Awake and be Thankful

Always remember there are no drugs for waking up, give thanks to Almighty everytime you do. Awake and be Thankful!

Food For Thought

Don’t be so trusting of the light at the end of the tunnel; for it could just as easily be fire.. #FoodForThought

Be Unique

Always have a unique character like SALT, It's presence is not felt but it's ABSENCE makes all things "TASTELESS"

Be Tolerance

In the journey of life, we must endeavour to be tolerance, as insult and embarrassment can be part of test to attain success.

Be Humble and Show People Love

A mistake which makes you humble is much better than an achievement that makes you arrogant.

Be humble and show people love.

Keep walking

You never know which footstep will bring a good twist in Life. Keep on walking. Happiness comes when it is most Unexpected and always from the least expected source.

Food For Thought

Consider how much more you often suffer from your anger and grief, than from those very things for which you are angry and grieved.

Govt officials diverting money to accounts without BVN –EFCC

Govt officials diverting money to accounts without BVN –EFCC

Eniola Akinkuotu, Abuja
The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu , says some banks are helping corrupt government officials to operate secret accounts without Bank Verification Numbers .

Magu also lamented the non - compliance with regulations on money laundering and other related offences by some banks and financial institutions.

The EFCC boss said this on Tuesday at a workshop in Lagos titled ‘ Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism ’ organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria .

Magu , who was represented by the Head of Operations , Lagos Zonal office of the EFCC , Garba Dagum , described money laundering as a threat to developing and developed countries .

He accused banks of not reporting suspicious transactions in line with statutory regulations .
The EFCC boss stated that some bank officials were in the habit of “opening accounts for government officials even after the introduction of the Treasury Single Account , thereby allowing government funds to be diverted. ”
He added, “ There are several bank accounts that are not linked to BVN and are still active. Some microfinance banks indulge in collecting huge sums of cash for a short fixed term deposit with attractive high interests . ”

Magu condemned the activities of some Bureau de Change operators , saying, “ Most of them are not licensed and usually do not keep records . You can imagine when $ 2 m cash is given to an unregistered BDC man on the street . ”

The EFCC boss, who said the commission had , since the beginning of the year , recorded several convictions for corruption , money laundering , oil pipeline vandalism and related offences , further stated that coordinated national and international steps must be taken to combat the menace of money laundering .
He advocated increased awareness campaigns within the government and private business sector as a counter - measure against money laundering .

Magu added, “Application of penalties , ranging from fines to revocation of licences by regulators , shall send a strong signal to errant banks and other reporting organisations
“ Regular review of the legal framework to move with time and accommodate new emerging trends of money laundering is key. ”

Let's talk Cerebral Palsy

Let's talk Cerebral Palsy.

Most of us (caregivers) never knew anything about cp. I remember a friend just told me embrace your girl she will stop crying. The little one needs love.. Love!
It wasn't easy for me as a first time mom. I guess we can prevent c.p through education. I find in most people only the first child has cerebral palsy.. Why?
Is it that doctors don't really advice well or what goes on?
There are so many causes of cp. We will talk about them later.
In my case, what to look out for..
a) High Temp over 37.9
b) Swollen rwototio(Idk its name)
c) convulsions-Staring for long etc

#RisingAboveCP

10 COMMUNICATION TIPS FOR COUPLES

10 COMMUNICATION TIPS FOR COUPLES

A lot of times, couples get pissed off with each other by the way they respond to spoken words. We can do better if we learn response in the *affirmative* and not in the *combative*. Read the following:

1. *Statement:* I'm really hungry.
- *Wrong response:* Even I myself have not eaten since morning.
- *Right response:* Oh sorry, let's see if there's something you can manage for now.

2. *Statement:* Why don't you try this option?
- *Wrong response:* Why is it that you always find fault with what I do?
- *Right response:* Well, I've tried this before and I think it will work. If not, I'll try that.

3. *Statement:* I want more food.
- *Wrong response:* Ha-ha, rice has finished, garri has finished, and ingredients are almost finished, and there's no sign of salary yet.
- *Right response:* Sorry, please manage that for now; I'll find some snacks for you later.

4. *Statement:* I can't finish this food.
- *Wrong response:* Ha-ha, things are expensive o; and you can't be wasting food like this. You will eat it tomorrow!
- *Right response:* Should I keep the rest for you, or give it out?

5. *Statement:* I got wounded in kitchen.
- *Wrong response:* I've told you to always be careful with the knife.
- *Right response:* Oh sorry, let me have a look. You need to be more careful next time.

6. *Statement:* Are you okay; is anything the matter with you?
- *Wrong response:* Can't you see yourself; what kind of question is that?
- *Right response:* I'm not feeling fine; I think I need some attention.

7. *Statement:* I'll like to eat corn flakes.
- *Wrong response:* No way! It's for the children; and that's for one month! Take garri if you are hungry.
- *Right response:* Okay, you can eat a little. I trust you'll give us money to stock another.

8. *Statement:* Haven't you finished what you are doing?
- *Wrong response:* You are seated there doing nothing and you are asking if I've not finished!
- *Right response:* It will still take a while; can you please lend me a hand?

9. *Statement:* I bought this on my way; I thought it will be useful.
- *Wrong response:* How much did you buy it? What! That's too expensive - wọ́n ti gbá ẹ!
- *Right response:* Thank you; it will indeed be useful. Thanks for the surprise.

10. *Statement:* Handle that thing carefully please.
- *Wrong response:* Am I that daft? You will just be instructing me as if I don't have any sense.
- *Right response:* Yes dear, I will.

REAL MADRID SET RECORD WITH 13 PLAYERS NAMED IN FIFPRO WORLD 11 NOMINATIONS

REAL MADRID SET RECORD WITH 13 PLAYERS NAMED IN FIFPRO WORLD 11 NOMINATIONS.

Real Madrid lead the nominations for FIFPro’s World 11, with 13 players named among the 55 footballers in contention for a place in the line-up.

FIFPro and its affiliated player associations polled 25,000 professional footballers to put together a long list of names that will eventually be shortened to name a side consisting of a goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three attackers.

The 2016 World 11 featured five Madrid players and four from Barcelona, but Los Blancos‘ tally of 13 named in the 55-man list is a record.

Harry Kane and Gareth Bale are the only British players included.

Tottenham and England striker Kane has enjoyed a fine 2017, scoring 34 times in all competitions for club and country, while Bale won the Champions League and La Liga with Real Madrid.

Despite the lack of British talent on the list, a total of 12 Premier League players made the cut, including six Manchester United players.

The final 11 will be announced at a ceremony in London on Oct. 23.

The full line up for 2016 was: Manuel Neuer, Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Andres Iniesta, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 55 players on the list are:

Goalkeepers:

Gianluigi Buffon – Italy, Juventus
David De Gea – Spain, Manchester United
Keylor Navas – Costa Rica, Real Madrid
Manuel Neuer – Germany, Bayern Munich
Jan Oblak – Slovenia, Atletico Madrid

Defenders:

David Alaba – Austria, Bayern Munich
Jordi Alba – Spain, Barcelona
Dani Alves – Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain
Jerome Boateng – Germany, Bayern Munich
Leonardo Bonucci – Italy, Juventus/AC Milan
Dani Carvajal – Spain, Real Madrid
Giorgio Chiellini – Italy, Juventus
Diego Godin – Uruguay, Atletico Madrid
Mats Hummels – Germany, Bayern Munich
Phillipp Lahm – Germany, Bayern Munich/retired
David Luiz – Brazil, Chelsea
Marcelo – Brazil, Real Madrid
Javier Mascherano – Argentina, Barcelona
Pepe – Portugal, Real Madrid/Besiktas
Gerard Pique – Spain, Barcelona
Sergio Ramos – Spain, Real Madrid
Thiago Silva – Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain
Samuel Umtiti – France, Barcelona
Antonio Valencia – Ecuador, Manchester United
Raphael Varane – France, Real Madrid

Midfielders:

Thiago Alcantara – Spain, Bayern Munich
Sergio Busquets – Spain, Barcelona
Casemiro – Brazil, Real Madrid
Philippe Coutinho – Brazil, Liverpool
Eden Hazard – Belgium, Chelsea
Andres Iniesta – Spain, Barcelona
Isco – Spain, Real Madrid
N’Golo Kante – France, Chelsea
Toni Kroos – Germany, Real Madrid
Nemanja Matic – Serbia, Chelsea/Manchester United
Luka Modric – Croatia, Real Madrid
Mesut Ozil – Germany, Arsenal
Paul Pogba – France, Manchester United
Marco Verratti – Italy, Paris Saint-Germain
Arturo Vidal – Chile, Bayern Munich

Forwards:

Gareth Bale – Wales, Real Madrid
Karim Benzema – France, Real Madrid
Edinson Cavani – Uruguay, Paris Saint-Germain
Paulo Dybala – Argentina, Juventus
Antoine Griezmann – France, Atletico Madrid
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Sweden, Manchester United
Harry Kane – England, Tottenham Hotspur
Robert Lewandowski – Poland, Bayern Munich
Romelu Lukaku – Belgium, Manchester United
Kylian Mbappe – France, Paris Saint-Germain
Lionel Messi – Argentina, Barcelona
Neymar – Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain
Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal, Real Madrid
Alexis Sanchez – Chile, Arsenal
Luis Suarez – Uruguay, Barcelona

​13 WAYS TO CORRECT YOUR WIFE WITHOUT HURTING HER FEELINGS

​13 WAYS TO CORRECT YOUR WIFE WITHOUT HURTING HER FEELINGS

Bisi Adewale

Most Men do hurt their Wives in the name of correcting them. They speak harshly, they are so rash in their approach and can be very brutal.

Lots of women are living their lives in bitterness and anger due to the careless ways their husbands have been talking to them over time.

Here you will be able to know the right ways to talk to your wife without hurting her:

*1) LOWER YOUR VOICE:* Don’t shout at her, she is not your housemaid, she is not a Child. You can correct, yes, but why shouting?

*2) DO IT IN LOVE:* Correction should be done in love if done in any other way it turns to criticism and condemnation.

*3) DON’T CRITICIZE:* Stop criticizing her, rather correct in love. Most will say it’s constructive criticism, true? It means disapproval by pointing out errors and mistakes.
Correction is the act of offering better options to mistakes.
Correction and criticism are never the same.

Husband A says: what manner of food is this? is this popcorn or fried Rice? how I wish I marry a more sensible wife, with better home training, who can cook better.

Husband B says: Sweetheart this rice is too salty and dry unlike the one you did yesterday. I think salt should be reduce any other time because of our health.
Husband A criticized, Husband B, corrected his wife in love. Stop criticizing your wife.

*4) PRAISE HER FOR WHAT IS RIGHT* : It will be wrong to correct when it’s not well done when you don’t praise when it’s well done. Form the habit of praising and appreciating your wife for good deeds.

*5) DON’T DO IT BEFORE YOUR CHILDREN:*
Avoid correcting your wife in the presence of your Children.
Incessant correction of your wife before your Children will make them disrespect her.

*6) DON’T CORRECT HER IN THE PUBLIC* : Avoid correcting your wife in the public, it does not show you as a gentleman, and will affect her self-esteem.

*7) AVOID CORRECTION IN ANGER:* Stop correcting your wife in anger, shouting, ranting, beating and making trouble. Real men don’t do that.

*8) DON’T COMPARE HER WITH ANY OTHER WOMAN* : In your thought of correcting her, you might have been comparing her with other women. “Don’t you see what your friend is doing?”
“Can’t you learn from our neighbors wife?”
“and so”
This is very wrong, no woman love to be compared with others, stop it.

*9) AVOID REFERRING TO OLD ISSUES*
Avoid referring to issues discussed and settled, stick to the present issue, discuss like adults and move on.

*10) DON’T ATTACK HER WOMANHOOD:* And you call yourself a woman? Virtuous women don’t behave like this, you better change before I change you.
This is very wrong, don’t do it.

*11) DON’T ATTACK HER DIGNITY* : You don’t behave like someone with sense, do you think at all? And you said you went to school, I doubt it. This is very wrong, you too, you are not talking like somebody that pass through a college.

*12) DO IT IN TIME OF PEACE:* Most husbands do want to correct in the heat of anger, at the height of misunderstanding, when temper has already hit the roof. That is not the best time to correct, it will yield little or no result.

*13) GIVE A HELPING HAND*: The best way to correct is to lead by example, step into the kitchen to give a helping hand, don’t just sit in the front of the Television correcting what goes on in the kitchen.
Wives are doing a great job, appreciate yours and support her to be a better wife and mother.

Army did not declare IPOB terrorist organisation

Army did not declare IPOB terrorist organisation

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai on Monday evening stated that the Defence Headquarters did not declare the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB a terrorist organization in the country.

Speaking during the official launch of Operation Python Dance II in Abakaliki, the Army Chief who argued that what the Defence Headquarters did was a pronouncement on IPOB added that the statement of the military gave room for the right steps to be taken on the matter.

According to Buratai, the action of the Federal government concerning IPOB was right and that the military did not over step its bound towards the protection of lives and properties in the country.

You have to get it very clear. First of all, what the Defence Headquarters did was to make pronouncement. It wasn’t a declaration per se. But this has given room for the right step to be taken. I think the government is doing the right thing.

“It is not that we are overstepping our bounds. We are still within the limits. And I ensure you that what the military said was to set the ball rolling and to bring the awareness to the public that this is what this organization is all about. I’m happy that the government has done the right thing right now.”

General Tukur Buratai further assured the people of the Southeast that the Army will abide by the rule of law and rules of engagement in carrying out the Exercise Egwu Eke II which kicked off on Saturday in the region.
Also during a courtesy to Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, the Chief of Army Staff noted that the exercise was targeted at improving the security situation of the zone which according to him, was very strategic to the security of the country.

According to him the exercise will help to bring about the much needed peace and security and also be used to train the Military in basic internal security.

“They army have taken into cognizance the security of the people in deployment of it’s personnel for the operation”.
He said the army in carrying out the operation will liaise and work with other security agencies in the region.

“The army is very sensitive to the cultural norms of the people and will abide by all the rules of engagement and code of conduct that have been laid down which is quite in tandem with the Constitution,” he said.

According to him, some of the activities of the exercise will include Patrols, indoor battle exercises, Civil-Military cooperation activities like medical outreach, sanitation, donation of books to schools etc.

He therefore appealed for understanding as it is just an exercise to help improve security of lives and property within the zone.

Governor Umahi promised that the people of the state will cooperate with the army throughout the duration of the exercise.

He noted that the first edition of the operation last year was peaceful and successful and urged the military to carry out the exercise with high sense of discipline that the Nigerian Military is known for.

He urged the Military to pay more attention to the state’s border with Cross River while carrying out the exercise which he said have been decimated by boundary clashes.

(ASUU) has suspended the five weeks old strike.

(ASUU) has suspended the five weeks old strike.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has conditionally suspended their five weeks old strike embarked upon to press for the implementation of agreements reached with the government.

It directed its members to return to the classroom with immediately.

President of the Union, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi who addressed a news conference at about 9.30 pm Monday night after another round of meeting with the government delegation led by the Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige, directed all members of the union to return to work after their branch congresses on Tuesday.
He said they decided to conditionally suspend the strike action in view of the timeline of October 2017 for the implementation of the signed agreement.

He said that the union will not hesitate to resume the suspended action if the government renege on the signed agreement which he called Memorandum of Action, adding that the signed agreement was backed by a definite timeline for implementation.

He warned that the government must not deliberately dishonor the agreement, pointing out that the continuous breach of signed agreement has been responsible for the constant strike action in the Universities.

Ogunyemi said that the current agreement with the government is based on mutual trust between the union and the government, adding that the trust of the union must be respected by the government.

The meeting which started about 4.00pm was supposed to last for about one hour, but dragged for about four hours before agreement was reached on All contending issues.

Briefing Journalist earlier after the meeting which ended at about 7.55pm, Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige said all the gray areas have been sorted out and an agreement reached.

He said that members of the union had insisted that they were tired of having agreements that are not implemented, pointing out that the content of the agreement was taken from the series of meeting with the union since the commencement of the strike.

He said further that that both the government and the union understood themselves and agreed in several issues, assuring that the agreement reached will be implemented by the government in line with available resources.

Areas of agreement include funding for revitalization of public universities and the issue of Earn Academic Allowances, the issue of University Staff Schools and the implementation of the judgement of the National Industrial Court, National Universities Pension Management Company and guidelines for pension matters formProfessors.
He also said that the union agreed to the exemption offered by the government regarding the issue of TSA, which include the issue of grants, endowment fund as well as salary short fall which he said is already being implemented by government.

On the issue of state universities, he said they agreed that the union will submit a position paper to the federal government on their observation with a view for government to advise state government on the funding of state universities.

He describe the union as patriotic members of the society, pointing out that anybody who demand better working equipment is no doubt a patriot.

DAVID DE GEA, THE BEST GOALKEEPER WITH A CENTURY OF CLEAN SHEETS

DAVID DE GEA, THE BEST GOALKEEPER WITH A CENTURY OF CLEAN SHEETS.

De Gea's been utterly world class this season. Important saves at crucial times in every match, going unnoticed. United are so lucky to have him.

Manchester United have won 4-0 for the third time this season after brushing away the Toffees with three late goals from Mkhitaryan, Lukaku and Martial. Antonio Valencia opened the scoring for United on the 4th minute after a wonderful strike from outside of the Everton area. 
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has joined the 100 club after United’s 4-0 victory over Everton in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. United have started the new season in good form, winning four out of five league matches, three of which had the same scoreline, 4-0.
Former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville has expressed his belief that David de Gea is the club's one true world-class player at the moment.

Neville believes that De Gea may be the best goalkeeper in world football at the moment, placing him firmly in the 'world class' category ahead of the rest of his teammates.

"You could argue he's the outstanding goalkeeper in the world. He's Man United's world-class player," Neville told Sky Sports News.

"I gave him quite a bit of stick when he first came here, but he is nowhere near that now."

In the UEFA Champions League, United started well also, beating FC Basel 3-0 at the Theatre of Dreams, which as of Sunday saw seven goals at the stadium inside the same week. On Wednesday United face Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford, which could see more goals coming.

De Gea marked his 275th appearance for the Red Devils with his 100th clean sheet, which is a great feat considering the start he had at the Theatre of Dreams in the 2011/12 season after making his near £18 million transfer from Atletico Madrid, replacing the veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who was a big loss for the club that summer.
Of his 100 clean sheets, 79 come in the Premier League, 10 in the UEFA Champions League, one in the UEFA Europa League, four in the FA Cup, five in the League Cup and one in the FA Community Shield. It was also the day that United kept their 250th clean sheet at Old Trafford in the Premier League with Peter Schmeichel having 68 of those in his own name. De Gea, compared to Schmeichel, may have a long way to go to reach those feats, especially in the plaudits and trophies the Danish goalkeeper won in his time at United, but it is coming for the Spanish number one.

When you look at the goalkeepers with the most clean sheets during their United careers, Schmeichel tops the list with 180. In second place there is Alex Stepney with 175, then Gary Bailey with 161, then Edwin van der Sar with 135, the next landmark for the Spanish goalkeeper, something which could well be achieved inside the next two seasons, should United continue to perform like they have of late. Perhaps De Gea could get closer to that feat this season, who knows?

De Gea should continue his rise to the best goalkeeper in the world over the next few years. United have so far stopped the Spaniard from leaving for Real Madrid and his current contract will end in the summer of 2019.

DAVID DE GEA, THE BEST GOALKEEPER WITH A CENTURY OF CLEAN SHEETS

DAVID DE GEA, THE BEST GOALKEEPER WITH A CENTURY OF CLEAN SHEETS.

De Gea's been utterly world class this season. Important saves at crucial times in every match, going unnoticed. United are so lucky to have him.

Manchester United have won 4-0 for the third time this season after brushing away the Toffees with three late goals from Mkhitaryan, Lukaku and Martial. Antonio Valencia opened the scoring for United on the 4th minute after a wonderful strike from outside of the Everton area. 
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has joined the 100 club after United’s 4-0 victory over Everton in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. United have started the new season in good form, winning four out of five league matches, three of which had the same scoreline, 4-0.
Former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville has expressed his belief that David de Gea is the club's one true world-class player at the moment.

Neville believes that De Gea may be the best goalkeeper in world football at the moment, placing him firmly in the 'world class' category ahead of the rest of his teammates.

"You could argue he's the outstanding goalkeeper in the world. He's Man United's world-class player," Neville told Sky Sports News.

"I gave him quite a bit of stick when he first came here, but he is nowhere near that now."

In the UEFA Champions League, United started well also, beating FC Basel 3-0 at the Theatre of Dreams, which as of Sunday saw seven goals at the stadium inside the same week. On Wednesday United face Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford, which could see more goals coming.

De Gea marked his 275th appearance for the Red Devils with his 100th clean sheet, which is a great feat considering the start he had at the Theatre of Dreams in the 2011/12 season after making his near £18 million transfer from Atletico Madrid, replacing the veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who was a big loss for the club that summer.
Of his 100 clean sheets, 79 come in the Premier League, 10 in the UEFA Champions League, one in the UEFA Europa League, four in the FA Cup, five in the League Cup and one in the FA Community Shield. It was also the day that United kept their 250th clean sheet at Old Trafford in the Premier League with Peter Schmeichel having 68 of those in his own name. De Gea, compared to Schmeichel, may have a long way to go to reach those feats, especially in the plaudits and trophies the Danish goalkeeper won in his time at United, but it is coming for the Spanish number one.

When you look at the goalkeepers with the most clean sheets during their United careers, Schmeichel tops the list with 180. In second place there is Alex Stepney with 175, then Gary Bailey with 161, then Edwin van der Sar with 135, the next landmark for the Spanish goalkeeper, something which could well be achieved inside the next two seasons, should United continue to perform like they have of late. Perhaps De Gea could get closer to that feat this season, who knows?

De Gea should continue his rise to the best goalkeeper in the world over the next few years. United have so far stopped the Spaniard from leaving for Real Madrid and his current contract will end in the summer of 2019.

Not a bad way to claim you 100th clean sheet for Manchester United

Not a bad way to claim your 100th clean sheet for Manchester United.

Goalkeeper David De Gea has reached the landmark of a century of clean sheets for Manchester United in all competitions.

United's no.1 kept his 100th shut-out in his 275th outing for the club in the Reds' Premier League win over Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday - we do not consider the match against Arsenal, towards the end of the 2014/15 season, when he was withdrawn in the 77th minute due to injury, as a clean sheet as he did not complete the game. 

It marks a major personal milestone for the Spanish stopper, who has become a talismanic figure between the sticks for United since arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2011.

In doing so, he is now up to fifth place on United's all-time list of goalkeeper clean sheets, behind Peter Schmeichel (180), Alex Stepney (175), Gary Bailey (161) and Edwin van der Sar (135).

De Gea has established himself as one of football's best shot-stoppers and has racked up an array of world-class saves – from a stunning stop to deny Papiss Cisse against Newcastle in 2013 to clawing away Phillipe Coutinho's goalbound effort in last season's goalless draw at Liverpool.

His irrepressible form during his six years at Old Trafford is illustrated in the fact he became the 26-year-old became the first United player to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award in three consecutive seasons between 2013 and 2016.

Watch some of De Gea's best saves from the 100 games in which he has kept clean sheets for United in our video above.

Congratulations on your achievement, David, and here's to the next 100!

CLEAN SHEETS BREAKDOWN

Premier League: 79
UEFA Champions League: 10
UEFA Europa League: 1
FA Cup: 4
League Cup: 5
FA Community Shield: 1

Total: 100

How to Get Over Your Monday Blues.

How to Get Over Your Monday Blues.

If you aren't jumping out of bed Monday morning, there is a problem.

"Living for the weekend" is not a long-term strategy. You cannot go through life accepting that 5 out of every 7 days are going to be spent doing some undesirable to you. If you are reading this right now in an environment that is not stimulating you, why are you even there to begin with?

Because it's easy? Because it's comfortable? Because it pays well? If your answer is Yes, then you aren't just doing a disservice to the company you're working for (simply along for the ride), but you are doing a disservice to yourself.

And there is no clearer answer to that than how you feel first thing Monday morning. If you feel any of the following, you need to question whether you're in the right place or not.

1. You got a full night's sleep and yet you still feel tired. This is a very clear indicator that sleep is not the problem. The problem is you're not emotionally invested in what you're doing. Have you ever gone on a vacation or a trip where you're doing stuff all day, going to bed late, and still waking up early with tons of energy because you're excited to do more exploring? That's how you should feel every day, in some way, shape, or form.

2. You did not prepare yesterday for today. People despise feeling overwhelmed, and yet so many fail to realize they do it to themselves. Failure to prepare means you are preparing to fail. Mondays are only overwhelming if you did not take Sunday to get all your ducks in a row. And the reason why most people choose not to do this is because whatever it is they're doing isn't enjoyable to them.

3. Everyone else hates Mondays too. It's easy to hate things other people hate too. "Misery loves company." It's impossible (or very, very difficult) to stay positive when your company culture is, "Hey Bob, how was your weekend?" / "Too short. Can't believe it's Monday. I hate Mondays."

4. You aren't doing something you love. Obviously. You are not going to wake up feeling excited to go to a job you don't genuinely enjoy. It's astounding how many people choose things out of comfort, or fear of the unknown, and bite the bullet on years upon years of dissatisfaction.

5. Social media either hates Mondays or crushes Mondays. Browse through Instagram on a Monday morning and you'll see half a dozen coffee cup quote graphics either sharing the pains of waking up on a Monday, or the relentless ambition one must possess in order to crush Mondays goals. What's more important is, what do YOU want? How do YOU want to be spending your Monday? And then what can you do in order to bring that to fruition?

6. You don't enjoy the people you work with. Most of the time, it's the people around you that define how long you stay in any given situation. Regardless of how you feel about the work, it can be very difficult to take satisfaction in doing something with people who don't bring you positive energy--and vice versa.

7. Mondays mark the end of one life and the beginning of the next. When you "live for the weekend," a Monday is the door shutting on your 48 hours of freedom--and that's a pretty strong indicator you are living double lives. One life is how you "pay the bills," and the other life is what you do for personal enjoyment. In some capacity, you want to find a way to merge the two. Otherwise, you will never find your work all that fulfilling.

8. Because Monday means doing it "all over again." This speaks directly to our culture of chasing rewards as "means to an end." If you see every week as a sprint, and you endure it with the hopes that one day you'll be "done" and you can finally "enjoy it and relax," you're doing it wrong. You're missing the entire journey. You are aiming for something that doesn't actually exist. Fulfillment is found along the way, not in a treasure chest at the end of the rainbow.

Northern elders’ backing for Arewa youths: Time-bomb to split Nigeria S’South leaders

Northern elders’ backing for Arewa youths: Time-bomb to split Nigeria S’South leaders.

SOUTH-SOUTH leaders, traditional rulers, clergymen and rights groups, Saturday, lashed out at the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, accusing it of setting a potential time-bomb for the breakup of the country with its strange support for the Northern Youth Coalition, which, last week, slammed a three-month quit notice to Igbos in the North.

Former military administrator of Akwa Ibom state and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, Bishop of Anglican Communion Calabar Diocese, Rt Rev Tunde Adeleye, Ibedaowei of Opokuma, Bayelsa State, HRM King Okpoitari Diongoli and others, who spoke to Vanguard, said it was indecent for Northern elders to also claim that the resources used to develop the country before the advent of oil were from the north.

Though, ex-Secretary General, NUPENG, Chief Frank Kokori and few others, said they do not believe that anybody could break Nigeria.

Buhari, Buratai, And The Python Panacea

Buhari, Buratai, And The Python Panacea.

The ongoing destructive ‘Python Dance’ of the Nigerian troops in the South East states of Nigeria is easily the most futile conceivable strategy for defeating the growing Biafra consciousness in Igboland. It’s a thought out police witch-hunt operation, and it is destined to end in a shameful retreat like all brawny wars waged against persuasions rooted in hearts and minds.

The barbarous militarization of the reasonably quiet geopolitical zone is a bald-faced abuse of the Nigerian army. Emptying the barracks into civilian space in the absence of a present or imminent security threat is creating a gladiatorial arena for no just reason.

It should never have happened because it is
unconstitutional for the President of Nigeria to deploy troops on a whim. And even if were, it's a repulsive course of action because its atmospherics cannot but help solidify the case for Biafra 2.0, radicalize the youths of the region, and create the perfect storm that didn’t exist before the soldiers’ siege.

The ‘Python Dance’ does not have any perceptible prospect of getting Igbo heartland over a barrel. It can only be counterproductive. It will lend momentum to Nnamdi Kanu’s cause, enlarge his support base, and enhance his profile as an ordained prophet-leader of Biafra’s second exodus.

The ‘Python Dance’ panacea is a dumb idea. The only way it begins to make sense as a present-day reality is understanding that it is a dramatic product of the intersection of the Biafra paranoia of President Muhammadu Buhari, and the snake fetishism of his army chief, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai.

President Buhari is sick of Biafra. He is obsessed with Biafra. He dreads Biafra, nourishes that dread, and makes his nightmares out of its intangible essence.

Buhari is so tormented by a seemingly ubiquitous apparition of Biafra that he is expressing and exercising that fear as state policy. He is radiating that fear like a distressed coward vested with military omnipotence. He is transmitting that fear as a command, making his anxiety the lived experience of other people.

The current siege on Igboland stems from Buhari’s desperate need to attack his own Biafra paranoia. He fears that if he hesitates to preemptively destroy Biafra, Biafra will destroy him. He believes the only pro-Biafra activists that can't haunt him and aggravate his fears are the ones killed in cold blood.

Buhari unleashed Nigerian soldiers on Igboland in a bid to annihilate the fear he harbored within. The facts on the ground did not demand the deployment of a trigger-happy army of occupation to the South East. But he had to validate his Biafran paranoia by dispatching the military.

President Buhari’s short broadcast on his return from London, after 104 days in medical exile, was all about the putative unity of Nigeria and how Biafra would secede over the dead bodies of its canvassers. Of the myriad issues that needed to be addressed, he laser-focused on Biafra. He prioritized and singularized it. As far he was concerned, it was the most serious problem of Nigeria because it represented his greatest private headache.

During his first briefing with military chiefs, he gave them marching orders to destroy
‘threats to national security and unity’ , and by that he meant Biafra. The Biafra he never tires of vowing to ‘crush’ .

Fortunately, he has a brutal automaton for chief of army staff. Buratai is in sync with his commander in chief’s anti-Igbo hate. And he received the instruction as another chance to immortalize himself as a militant agent of the Grim Reaper.

In November last year, he launched ‘Operation Python Dance 1’ in the five South East states. He rationalized the provocative militarization as a mission necessitated by ‘’violent agitations by separatist groups’’. That was a false pretext for invading the Igbo space and assaulting the sensibilities of the people. There were no violent agitations in Igboland at the time.

Buratai’s relaunch of his ‘Python Dance’ consequent upon Buhari’s order scarcely lasted 24 hours before claiming its first innocent causalities: 3 dead and 20 severely wounded . By Buratai’s standards, this figure from the army’s raid of Nnamdi Kanu’s residence is nothing. It’s nowhere close to his
Zaria overkill .

The military occupation of the South East has now thrown parts of the zone into turmoil, with civilians mustering some forms of resistance. This is a needless crisis. It is a case of making trouble for the fun of it.

The codename of the military operation, ‘Python Dance’, reveals that its purpose is to satisfy an expensive taste. General Buratai is a snake fetishist who takes pride in indulging his fantasy. He is cashing in on his headship of the Nigerian army to eternalize his fascination for snakes.

General Buratai keeps the statuette of an Egyptian cobra on his official desk. He farms snakes. He takes selfies with snakes . He feels an affinity for snakes. He launched ‘Python Dance’ to assert himself.

For some reason, Buratai derives a sense of meaning from snakes. His pursuit of ‘Python Dance’ is a quest to ensure to ensure that his life counts. It’s an attempt to secure historical significance.

Buratai has purported to ‘kill’ Abubakar Shekau many times. He has declared Boko Haram defeated countless times. But both Shekau and the death cult he leads continue to exist and kill with abandon.

Buratai recently set for himself a 40-day target to get Shekau dead or alive . That deadline passed without any incident. Shekau was not captured, and Buratai did not resign.

In fact, after Buratai failed to make good on his promise to capture or kill Shekau, Nigeria’s most serious threat, Buhari rewarded the army chief with the easier task of terrorizing civilians of South East Nigeria. The spoiled general has seized that face-saving, achievable challenge as an opportunity to execute a snake-themed military operation.

Nnamdi Kanu was a mere source of bombast on a pirate radio station until President Buhari made him a folk hero. Buhari’s arrest and incarceration of Kanu turned him into a martyr and phenomenon. He is now the most popular Igbo man alive.

The grotesque ‘Python Dance’ plays into Kanu’s narrative of Nigeria’s hatred for the Igbo race. It furthers the perception that Nigeria continues to maintain a policy of hostility against Igbo people after the 30 month-long civil war that wasted 3 million Biafrans. The deaths and human violations resulting from the operation will inevitably multiply the grievances that are fueling the agitation for Biafra’s secession from Nigeria.

The siege on Igboland is legitimizing Kanu’s quest for Biafra’s self-determination. His
house arrest will make him a prisoner of conscience. Every state sponsored act of intimidation helps his cause.
'Python Dance' is snake oil. It will avail Nigeria nothing. Except romancing Buhari's paranoia and his army chief's snake fetish.

I Don't Know If My Client Is Dead Or Alive, Says Nnamdi Kanu's Lawyer, As IPOB Alleges New Attack By ‘Thousands’ Of Soldiers

I Don't Know If My Client Is Dead Or Alive, Says Nnamdi Kanu's Lawyer, As IPOB Alleges New Attack By ‘Thousands’ Of Soldiers.

Some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) today took to social media with a renewed allegation that the Nigerian Army is trying to kill its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

In Umuahia, the hometown of Mr. Kanu, there is reported tension as soldiers are reported to have surrounded his residence.
In a statement sent to SaharaReporters, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, legal adviser to Mr. Kanu, affirmed that the residence is currently “under siege by the trigger happy soldiers acting under the direct instruction of Chief of Army Staff."

He said the IPOB leader has been placed under house arrest and that the soldiers are shooting sporadically into the air, adding that there casualties.

According to Mr. Ejiofor: “Casualties are being counted as the unprovoked assault progressed. The figures can't be ascertained now. They drove in their thousands to arrest and maim him. I just got a distressed call from him now. Further efforts to establish contact with him has remained unsuccessful.

Nnamdi Kanu released on bail
As it stands now, I can't confirm whether he is dead or alive. The operation python dance presently launched by the Buhari led administration in the south east, principally targeted at eliminating my client, is yielding the desired result to the presidency, having launched a man hunt for my client and unarmed members of indigenous people of Biafra. Let the world know that the federal Government has practically abandoned their case in court in search of a brute route to eliminate my client. As I type this statement, his residence has been cordoned off by the military, a majority of whom are of Fulani extraction.

The world should hold Buhari led federal government responsible if anything untoward happens to Nnamdi Kanu. The situation is very tense at the moment.”

Last Sunday, IPOB also accused the Nigerian Army of attacking the residence of its leader.

Military, SSS Capture Top Boko Haram ‘Commanders’ In Kaduna

Military, SSS Capture Top Boko Haram ‘Commanders’ In Kaduna.

An impeccable military source has confirmed to SaharaReporters that a combined team of Nigerian soldiers, police, and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) has rounded up top Boko Haram ‘commanders’ after combing several locations in Kaduna State this week.

The source said the captured Boko Haram “commanders” were the brains behind a series of violent attacks carried out in the state in recent weeks. He added that they were caught as they planned to launch new attacks in the town of Kaduna during the Sallah festivities.

The military source stated that security operatives recovered extensive incriminating evidence from the captured leaders of the extremist Islamist leaders. “We got evidence from them to suggest their direct affiliation with Boko Haram and also that they were part and parcel of the recent attacks,” he said.
The source also disclosed that his combined team also captured several foot soldiers of the Boko Haram sect, adding that they were under interrogation.

The joint military-SSS raid that netted the Boko Haram members was carried out in the Rigasa District in Kaduna State.

“The operations brought us face to face to the reality that we must intensify our operations. We are using patrols and other strategies we will not talk about now to contain any plans by them [Boko Haram] during Sallah festivities,” the military officer said.

Last Sunday, suspected Boko Haram sect members ambushed a policeman. They shot him dead, and then escaped with his rifle.

Nigerian Army Disputes Abia Governor Says Exercise Python Dance II To Start Saturday

Nigerian Army Disputes Abia Governor Says Exercise Python Dance II To Start Saturday

The Nigerian Army has described, as untrue, media reports saying it has decided to withdraw troops from Exercise Egwu Eke II (Python Dance II) across the five states of the South-East. The reports, it said, falsely quoted the Abia State governor, Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu, and the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army as having provided the information on which they were based.

In a statement signed by Brigadier-General SK Usman, the   Army called on the general public to treat the reports as an unfounded rumor.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the Abia State Governor in his speech stated that 'there will be a gradual withdrawal of soldiers on the streets of Aba and Umuahia from tomorrow'. This should not be misconstrued as withdrawing of troops earmarked for Exercise Egwu Eke II. The General Officer Commanding 82 Division has not said such thing," explained the Army.

It further reiterated that Exercise Egwu Eke II will start on Saturday as previously scheduled, adding that Army commanders have been instructed to ensure that the exercise commences and is completed.                                      
"We wish to state further that the successful completion of the exercise will dovetail into the various states security outfits till the end of this year," the Army said.

The Army called on members of the public, especially in areas the operation is scheduled to hold, to carry out their lawful businesses. The Army also warned that it will not allow individuals or groups to impede the smooth running of the exercise through unlawful activities.

   "Hoodlums and criminal elements are once again warned to be law-abiding and not cause any breach of peace. We hereby reiterate that our troops will conduct themselves in the best professional manner, abide by the Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct in line with requirements of the Constitution. Any act of indiscipline by any of our personnel will be decisively dealt with. The Nigerian Army urges all to support the troops as they carry out their constitutional duties and make Exercise Egwu Eke II a success," the Army stated

Nigeria Army commences full scale operation ‘python dance II, ‘ accuses politicians of incitement.

Nigerian Army commences full scale operation ‘python dance II, ‘ accuses politicians of incitement.

The Nigerian Army has accused some politicians of attempting to cause crisis between its personnel and people in the South East zone for their selfish interest as it launches exercise “Python Dance II’’.

Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the Director, Army Public Relations, made the accusation in an interview with newsmen on Friday.

“It is so sad and unfortunate that a particular group of people, for political expediency and mischief, are trying to set the military and Nigerian society against each other.

“It is sad, it is unfortunate,’’ Usman said while reacting to the face-off between the army and members of some groups in the zone, particularly in Abia.

The army spokesman, however, maintained that in spite of the face-off, the army would go ahead to conduct its exercise, “Egwu Eke’’ – Python Dance II, due to commence on Friday.

“It will commence on 15, Sept. 2017. The troops have been conducting themselves professionally within the ambit of rules of engagement and code of conduct and where there are noted infractions, appropriate measures will be taken.’’

Usman described the face-off between the army and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Abia as an isolated issue which he said was being blown out of proportion by some people.

“These isolated incidences, instigated by miscreants and mischief makers, therefore, should not be taken as something that should jeopardise the military exercise going on in that place .

“It is really sad and unfortunate that people will not find time to ask question about the essence and activities involved in respect of exercise Egwu Eke II before jumping into conclusion.

“The exercise is taking part in the entire South East and Cross River, why should we have problem in one state – Abia.

“There is no reported problem in Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu and Cross River states.”

The army spokesman called for understanding, saying that there “is need for all of us to be more responsible, exercise understanding about the issues at hand, support and encourage the military to perform its legitimate duty.

“The exercise we are having has been scheduled since last year – 2016, it is not targeted at any segment of the Nigerian society.
“As a matter of fact, it was because of the encouraging feedback that we have about the conduct of exercise Python Dance I in 2016 that brought the idea of having another exercise.

“And being a responsible organisation, people said Python Dance seems to be something awkward, so, why don’t you call it in the native language of those people so that they can understand it just like you have exercise Harbin Kunama .

“We have had exercises in other parts of the country.
“As soon as we are done with exercise Egwu Eke II, we are embarking on exercise Crocodile Smile II which is also a scheduled training exercise in the circle of the Nigerian army training year, 2017.

“And this time around, beyond the South South Zone, it will be extended to the South West zone, involving 2 Division, 6 Division and 81 Division,’’ Usman said.

He argued that Egwu Eke was not an operation but a training exercise intended to sharpen the skills involved.

This, he said was to enable them to deal with crimes such as kidnapping, pipeline vandalism and other violent crimes associated with the zone, especially in “ember months.’’

“I want you to understand that the military do not come out on its own, it will only do so in case there is a need, a constitutional responsibility or need for them to come out in aid of civil authority.’’
On the reported attack by members of IPOB on other ethnic groups in Abia and part of Rivers, he said security agencies had risen to the challenge.

“Well, there were reported attempts by hoodlums or miscreants to take undue advantage of what has been happening to harass and molest some other persons residing in the south east.

“For instance, we have had incidents at Oyibo in Rivers and of course, Aba. Security agencies have risen to the challenge.

“There are some mischievous elements that are peddling information to incite people. People should be wary about information on the social media,’’ Usman advised.

Biafra: Treat Kanu like terrorist – Security expert tells fed govt.

Biafra: Treat Kanu like terrorist – Security expert tells fed govt.

A renowned security expert, Ambassador Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has advised the Federal Government to treat the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, like a terrorist.

Mumuni in a statement made available on Friday threw his weight behind the deployment of army to Umuahia, the Abia state capital.

He maintained that though Kanu and his cohorts had the constitutional justification to demand for their rights, it must be done legally and in a manner devoid of violence.

He said “They have every right to protest and demand for their rights in a peaceful manner, no two ways about that, but applying terrorism into the act violates the right of peace loving Nigerians and any act of terror must be countered without leaving any stone unturned.”

He counselled the Federal Government that the best way to counter IPOB’s lawlessness was to deploy the military personnel to address the issue before it escalates.

“I did mention this few months ago. I warned against provocative utterances during the IPOB clash with the Arewa Youths, but the Igbo leaders refused to adhere to my warning.

“They maintained criminal silence. Mr President has given enough room for both Governors and the elders of the affected states to call the agitators to order but they failed to do so, simply because they are cowards. Many of them are also corrupt elements without self-pride.

“So, why blame the Federal Government for deploying the Nigerian Army to Aba and Umuahia when the State Governor allows the criminals to take laws into their hands?”, he asked.

He added that, though the military should not be parading the streets of a democratic society like ours as if we were in a state of war, the Nigerian police was not adequately trained to withstand such security pressure.

“I do not see any reason why the government will risk the lives of innocent police officers to address the situation on ground in that region, when common hoodlums can disarm Nigerian police with toy guns.

“The Nigerian police have their own boundaries. They should not be dragged into this crisis. They are better off at the stadiums where matches are played and for election supervision.

“The Operation Python Dance II has no negative implication. I do not see any negative consequence to calling the military to take charge.

“The act needed a drastic approach to avert reoccurrences, like guerrilla warfare. Currently, Boko Haram has been dragged to a buffer zone where they operate in isolation, and Nigerians should not allow another terrorist group to spring up from nowhere. They should be crippled immediately.”
He said the affected state governors have failed their people by not coming out and speaking in one voice against the agitators.

“They couldn’t stop him because they definitely know Kanu will wash their dirty linen in public. It’s like calling for a dance at the market square. The man will embarrass them to the fullest.

“The current happenings in the region have exposed the Governors’ lack of communication skills to call for peace within their domain, not until Mr President deployed military personnel to the environment to protect lives and properties, which is the priority of every government.”

Mumuni however, believed that it was not too late for the Federal Government in conjunction with the South East Governors to immediately apply damage control to avert a high level state of emergency.

According to him, Nigerians need to learn from history.
“We don’t want a repeat of what happened during the Biafran (civil) war, whereby hundreds of thousands of Nigerians lost their lives. Many became refugees or were displaced in their own country and unfortunately, those agitating for Biafra now were mainly youths yet unborn during the war.

“The devastating effects of Boko Haram’s senseless war in the North East is still fresh in our memories. This was how they started. And, look at it today; the number of people we have lost. The spate of suicide bombings in that region is worrisome despite military efforts to tame it. Yet, the casualties are not animals, they are human beings.

“It is my belief that military intervention will bring normalcy to the affected regions. The Federal Government, the South East Governors and the elders of the region should thereafter engage in peaceful dialogue to bring lasting peace to the region”.

Group urges Britain to revoke IPOB leader Kanu’s citizenship

Group urges Britain to revoke IPOB leader Kanu’s citizenship.

A United Kingdom-based civil society organisation, Citizens United for Peace and Stability, said on Friday it has started gathering facts about the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, intending to ask the UK Government to revoke his British citizenship.
Kanu is a dual citizen of the UK and Nigeria.

According to the Convener of CUPS, Dr. Idris Ahmed, the move seeking the revocation of Kanu’s British citizenship was connected to alleged acts of “terrorism perpetrated by IPOB, including the recent attacks on Northerners living in the Southeast.”

In several Facebook posts on Friday, Ahmed said, “Beyond any doubt, IPOB is a terrorist organisation. I have watched so many video clips on Facebook in which Nnamdi Kanu talked about mobilising weapons and financial resources to wage war against the Nigerian State.

“The CUPS organisation has started compiling evidence to pass to the British Government to strip Nnamdi Kanu of his UK citizenship.

“Under a new law, over 100 UK citizens who went overseas to commit acts of terrorism or fight for ISIS have been stripped of their citizenship by the Home Secretary (Minister of Internal Affairs).

“Nnamdi Kanu perfectly falls into this category.”

The UK Home Secretary had yet to respond to email inquiring whether or not the IPOB leader could lose his British citizenship.

DHQ declares IPOB a militant terrorist group

DHQ declares IPOB a militant terrorist group.

The defence headquarters has branded the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) a militant terrorist organisation and urged parents to dissuade their wards from joining the group.

In a statement in Abuja on Friday, John Enenche, the director, defence information, restated the commitment of the armed forces to confront “all security challenges facing the country”.

Enenche assured of the protection of lives and property in all parts of the country by the military.

He said the IPOB posed security challenge and had been metamorphosing from one stage to another.

“After due professional analysis and recent developments, it has become expedient to notify the general public that the claim by IPOB actors that the organisation is non-violent is not true,” he said.

“Hence, the need to bring to public awareness the true and current state of IPOB.

“In this regard, some of their actions, clandestinely and actively, that have been terrorising the general public include:

“The formation of a Biafra Secret Service, claimed formation of Biafra National Guard, unauthorised blocking of public access roads and extortion of money from innocent civilians at illegal road blocks.

“Militant possession and use of weapons (stones, molotov cocktails, machetes and broken bottles, among others) on a military patrol on Sept. 10, 2017.

“Physical confrontation of troops by Nnamdi Kanu and other IPOB actors at a check point on Sept. 11, 2017 and also attempt to snatch their rifles.

“Attack by IPOB members on a military check point on Sept. 12, 2017, at Isialangwa, where one IPOB actor attempted to snatch a female soldier’s rifle.

“From the foregoing, the Armed Forces of Nigeria wish to confirm to the general public that IPOB from all intent, plan and purpose as analysed, is a militant terrorist organisation.”

Whereabouts of Kanu, father, mother unknown

Whereabouts of Kanu, father, mother unknown.

The troops of the Operation Python Dance II allegedly invaded the family home of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in Afaraukwu, Abia State, around 5:00 p.m. yesterday. The palace of Kanu’s father, Eze Israel Kanu, who is the traditional ruler of the Afaraukwu community was destroyed.

The whereabouts of Kanu, his father and his mother during and after the invasion were not made known. When a call was put to the family, a younger brother of Kanu, popularly called Fine Boy, confirmed the incident but did not comment on other matters.

He invited interested journalists to come to the house and take pictures of how the invaders destroyed the compound and desecrated the traditional ruler’s palace.

Residents of the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the soldiers on arrival shot sporadically for about 40 minutes that the invasion lasted.

A resident said that other residents were contemplating not spending the night in their homes around the Kanu’s home for fear of a fresh invasion in the night.
But when contacted, the police spokesman in the state, Geoffrey Ogbonna, said the command was unaware of the invasion.

The spokesman of the 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Major Oyegoke Gbadamasi, referred journalists to make their inquiry through dedicated telephone lines.

Earlier yesterday, two persons said to be members of IPOB who wore the group’s outfits were reportedly shot dead along Bank Road in Umuahia, while another person sustained bullet injuries while coming out from the nearby branch of Zenith Bank.

Both incidents occurred around 10:00 a.m. Eyewitnesses said members of the Operation Python Dance 11, after the shootings, quickly took the bodies of the victims and the injured person away.

Before the incident, scores of IPOB members were said to be marching along Akanu Ibiam/Bank Road, less than 100 meters to the Government House gate singing and asking to know where the soldiers were.

This, according to the eyewitnesses, prompted the shootings by the soldiers who were very close.

It was also learnt yesterday that the Ariaria International Market Police Station in Aba was burnt. The police spokesman, Ogbonnaya, who confirmed the Aba police station incident, said there was no human casualty.

Markets, banks and other commercial houses as well as the Central Police Station, Umuahia, closed for business and the streets of Umuahia were deserted.
The invasion was carried out shortly after Governor Okezie Ikpeazu announced that soldiers would be withdrawn from the streets of Aba and Umuahia from today as part of steps to curb rising violence and clashes between the security agents and members of IPOB.

Ikpeazu, who announced this in a statement he personally signed, said he would soon meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to find ways of relaxing the Operation Python Dance 11 in the state. He warned that government would no longer tolerate violent demonstrations and destruction of property by anyone.

The statement read: “The security situation in Abia in the past few days, which led to the deployment of soldiers into our state ahead of the Operation Python Dance 11, has become of great concern to both the government and the citizenry.
“After several interventions, I want to inform you that by tomorrow morning, there will be withdrawal of soldiers from the streets at Aba and Umuahia, apart from the pre-existing military checkpoints at various locations in the state.
“With the expected exit of soldiers from the streets, we must warn that we will not tolerate agitators and protesters taking over the streets for any reason at all.”The governor condemned attacks on police stations and military posts at Aba and Umuahia and warned against acts that are capable of causing insecurity in the state.
“We have also observed illegal acts of throwing petrol bombs and setting up of bonfires to obstruct free movements along some roads by suspected miscreants and warn that such acts should stop forthwith.
“To mischief makers who want to use Abia as their base, I announce to you that henceforth, Abia will be too hot for you to carry out your wicked acts as the government will work with security agents to ensure the protection of lives and property in the state without fear or favour.”

Ikpeazu warned hoodlums and miscreants, some of whom were allegedly brought into the state by unscrupulous individuals, to burn the Ariaria International Market to cripple the economy of the state and cause widespread suffering.“It was this group that originated the rumours of attacks and counter- attacks around the area and also tried to create panic to force people out of their homes to enable them to execute their evil intentions under the cover of orchestrated crises.

“We have it on good authority that the same group of hoodlums attempted to burn down the police station at Ariaria market early today and security agents are currently on the hunt for them and those outside the state who are sponsoring their evil actions. Not even one of them will escape the full weight of the law”, the governor said.

Ikpeazu said members and sympathisers of IPOB should desist from spreading false rumours capable of throwing Abia into disorder.

The chairman of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa, urged the Federal Government to immediately convene a meeting with leaders of the agitators, saying that only the unity of the nation could lead to development.
Musa cautioned the government against the excessive use of force to quell people’s agitation against marginalisation.

“The reaction by the soldiers against IPOB members is bound to happen. What is necessary now is for the Federal Government to sit together with them and resolve this problem. The government should call all the secessionist groups across the country with a view to addressing the agitation for secession by those who felt marginalised in Nigeria.”

Musa advised that all Nigerians be enlightened that there is no need to go to another war. “It is unheard of that those agitating for the creation of Biafra are even flying the flag of such state in the country. This is what made it secession. And no country can tolerate such.

“There is evidence of marginalisation against the east. For instance, there was a time no Igbo man was in the security services in Nigeria. When Buhari’s government came into office, there were two instances when he did not appoint any Igbo man in his kitchen cabinet. And when they complained to him, he said they didn’t elect him.

Marginalisation against the south-east can be proved,” he said.
The CNPP boss urged south-east governors and their leaders to advise Kanu to negotiate with the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, IPOB lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has accused the military authorities of deliberately provoking IPOB to resort to arms struggle.

In a live radio programme in Port Harcourt, Rivers State yesterday, Ejiofor stated that rather than take up arms, IPOB would continue to resist provocation.

“We know the people who are attacking them. They are all over the place. Certainly not the northerners or Hausa in Port Harcourt,” he said.

He stated this in a reaction to the claim by the Rivers State police command and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) that IPOB members unleashed the violence that erupted at Oyibo town leading to the death of a police officer and wanton destruction of property belonging to northerners.

The lawyer said IPOB members were not responsible for the Oyibo violence. He charged victims of the violence who are mainly northerners to contact the police to investigate the incident.

According to him, IPOB members are not at war with northerners or anybody living in Port Harcourt.
Besides, the Nigerian Army has commenced an investigation into video clips trending online alleging humiliation of innocent citizens in Abia State by soldiers.

A statement yesterday by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Col. Sagir Musa, said the investigation was with a view to ascertaining the source of the video and its actors even as it promised to apply necessary sanctions against its men if found guilty.

Food For Thought

No salvation is free. You have to work, struggle and even sacrifice for it.

Cabal asked Buhari to resign, proposed Abba Kyari for VP in leaked phone conversations

Cabal asked Buhari to resign, proposed Abba Kyari for VP in leaked phone conversations.

SaharaReporters has reported that a newly-leaked telephone conversations between two members of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabal suggested that he should resign his office because of his ill-health, with cabal frontliner Abba Kyari, his Chief of Staff, becoming Vice President.
In the first conversation, the caller informs the recipient of a new development concerning Mamman Daura, the President’s powerful nephew, and Mr. Kyari, saying they had sneaked into Kaduna from abroad on a chartered plane.

The call recipient is further informed that Daura and Kyari were received by Mr. Lawan Daura, the Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), but that they did not go to the DSS boss’ home.
He then pleads that his friend give him some time to call you back, apparently needing to do something else.

The conversation resumes after the interlude when the call initiator calls back.
Referring to President Buhari’s poor health, the caller reflects the confusion within the cabal: “They held a meeting, including Sani Zango Daura. They said they held a meeting; they are looking for a way out. They are in a cul-de-sac.
They said Mamman Daura is trying to convince the President to resign on the condition that Abba Kyari be made Vice President,” he disclosed.

His friend blurts out an expletive in Hausa language.
The call initiator then discloses that the scheme was presented to Professor Ango Abdullahi, the spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum and that he rejected it out of hand.

The initiator tells his friend he needs to speak with Professor Abdullahi and get him to buy in.
His friend agrees, saying: “I will go and see him in Kaduna.”
The caller, apparently satisfied, says, “Better. Because the matter is very sensitive now and they are all in town.”
“Okay, we will do our best,” responds his friend, as the conversation ends.
In another leaked phone conversation according to SaharaReporters yesterday, Mamman discussed Buhari’s health issues with cabal member Mahmud Tukur, and dismisses First Lady Aisha Buhari as a “suicide bomber from Yola.”

0- 14 second (phone ringing)
Respondent: Hello
Caller: Assalamu’alaikum (peace be upon you) How are you doing?
Respondent: Wa’alaikumussalam, Barka
barka (all is well) i am fine. Hope you are having a good day?…Hello….network is poor
Caller: Hello
Respondent: Hello
Caller: Hello…can you hear me?
Respondent: It is breaking, its breaking. Yes, i am fine
Caller: ….yes, i am just arriving home. I am fine too.
Respondent: Have you reach your place?
Caller: yes, everything is fine.
Respondent: Are you coming back tomorrow?
Caller: What?
Respondent: Are you coming back tomorrow?
Caller: Yes God willing.
Respondent: Through out today i was in a meeting, had no rest at all.
Caller: Ok. Mallam Bello too called..He said he was told you were not around but you would be back..
Respondent: ok,
Caller: I told him you went to them.
Respondent: ok
Caller: There is a new development.
Respondent; Ok
Caller: These people have sneaked back into the country on Wednesday…
Respondent: Who
Caller: Mamman Daura and Abba Kyari..
Respondent: Ok
Caller: They came with chartered plane and landed in Kaduna.
Respondent: Ok, ok
Caller: but they didn’t go to his home..
Respondent: Really?
Caller: they were refused (blocked access) by Laval Daura.
Respondent: Ok
Caller: scratching….
Respondent: really?
Respondent: Hello
Respondent: Let me call you
(Respondent’s Phone ringing) 02;03-02:08 seconds
caller: can you hear me
Respondent: yes
Caller: They had a meeting including Sani Zangon Daura…
Respondent: ok
Caller: They are looking for a way out…they have entered Cul-de-sac..
Respondent: Subhanalla (God is perfect)
Caller: What they are saying is, Mamman Daura is proposing that the President should resign
Respondent: Really?
Caller: but on one condition, they must pick Abba Kari as Vice President.
Respondent: B**a ubannan (insult)
Caller: we had a meeting, but you need to talk to him…Professor Ango Abdullahi has kicked against it. He is among the people who could influence the whole thing.
Respondent: That means i would have to go and see him in Kaduna.
Caller: Yes, yes, please. This matter is very sensitive now
Respondent: ok,ok
Caller: They are in town since Wednesday.
Respondent: I will do my best
Caller: I will come early morning too
Respondent: Thank you, may God help us.
call ended.

Igbo community abandons IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu in Kano

Igbo community abandons IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu in Kano

The Igbo Community Association in Kano state has dissociated itself from the activities of Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The President-General of the association, Chief Ebenezer Chima, made the position of the association known at a joint news conference in Kano on Friday.

“We want to state categorically here that we, the Igbos residing and doing business in Kano state, unequivocally state that we dissociate ourselves from the activities of IPOB and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

“We are strongly advocating for peace and unity in the land,” Chima said.

While condemning “in its entirety’’ the unfortunate and avoidable crisis in Abia, he called on all Igbo resident in the state to remain calm as nothing would happen to them.

According to him, the state government under the leadership of Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje and security agents have given the assurance of adequate security of our lives and property.
“However, we join the South-East governors, the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo and other notable Igbo leaders, to ask the Federal Government to address the issues of equality and even distribution of our common wealth.

“This, we believe will bring an end to these agitations in the country.’’

On his part, President of Ethnic Community Leaders Association (ECLAK) in the state, Dr. Jimpat Ayelangbe, assured all non-indigenes of adequate security of their lives and property.

He said the assurance stemmed from the meetings they had with various leaders and security agencies in the state.

“ECLAK got the mandate to speak to the media by allaying fears of our people over the concern of their lives and property.

“ECLAK is interested in a united Nigeria because we believe that those not living in their states of origin should not contribute to disorganise the country.’’

Ayelangbe commended the Northern states governors and their South-East counterparts and leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who had constituted committees on restructuring.

He called on his members and other Nigerians to avoid hate speeches in order to foster national unity.

Nnamdi Kanu: Okorocha breaks silence on Biafra

Nnamdi Kanu: Okorocha breaks silence on Biafra

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has described the agitation by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, for a sovereign republic in the South-East as a child’s play.

Okorocha, who doubles a Chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum, made this statement on Wednesday when he led a delegation of the forum on a visit to internally displaced persons, IDPs, and victims of the recent Benue flood disaster in Benue State.

He said no reasonable Igbo man was backing the agitation.

His words, “I have always said that IPOB is an agitation group, but the captioning is bad when you talk of sovereignty within a sovereign nation and also talking of secession.

“Let me assure you that no Igbo person or man is in support of secession and people must see this as a childish act. We must stand up to address it before it becomes a national problem.

“As for us leaders in that area, it will be insane for anyone to think that the IPOB leader will ask us to follow him to seek secession.

“So Nigerians must learn to address it specifically. If you are addressing IPOB you should be specific and not to address it as if it is an Ibo affair.”

Okorocha during the visit personally donated N10 million to the victims, also sympathised with Benue State over the disaster.

We didn’t ask Alhassan to resign – APC

We didn’t ask Alhassan to resign – APC

The National Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, said on Friday the party has not asked the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Sen. Aisha Alhassan, to resign from the post over her recent comments in the media.

Abdullahi also said the minister’s appearance at the party’s National Secretariat, Abuja, on Thursday, was not on a summon.
Alhassan, who had been widely criticized over the comment on her choice of presidential aspirant for the 2019 general election, had a closed-door meeting with the party’s leadership in Abuja.
The minister had reportedly said she would support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar if he shows interest in the 2019 presidential race, saying the man had been her “godfather.”
The comment drew the flak of APC stalwarts, who dubbed it anti-Buhari and anti-party, saying she was disloyal to the government and should resign or be sacked.

At the end of the meeting, which lasted about two hours, Alhassan avoided journalists’ enquiry on her mission at the secretariat.

Abdullahi said the minister had just a meeting with leadership of the party, but “was not asked to resign her position as may be speculated.”

‘’No, that did not come up. What we said was that we understood the context in which she said what she said.

‘’But, it was an act of indiscretion for someone occupying the position she is occupying in the party to make that kind of statement,’’ he said.

Buhari Minister, Aisha Alhassan reveals why she will support Atiku in 2019

Buhari Minister, Aisha Alhassan reveals why she will support Atiku in 2019.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, has declared that he would support former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar even if President Muhammadu Buhari declares to contest in 2019.

Speaking with BBC Hausa, Alhassan explained that her choice of Abubakar was predicated on the fact that the former Vice President is her “godfather.”

The Minister, who is popularly called Mama Taraba said, “Atiku is my godfather even before I joined politics.
“And again, Baba Buhari did not tell us that he is going to run in 2019.

“Let me tell you today that if Baba said he is going to contest in 2019, I swear to Allah, I will go before him and kneel and tell him that ‘Baba I am grateful for the opportunity you gave me to serve your government as a minister, but Baba just like you know, I will support only Atiku because he is my godfather. If Atiku said he is going to contest.”

In the possibility of losing her job for rooting for Abubakar in 2019, Alhassan said, “If because of what I said, I am sacked, it will not bother me because I believe in Allah, that my time has elapsed that is why.

“Baba is not a mad man like those calling for my sack. They have been sending it and spreading that if Baba sees this I will be sacked.”