South African govt expresses anger over Nigerian govts recall of her ambassadors

South African government has released a statement expressing their displeasure over Nigerian government's decision to recall her envoys following Xenophobic attacks in SA. In a statement released by the South African government's Department of International Relations and Co-operations, SA government described the decision as an unfortunate and regrettable step, adding that only Nigeria has taken such a decision since the xenophobic attacks began. 

 

According to the statement, the South African government did not blame Nigeria when 84 of her citizens died in the Synagogue  Church of All Nations building collapse some months back. (how is it the same thing?) Find the statement released after the cut...

Jay Z addresses reports Tidal is failing, says his cousin moved to Nigeria to discover new talent

Jay Z took to Twitter this evening to address reports that his music streaming platform, Tidal, is a flop. He defended Tidal and asked people to give them time to succeed. He also claimed some 'haters' are “spending millions on a smear campaign.” but most importantly, he tweeted that his cousin is in Nigeria to discover new talent. See his tweets after the cut...

Lil Wayne's tour bus shot at in Atlanta

According to a MediaTakeOut exclusive report, rapper Lil Wayne's tour bus was shot up last night in Atlanta and fingers are pointing at Lil Wayne's label mate, rapper Young Thug. Read the report below

"The Hip Hop beef between rapper Young Thug and Lil Wayne, may have looked innocent - but last night it reportedly took a deadly tunr.

According to multiple source connected with MediaTakeOut.com, Lil Wayne's tour bus was shot up last night, while he was in Atlanta. And the streets say that it was Yound Thugs Goons that were doing the Poppin.

According to one of MediaTakeOut.com's peeps associated with THUG, "Thug is very peaceful, Non violent, and he respects Wayne. But the trap n*ggas around him are different. They feel that Wayne's a f*ck boy." Much of the HARSH feelings about Wayne, stem from Wayne's LAWSUIT against his former father figure, Cash Money founder Birdman.

So here's how it all POPPED OFF. Lil Wayne performed last night at COMPOUND NIGHTCLUB in Atlanta and he had the place TURN'T. It was all cool . . . until a few TRAP DUDES associated with Young Thug approached Weezy in VIP. Weezy's security BLOCKED the goons from entering but the group of men ALLEGEDLY threatened LIl Wayne, saying,"THUG SENT THEM WITH THE STICKS" to settle any beef with Lil Wayne.

Shortly after the confrontation, Lil Wayne and his entourage LEFT THE CLUB - in a tourbus and a fleet of SUVs. The bus was later SHOT AT more than a DOZEN TIMES, by unknown assassins. The shots occurred OUTSIDE OF THE PROPERTY of Compound Nightclub - so the club is 100% NOT AT FAULT here.

Here's Wayne performing TRUFFLE BUTTER minutes before the BULLETS STARTED FLYING.

Toyin, is that a shade to Tonto Dikeh?

Recall last year, former friends Toyin Lawani and Tonto Dikeh fell out over styling credit (read here). Toyin later accused Tonto of owing her for work done which she refused to pay for. Now that another fashion business owner is accusing Tonto of also taking from her without paying, Ms Lawani posted what looks like a subtle shade at Tonto.

What is Blac Chyna planning to do to Kylie Jenner when she turns 18?

Be afraid Kylie, be very afraid. Lol. Earlier today Blac Chyna tweeted that she was patiently waiting for a four month deadline. Kylie turns 18 in exactly 8 months - August 10th. Then she will be legal for a beatdown...lol. Hopefully, that's not what Chyna has in mind. See more tweets after the cut...

Aspiring rapper freestyles for Kanye West & you won't believe what Kanye did

Kanye who hardly smiles and seems unapproachable did something that surprised the paparazzi who took the photos of the encounter. As he was leaving his hotel in New York yesterday, an aspiring rapper took a chance, approached him and started rapping for Kanye. Kanye walked towards his car and the young fan followed him, still busting out his freestyle rap.

Kanye's reaction? He entered his car, asked the guy to approach, spent time talking with him and
and then asked for his phone number and promised to call him. Wow!

Recall Nigeria's ambassador to South Africa & sue Zulu king- Senate tells Presidency

The Senate today called on the presidency to recall Nigeria's High Commissioner to South Africa and also file a lawsuit against Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini at the International Criminal Court following the recent xenophobic in some parts of South Africa.

At its plenary session, the Senate President David Mark asked the South African government not to stretch Nigerian government beyond its elastic limit

"My humble suggestion will be that South Africa should not stretch us beyond our elastic limit on this matter be cause there is a limit beyond which the nation will not accept what is happening in South Africa" he said

Also speaking, Senator Eta Enang called on Nigerian government to take painful but reciprocal actions against South Africa, adding that South African companies here in Nigeria are ripping us off through the services they provide

"Nigeria should learn to take reciprocal painful action against South Africa. South Africa is part of the countries that have collapsed the economy and sabortaged the economy of Nigeria because what we are paying to MTN and DSTV is so monumental and it is affecting the economy of Nigeria." he said

Photos: Obasanjo and Buhari meet in Abuja

President-elect Gen Muhammadu Buhari and former President Olusegun Obasanjo met in Abuja today. See photos of Buhari as he arrived Abuja after the cut...

May 29th handover: Ministers, heads of agencies, others prepare handover notes

Ahead of the May 29th handover to the General Buhari-led government, the federal government has directed all Ministers, heads of agencies, Service Chiefs and others to prepare their handover notes.

According to an exclusive report by Premium Times, in a memo titled "Request For Hand Over Briefs”, the Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator Ayim Pius Anyim, directed that handover notes be submitted on or before April 20th.

The memo in part reads "You may recall that President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR has constituted a Transition Committee to midwife the handover of Government from the present administration to the in-coming one.

The Committee which is chaired by the Vice President, Arch. Namadi sambo, GCON, has the following Terms of Reference: (a) Collate and prepare all the Handover briefs from MDAs; (b) Arrange a formal presentation of the Handover briefs to the in-coming Administration; Interface with the in-coming Administration’s transition Committee as to provide clarifications on the status of the briefs where required; (d) Prepare the President’s Handover note.
2. It is in furtherance of this Committee’s mandate that this circular is issued to request all MDAs to prepare and submit their briefs to the Secretariat of the Committee (i.e Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation) on or before the 20th of April, 2015. In preparing the briefs, be……. as much as possible.
1. Hon Ministers shall collate all inputs from the Parastatals under their supervision and accordingly process such inputs as part of their submissions;
2. Briefing format shall as much as possible follow the following pattern:
a. A brief Statement of the mandate of the MDAs;
b. Presentations shall flow from a definite policy, scheme or initiative (a highlight of the target and implementation strategy of the policy may be necessary);
c. (b) above shall be followed by the programmes and activities being implemented under the policy, scheme or initiative;
d. (c) above shall be followed by brief status report on the programme/activities under each policy, scheme or initiative. In articulating the report the following may be considered necessary:
i. Where data are presented, they should be accurate and precise;
ii.The following may be indicated:
-Commitments and liabilities
-Matters for immediate decisions
-Legislative issues
-International obligations, etc
(e) (d) shall be followed by a brief statement on the impact of the policy and its programmes;
(f) Conclusion: This may be a brief summary with recommendations.

You are expected to be precise, there is no restriction as to the volume or quantity of attachments that can follow thereto.
3. Above for your strict compliance please.”

Among those directed to submit their handover notes includes offices of the Chief of Staff to the President, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Ministers/Ministers of State, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Special Advisers/Senior Special Assistants and Service chiefs/Inspector General of Police, Chairman Federal Civil Service Commission, Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau, Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal, Chairman, Federal Character Commission, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Chairman National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Also directed to prepare their handover notes are Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments, Auditor-General of the Federation, Accountant-General of the Federation, Director General/Chief Executives of Parastatals, Agencies and Government-Owned Companies.

In a related development, the the Transition Committee headed by VP Namadi Sambo yesterday April 14th directed all Ministries, Department and Agencies to submit a 6-page handover note on or before Thursday April 16th.

The memo in part reads "Please I have been directed to request that you kindly ensure that your Agency/Departmental Handover notes reach me on or before Thursday 16th April, 2014. Be reminded that your submission should be a maximum of 6 pages, detailing the following: Summary of key functions of Agency/Department; Summary of achievements 2011-2014; Key issues/challenges and proposed solutions to tackling same. Please ensure prompt response as we are working with very tight deadlines. Thank you for your kind cooperation and prompt response.”

Source: Premium Times

CBN reduces annual overseas spending from $150,000 per Nigerian debit card to $50,000

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has cut the annual overseas spending by Nigerians using any Nigerian banks debit card from $150,000 to $50,000. It has also brought down the daily usage card limit to $300. According to the CBN, the move is being taken to reduce the pressure on the Naira.

In a circular signed and issued yesterday April 14th by the director, Trade and Exchange Department, Olakanmi Gbadamosi, the CBN said the new limit takes effect from Monday, April 13, 2015.

"All authorized dealers and the general public are hereby informed that with effect from the date of this circular (13th April, 2015) the existing limit on the usage of naira denominated cards for transactions overseas has been reviewed downward. Accordingly, the limit has been reduced $150,000 to $50,000 per person per annum. In addition, all authorized dealers are to ensure that the daily cash withdrawal limit embedded in the card per person per day is pegged at $300. Authorised dealers are to ensure strict compliance whit this new limit and render monthly returns of the transactions to the director, Trade and Exchange Department, CBN not later than 5th day of the following month.”

The circular however did not state if there would be restrictions for individuals with multiple naira denominated cards from different banks.

See How The APC Sweeps Out The PDP

The All Progressives Congress (APC) at the weekend swept to victory in the governorship and House of Assembly elections conducted across the country. LEADERSHIP reports that governorship election was conducted in 29 states while House of Assembly elections held in the 36 states of the federation.

According to the results released by INEC, APC have so far won in 20 states while the PDP won in 9.

The 20 states won by the APC, according to INEC, are:

Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Katsina, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kano, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe, Bauchi, Kaduna, Niger, Borno, Benue, Kwara, Plateau, and Zamfara states. 

Imo is already in the hands of APC thus far.

The PDP, however, claimed victory in Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Gombe, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Abia, Taraba, and Delta states.

INEC declares Imo Governorship election inconclusive

INEC has declared the Imo State Governorship election between APC candidate, incumbent governor Rochas Okorocha and PDP candidate, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, inconclusive.

According to INEC results announced in Owerri yesterday, the APC candidate polled 385,671, while the PDP candidate polled 306,142.

Returning Officer in Imo state, Prof. Ibidapo Obe, said they were declaring the election inconclusive because of the number of canceled votes which was 144,715, compared with the margin of win by Okorocha which was 79,529. Prof. Obe said a new date for new election in the wards in the different LGAs where the votes were cancelled will be announced soon.

See what Arab billionaire wedding looks like. Photos from Sultan of Brunei's son's wedding

Sultan of Brunei was once the richest man in the world. He was toppled many years ago by Bill Gates but he's still loaded and one of the richest men in the world. The youngest child, 31 year old Prince Abdul Malik, who is the second in line to become the next Sultan, got married today to 22 year old Data Analyst DayangkuHaji Bolkiah in a spectacular ceremony at the monarch's 1,788-room palace in Brunei's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan.

The billionaire monarch went all out for this wedding. The bride and groom wore gold outfits with diamonds. The bride's shoes were made with extra diamonds and she carried a bouquet made of gems rather than flower. Her tiara, necklace, brooch, bracelet and ring are all made of diamonds, studded with emeralds. See the photos after the cut...

55 Corpers released after being held hostage for 24hours in Nasarawa

About 55 Corps members and staff of INEC deployed to serve as presiding officers, who were held hostage yesterday in Assakio, Ashige and Adogi in Lafia LGA in Nasarawa state on Saturday April 11th, have finally been released, according to a report by Vanguard

The Corpers were rescued by security men this afternoon and brought to INEC Headquarter in Lafia. The Corps members said they were held hostage by the host communities because INEC returning and collation officers refused to show up after the election was peacefully concluded to collate and return election results. They said when they tried to call the returning officers, they didn't pick their calls and the host communities refused to let them go until security men came to their rescue today.

INEC postpones election in 8 constituencies in Bayelsa state

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has postponed tomorrow's elections in eight constituencies in Bayelsa state to next week Saturday, April 18th.

According to the states Resident Electoral Commissioner, Baritor Kpagih, the postponement was due to insufficient supply of sensitive and non sensitive materials from INEC headquarters in Abuja.

Kanye West compares his ego to an unmovable table in his home

The analogy is funny...and deep! Speaking with New York Times' T magazine, Kanye compared his big ego with a table he hated that was in his home and credits Kim and his daughter for taming his arrogance. He said;

"I feel like now I have an amazing wife, a super-smart child and the opportunity to create in two major fields. Before I had those outlets, my ego was all I had.'

Jimi Agbaje's Closing Statement

A closing statement from PDP Gubernatorial candidate, Jimi Agbaje...

To the good people of Lagos: As today winds down and our campaign officially comes to a close, let me be the first to thank each and everyone of you for your prayers, support and well-wishes throughout the course of this campaign.

A little over 3-months ago, I set out on a bold journey to CHANGE how government works not just for a few elites but for ordinary people.

It was clear from the beginning that I would face a formidable adversary in the APC - an incumbent party with a political machinery built and honed over the last 16-years. But I understood that as a candidate if I presented my case with the utmost level integrity; if I spoke from the heart about the challenges and the opportunities that we face as a state, the people will in return respond. I knew if I anchored my vision on the very values that shaped me as a young man as well as the principles of empathy, hard work and integrity that have guided me in life, Lagosians will come out of every nook and cranny of this vibrant state to support my candidacy.

Era of winning elections by hook or crook is over - Prof. Jega

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega says the era of politicians winning elections by hook or crook is over. Professor Jega stated this while addressing all Benue governorship candidates in Makurdi the Benue state capital today April 9th. Professor restated the commissions commitment to conduct a free and fair election come Saturday April 11th.

Oba of Lagos not APC’s spokesman - Tinubu

Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has finally reacted to the anti-Igbo comments made by Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu. Tinubu said the Oba is not a member of APC and so can't speak on behalf of the party. Speaking to Punch at a rally in Iganmu today, Tinubu said;

“The oba is not a politician. His job is to accommodate all political parties, whether PDP, APC or SDP. So, what did he (Ubah) go and do at the palace? To you Igbos, don’t we pay your children’s school fees like others? Or is it the palace that pays for it? When we conducted an exam and a spelling competition, an Igbo boy, Ebuka, from Anambra, came first and he became the governor for one day.

“Those that won the competition three times in a row were Igbo. Ebuka was sent to Switzerland computer school and then Obafemi Awolowo University. We did not say he was an Igbo boy and he would not enjoy. He became an executive in Oando and he is now in Canada.

“Another boy, Felix, won and went to Switzerland and OAU. We paid his scholarship; we did not deny him because he is Igbo.”

Photos: Igbo market leaders in Lagos meet with Ambode, assures him of their support

Leaders of Igbo Town Unions and markets in Lagos State met with APC governorship candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode today April 7th where they reassured him and APC of their support in the upcoming election. More photos after the cut...

Photos: 3000 PDP members decamp to APC in Benue, publicly tear membership card

3000 PDP members in Benue state tore their party membership cards as they decamped to the APC at a ceremony in Benue state recently. Lol. The ruling party is the winning party. More photos after the cut...

Whoever wants to impeach me will have to impeach God - Fayose

Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state says for anyone to successfully impeach him, they would have to impeach God first. Gov. Fayose said this during an audience participatory programme; 'Meet Your Governor' aired on the State Television, EKTV, Ekiti Radio, Progress FM and NTA, Ado Ekiti today April 6th.

"I’m like Israel that is in the midst of enemies but will always prevail. Whoever wants to remove me will first have to impeach God. They are doing all these just to get at me because of my support for President Jonathan and I have no regret for supporting the president. Let me say it again, I have not been served any impeachment notice. The House of Assembly is also on recess and Dr Adewale Omirin is not the speaker of the State House of Assembly. Omirin is in court, challenging his impeachment and he can’t be challenging his impeachment in court and at the same time laying claim to being Speaker.” he said.

Kunle Afolayan apologizes for his attack on Igbos

The respected movie producer and actor has apologized again for comments he made about Igbos and piracy. Read here. More tweets after the cut..

Obasanjo presents Soludo as Finance Minister to Buhari

General Muhammadu Buhari's victory in the historic March 28th presidential elections have turned the political structures of the PDP on its head in a manner that marveled many within the country.

However, the uncertainties surrounding the staffing of the incoming Buhari administration appears to pose a more intriguing scenario. This is as sources say the horse trading for the sensitive ministerial positions within the Buhari administration has already commenced.

Ex-CBN Governor, Charles Soludo is said to have been presented by President Olusegun Obasanjo as the new Minister of Finance for the Buhari administration. But some APC big men are not happy...

Soludo had served as a member of the economic team for the Obasanjo administration prior to becoming the governor of the CBN.

Soludo’s presentation to the incoming administration as the likely minister of finance is reported to have raised eyebrows within the inner circles of the APC – who explained that Soludo remains a card carrying member of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, a party that hates the APC with passion. They complained that Soludo cannot be allowed to reap where he did not sow. But Soludo is not really an APGA man, he only went to Anambra to contest governorship election and has since left.

It is also believed that APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is not comfortable with Soludo but since he has a lot of respect for Obasanjo, he is open to further discussion ahead of May 29.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Here's wishing every LIB reader a Happy Easter! Wishing you a holiday filled with love, warmth, hope, joy and happiness as you celebrate with your loved ones.

Gov. Fayose tells Ekiti APC lawmakers to stop acting like jesters, dismisses impeachment plot

Ekiti state governor, Ayo Fayose responds to impeachment threat from APC members in the State House of Assembly. His statement below...

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has advised All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the State House of Assembly to stop acting like jesters, saying; "The script being acted by the APC is a failed one because no one, no matter how highly placed will be allowed to test the will of Ekiti people."

The governor, who described the purported impeachment notice posted online by the APC lawmakers as "joke of the century" said; "The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly is Hon Dele Olugbemi and not Dr Adewale Omirin."

In a statement issued on Saturday by the his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said; "Omirin is already in court, challenging his impeachment and common sense dictates that when you are challenging an action already taken in court, you have accepted the consequences of such action pending the determination of the suit you filed."

Michelle Obama, Sarah Jessica Parker & Kerry Washington Cover Glamour mag’s May Issue

The Beautiful and powerful ladies on Glamour Magazine's May 2015 Cover Page...

President Jonathan meets with EU observers, praised for conceding defeat

President Jonathan had a closed door meeting with members of the European Union Observers group at the presidential villa earlier today. The group, led by Mr Santiago Fassi, praised President Jonathan for conceding defeat after loosing in the 2015 presidential election. The group said Pres. Jonathan is a true symbol of democracy and is worthy of emulation not just by other African leaders but all leaders in the world.

Obasanjo writes Gen. Buhari a letter

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has written the President elect, Gen Buhari a letter. In the letter, Chief Obasanjo charged Gen. Buhari to embark on reforming all of Nigeria's national institutions, particularly the military. The full text of the letter below...