Nigeria's importation of toothpicks an "unpardonable sin" - Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday described as “unpardonable sin”, a situation where the country imports toothpick.

He said the country did not need to import frivolities and what it could produce.

The former president, who spoke at the 23rd Annual Development Forum, organised by Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) Microfinance Bank in Abuja, expressed concern over increasing poverty in the country and inability of families to survive the harsh economy.

Reps say they will empower Nigerian Airforce to fight vandals

The House of Representatives says it is determined to ensure that laws are put in place to empower the Nigerian Air Force to fight pipeline vandalism and other socio-economic vices in the Niger Delta.

The Chairman, House Committee on Nigerian Air Force, Mr. Samson Okwu, said this on Monday when he and members of the committee visited the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, at the Government House, Yenagoa.

EFCC discovers N22m with a firm linked to Femi Fani-Kayode

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is investigating a company, ICON Environmental Cleaners, said to have link to the former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode.

A top operative of the commission, who spoke to our correspondent on Tuesday, said the operatives of the commission had traced N22m to the firm during investigation.

It was further gathered that operatives of the anti-graft agency were screening documents received from a bank to ascertain the role of one Mr. Oke in the transaction.

Full letter of Justice Okoro accusing Amaechi of trying to bribe him

Embattled Supreme Court judge, Justice John Inyang Okoro, whose home was invaded by the Department of State Services, DSS, has alleged that his travail in the hands of the operatives was in connection with alleged desire of  the Presidency and All Progressives Congress, APC, to win at all cost, election appeals in Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Abia states.

He claimed that Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi tried to bribe him to influence the judgement in favour of the APC.

INEC nominated as Best performing public institution in Nigeria

The Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, has taken the lead as the best performing public institution in Nigeria with 28.6% of the total votes cast in an on-going online poll.

The poll which is tagged: Good Performance Poll for Nigerian Public Institutions is organised by African Leadership Magazine.

According to the poll results, Nigerians have faith in INEC’s ability to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the country, following the just-concluded Edo state gubernatorial election which has been adjudged as free and fair, as well as the preparations for the forthcoming Ondo state gubernatorial election.

Embattled Justice Abang sacks two PDP members of House of Reps

A Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Abang, has sacked two members of the House of Representatives from Enugu State.

The two sacked legislators, elected to the House on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, are Stella Ngwu representing Igbo-Etti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency and Dennis Agbo representing, Igbo Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency.

Justice Okon Abang delivered separate judgments in sacking the two legislators on Friday but the enrolled orders of the court were certified on Tuesday.

How Buhari escaped death ‘by inches’ during the Biafra war

President Muhammadu Buhari missed death by a few inches during the civil war, his authorised biographer has revealed.

In the book, Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria, John Paden, a former professor of public administration at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, recounted how the young officer, who commanded a brigade during the war that lasted from 1967-1970, narrowly escaped death.

Rivers State | Police nab Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Stolen Highlander Jeep (Photos)

The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Rivers State Police Command received a complaint about the kidnap of one Sir Chief Samuel Iheanachor along Aba-Oyibgo Road on October 10, 2016. He was abducted by six armed men while he was driving his Toyota Highlander and taken to an unknown destination.

The Commissioner of Police, CP. Francis M. Odesanya, instructed a discreet investigation into the matter. The jeep was tracked along Aba Road. It was driven by Lance Corporal Abdul Yusuf ‘m’ of the 2nd Brigade and another, both wearing Army uniforms. Both suspects were arrested.

Just In: Members of Boko Haram attack military camp, kidnap soldiers

The insurgents reportedly stormed the camp on Monday, October 17, wounding 13 soldiers and taking away an unknown number of soldiers. 

According to a statement made by the army on Wednesday, October 19, an operation to get back the missing soldiers is still ongoing as the army has gone after Islamic extremists that attacked the camp. 

Monday’s attack comes a week after one faction of Boko Haram released 21 of more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped from northeastern Chibok town, and as Nigeria’s government is negotiating for the release of another 83 of the girls abducted 2½ years ago. 

Buhari mourns Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Willie Ojukwu

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday commiserated with the entire Catholic family in Nigeria, particularly those in Abuja, over the passing away of Rev. Fr. Willie Ojukwu.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President sent condolences to the family, friends and close associates of the priest who died on Sunday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Justice Ofili ignores EFCC invitation

Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, justice of the federal high court, Lagos, on Tuesday, failed to honour an invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

But Musa Haruna Kurya, another judge of the federal high court, reported at the commission’s Lagos office at 10 am on Tuesday in order to react to some findings in an ongoing investigation.

EFCC seeks legal right to have share from recovered loot

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has urged a review of Nigerian laws to enable anti-graft agencies in the country retain a percentage of the loot recovered to fund their operations.

The Acting Chairman of the commission, Mr Ibrahim Magu, made the request at the national anti-corruption conference organised by the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption and the National Assembly in Abuja.

The conference which began Tuesday will end Wednesday.

Ohaneze youths: ‘EFCC trying to convict former first lady, Patience Jonathan, at all cost’

The youth wing of the pan-Igbo socio-political group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of persecution and trying to convict former first lady, Patience Jonathan, at all cost.

The youth group in a statement signed by its National President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, further accused the anti-graft agency of always rushing to the media to convict suspects without thorough investigations.

Pep Guardiola’s father doesn't believe his son will return to Barcelona

Pep Guardiola’s father, Valenti, has said there is no chance his son will return to Barcelona and also ruled out the possibility of him taking the Spain job.

Guardiola started his playing career at Camp Nou and won a lot of major titles both as a player and coach, during his two decades with the club.

The Spaniard ended his association with the club in 2012 when he embarked on a one-year sabbatical leave from the game.

Donald Trump sends invitation to Obama's brother for final presidential debate

The final live US presidential debate is to be given extra spice after Donald Trump invited Barack Obama's half-brother along to the event.

As a Trump supporter, Malik Obama has already told US media the tycoon "can make America great again".

And in an interview with the New York Post, Malik Obama, who splits his time between Kenya and the US, said he is "excited to be at the debate".

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Nigeria’s Failed Promises

In a country enamoured of dark humour, a common greeting among the middle class now is Happy recession!"

Read OP-ED by acclaimed Nigerian writer Chimamanda Adichie for the New York Times:

"I was 7 years old the first time I recognized political fear. My parents and their friends were talking about the government, in our living room, in our relatively big house, set on relatively wide grounds at a southeastern Nigerian university, with doors shut and no strangers present.

Robbery Suspect says He robbed to raise N45,000 surgery bill

A suspected armed robber arrested by security operatives attached to Ndiegoro Police Division in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, has said that the quest for money to pay his medical bill led him into armed robbery.

The suspect, identified as Ifeanyi Chukwundukwe, and other members of his gang allegedly robbed a betting shop (BET9JA) at No. 21, Ogechi Street, Aba on several occasions.

The 32-year-old Chukwundukwe together with one Joseph Umah, (23) and one Chijoke Godwin reportedly stole a laptop computer from the shop and sold it to one Ifeanyi Okocha at the cost of N15,000.

Late Ogoni activist Ken Saro-Wiwa son Ken Wiwa dies aged 48

Ken Wiwa, also known as Ken Saro-Wiwa, Jr, the first son of late Nigerian writer, and environmental activist, has died. The 48-year-old was a prolific journalist, author and served as an aide to former president Obasanjo, former president Yar'Adua and former President Jonathan as his Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society and International Media. According to Sahara Reporters, Mr. Wiwa died today. He was aged 48.

See the $2,600 Salvatore Ferragamo Cape Aisha Buhari spotted wearing in Belgium

Wife of President Buhari, Aisha, departed for Belgium today rocking a Salvatore Ferragamo multicolored zig zag cape which goes for $2,600, that is about N1.183 million going by today's exchange rate. Some people are making a fuss over it but I find it very stylish.

Oba's Coronation: Edo declares October 20 public holiday

The Edo Government has declared Oct. 20 as public holiday in celebration of the coronation of the new Oba of Benin, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa.

Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the Secretary to the State Government, said in a statement on Tuesday in Benin that the public holiday is in honour of Erediauwa, who will be crowned the 39th Oba of Benin.

What This! Bride Attends Her Traditional Wedding Naked (+18 Photos)

I was just surfing the net jejely and then my eyes stumbled on this post about a girl that attended her wedding naked and I was like what culture does this in Nigeria. 

Well, according to the person who posted this on twitter, the bride who is the daughter of a local chief chose to bare her breasts on her traditional wedding in consonance with the age long moribund culture of her people. 

See How PDP Reacts to EFCC's 'Arrest' of FFK's Wife and Son

The Peoples Democratic Party has released a strong-worded official statement over the recent foiled arrest and detention of Femi Fani-Kayode's wife, Precious Chikwendu in Ekiti State.

The statement by National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye reads:

"We condemn in its entirety, the arrest and detention of Precious Chikwendu, Wife of Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, former Spokesperson of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organization (PDP-PCO) on October 17, 2016 by officials of the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. She was arrested along with her 8 months old son, Aragorn, and would have been detained but for the timely intervention of Governor Ayo Fayose.

Rivers State | Lifeless Body of Suspected Pirates Found at Kula River

The Chairman of Kula Kingdom Development Committee, Lolo Awara, has disclosed to news correspondents that some suspected sea pirates have been found dead after a gun battle with the Nigerian Army along Kula river in Akuku Toru Local Government Area of Rivers state.

According to a report by DailyPost, the Nigerian Soldiers after receiving a distress call overpowered some suspected sea pirates in a fierce gun battle along Batholomew River around the Kula Kingdom.

Protesters Storms Customs Office in Lagos Over Death of Motorist (Photos)

Several residents of Lagos state have staged a protest at the Nigeria Custom's office on Moboloaji Bank Anthony way, Ikeja.

The protesters today reportedly stormed the Customs office over the death of a motorcyclist, Omotosho Zaheed who was allegedly killed by some customs officers at Mosalasi bus stop, Alagbado, Lagos State last week Thursday.

See Photos from Cossy Ojiakor Boobsday, I mean Birthday Party

Nollywood Actress Cossy Ojiakor known for her extraordinary boobs has released more photos from her unannounced boobsday, not again I mean birthday party organized with close friends on the 15th of October, 2016. Please pardon my mistake, just got carried away with the pictures... Hehe!

Cossy Ojiakor has continued to upload sensual photos taken at her birthday party recently organized in Lagos. The pictures have continued to generate controversial and naughty comments from her followers following the brazen display of her enormous breasts alongside another friend, self-styled Romangoddess.

Kano State | 12 People Rescued From Kidnappers (Photos)

Security operatives have successfully rescued about 12 persons (photo above) from kidnappers in Kano State. About 11 of the kidnappers were apprehended in the process.

This was revealed on Tuesday at police headquarters in Bompai by the State Commissioner of Police Rabiu Yusuf who said one AK-47 riffle, 250 rounds of ammunition, and two loaded magazines were recovered from the suspects.

See 7 Important Reasons Why You Should Get Married in Your 20s

If you are lucky and still in your 20s, here are some very important reasons why you have to consider getting married.

Read via thestir.cafemom.com:

When my husband and I got engaged, I was 24. I was 25 when I walked down the aisle. At the time, people kept quiet, but as the years have gone on, I have found, especially among very educated, career-minded people on the East Coast, that there is a stigma against getting married in your 20s.

Nigerian woman bags 18 months Sentence for an Unthinkable Crime in the UK (Read Here)

A Nigerian woman has landed in a UK jail after she paid £1,000 (N450k) to pretend to be her new-born baby’s father so she could stay in the UK has been jailed for 18 months.

The Evening Standard gathered that Faust Abolore, 29, plotted to gain British citizenship by putting 44-year-old Anthony Ezekpo’s name on her son’s birth certificate and a subsequent passport application. 

Everything worked out as she had planned, but the bubble burst after she was found out when photographs of the child’s real father, Nigerian national Peter Gentry, were posted on Facebook, showing him cradling the boy at a naming ceremony.

Touching Story of a Young Woman Who Sacrificed Her Own Baby to Save Her Brother's Life (Photos)

It is an unbelievably difficult thing to have to decide between saving your unborn child or your brother.

It is indeed a choice no person should ever have to make, however, it is exactly what a young Chinese woman recently went through.

The young woman's touching story has been doing the rounds online, leaving millions of people wondering what they would have done in her place.

Arrested Justice Dimgba Narrates Ordeal in the Hands of DSS

A judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja division, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba has said the invasion of his residence by men of the Department of State Service (DSS) was to intimidate him.

Justice Dimgba, who gave details of his ordeals in the hands of the DSS, said the security personnel subjected him to harassment and intimidation because of the rulings he had delivered against the DSS.

The judge was one of those arrested in Abuja last weekend by the DSS. Justice Dimgba spoke in a letter to the chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Justice Mahmud Mohammed (who is also the Chief Justice of Nigeria), a copy of which The Nation sighted in Abuja.