I will henceforth under go medical check ups in Bayelsa , says former Nigerian president – OBJ

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, over the weekend said, the huge investments by Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State at ensuring quality healthcare delivery would soon turn the state into a medical tourism hub in the country. A press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo, says Chief Obasanjo, who stated this during a command performance in his honour at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, said he would henceforth visit the state regularly to have his medical check-ups. Obasanjo had during his three-Day visit to Bayelsa commissioned several legacy projects, including the World-Class Diagnostic Centre, Bayelsa State Specialist Hospital, the Bayelsa State Drug Distribution Centre in Yenagoa and the Aquaculture Village in Igbogene. He also interacted with students of the flagship free Model Boarding School, Ijaw National Academy, Kaima as well as enrolling in the state Health Insurance Scheme, there by becoming an honorary enrollees of the scheme. The former President, noted with satisfaction, the level of development that has transformed the state, especially in the area of education, health, infrastructure, tourism among others, stressing that, he would testify what he has seen to the world. According to him, Governor Dickson’s placement of education at the top of his administration’s agenda, is a means to eradicate poverty, curb insecurity and create jobs for the teeming youths in the state, and called on investors within and outside the country to take advantage of the prevailing security, peace and stability in the state. Chief Obasanjo lauded Governor Dickson for recognising and honouring past and serving leaders of the state for their immense contributions to the development and growth of the state. The former President described Dickson as an emerging statesman and a Transformational leader stressing that anybody who wanted to see transformation should come to Dickson’s Bayelsa. Obasanjo thanked Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, political and traditional leaders, stakeholders as well women and youths in the state for their support and encouragement which has enabled the succeed so far. In his remarks, former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan congratulated Governor Dickson’s policies, programmes and projects, which have led to the unprecedented level of development in all sectors of the state. He also used the occasion to call on Bayelsans to continue to support the governor to consolidate on his achievements in the remaining two years of his tenure, stressing that, Bayelsa State is one of the safest, secure and stable states in the country for investments. The former President Jonathan thanked Governor Dickson for providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, citing the collaboration of the government and the Azikel Group, as a sign of greater things to come for the State. On his part, Governor Dickson thanked both former Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan for their exemplary lifestyles and roles in the country and in the state, and called on leaders at all levels to collaborate with the government to ensure the attainment of a well secured, stable and progressive State. Governor Dickson, who lamented the over-dependence on government’s resources, pointed out that, Dr. Azibapu Eruani’s Azikel Refinery has sent a powerful message to the investing public that Bayelsa is hub for investment in the country.

Breaking: FIFA threatens to boot Spain out of World Cup.

The governing body of world football (FIFA) confirmed on Friday that it has written to the Spanish federation (RFEF) warning they could be suspended form the 2018 World Cup because of political interference. Earlier in the day Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said Spain had received “no such letter from FIFA.” The issue centres on the RFEF presidency. Angel Maria Villar, who was also a senior FIFA and UEFA official, resigned after being arrested in July on suspicion of embezzling funds. Villar was replaced, on an interim basis, by Juan Luis Larrea, another long-time football administrator. Even though he is only a stand-in, Larrea has made clear he wants to see out Villar’s term, which was due to end in 2020. The Spanish National Sports Agency (CSD) has objected and that prompted FIFA’s warning, reported on Friday by the daily El Pais. “We can confirm that FIFA recently sent a letter to the Spanish FA (RFEF) expressing its concern at the current situation in the association and reiterating that, under the FIFA Statutes, all member associations must manage their affairs independently and ensure that there is no interference by third parties in internal matters,” said a FIFA statement. “FIFA is in contact with the RFEF, and a joint FIFA-UEFA delegation will be sent to Madrid shortly to monitor and assess the situation in the association,” the statement continued. The RFEF and the Spanish government insisted on Friday that Spain would go to the World Cup in Russia. “I just can’t see that scenario,” Rajoy said at a press conference in Brussels. “I am absolutely convinced Spain will go to the World Cup, and will win.” Rajoy said Spain’s sports minister had told him the Spanish authorities had “received no official communication from FIFA but only a letter from a member of FIFA requesting a meeting.” He said his government’s attitude was “exemplary.” Villar was re-elected for an eighth term as president last May. He had run the RFEF for 29 years until his arrest on suspicion of creating a network of corruption in Spanish football. Last month, Luis Rubiales, the former head of the players’ union and an ally of Villar’s put forward a motion of censure against Larrea with the objective of becoming president himself. That motion is scheduled for a vote on January 16. At the same time, the Spanish cabinet, acting on requests from the CSD, demanded fresh RFEF elections because of irregularities in the vote last May. FIFA sees this as external political interference.

Kenya election: Last-minute court bid to block poll.

Kenya's Supreme Court is to hold a last-minute hearing to decide whether the re-run of the presidential election can go ahead. The court will hear an urgent petition by human rights activists arguing Kenya is not ready for the vote. The election is due to take place on Thursday. The Supreme Court in September took the unprecedented decision to annul the presidential election and demand a re-run. Chief Justice David Maraga said the 8 August election had not been "conducted in accordance with the constitution" and declared it "invalid, null and void". Key moment for African democracy The brave judge who made Kenyan history Full election coverage This was the first time in Africa that an opposition court challenge against a presidential election had succeeded. President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is seeking a second term, has said the ballot must go ahead. However, the main opposition candidate Raila Odinga is boycotting the vote. He told the BBC's Newsday programme on Tuesday that it was a "sham" election "which will not represent the will of the people". Mr Odinga says nothing has changed since the original poll and has called for "massive" demonstrations on election day. On Monday, 20 Western diplomats said "growing insecurity", including inflammatory rhetoric and attacks on the election commission, made it more difficult to hold a legitimate poll. Last week a senior official at the electoral commission fled to the US, telling the BBC she had received death threats. Amid the growing tension, the bodyguard of Kenya's deputy chief justice was shot and wounded on Tuesday, police say. They said the motive was not clear. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the last-minute petition, which questions whether the electoral commission and its chairman will be able to conduct a free and fair election on Thursday. It is asking for an entirely new election which could extend the process by months.

Ezego's house abadoned after his death years ago..

Nigeria billionaire Ezego’s N500m mansion, cars abandoned years after his mysterious death Since billionaire Victor Okafor aka ‘King of Money’ (Ezego) died mysteriously in December 1999 an accident while returning home for Christmas and to celebrate his birthday, things have allegedly not remained the same. One would think lots of property-hijacking and fights amongst relatives would have taken place after the billionaire's death in Ihiala town, Anambra state. But this is not so, according to reports. The N500m mansion belonging to the late billionaire is said to be abandoned over his connection with the dreaded Okija shrine. PMNews reports that the mansion which houses lots of golden chairs and tables, expensive fabrics, rugs, electronics, electrical appliances, abandoned vehicles and others worth millions of naira is said to have remained untouched since the billionaire's death Even with the high rate of robbery in the area where the mansion is situated, no robber seem to be interested in touching the building or the amenities it houses, even without security men in sight. All for the fear of being dealt with by the deity which is assumed to have killed the billionaire owner. Reports are that since the 'king of money' died years ago, members of the immediate family including his wife and children have not returned to the mansion. The will ‘Ezego’ had prepared was not read because the lawyer who prepared the will one Barrister Barnabas Igwe was brutally murdered with his wife.

Obasanjo and Goodluck ask Buhari to settle with Nnamdi Kanu.

On Friday, former President Olusegun Obasanjo asked President Muhammadu Buhari to meet Kanu to resolve the crisis while former President Goodluck Jonathan called for a Council of State meeting to discuss the South-East development. Presidency replies Obasanjo, Jonathan The Presidency, yesterday, said the advice from Obasanjo and Jonathan was just the opinion of the two former leaders. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said, as former Presidents, they had the right to their opinions. He told  Sunday  Vanguard  on phone, “It is just an opinion. They have the right to their opinion. They are former Presidents, it is their opinion.” Umahi, the Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum, during his press conference, yesterday, said IPoB activities in Abia had gone out of control of Kanu.

Governor Umahi says "Biafra had lost its mandate.

Governor Umahi says "Biafra had lost its mandate. •Attacks in Delta, Sokoto foiled South-East governors, yesterday, justified the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), saying the action was to douse tension and end loss of lives in the region. South-East govs currently emergency meeting with army over IPOB, Of Python Dance. The Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum, Governor David Umahi, said the prescription had achieved its desired result. Umahi, who addressed journalists in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, with some security chiefs in attendance, claimed IPoB had lost its mandate by causing tension and killings in the South-East. The group fought back, last night, condemning its prescription. It described itself as a peaceful organisation. Meanwhile, the foremost Igbo body, Ohanaze, rose yesterday, from its meeting, insisting that IPOB is not a terrorist organisation. The governor spoke on a day four persons were said to have been killed after assailants suspected to be IPoB members attacked a settlement in Asaba, Delta State capital. In Sokoto, miscreants attacked traders, mostly Igbo, along Old Market Road, Ahmadu Bello Way and Emir Yahaya, forcing them to close shop. Solders were immediately deployed to stop the attack. Tension had risen sharply in the South-East after soldiers on Operation Python Dance II clashed with members of IPoB in Umuahia, Abia State capital, last Sunday. There have been conflicting accounts of the showdown in which several people were said to have been injured. The incident caused Abia State government to imposed curfew in the state while the Igbo influential group, Ohanaeze, called for the withdrawal of the Operation Python Dance II from the South-East. Umuahia is the home town of the IPoB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is on trial for leading the secessionist bid for Biafra.

A little boy dies as riot caught owerri market people today.

Owerri-Market Riot. ( An Owelle mis-patch) An innocent child dies in Owerri as the Governor decides to relocate the market position. The little boy was told to have been looking for the mother, who was a victim of the insurgency, on the long- run was caught by a stray bullet and is stated to be dead.. The little guy is not the only one said to be recorded dead, about 3 more other persons were as our reporter told us earlier today". The riot started earlier today before the Saturday sanitation. His excellency has already publicised the vacation plan of the market to the new site at ubommiri area in Owerri so as to re-build and maintain the municipal of Owerri which is the Amajieke lane, Douglas market, Eke-Ukwu Owerri and mbaise long, but the residents refused which led to the forceful demolition and later riot that led to death of some individuals... It was recorded from NTA yesterday night that the excellency gave the market people today as the last day but, the reverse became to case