Theophilus Afe

By Nicholas Fondacaro. The radical rhetoric targeting President Donald Trump got extremely out of hand during Monday’s edition of MSNBC’s Hardball, with accusations that America’s number one enemy for 10 years, Osama bin Laden, desired Trump’s travel ban. “Osama bin Laden’s whole theory of a war of the west on Islam now gains great credence thanks to what Donald Trump just did,” declared the Huffington Post’s Howard Fineman to host Chris Matthews. “We’re all crusaders now,” Matthews announced. “We are the crusaders officially in the eyes of Islam,” Fineman argued, building off of Matthews, “At least that’s what that’s what Osama said, that’s what Donald Trump has done. It is the reaction that Osama Bin Laden, himself, would have prayed for.” Fineman went off the deep end, exclaiming, “He prayed for and died for. This is 9/11 15 years later.” This was all a part of Matthews’ first segment where he framed the ban as an affront to America’s relationship with Muslims in our military and t...

By Emmanuel Offor. There was pandemonium on Mojeed Sanni Street, in the Igando area of Lagos State on Monday after a Hausa trader, Ibrahim Adamu, allegedly killed a bus driver, Lekan Adeleke. Police from the Igando division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Olatunji Ajimuda were forced to send away residents and friends of the victim who made a bonfire and went about chasing away Hausa traders in the community.  Adeleke’s corpse has since been taken to a mortuary, while the 40-year-old suspect, who was saved from being lynched, was whisked away to the Area M command, Punch writes. Trouble started when the deceased, Adeleke, bought noodles worth N230 from the suspect’s son on Sunday night. He reportedly paid N200 and promised to pay the balance of N30 the following day, which didn’t go down well with the suspect’s son. Upon receiving the report from his son, Adamu let fly and attacked Adeleke, 30, with a spiked plank. Eyewitnesses said he slumped and hit his head against th...

By Friday Olokor. The General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman, on Sunday challenged the Federal Government to compel the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to produce the Fulani herdsmen he gave money. The governor, he said, should be made to answer charges of murder and other related crimes against humanit y. The fiery cleric made the demand in a statement issued by his Communications Adviser, Phrank Shaibu. He said naming the beneficiaries of the money would disabuse the minds of Nigerians of the conflict that Christians were the targets of incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen. This came as the cleric prepares to appear before the Department of State Services today with not less than 30 lawyers for reportedly asking members of his church to defend themselves against attacks by Fulani herdsmen. He advised security agents not to allow politicians and ethnic warlords to use them, warning that such a development might lead to grave consequences for N...

by PHIL MCCAUSLAND President Donald Trump defended his controversial executive order restricting travel from seven Muslim-majority nations and indefinitely banning Syrian refugees as "not about religion" amid a second day of protests and uncertainty around the ban. "This is not about religion," Trump said in the statement issued Sunday evening. "This is about terror and keeping our country safe. There are over 40 different countries worldwide that are majority Muslim that are not affected by this order." He also tweeted on the issue early Monday. Only 109 people out of 325,000 were detained and held for questioning. Big problems at airports were caused by Delta computer outage,..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 30, 2017 protesters and the tears of Senator Schumer. Secretary Kelly said that all is going well with very few problems. MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 30, 2017 There is nothing nice about ...

Donald Trump hurtled through his first week in power, punching out at critics, dishing up "alternative facts," polarizing public opinion and making good on an electoral promise to shake up Washington. One week into the Trump era and there is a serious case of political whiplash in America's capital. Just a week ago, an outsider who never before held elected office rode into town. Seven days later, norms and doctrine that have guided the United States for decades are being re-examined. Trump's down-to-the-studs gut job began with a feisty inaugural address: a call to arms that tested old distinctions between left and right. "Today, we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another or from one party to another," he said. "We are transferring power from Washington, DC, and giving it back to you, the people." The establishment "elites" in big cities, in politics and the media were no longer the technocrats in charge of t...

In a blow to President Trump’s executive order, a federal judge grants emergency stay to temporarily allow people who landed in U.S. with valid visa to remain. Trump's order on "extreme vetting" includes: TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF VISAS FOR CERTAIN COUNTRIES  • The order bars the entry of foreign nationals from certain countries for 90 days. While no countries are specifically named in the order, it refers to a statute that would apply to seven Muslim-majority nations: Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen and Iraq.  • There is an exception for certain types of visas, including for diplomats and the United Nations. The temporary halt is aimed at giving the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department and the Director of National Intelligence time to determine what information is needed from each country to ensure that visas are not issued to individuals posing a national security threat.  CHANGES TO SCREENING FOR IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS  • The order calls for...

By Thomas Newey. Veteran British actor Sir John Hurt, Oscar-nominated for his star turn in "The Elephant Man" and his supporting role in "Midnight Express", has died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, a representative said on Saturday. He was 77. Hurt, who had starred in more than 200 films and television series over a career spanning six decades, revealed in 2015 that he was suffering from the early stages of pancreatic cancer and that he was receiving treatment. His death was confirmed to Reuters via email by Charles McDonald, a British-based representative for the actor's Los Angeles talent manager, John Crosby. The BBC, citing the actor's agent, also reported that Hurt had died. Further details of the circumstances of his death were not immediately available. Hurt said at the time of his cancer diagnosis that he intended to continue working. He most recently starred in the Sundance TV crime series "The Last Panthers" and in the Oscar-n...

More than 86 women from all over the world gathered in Manila on Thursday to compete in the Miss Universe beauty contest that will culminate in a coronation in the Philippines capital on Monday. Crowds packed the Mall of Asia Arena as each candidate showcased her swimsuits, evening gowns and national costumes in front of the judges. The preliminary competition that started on Thursday will whittle down the crowded field to the top 12 candidates for the pageant night, the Miss Universe website said. "The whole world is being united, and even though we don't know each other, we still enjoy the event," said Apple Natividad, one of the many spectators who attended the show. Some even dressed like Miss Universe candidates to join the fanfare. "This is a venue for beauty, but also the beauty of the heart, especially for us Filipinos who are fanatics for pageants," said Rania Ziateh, who wore a Miss Philippines sash. Over half a million people are expected to tune in t...

You once came out to accuse President Muhammadu Buhari of perpetuating the worst form of nepotism in Nigeria; do you still hold this view? Absolutely! I have seen no evidence so far to make me change my mind. In the previous interview I granted you, I did ask Nigerians or anybody else to look at the evidence I produced and that evidence is very much alive and well and can be verified by anybody who cares to verify it. As far as I am concerned, I stand by everything about the allegations I levelled against President Buhari, Mamman Daura and other relations of his for being nepotistic and if you want, I can repeat what I said offhand because I am certain about my facts. To the best of my knowledge, there has been no response either from the people mentioned or from the so-called Presidency and their spokespersons. As far as I am concerned, everything I said still stands and if anybody is willing to challenge me, I am prepared. If anybody wants to challenge the identities of the people m...

I still find it funny that most people don't know why Nigeria economy went into recession, they love the incompetent lies of Lai Mohammed about the past government ruining everything. It's also myopic to think that if Jonathan were to still be in power, we would be worse off. The truth about Nigeria's recession is this; it was caused by the president's unguided rhetoric and uncultured body language. Firstly, there is nothing we are buying today that we weren't buying 5 years ago, therefore it's not our purchase that put pressure on Naira but withdrawal of funds by foreign investors. After the election, the president created instability with his unguided statements about how everyone is corrupt and how everyone is going to jail. The instability made foreign investors to liquidate their investment and change their money to dollars. In the process of trying to flee, they were willing to buy dollars at any price, which lead to high exchange dollar rate. Even t...

Innocent Idibia popularly known by his stage name 2baba has revealed that he will be embarking on a nationwide protest against the policies of president Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. 2baba made his known on his instagram page and from all indications, the February 5th protest could be a massive one as other stars like Davido and Burna Boy have backed up the “African Queen” singer. The call to action message by 2baba reads: “A call for good governance. “A call for urgent explanation into the reckless economic downturn nationwide. “A call for nationwide protests as we say No to the Executive, No to legislatures, No to judiciary… You have all failed us. “We the people are tired. We can no longer continue with all of you. All your excuses and mistakes are not funny. We do not wish to continue with a system and government that is not working but afflicting the people. 2baba “We the people of this country not living under the privileges of government allowances and remuneration have no...

Funke Akindele Born Akindele Olufunke Ayotunde August 24, 1976 (age 40) Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria Alma mater Moshood Abiola Polytechnic University of Lagos Occupation Actress, Film Producer Years active 1998-present Akindele Olufunke Ayotunde (popularly known as Funke Akindele, born August 24, 1976 in Ikorodu,[3] Lagos State, Nigeria) is a Nigerian actress. She came to limelight after featuring in popular United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) sponsored sitcom; I Need to Know, which ran from 1998 to 2002. In 2009 she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Funke Akindele also plays the lead character in the hit TV show Jenifa's Diary, alongside Fisayo Ajisola, Falz, Lolo and more. The show is a spin-off from the movie titled Jenifa. Early life Akindele was born on August 24, 1976 in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. She is the second of three children (two girls and one boy). Her mother is a medical doctor while her father is a retired school pri...

Second Republic lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, yesterday lashed out at the Presidency saying they should stop lying to Nigerians over the health status of President Muhammadu Buhari. He also said Nigerians cannot afford to have another constitutional crises due to Mr. President’s health. The Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu had attacked Mohammed on Monday saying he is suffering from pathological cynicism. According to in destroying every positive effort and achievements of the government and we advise Nigerians to be wary of prejudiced and biased critics like Dr. Junaid Mohammed who are more interested in personal publicity than respecting facts and figures about their claims”. But reacting to Sheu’s statement, Mohammed said the Presidential spokesperson should stop telling Nigerians lies about his health just as he maintained that General Sanni Abacha remains one of the healthiest President Nigeria ever had. His words, “I believe Sheu is under pressure which is why he attacked...

By Taiwo Ogunmola Omilani Another hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) may be imminent, as petroleum marketers have proposed a new pump price of N165 per litre for the product, saying that the subsisting price of N145 per litre is no longer sustainable due to the scarcity of foreign exchange to finance fuel importation. They lamented that the current price is driving them out of business. In a letter submitted by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to the chairman, House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on review of pump price of premium motor spirit, the marketers argued that in May 2016 when the price of petrol was reviewed from N97 to N145 per litre, the exchange rate was based on N285 to a dollar. They noted that from June 2016 till date, the exchange rate had been fluctuating between N305 and N490 to a dollar, and argued that the cost of product with freight charges and other cost elements in the Petroleum Products Prici...

By Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja The Federal Government on Monday warned Nigerians to avoid Libya as penalty for illegal migration to the country is death sentence when caught.  The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made the call in a statement made available to journalists.  She made the call following video and pictures being circulated on the alleged killings of black immigrants in Libya.  The presidential aide said although the authenticity of the pictures and videos were yet to be confirmed, Libya has been executing illegal immigrants for years.  The statement read, “The attention  of the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora has been drawn to a video and pictures being circulated on the purported killing of black immigrants in Libya. “While the authenticity of the pictures and tapes in question cannot be verified, it is a known fact that Libya has been executing all...

Gambia’s former president has fled into exile in Equatorial Guinea after stepping down following mounting pressure from West African nations to accept defeat after losing in December election to newly sworn in President Adama Barrow. His exit has ended the rising tension as thousands of troops from Senegal and Nigeria, who entered into the tiny country on Thursday, were poised to swoop on the capital Banjul. There presence in Banjul will also paves the way for the return home of Barrow, who was sworn in as leader at the Gambian embassy in Senegal on Thursday. Jammeh took power in a coup in 1994, and his government is accused of torturing and killing perceived opponents. There were few celebrations in Banjul as news of his departure spread, but some people said they felt relief after years of fear. “The rule of fear has been banished from Gambia for good,” Barrow told a crowd at a Dakar hotel on Friday, once it became clear a deal had been struck for Jammeh to relinquish power, Reut...

By Sheriff Balogun in Abeokuta Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday showered praises on former President Goodluck Jonathan for his exemplary leadership at his Ibogun country home in Ifo area of Ogun State, after a closed-door meeting that lasted almost two hours. It was a sharp contrast from his constant criticism of the former president in the last couple of years. Jonathan was accompanied by former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki as well as other close aides. Though, details of the meeting was not disclosed, Obasanjo, who spoke to the press after the meeting, tasked leaders across the world to learn from the exemplary leadership style of himself and that of Jonathan, saying that Jonathan went into the office of the President with “little or no experience” but has now amassed more wisdom and experience on leadership after leaving office. Obasanjo said: “I believe that not only Nigeria, West Africa and Africa and indeed the world will continue to tap into our ex...

There was consternation in several quarters in Abuja and beyond over the weekend as rumours circulated that President Muhammadu Buhari had passed on at a London hospital where he was said to be receiving treatment. As the day wore on, the rumours gained ground after a news website published a story that the President was dead. The rumour soon spread like wild fire in different parts of the country with many Nigerians making frantic PHONE calls to ascertain the story’s accuracy. The presidency however said on Saturday that there was no truth in the news. Buhari had on Thursday travelled to London, United Kingdom, after writing to the National Assembly that he would be proceeding on a vacation and that Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo would be performing the duties of the President while he was away. “The report is hog wash,” the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, simply said when our correspondent contacted him. Adesina also denied the report on his Twi...