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Bayelsa: Federal might will fail you!, Dickson warns Sylva

Calls APC candidate ‘Guy Man’

Bayelsa State governorship election is only six days away. In this interview, Governor Seriake Dickson, who is also the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the poll, hits his rival, Chief Timpre Sylva, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party at the centre, saying ‘federal might’ will not make him Sylva win the election.

What difference have you made in the lives of the people?

We have changed the face of politics in this state by putting the people at the centre of development. Our attitude to accountability is second to none. For example, every month we announce what we receive in terms of revenue and how we spend it to empower the people.

I believe this will be a standard moving forward as far as governorship and other elections in this state are concerned. I heard that my good friend (APC governorship candidate Timpre Sylva) has intensified his campaign.

By Tonnie Iredia

In January 2014, former President Goodluck Jonathan in his own wisdom, decided to appoint Air Marshal Alex S. Badeh as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Almost immediately, a United States-based Nigerian journalist Abiodun Ladepo circulated an opinion on the web suggesting that Badeh was too fat to head our military. I thought my colleague’s opinion particularly his assertion that Badeh was “the most out of shape officer” he had ever seen was rather harsh and uncharitable. When Badeh assumed office, he spent ample time pointing accusing fingers at a section of the press for being anti-government.

D.S.P Alamiyeseigha: A simple man caught in a complex dilemma

By Lindsay Barrett

If you stand in the centre of the Swali Market in Yenagoa on the busiest of its well paved internal streets, which is known as the Alamieyeseigha Line, you might gain a little insight into the reason why D.S.P Alamieyeseigha (or “Alams” as most of the ordinary people in the state fondly called him) came to be regarded as something of a folk hero.

When he came to power in 1999 and took office in 2000 the Yenagoa main market was a confusing jumble of local vendors spilling into the middle of the public thoroughfare in the small hamlet of Ovom near where the sports stadium stands today. In the first few months of his tenure DSP commenced the building of a modern market complex on the then outskirts of the town.

Today it is no longer on the outskirts but is instead a central facility that serves as testimony to his visionary awareness of the ordinary people’s needs. By the same token the major and most successful housing complexes yet built in the state, at the so-called Black Market site, and the Ekeki/Azikoro Road lay-out and Opolo Commissioner’s quarters (now an estate occupied by the middle and higher income purchasers of the units) serve as testimony to his desire to encourage and attract the people of the state to settle at home.

IF you’re wearing golden boots, the expectation is that you will deliver. Jamie Vardy took that questionable sartorial decision yesterday evening. However, he also did the necessary deed and extraordinary tale gathered yet another chapter.

He already shared the Premier League record of scoring in ten successive games with Ruud van Nistelrooy.

So, it was fitting that it was against Manchester United, with their travelling support singing the old songs in praise of their legendary Dutch striker, that the Sheffield Wednesday reject and alumnus of Stocksbridge Park Steels, who was still playing non-league football three years ago, chose to go one better.

We believe in Nigeria — Multichoice

Leading video entertainment company, MultiChoice Nigeria, has reaffirmed its faith in Nigeria’s capability to overcome its challenges and really blossom.

Speaking on Friday at a dinner in honour of Nigerian winners at the 2015 CNN /MultiChoice African Journalism Awards, Mr. John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, said there are so many indications that Nigeria will blossom and fulfill its potential.

“There is no doubt whatsoever that Nigeria will be great. At MultiChoice, we believe that very strongly. It is the reason why we have kept investing in the country. Without that belief, we wouldn’t be doing that. Part of the belief is our support for the media. We are happy to do what we do and we hope to do more,” Ugbe said.

In attendance at the event were award winners Femi Asu and Arukaino Umukoro, of THE PUNCH, Adewale Emosu of Nigerian Tribune and Ibanga Isine of Premium Times. Also in attendance were editors of major newspapers.

Artistes take us for granted all the time, Nigerian DJs speak

By GBENGA OLARINOYE,

Osogbo-The National Association of Nigeria Disc Jokeys, the umbrella body of Nigerian DJs with sole objective to play and promote music at events and radio stations, met in Osogbo, Osun State, for its 6th National DJs Conference, where the Osun State Chapter of the association was inaugurated.

The conference was attended by DJs from all the six geo-political zones of the country. The National president of the association, Tade Adeyemi, aka DJ Cool and some of the national officers of the association fielded questions from newsmen. Excerpts

When the media stormed Next Movie Star house

By Ayo Onikoyi

It was not business as usual when the gentlemen of the press and the media team of the NMS house stunned the 2015 Next Movie Star housemates last Sunday night.

The media men led by the NMS media manager, Sunday Adebayo, was ushered into the warm embrace of the housemates who shrieked and screamed on sighting them.

The house captain welcomed and introduced other housemates to the media men after which they thrilled the media personalities with a welcome number and it was really fun. Interestingly, one of the media men expressed his affection for the show, saying he had been an ardent follower since inception of the show

After the session, the housemates selected four members amongst themselves to take the media guys on a tour round the Next Movie Star House, and explained what everywhere in the house represents, and thereafter engaged all the housemates in a chat.

Buhari must prove he is serious about his anti-corruption campaign — Rep. Pondi

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja

Honourable Julius Pondi represents Burutu Federal Constituency of Delta State in the House of Representatives. In this interview, he says Nigeria has celebrated 55 years of nationhood but has really nothing to show for it and that the much talked about fight against corruption by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration will not achieve much result. Excerpts:

Nigeria recently celebrated 55 years of its nationhood. In your own assessment did we have anything to celebrate?

October 1, 2015 was a very unique day in our collective history as it marks the 55th anniversary of the day our forefathers refused to be consumed by the pretty differences and were united to get independence for Nigeria. 55 years ago, the British Union Jack flag was lowered for the hoisting of our national Green-White-Green flag to herald the independence of our nation.

Yes, it is our day of independence and we are all expected to celebrate, but we do not see any reason to celebrate as Ijaw and Niger Deltans, as the very principles of our equity and fairness, upon which this nation was founded, have since been abused.

Uche's son Mathew is six months old today and his mum shared this photo on her Instagram page and wrote "Guess who's 6 months today...to celebrate that I decided this embarrassing mummy & me outfit picture will do.#mrod #uj".

Tyson Fury: I’m ready to take titles from Klitschko

Tyson Fury says he is more than ready to fight world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and take away his titles. The 27-year-old boxer is unbeaten at 24-0 and poses a threat to Klitschko’s 19th title defence, which could bring the Ukrainian star closer to Joe Louis’s record number of 25.

(Photo: Young Money)

Weezy F Baby still killin' baby!

Not even an intense legal battle with his label can stop Lil Wayne from making music. We all know that artists generally don't make any money from releasing a free mixtape like No Ceilings 2, but at the end of the day, if the music shows the artists' passion, that's all that matters.

From ROSE EJEMBI, Makurdi.

The Northern Governors Forum has restated its commitment to ensuring a deepened relationship between the people of different sections of the region.

Chairman of the Forum, and Bornor State Governor, Kashim Shettima made the pledge when he led two other governors Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State and Samuel Ortom of Benue as well as several senators to ay a condolence visit on Senator George Akume who buried his brother and paramount ruler of Tarka, the late Chief Gabriel Indyer Akume yesterday.

Since popular Yoruba actress, Laide Bakare, known as Alhaja tio common, launched her record label, Simline Records, she’s been up and about, not only to make her label one to reckon with but also one of the best out there.

Taraba: PDP, a victim of its actions

By Abubakar Usman

The political history of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will never be complete without the mention of the party’s rigging machinery. The grassroots structure of PDP is one, built on the fulcrum of well-oiled rigging machinery. For many, it started sixteen years ago but for those who follow political history of this nation closely, it was a pattern structured by the founders of the party well before then. The last general elections reaffirmed the stand that PDP is incapable of succeeding as a political party in an environment where the electoral system is transparent, free and fair, especially if, such electoral system is dependent on technology which makes processes scientifically easy compared to manual processes. If one takes a little trip back into Nigeria’s political history, it will be clear that all along, the ideology of the PDP is winning by all means. They care less about the means, the end goal is what propels them and they can do everything even though wrong to achieve it.

Messi, Neymar, Suarez strike to keep Barca rolling

Barcelona stretched their advantage at the top of La Liga to seven points on Saturday thanks to another clinical display from Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez to down Real Sociedad 4-0.

Messi was making his first league start in two months as he continues his comeback from knee ligament damage.

But the Argentine was initially outshone by his strike partners as they each swept home from two Dani Alves crosses to put Barca in command at the break.

Neymar then added his second shortly after the half-time before teeing up Messi for his first league goal since September in stoppage time.

Akwa Ibom State-born Nollywood top actress has her seat in the front row of her career. So much so, fame and fortune are never too far cuddling her and giving her a blissful view of a world laced in oysters. Then the Nollywood damsel and Vanguard’s one-time first runner-up of Sexiest Woman in Nollywood contest, suddenly seemed to have lost grips on a lot of things.

First was her marriage that came tumbling down, then her celebrated bakery and her losing battle of keeping those extra pounds in check. For an actress, that’s like a dog without a sense of smell anymore.

A married 45-year-old Sri-Lankan woman who has worked in Saudi Arabia as a maid since 2013 has been sentenced to death by stoning for committing adultery with a fellow Sri-Lankan migrant, the man meanwhile gets just 100 lashes because he was single at the time. Sri Lanka is calling for a pardon.

Upul Deshapriya, spokesman for the country's Foreign Employment Bureau, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that the bureau has hired lawyers to file an appeal in the shocking case.

Atiku Abubakar and Senate President Bukola Saraki on Friday, November 27, attended the World Aids Day Special Prayer held in Abuja. The former VP also received Speaker of the House of Reps Yakubu Dogara and others, who paid a courtesy visit at his Asokoro, Abuja residence...

Looks like superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is getting son Cristiano Junior into the body building hobby already, as he introduces his offspring to the sacrifice of gym work. From Ronaldo’s new movie, we see just how close he is with his son, and how keen he is to ensure his son grows up with the right values. He spends as much time as possible with his son, and is now even taking him to the gym for core workouts.

New video: Flyboy ft Olamide - Oyoyo

Straight from Bompy Music comes Baba Oyoyo by FlyBoy feat. Olamide video, signed under Bompy Entertainment, Flyboy has been out with a couple of singles featuring Terry G, Skales and co. And his here again with another fresh banger. Baba Oyoyo is a soft love struck / street vibe song to keep you on the roll, especially for the Ladies. (produced by Young Jon the wicked producer) Download, Listen & enjoy.

Apple has overthrown Google to reclaim its title as the world’s most valuable brand for the year 2015. The company had a great surge in 2015 thanks to the huge success of its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s, beating Google with a growth of over $70 billion. Microsoft came 3rd in the annual rankings made by Millard Brown, with just a little separating them from 4th-ranked IBM.

Photos: Truly, there is dignity in labour. This will make your day!

Saw this interesting story on Facebook. Shared by Chiemezie Claire Asunugwo-Anyanwu. Pictured above is a wheelbarrow pusher named Bashir who does his business at markets in Abuja and its environs. He's always well dressed despite what his job is. Read what Claire wrote about him after the cut...

The commissioner of health kaduna state standing stressing a point, while the Executive Governor of kaduna state Mal Nasir Ahmed El rufai is sitting on the floor listening during the 2016 town hall budget meeting at Hassan Usman Katsina House Kaduna.

Wanted terror suspect Malik Yassin sneaks into Kenya, Police issues alert for his arrest

Kenyan security agencies are seeking assistance and cooperation in the hunt for Malik Yassin, an Al-Shabaab foreign fighter of British origin who is suspected to have sneaked into the country. Source: Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, Kenya

Photos: Gov. Fayose photographed cutting kpomo and meat

Lol...see another photo after the cut...

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, today offered automatic employment to 12 first class graduates of the Tai Solarin University of Education, TASUED at the 6th and 7th Convocation and 10th anniversary ceremony of the school in Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Shehu Garba has denied reports that President Buhari has slashed the salaries of the newly appointed Ministers. There were reports earlier today that President Buhari had tampered with the salaries and allowances of the ministers. Continue to see more of his tweets...

Read from bottom to up...

Super Eagles player, Jude Ighalo and his beautiful wife Sonia have been married for 6 years and celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary two weeks ago. More photos after the cut...

President Buhari joined other World leaders in a retreat at the ongoing 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta today November 28th. Another photo after the cut...

Read the press statement below...

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has described the last six months of President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration as that of “deceitful change,” lamenting that the President was destroying the image of Nigeria and its people for cheap international recognition.

Te governor, who also described the claim by the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun that the ministry do not have details of any fund recovered from officials of the immediate past government of Dr Goodluck Jonathan as a vindication of his position that the President was not saying the truth, said Nigerians must ask the President where the so-called looted fund was paid and who made the payments.

Article by Femi Fani-Kayode

''Aside the 105 soldiers killed by Boko Haram, additional 34 soldiers were killed 2 days ago but it wasn't in the news''- Deji Adeyanju. I concur with Mr. Deji Adeyanju. The most heartless and reprehensible thing that our government could have done is to cover-up the fact that 105 of our soldiers were killed by Boko Haram a few days ago. To do such a thing is simply evil.

76ers Rookie Jahlil Okafor punched a man outside of a nightclub in Boston on Wednesday night, November 25, after his team lost to the Celtics. According to TMZ, he got into an altercation with a heckler outside a club called Storyville after the man yelled, "The 76ers sucks". Okafor responded by yelling, "We got money,you broke ass nigga," before punching the man in the face, knocking him to the ground. A representative for Okafor told TMZ that his client was heckled repeatedly after leaving the club and he felt threatened.

Boko Haram has released a statement claiming responsibility for the Kano bomb blast that killed 21 Muslims during a procession yesterday November 27th. The terror group also released a photo of the suicide bomber. His picture above. See graphic picture of his body after the cut...

Quilox, the number one nightlife entertainment service provider, have out done themselves by creatingan alternate experience to night clubbingcalled The Quilox Ultra Pool Party #QUPP. Since they started the monthly day partyon the 27th of September 2015, it has been the talk of Lagos. From the beautifully laid Laurent Perrier Cabanas to the Sexy #QUPP branded beds.

A fleet of 11 ghost ships containing the rotting remains of at least 20 sailors has washed up on the Japanese coastline, sparking an investigation in the country. The mysterious ships have given rise to numerous conspiracy theories in the country, as authorities battle to discover the identities of the bodies.

Rescuers told Japanese broadcaster NHK that the bodies of 20 sailors were ‘badly decomposed’ and ‘skeleton-like’

Read the press statement below...

The Lagos State Government has pledged its commitment towards boosting the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) to perform optimally as part of efforts to ensure the protection of the rights of the people.

45-year-old Michelle Bridges may be eight months pregnant but she still puts in the hard yards at the gym. She's a fitness buff and critics have questioned her decision to workout so much while pregnant but she says she doesn't push herself so hard: 'Being pregnant I took my time and rested.'

The US First lady, Michelle Obama, looked lovely in a single-breasted blazer and black pants as she and her dogs, Bo and Sunny, took delivery of this year's official White House Christmas tree which was brought in via a horse-drawn carriage by two men wearing top hats. More photos after the cut...

What a wonderful way to end the year knowing fully well that you can start 2016 as an employer or with absence of the threat of unemployment. Join thousands of youth as they enrol into the Africa's Young Entrepreneurs Incubator program to become job makers; an initiative designed to curb unemployment in Nigeria.

Jose Mourinho might have gone too far in blasting a Chelsea legend and fan favorite especially now he needs the fans by his side in the worst era of his managerial career. One of Chelsea's greatest striker ever, Drogba at the launch of new book, Commitment, gave an interview to Mirror Sport in which he claimed the new generation needed to show more leadership qualities during the club’s crisis.

Drogba said: “Yes, JT (John Terry) is still there but on your own it is very difficult. Other players have to come up with this mentality, you are not born with it. You build it. Maybe you have it in you but you build it.”

Reacting to the interview, Mourinho said;

The Appeal Court sitting in Makurdi Benue state has annulled the election of Senator David Mark representing Benue South in the Senate. The Appeal court in its judgment this morning ordered the rerun of the election within 90 days.

Ex-Apple employee left his house so filthy neighbours thought there was a dead body inside

37-year-old Robert Kummer, a former Apple employee, has been jailed for a year for causing £5000 worth of damage to a house that had cost the owner €160000 to renovate. He left piles of rubbish so high they reached the countertops and smeared excrement on the walls, floors and ceilings of the flat.

The premiere of Genevieve Nnaji's new movie 'Road To Yesterday' held in Abuja earlier this week at Silverbird Cinemas. In attendance were notable dignitaries including Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Minister for Information, Culture and Tourism; Senator Ben Murray Bruce, Onyeka Onwenu amongst many. See more photos after the cut...

A notorious 'godfather' who sold machines guns to criminals in Birmingham while at the heart of a gang which gunned down two innocent girls in a botched attack has been jailed for 16 years. Nigerian Nosakhere Stephenson, 41, (pictured left) masterminded an operation to sell antique firearms and specially-made bullets to criminals around the West Midlands city. Fitzroy Ducram (right), known as one of Nosa's right hand men was jailed for more than seven years

Police say the gun dealer, known as 'Nosa', believed he was 'untouchable' as he ran the operation alongside fellow gang members from inside the infamous Burger Bar Boys gang.

She's cute!

Samson Siasia's mother released by kidnappers

The mother of Nigeria's U-23 coach, Samson Siasia, Madame Ogere Siasia, 72, who was abducted from her home in Bayelsa on November 17th has been released by her kidnappers. The woman was released a few days ago unharmed. The Bayelsa police command confirmed her release but did not say if a ransom was paid for her release or if anyone has been arrested.

Idris Elba talks about the time he almost died on set

43-year-old actor and father of two recounted the time he nearly died while filming Beasts Of No Nation on location in Africa. Appearing on the Jonathan Ross Show, he spoke of how he slipped six feet down a waterfall.

He explained: 'We decided to do this waterfall scene where all these child soldiers were walking behind this massive waterfall. In Hollywood you would have just filmed a bit of water coming down and just shot people’s closeups but Cary Fukunaga, the director, decided to shoot it for real.'

The actress and movie producer looked amazing in this dress as she attended The First Lady movie premiere in London last night...

Infinix Mobility, Nigeria’s fastest growing smartphone has announced thelaunch ofthe latest in its NOTE series, the Infinix NOTE 2. According toSeunAjiboye, E-Commerce Manager, Infinix Mobility, the InfinixNOTE 2 was introduced to raise the bar in smartphone brands in Nigerian market.

Chante Moore arrived Nigeria to host the second edition of “Light Up” Music & Art Concert.

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