. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi 8.15am The chairman Lagos state Sports Commission Deji Tinubu just shared a photo of the how the finish line looks like as we await the winner. This is watch the finish point of #RunLagos looks like !!!! @LagosSportsComm 8:19 AM - 11 Feb 2017 9 deji Tinubu @dejitinubu 8.10am Remember Kenya’s Abraham Kiptom, emerged winner of last year's edition in 2hrs 21 mins, 20 secs ahead of his fellow compatriot, Hosea Kipkembe. Debebe Toise of Ethiopia came third behind the Kenyans. So we expect to see the winner of this year's edition cross the finish line in the next hour. Who will it be? A cross section of athletes. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi A cross section of athletes. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi Some of athletes. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi A cross section of athletes. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi Some of the athletes. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi 8.05am The NFF president Amaju Pinnick and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access bank Herbert Wigwe just trekked to the finish line at the Eko Atlantic. They are awaiting the first athlete to cross the finish line. Athletes and volunteers at 2017 Lagos city marathon. Photo credit: Emmanuel Osodi Athletes and volunteers at 2017 Lagos city marathon. Photo credit: Emmanuel Osodi Athletes and volunteers at 2017 Lagos city marathon. Photo credit: Emmanuel Osodi Athletes and volunteers at 2017 Lagos city marathon. Photo credit: Emmanuel Osodi Female athletes at 2017 Lagos city marathon. Photo credit: Emmanuel Osodi Foreign athletes at 2017 Lagos city marathon. Photo credit: Emmanuel Osodi 8.00am Some athletes look very excited about the Lagos city marathon as they resort to music and water to keep them going. A female athlete listening to music in excitement. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi An athlete smile for the camera with his bottle of water. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi Two female athletes have their headphones and look focus for the ultimate prize. Photo: Emmanuel Osodi 7.35am NAIJ.com findings has shown that a 67-year-old man Edwin Ekong is participating in the 2017 edition of the Lagos City marathon. Edwin Ekong According him, his personal purpose of participating in the race is not ultimately for the prize gift, but a personal desire. The medical doctor told NAIJ.com: “Marathoning is the triumph of desire over reason. So this is the triumph of my desire." 7.20am Some dehydrated athletes take a quick stop to get water and continue with the 42km race. Remember the end point is at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos. Women are not left out in the race. Photo credit: Emmanuel Osodi Women are not left out in the race. Photo credit: Emmanuel Osodi 7am The race has kicked off with the ultimate prize of $50,000 up for grabs. Who will get this? Some of the athletes competing for the ultimate prize. Photo credit: Emmanuel Osodi 6.20am Governor Akinwunmi Ambode just arrived at the scene of the athletes warm up session in Surulere to show support. 5.45am Barely minutes to the start of the 2017 edition of the Lagos City Marathon, some athletes were caught taking a nap before the 42km race. Athletes taking a nap before the race 5.30am Deejay Celebrity continues to mix popular Naija Jamz right at the starting point to the delight of the athletes. As at now, we are yet to see any of the elite runners. The starting point 5.14am' The chairman Lagos State Sports Commission Deji Tinubu giving volunteers 'to do' instructions 5am' Hundreds of athletes are gathered at the starting point taking different warm-up sessions. Athletes storm the Surulere stadium as early as 4am Below is our preview A total of 100, 000 athletes from 27 countries including Nigeria will be participating in the second edition of Access Bank Lagos Marathon billed to hold from 7am to 2pm today. LIVE Updates: Lagos City Marathon 64 elite athletes from 26 countries and 102 from Nigeria, as well as 30 special athletes will also be participating in the marathon scheduled to start from National Stadium in Surulere and terminate at Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island. The governor of Lagos Akinwunmi Ambode is also expected to grace the occasion. The first athlete to reach the finishing point at the Eko Atlantic will claim the ultimate prize of $50,000. The first and second runner-up will go home with $40,000 and $30,000 respectively. The first Nigerian to complete the 42km race will receive N1million cash. Recall that Kenya's Abraham Kipton won the inaugural edition of the Lagos City Marathon in 2016 having completed the race in a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes and 21 seconds. Meanwhile, access to some major roads will in the mainland will be restricted. Click HERE for list of alternative routes.

LIVE UPDATE: LAGOS CITY MARATHON

7am The race has kicked off with the ultimate prize of $50,000 up for grabs. Who will get this? 6.20am Governor Akinwunmi Ambode just arrived at the scene of the athletes warm up session in Surulere to show support. 5.45am Barely minutes to the start of the 2017 edition of the Lagos City Marathon, some athletes were caught taking a nap before the 42km race. 5.30am Deejay Celebrity continues to mix popular Naija Jamz right at the starting point to the delight of the athletes. As at now, we are yet to see any of the elite runners. The starting point 5.14am' The chairman Lagos State Sports Commission Deji Tinubu giving volunteers 'to do' instructions 5am' Hundreds of athletes are gathered at the starting point taking different warm-up sessions. Athletes storm the Surulere stadium as early as 4am A total of 100, 000 athletes from 27 countries including Nigeria will be participating in the second edition of Access Bank Lagos Marathon billed to hold from 7am to 2pm today. LIVE Updates: Lagos City Marathon 64 elite athletes from 26 countries and 102 from Nigeria, as well as 30 special athletes will also be participating in the marathon scheduled to start from National Stadium in Surulere and terminate at Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island. The governor of Lagos Akinwunmi Ambode is also expected to grace the occasion. The first athlete to reach the finishing point at the Eko Atlantic will claim the ultimate prize of $50,000. The first and second runner-up will go home with $40,000 and $30,000 respectively. The first Nigerian to complete the 42km race will receive N1million cash. Recall that Kenya's Abraham Kipton won the inaugural edition of the Lagos City Marathon in 2016 having completed the race in a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes and 21 seconds.

FULL LIST OF MOST HONEST POLICE MEN

Following their outstanding performances in their various areas of duty, the Police Service Commission says it has promoted six police officers to their next ranks. File Photo: 6 outstanding police officers promoted by Nigeria Police Commission. Below is a list of the 6 outstanding officers. 1. Suleiman Abdul (Assistant commissioner of police) 2. Olusoji Akinbayo (Assistant commissioner of police) Facebook® Account Sign Up Join your friends online! Free sign up & unlimited opportunities to connect. Ad 3. Mu’awuyya Abubakar (Superintendent of police) 4. Sunday Idowu (Deputy superintendent of police) 5. Eheziekia Abiona (Assistant superintendent of police) 6. Ogunbiyi Agbabu (Police inspector) READ ALSO: Unbelievable! Read Why Ex-IGP was sent packing by landlord in Abuja Ikechukwu Ani, head, Press and Public Relations of the commission, said in a statement in Abuja on Monday that the commission took the decision in its 19th meeting in Abuja. He said that Mr Abdul, who is currently with the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), recently recovered N42 billion for the Federal Government. Ani said that Messrs. Akinbayo and Idowu had rejected a bribe of $21 million and another $12,900 from one Samuel Wilberforce. “The officers in spite of this huge inducement defied the temptation and arrested the pipeline vandals,” he said. He said their actions portrayed the Nigeria Police Force in good light as they exhibited professionalism, fearlessness and incorruptibility in the conduct of their assignment. He said that the chairman of the commission, Mike Okiro, was poised to enthrone honesty, responsibility and fear of God in the Nigeria Police Force. Mr Okiro noted that the special promotions were meant to spark off a new wave of integrity in the conduct of police officers. “The promotion is another way of motivating the honest and disciplined officers and a wake-up call to the few disgruntled elements still in service,” he said. He warned that officers who failed to embrace the new disposition of the commission, would be shown the way out of the force. Ani said that the special promotions take immediate effect.

NIGERIANS REACT TO PRESIDENT BUHARI AS HE RECEIVES APC LEADERS IN LONDON

The breaking report of President Muhammadu Buhari receiving leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in London, UK, has sent tongues wagging again. Naij.com had earlier reported that Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Bola Tinubu paid a visit to President Buhari on Thursday , February 9 which confirms the president is alive. Nigerians react to President Buhari receives APC leaders in London Following the report, Nigerians have takem to social media to sir their views on this issue which many cannot wait to hear the last of. Bimbo Ola Thank Almighty God....President Buhari is doing well......The #wailers who never voted for President Buhari should continue ranting senselessly. Emeka Mekus Mopao said: "So why did he not come out to address Nigerians" Grow Spiritually Looking to grow spiritually? Learn ho to grow here. Ad Ofonime Sam Uwem was of the opinion that "he looks really sick while our vice president and Senate president are telling us he is hale and hearty..... Meanwhile adesina and buharis elder sister are asking Nigerians to pray for his(Buhari) health.... Wether dead or alive, we still don't have a president." Chrisantus Emmy Hmmmm asked a question saying: "so this is the only clothes our president has? Adding: "Habah media, why are guys misleading us?" Ahuruonye Nna Emmajesus was of the opinion that "Baba (PMB) went with only one cloth, and forgot to the aisha n tinubu to bring him cloth." Valentine Nwankwo said: "Nigerians should get ready to pack their belongings to UK since the president has choosed to be governing the country from there." Engr Osborn Essien said: "The drama continues! one day the real news will come out! Nigerians are watching!" Augustine Uzohuo was of the opinion that "videos speak louder than pictures. We need videos" Okafor Sandra Chidera said: "I am not understanding ,what stops buhari from saying something, that is alive" Onuoha Cletus said: "If this picture is true,then take a closer look at buhari right hand,i think that hand is lifeless." Bashiru Abdul Ibrahim said: "Mr president Baba Buhari we always wish you quick recovery." Caliante Silverado said: "You people are just making a mockery of the whole situation. Take a closer look at the pictures you posted, in the first picture Buhari was literally hiding, in the second picture where tinubu is seated beside him. He looks totally worn out and one can easily say he was placed to sit for a few seconds, if Buhari loves the country like he claims he should start by loving himself a man who loves himself, when he is sick he should man up handover to the next person like that lying pastor professor osibanjo atleast we know he ain't an honest pastor but he is the next to take over and he looks fit and educated. Power is not worth all this buhari drama. If he is sick like he looks its easy for him to handover and take care of himself. Black men and Africa should not continue with lies and deceits by those in power." Omoniyi SurnamedinChrist said: "With all due respect and love to the person of our dear president, please stop pasting pictures of 'Buhari meeting people'. It is starting to feel like you guys have experience as 'yahoo boys' who use pictures to scam people. Seeing is believing. No need to flog this issue. Let the man return in good health. Amin"

CAN SPEAKS ON BUHARI'S HEALTH,TELLS OSINBANJO WHAT TO DO

read - The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Thursday, February 9, said it is deeply concerned about the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari due to his health condition - The Christian organization urged all Nigerians to join hands in prayers for the quick and full recovery of the president - The association also advised the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to remain bold in handling critical state's matters The CAN on Thursday, February 9, said it is deeply concerned about the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari due to his health condition. How to Pray to God Learn how to pray to God and how to hear His answers. Ad Speaking on the ongoing controversy surrounding President Buhari’s health status, the CAN called on all Nigerians to join hands in prayers for the quick and full recovery of the president. A statement signed by the director of legal and public affairs Kwamkur Samuel urged Nigerians to also pray for the safe return of Presidnet Buhari. READ ALSO: Dead or alive Buhari makes no difference, Financial Times blasts Nigeria's president Kwamkur cautioned Nigerians on dwelling on ‘needless’ rumour mongering over the president’s health. He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari is human, hence subject to health challenges sometimes. CAN appreciates the anxiety of Nigerians to hear Mr. President speak, but sues for understanding as we await that. It is very clear that our leader is passing through health challenges.” Kwamkur however advised the presidency to update Nigerians on the health status of the president and the full progress of his recovery. READ ALSO: Femi Falana speaks on Buhari's health condition “We call on all Christians and indeed all God-fearing Nigerians to dedicate time of prayers for our President and the nation. We owe our leaders prayers and support at all times while shunning divisive opinions that only generate strive,” Kwamkur said. The Christian association further called for total support for the acting president Yemi Osinbajo from Nigerians while asking him to be bold in handling critical state affairs. He said: “We acknowledge that government is a continuum, hence, we call on Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to be bold in handling critical state matters and not to be distracted by those who do not wish Nigeria well. God bless Nigeria!”

BURUJI KASHAMU- Y ENEMIES ARE PLOTTING TO KILL ME

- Senator Kashamu has cried out that his enemies are planning to kill him - Kashamu said Governor Fayose of Ekiti state is one of the people that want him dead - Kashamu is currently wanted in the United States for trafficking drug in the 90's Senator Buruji Kashamu representing Ogun east constituency has cried out that some politicians are after his life and would stop at nothing to kill him out of jealous. Kashamu in an interview with New Telegraph said: “Some politicians believe I am too powerful, popular and influential. There is no way you will be in politics, especially at my level and not step on toes. My enemies are plotting to kill me – Buruji Kashamu READ ALSO: Former ambassador advises Kashamu to go to US to defend himself over drug trafficking allegation “So, all those intimidated by the unsolicited influence and popularity which naturally comes because of ones generosity to people, are always trying to use things against me. “They want my enemy to die, they desire terrible thing for the enemy of Kashamu not me, but I thank God for always keeping and protecting me, regardless of the machinations of enemies. “They are many and they are everywhere. They are in Ogun State, they are everywhere. I do know that the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose is one of them.” Recall that a United States High Court ordered that Kashamu should be extradited to the US to face charges of drug trafficking, an offence he allegedly committed in the 90s

Meanwhile, a human rights group, the CPPM, criticises Senator Buruji Kashamu for allegedly threatening the public peace over his indictment for drug-related offences by the US appeal court and the order for his extradition to face trial. CPPM describes the senator’s action as an attempt to intimidate the law enforcement agencies from discharging their constitutional duties. The group calls on the leadership of the Senate to immediately summon Senator Buruji Kashamu to appear before the appropriate committee for acts unbecoming of a senator.

GOVERNOR OKOWA ASKS IBORI TO FORGET RETURN TO POLITICS

Governor Okowa asks Ibori to forget return to politics - Chief James Ibori, former governor of Delta state, returned to Nigeria after spending years in a UK prison - Apart from being celebrated by his people in Oghara, there are beliefs that the former governor would soon defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state has said Chief James Ibori should be more concerned with his family now that he has returned from prison rather than politics. Governor Okowa says Ibori should concentrate on his family instead of politics Okowa stated this in reaction to claims that the former governor of Delta state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and acclaimed political godfather was planning to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ibori returned from the UK recently after serving a concurrent 13-year jail term for money laundering and was reportedly visited by some top politicians in the state including Okowa. Grow In Your Faith Looking to grow in your faith? Learn how to grow here. Ad The New Telegraph reports that in his first policy statement after the return of Ibori, Okowa said: “I am not aware of Ibori’s planned defection to the APC. READ ALSO: Ibori’s travails were politically motivated – Oghara youths “Yes, he is back with us but I think what he should be concerned about is how to reunite with his family and not politics.” He also denied the alleged frosty relationship between him and his predecessor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. Meanwhile, the Centre for Anti- Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has described the ‘euphoria’ that greeted Ibori’s return to Delta state as a show of shame that debases humanism. “It is sad and disheartening to see human beings so audaciously being ripped of their humanism; the very basis of their existence, out of the ‘inadvertent’ need to cope with the socio-economic and political reality of the society imposed by the incurably corrupt ruling class elements like Ibori. “It is like the hunted protecting the hunter; victims celebrating their victimizers out of total dislocation with the empirical reality of their social existence and proper introspection. “We are talking about an ex-convict that has through his nefarious and corrupt activities dragged the image of the country as a whole in the mud of global shame. Debo Adeniran of CACOL condemns the rousing welcome accorded Ibori in Oghara “Ibori, we believe, is one those who inspired the infamous statement of the former Prime Minister of the UK, David Cameron that described Nigeria as a country that is ‘fantastically’ corrupt. “CACOL think those that are openly celebrating the ex-convict are trying to turn Ibori to a ‘hero’, so he could go back to playing his so-called ‘Robinhood’ role while walking free and shoulders-high in spite of committing corruption crimes of incredible proportions. “‘Beneficiaries’ as the celebrators may be; they do not represent the rule of law, the will or opinion of Nigerians about the obligation and absolute necessity to prosecute Ibori and others like him for their corruption crimes with deserving punitive applied where culpability is established. READ ALSO: "Dear Ibori, we can’t thank God enough for bringing you back alive" “We also point out that the ‘welcome carnival’ is a manifestation of a tendency that can never spell any good for socio-cultural, economic and political development because the trend is predicated on corruption and abysmal disregard for core values and morals,” CACOL said in a statement made available to NAIJ.com.

MUST READ: YAR' ADUA IS SICK, IMPEACH HIM NOW- BUHARI SAYS IN 2010

On March 9, 2010, something happened which given the state of Nigeria right now, can best be described as the mother of all ironies. Late Yar'adua and Goodluck Jonathan The Nigerian president in that year was Umar Musa Yar'Adua and he had been sick and away from the country for a while. The then vice president, Goodluck Jonathan, was made the acting president and the entire country was confused about the exact state of Yar'Adua's health. Then an opposition leader, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), joined the growing number of Nigerians to call for the removal of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. God Loves You Discover God's Love and Forgiveness God Wants You to Know Him Ad READ ALSO: Buhari is not in the hospital - Presidency According to the This Day article dated March 9, 2010, President Buhari maintained that the only viable option out of the present political logjam in the country was for the Executive Council of the Federation (EXCOF) to declare the president incapacitated and have him impeached . Buhari, in 2010, said Nigeria should not have been in the situation it was in the first instance because the constitution had made it clear on how an ailing president could be succeeded. Insisting on Yar'Adua's impeachment, he said the refusal of the council to follow constitutional provisions with regards to the illness of the then president had thrown Nigeria into crisis and he argued that the 1999 Constitution was clear on the issue of succession when an incumbent president is incapacitated. Buhari, who is the president now, said all this when he received members of the National Unity Forum in Kaduna who paid him a solidarity visit. Goodluck Jonathan was not spared, as the former military ruler criticized what he described as "extra- constitutional measures", the measures applied by the National Assembly to empower Goodluck Jonathan as the acting president when the constitution already had a solution to the problem. READ ALSO: 6 things Osinbajo has done as acting president Below were his words from March 2010: "Political expediency won't remedy this kind of problem because if the Executive Council of the Federation had acted in accordance with the constitution, by invoking the necessary sections to declare the President incapacitated, we would not have found ourselves in this present situation. "As you can see, adopting extra- constitutional measures have not addressed the problem. If it had, we would not have been subjected to the raging debates and controversy going on. So, we must go back to the constitution. "The Executive Council of the Federation must do the right thing because once we start moving away from the constitution, then we are inviting anarchy.” Looking back at 2010, from 2017, it is indeed ironical that President Buhari is now receiving treatment in another country, and he has placed his vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, as the acting president?!

SANUSI CALLS LEADERS TO BE SELFLESS

- Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II called on politicians to be selfless - He accused some of them of only being concerned about their family members only Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II who is the emir of Kano has accused Nigerian leaders of being selfish and only concerned about members of their families. The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria spoke on Wednesday, February 8 in Abuja at the award presentation ceremony of ‘Most Security Conscious Governor’ to Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi by the Nigeria Police Force. READ ALSO: Teenaged bomber said she got N200 to commit crime Facebook® Account Sign Up World's Largest Online Community. Join for Free & Enjoy the Benefits! Ad Sanusi said: “The bane of leadership in Nigeria is that the leaders are selfish; they only think of their families.” “Those of us who think that public office is a place to enjoy ourselves should think again. He noted that poverty was one of the bane to security in the country. “Poverty, lack of education is violence; it breeds violence because many segments of the society are denied access to basic amenities.” He called on people in authority to prioritise the needs of their people. He added that due to lack of allocation of resources infrastructure development has suffered. The emir noted that security was a serious issue that every government must make it a priority. He applauded the success the government has recorded in the fight against insurgency and said this should be extended to the issue of security. “Once a state cannot provide security, it is not fit to be a state.” The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, said since Governor Bello came into power; the police had recorded outstanding achievements in the area of security. “He was the first to donate vehicles to the Nigeria Police Force since I became the IG”