S.J News• [Dec 1, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 1, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Plateau: Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) gives Gov Jonah Jang (Plateau) 10-day ultimatum to resolve LG workers’ crisis or face total withdrawal of workers’ services; Effective from 30th November, 2012. Investment: Nigeria becomes preferred destination in Africa; Attracted ₦6.8tn Local & Foreign Direct Investments due to President Jonathan administration's investor-friendly policies -VP Namadi Sambo. 41st Emergency Meeting: Election for PDP Board of Trustees Chairman to hold January 8, 2013 -Sen Walid Jibrin (Secretary, BoT); Resignation of Olusegun Obasanjo leaves position vacant. Coke: Adeola Adetunji appointed as Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd MD, effective from January 1, 2013; Kelvin Balogun (fmr MD) now President of Coca-Cola Central, East & West Africa (CEWA) Business Unit. Will & Last Testament: Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu's (ex-Biafran warlord & Ikemba Nnewi) will read @ Enugu State High Court; Bianca Ojukwu (Widow; Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Spain) & her children receive lion share. HIV/AIDS: About ₦700bn needed to fund National Strategic Framework (2010 to 2015) & $1.4bn for National HIV response (2012 to 2022); Seeks Govt & Private sector support -Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). 13th Edition: FirstBank Plc wins Bank of the Year in Nigeria 2012 award; Awarded by The Banker Magazine (publication of Financial Times of London). Rwanda: UK suspends £21m aid payment to Rwanda over country's alleged role in supporting M23 militia in Democratic Republic of Congo; £16m doled out in September.

S.J News• [Nov 30, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 30, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ 2013 Budget Defence: FG to spend ₦6.2bn on an awareness campaign for Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) -Mrs Dieziani Alison-Madueke (Minister of Petroleum Resources). EFCC: Trial of Dr Wale Babalakin (Chairman; Bi-Courtney Group) stalled due to illness; Plaintiff accused of laundering James Ibori's (fmr Delta Gov) loot; Case adjourned till December 12. Containers: FG approves ₦189.7m for supply of radiation & explosive detection devices for Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) -Idris Umar (Minister of Transport). IBB Regime (1988 to 1992): Federal High Court, Abuja dismisses $12.5bn Gulf oil windfall suit filed by civil society groups against Attorney General & CBN over lack of locus standi. Buhari: Maj Gen Muhammadu Buhari (retd) loses Zulaihatu (40yr-old daughter) after delivery of baby girl in Nasara Hospital, Marafa Estate, Kaduna state. Adamawa Budget: Gov Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) presents ₦95bn budget for 2013 fiscal year to State House of Assembly; ₦20.960bn personnel cost, ₦28.383bn over head, ₦39,040bn Capital expenses. 2012 FIFA Ballon d’Or: Lionel Messi (Argentina), Andres Iniesta (Spain) & Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) nominated for 2012 FIFA Ballon d’Or. United Nations General Assembly: Palestinian UN status upgraded from "non-member observer entity" to "non-member observer state," same category as Vatican; 138 yay, 9 nay & 41 abstentions.

S.J News• [Nov 28, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 28, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ BPE: Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprise, Ms Bolanle Onagoruwa sacked; Mr Benjamin Ezra Dikki (most senior director) to take over as Acting DG. Ogun Cabinet: Gov Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) swears in Mrs Yewande Amusan as Commissioner for Culture & Tourism and Mrs Ronke Shokefun as Commissioner for Agriculture. Penal Codes: FG seeks unification of Southern & Northern criminal codes through Nigerian Law Reform Commission for national unity -Mohammed Adoke (Minister of Justice). Civil Servants: Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (CBN Gov) seeks reduction of budgetary allocation to recurrent expenditure; 50% reduction of FG staff strength for sustainable economic growth. House of Reps: $600m World Bank loan needed to fund infrastructure deficit in Lagos state; To be in 3 tranches, 1st received -Gov Babatude Fashola (Lagos). Ministry of Power: ₦17bn non-utilised budgetary allocation to Ministry of Mines & Steel Development to be recovered -Sen Phillip Aduda (Chairman, Senate Committee on Mines & Steel). Poison or Not: Yasser Arafat's (fmr Palestinian leader; aged 75yrs) body exhumed, reburied; Test samples taken for presence of polonium (toxic, radioactive element) found on belongings.

S.J News• [Nov 27, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 27, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NHRC: Muhammed Bello Adoke (Attorney General; Minister of Justice) inaugurates Governing Council of National Human Rights Commission; Prof Chidi Odinkalu as Chairman. Fuel Subsidy Scam: EFCC re-arraigns Mamman Nasir Ali (fmr PDP National Chairman's son), 3 others before Ikeja High Court over alleged ₦4.4bn fuel subsidy scam. Kebbi: State Verification Committee on Local Govt staff uncovers 9,258 ghost workers in 21 local councils; 24,126 workers cleared as genuine staff; 12,830 as beneficiaries of political patronage. Yobe: Joint Task Force (JTF) recovers 5,207 rounds of ammunition, IEDs, grenades, rifle, pistol in Damaturu, Yobe state following tip off -Lt Eli Lazarus (JTF spokesman). SARS: Gunmen attack Special Anti-Robbery Squad premises in Abuja; 30 detainees freed; 2 police officers killed. House of Reps: Committee on Public Accounts summons Tony Anenih (fmr PDP BoT Chairman; ex-Works Minister) over abandoned ₦2.3bn road contract awarded in 2001. Senate: ₦199.343m allocation as military pension in 2013 budget grossly inadequate -Committee on Establishment; Seeks upward review of pensioners funds. Foreign: FG approves ₦13.395bn for settlement of foreign missions' debt debts; ₦1.3bn for posting of ambassadors in 2013 & ₦3bn for upgrading Nigeria's mission house in New York, US -Olugbenga Ashiru (Minister of Foreign Affairs). Bank of England: Chancellor George Osborne names Mark Carney (Gov, Canadian central bank; 47yrs) as new governor for 5 years; Mervyn King to step down next June.

S.J News• [Nov 26, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 26, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NCS: Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Command makes ₦6.5bn out of ₦8.4bn 2012 target; 317 seizures made between January & October; 5 out of 22 arrested suspects convicted -Othman Saley (Area Comptroller). Kaduna: 2 suicide bombers detonate bombs @ St Andrew Military Protestant church inside Armed Forces Command & Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji; No fewer than 11 killed; 30 injured. Form+ Application Software: Team UNILAG (3 students) win Google Apps Developer Challenge for Enterprise/Small Business Solutions category in Sub-Saharan Africa; Interface creates application forms by dragging & dropping components; $20,000 & Chromebooks won. MMIA: 2 persons arrested by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Lagos for possession of undeclared $2,073,160 & 20,300 Saudi Arabian Riyal; 3 bags of money handed over to EFCC. ₦3.3bn Road Contracts: House of Reps Committee on Public Account queries Ministry of Works over ₦2.3bn Nassarawa & ₦1.045bn Nsukka-Adani, Enugu road contracts. Rohpynol Flunitrazepam: 2 Pharmacists out of 4 persons released unconditionally by Lagos High Court over sale of sedative; Charged for murder of Cynthia Osokogu. Anambra: Prof Chukwuma Soludo (fmr CBN Gov; PDP Gov candidate) not 2014 LP Gov candidate; not even member of party -Sam Oraegbunam (LP Chairman, Anambra state). Brazilian GP: Sebastian Vettel (25yrs) wins 3rd F1 world championship for Red Bull; Wins 3rd consecutive world drivers’ title by 3 points; Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) finished 2nd.

S.J News• [Nov 25, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 25, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Edo: Dr Pius Odubu (Deputy Gov) threatens to sue Gen Charles Airhiavbere (retd; PDP gubernaatorial candidate) for libel. Negligence: Lawyer drags Arik Air Nigeria before High Court, Ikeja over misleading flight times; Seeks ₦250m as damages; NCAA as co-defendant. Ebonyi: Gov Martin Elechi suspends Attorney-General, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism & Commissioner for Works and Transport for 3 months for improper dressing to a state banquet. Merchant Banks: Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) issues banking licences to Rand Merchant Bank Ltd & First Securities Discount House Ltd. Sierra Leone: Incumbent Sierra Leonean President, Ernest Koroma, sworn in for another 5-year term. IAAF: Usain Bolt (Jamaica; 4x) & Allyson Felix (USA; 1x) named Men & Women World Athletes of the Year for 2012 respectively in Barcelona, Spain.

S.J News• [Nov 24, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 24, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ PCA: Justice Aloma Mukthar (Chief Justice of Nigeria) swears in Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa as Acting President of the Court of Appeal. Dwelling in CBN Vault: Federal High Court, Abuja dismisses application filed by Olalekan Bayode (refrigerator repairer) to claim James Ibori's (fmr Delta Gov) $15m bribe. Operation Restore Order: Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno state place ₦290m bounty on heads of 19 Boko Haram members. UI: Prof Ruquayattu Rufa'i (Minister of Education) commissions 350-seater theatre donated to Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan by Wole Olanipekun (UI Pro-Chancellor). 12 Judges: Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo sworn in by Justice Aloma Mukthar (CJN) as Justice of the Court of Appeal; Effective from November 23, 2012, not November 4, 2012 like colleagues. EFCC v Fayose: Ayo Fayose (fmr Ekiti Gov) re-arraigned @ Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti for alleged misappropriation of ₦1.2bn while in office; Case adjourned to January 24, 2013. $12.4bn Oil Windfall (1988-1994): Federal High Court, Abuja adjourns delivery of judgment to November 29, 2012; Suit filed by Socio-Economic Rights & Accountability Project (SERAP).

S.J News• [Nov 23, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 23, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ PCA: President Jonathan approves appointment of Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa as Acting President for Court of Appeal as recommended by National Judicial Council (NJC); Justice Dalhatu Adamu tenure expires November 23, 2012. Excess Crude Account: Supreme Court fixes May 9, 2013 for definite settlement report in suit filed by 36 state governors challenging alleged illegal deductions from federation account by FG. APGA: Abuja High Court orders IG of police to arrest & produce self-acclaimed factional National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, Sadeeq Masalla, before it on December 3. Bank Charges: ₦6bn excess bank charges recovered by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the last 12 months -Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (CBN Governor). Money Laundering: Absence of Federal High Court, Lagos judge stalls trial of Femi Fani-Kayode (fmr Minister of Aviation); February 11, 2013 fixed for commencement of trial. Environmental Sanitation: Lagos State Govt suspends order restricting movement of people on November 24, 2012 due to Senior Secondary School Examination (SSCE) -Tunji Bello (Commissioner for the Environment). Bridge: Ground breaking ceremony for 2nd Niger bridge to take place in the 3 quarter of 2013; Project to be executed under Private-Public-Partnership (PPP); FG 30% & concessionaires 70% -Arc Mike Onolememen (Minister of Works). Nigerian Air Force (NAF): Air Marshall Alex Badeh (Chief of Air Staff) decorates 32 Air Commodores promoted from Group Captains. 2012 BBC African Footballer: Bemba Ba (Senegal), Christopher Katongo (Zambia), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast) & Younes Belhanda (Morocco) unveiled as nominees; Voting closes 13th December, 2012.

S.J News• [Nov 22, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 22, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Bayelsa: Federal Executive Council (FEC) approves ₦13.912bn contract for construction of terminal building, control tower & power house @ Bayelsa Airport in Yenagoa. Emirate Council: I didn't resign as Sardaunan Kano but forwarded request for temporal withdrawal from attending council meetings due to ANPP assignment -Ibrahim Shekarau (fmr Kano Gov). Kogi State House of Assembly: Hon Abdulahi Bello (Speaker) & Salihu Saidu Akawu (Chief Whip) resigns; 22 out of 25 members adopt Hon Momoh-Jimoh Lawal as new Speaker. UN: Federal Executive Council approves ₦5.153bn contract for rehabilitation & reconstruction of United Nations' building, Abuja; Bombed by Boko Haram on 26th August, 2011; Contract awarded to Julius Berger. Africa's Richest: Aliko Dangote tops list with net worth of $12bn; Nicky Oppenheimer (South Africa) makes #2 with $6.4bn. EPL: Chelsea sacks Roberto Di Matteo; Appoints Rafael Benitez (52yrs; fmr Liverpool boss) as interim manager until end of season; 9th manager since arrival of billionaire.

S.J News• [Nov 21, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 21, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Interest Rate: CBN's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) retains Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) @12%; Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) @ 12% & Liquidity Ratio @ 30%. Emirate Council: Ibrahim Shekarau (fmr Kano Gov; Sardauna Kano) resigns membership from Kano state Emirate Council for personal reasons -Kano Emirate Council. 2013 Budget: Gov Theodore Orji (Abia) presents ₦134bn appropriation bill to State House of Assembly; ₦67.82bn (50.56%) as recurrent & ₦66.33bn (49.44%) as capital expenditure. Nigerian Law School: 3,897 candidates called to bar on Tuesday, Olagunsoye Oyinlola (fmr Osun Gov) inclusive; 9 1st class; 195 2nd class upper; 900 2nd Class lower; 2,793 Pass; 1,552 to re-sit. Adamawa Gov: Supreme Court upholds election of Gov Murtala Nyako (PDP); Dismisses appeal filed by ACN & Marcus Gundiri (ACN Gov candidate). Sustainable Growth: Gov Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) presents ₦211.86bn for 2013 budget; ₦118.23bn (56%) capital & ₦93.64bn (44%) recurrent expenditure. Power: Current 4,000MW Electricity generation to hit 10,253MW by end of 2013 & 16,000MW by 2015 -Beks Dagogo-Jack (Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Power).

S.J News• [Nov 20, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 20, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ 125km Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: FG terminates concession of Lagos-Ibadan expressway granted to Bi-Courtney consortium in May 2009; Awards contract to Julius Berger & RCC. Flood: FG releases grains to victims in 8 affected states from 25,000 tonne Strategic Grains Reserve in Okuku, Cross River state -Dr Akinwumi Adesina (Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development). Judiciary: Gov Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) swears in acting Chief Judge of Osun state, Justice Gloria Oladoke, in Osogbo Osun state. Customs: Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area 1 Command generated ₦221bn between January 2012 & October 2012 -Emmanuel Ekpa (Public Relations Officer, NCS). D-8 Summit: President Jonathan to leave Abuja for Islamabad, Pakistan to attend summit of Heads of State & Govt of Group of 8 Developing Nations; Summit opens 2moro. ₦7bn Revenue Shortfall: House of Reps' Committee on Public Accounts to summon NNPC for 7-day consecutive appearance before House over shortfall in 2006. Food Security: Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) inaugurates 11-man committee on Kwara State Agriculture Master Plan (KAMP); 5-year plan with Cornell University, NY, University of Ilorin & Kwara State University.

S.J News• [Nov 19, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 19, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Crude Oil: Production to rise from current 2.6million to 4million barrels per day & reserves from 36bn to 40bn barrels by 2020 -Andrew Yakubu (GMD, NNPC). Flood: Flood Relief Committee raises ₦12bn for assistance of flood victims in affected states; Committee led by Aliko Dangote & Olisa Agbakoba -VP Namadi Sambo. Power: 70 to 80% of gas produced in Nigeria to be channelled to power plants; Gas flaring in Nigeria @ 15% -Andrew Yakubu (GMD, NNPC). Presidential Media Chat: Contrary to media reports, FG not in dialogue with Boko Haram; Sect still operating undercover -President Jonathan. Trade & Investment: FG completes review of Nigerian trade policy; New policy to trigger off industrial revolution plan; Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) @ $8.9bn -Dr Olusegun Aganga (Minister of Trade & Investment). Flood: FG approves ₦400m for rehabilitation of flood victims in Kaduna state; Dredging of Kaduna River to tackle menace -VP Namadi Sambo. Ogun PDP: Federal High Court, Lagos voids PDP congress conducted by a ex-President Obasanjo faction in July from which Dipo Odujinrin-led exco; To surrender affairs to Adebayo Dayo-led committee. New Procurement Law: ₦3.6bn 3-year Manitoba Hydro Int'l, Canada contract for management of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) not revoked; Matters to be resolved Tuesday next week -President Jonathan. 2013 Africa U-17 Junior Championship: Nigerian Golden Eaglets defeats Junior Eagles (Mali) 2-0 in 1st leg final qualifier @ UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Cross River state.

S.J News• [Nov 18, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 18, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Presidential Media Chat: President Jonathan to respond to questions from members of public via Twitter or SMS from 7pm to 9pm 2day. Oyo: Present Oyo state administration to immortalise Lam Adesina (fmr Oyo Gov; ACN national leader) -Gov Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo). Nautical: Nigerian Navy intercepts 17 vessels in Niger-Delta for illegal maritime activities -Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba (Chief of Naval Staff). SURE-P: Subsidy Reinvestment Programme to employ 5000 youths -Femi Akinyemi (Chairman, State Implementation Committee). Flood: VP Namadi Sambo pays sympathy visit to affected victims of flood disaster in Katsina state; FG donates ₦300m. Obudu: Abebe Dinkesa (Ethiopian) reclaims title @ 8th Obudu Ranch Int'l Mountain Race in Cross River state in 1hr 03mins with $50,000 cash prize; Won annual race in 2008, 2010 & 2012. African Champions League: Al Ahly (Egypt) defeats Esperance (Tunisia) 2-1 (agg 3-2) to win title; 7 Champions League title's to their name.

S.J News• [Nov 17, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 17, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Presidential Media Chat: President Jonathan to speak on matters currently of interest to Nigerians by 7pm on Sunday, November 18, 2012; To be broadcasted live on NTA & FRCN -Dr Reuben Abati (SA to President on Media). Primary Schools: Ogun state Govt discovers no fewer than 800 fake teachers in state Govt's employ -Segun Odubela (Commissioner for Education, Science & Technology). NDLEA: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency officials destroy ₦13.6bn worth of narcotics weighing 12,676.121kg in Badagry, Lagos state -Ahmadu Giade (Chairman/Chief Executive, NDLEA). Geriatrics: University College Hospital, Ibadan to inaugurate Tony Anenih Centre (Geriatric Centre) 2day; To cater for 65-year-olds & above -Prof Temitope Alonge (CMD, UCH). State Flags Flown @ Half Mast: Justice Kayode Eso (retd Supreme Court Justice) dies in Hammersmith Hospital London, UK @ 87years during vacation; Osun state declares 3 days of mourning. Terror: Adis Medunjanin (28-year-old US citizen from Bosnia) sentenced to Life in prison on Friday over foiled suicide mission to blow up New York City subways in 2009.

S.J News• [Nov 16, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 16, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Fuel Subsidy: House of Reps to probe FG's Subsidy Reinvestment & Empowerment Programme; Impact of SURE-P not felt since implementation 10 months ago -Rep. ₦3.7bn Ecological Projects: House of Reps directs Ayim Pius Ayim, Federal Ministry of Environment & Ecological Fund Office to suspend 17 projects; To be re-advertised in line with Procurement Act of 2007. ECOWAS: Olusegun Obasanjo (fmr president) appointed to head 250 member Election Observer Mission to Ghana general elections on December 7, 2012. Money Laundering: EFCC re-arraigns Barthlomew Ebong (fmr MD, Union Bank) alongside 5 executives of Falcon Securities Ltd before Federal High Court, Lagos. South-East Infrastructure: President Jonathan meets South-East governors @ Presidential Villa, Abuja over 2nd Niger Bridge, Infrastructure. Sierra Leone: John Kuffuor (fmr Ghanaian president) to head ECOWAS 150 member team to observe Sierra Leone’s general elections on November 17, 2012. Adamawa: Federal High Court, Abuja okays prosecution of Boni Haruna (erstwhile Adamawa Gov) by EFCC for allegedly stealing over ₦93bn while in office.

S.J News• [Nov 15, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 15, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Cabinet: Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) appoints Patrick Obahiagbon (fmr House of Reps member) as Chief of Staff; Prof Julius Ihonvbere (fmr SA on Policy Monitoring)appointed as Secretary to State Govt. FEC: Federal Executive Council approves ₦98.5bn contract for 28 infrastructural development projects by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); To be implemented between 2012 & 2014. Taraba: State House of Assembly mandates Umar Garba (Deputy Governor) to act as governor of Taraba state; Gov Danbaba Suntai undergoing treatment in Germany due to injuries sustained in plane crash. October Allocation: FG, State & 774 Local Govts to share ₦574.94bn; Gross revenue of ₦640.766; ₦172.505bn to be transferred to Excess Crude Account (ECA) -Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). Benue: State House of Assembly elects Hon Emmanuel Uyah (Gwer East constituency) as Speaker following resignation of Hon Dave Iorhemba (erstwhile Speaker); Hon Uyah is the 3rd Speaker in last 17 months. Kwara: Demise of Dr Olusola Saraki (2nd Republic Senate Leader) in Lagos state @ 79 years; Remains interred @ his Ilofa, Ilorin home. Loans Without Collaterals: EFCC re-arraigns Francis Atuche (fmr MD, Bank PHB) & Charles Ojo (fmr ED, Bank PHB) before Federal High Court, Lagos 3 years after.

S.J News• [Nov 14, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 14, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ State Creation: National Assembly received about 56 requests for state creation -Sen Ike Ekweremadu (Deputy Senate President & Chairman, Senate Committee on review of Constitution). House of Reps: Bill for an Act to prohibit marriage or civil union between persons of same sex passes through 2nd reading in House of Reps. Safety Gadget: Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) directs nigerian airlines to install Automated Flight Information Reporting System (AFIRS) within next 6 months -Dr Harold Demuren (DG, NCAA). DMO: Debt Management Office appoints Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited as government stockholder; To provide prices for FGN bonds on NSE floor -Abraham Nwankwo (DG, DMO). SURE-P: Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to employ about 10,000 women & youths under its Subsidy Reinvestment & Empowerment Programme before end of 2012 -Olajumoke Akinjide (Minister of State for FCT). Automated Teller Machines: Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) & Banker’s Committee agree to stop ₦100 charge for interbank ATM withdrawals. Niger Delta: East-West road to be completed & commissioned by December 2014; Road to link Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta & Rivers states -Godsday Orubebe (Minister of Niger Delta). Money Laundering (Courier): EFCC arraigns Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) staff for being in possession of $1.4m @ MMIA, Lagos. Ultimate Wonder Promo: Miss Ebube Essien-Garricks (27-year-old student) wins MTN's brand new Cessna 182T aeroplane despite NCC's ban; Opts for cash equivalent of ₦64m.

S.J News• [Nov 13, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 13, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Bayelsa: Erstwhile Chief of Staff to Timipre Sylva (fmr Bayelsa Gov), Sam Ogbuku, arrested by EFCC in his Lekki Phase 1 residence. ECOWAS: Economic Community for West-African States donates $382,000 to victims of flood in 19 affected states in Nigeria. Foreign Missions: Olugbenga Ashiru (Minister of Foreign Affairs) orders issuance of visa within 48 hours by Nigerian missions abroad to attract foreign investment. Telecoms' Network: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) bans all promotions & lotteries by telecoms operators due to poor services rendered. Edo: Gov Adams Oshiomhole & Dr Pius Odubu (Deputy Gov) sworn in for 2nd term in office @ main bowl of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. Fuel Subsidy: Lagos State High Court, Ikeja fixes November 26 for re-arraignment of Mamman Ali, son of Ahmadu Ali (fmr PDP Chairman) & 3 others over ₦4.4bn fraud. Flood: President Jonathan approves ₦9.7bn for National Flood Recovery Food Production Plan; 40,000 metric tons of food from Strategic Grains Reserve to be released -Dr Akinwumi Adesina (Minister of Agriculture).

S.J News• [Nov 12, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 12, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Unilag VC: Prof Rahman Adisa Bello (64 yrs; Chemical Engineering) appointed as 11th Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos; 5-year tenure effective from Monday, November 12, 2012. Yobe: State Govt re-imposes curfew from 6am to 7am in Geidam, Gashua & Buni-yadi town following killing of 4 persons on Saturday in Geidam, Yobe state. Eko 2012 (Sport Festival): Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) approves ₦120m for Edo state; ₦100m approved for 2011 edition in Rivers state. Oyo: Lam Adesina (fmr Oyo Gov; ACN National Leader) interred on Sunday @ Felele, Ibadan residence; Aged 73yrs; Died same day @ St Nicholas Hospital, Lagos after protracted illness. Fuel Subsidy Scam: EFCC to arraign 7 more suspects @ Lagos High Court, Ikeja for alleged involvement in ₦5.4bn fuel subsidy scam -Wilson Uwu (EFCC Spokesperson). Bread: Increased use of cassava bread to halt FG's ₦600bn annual importation of Wheat into Nigeria -Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO).

S.J News• [Nov 11, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 11, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal: Gubernatorial candidates of ACN, PDP & Accord Party file petitions against victory of Gov Olusegun Mimiko (PDP; Labour). UI/57th Birthday: Gov Babangida Aliyu (Niger) to receive Golden Jubilee Personality Award from Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan on Monday. 1999 Constitution Review: Jos South/Jos East federal constituency of Plateau state rejects indigenisation of settlers for dwelling long in area. Lend a Helping Hand (Fund Raising): President Jonathan relaxes hurdle against corporate organisations' donation to Dangote-Agbakoba Presidential Flood Relief Committee; ₦11,075,095,000 realised. Oil spill: Mobil, on 9 November, isolated & shut pipeline due to oil release offshore Akwa Ibom state; Emergency response personnel deployed -Mobil. SNC: Syrian National Council elects George Sabra (SNC spokesman) as 3rd president @ meeting in Doha, Qatar; Replaces Abdulbaset Sieda; 11 elected to executive council. BBC: Shortest-ever serving Director General of BBC, George Entwistle (DG since September 17th), resigns over Newsnight child abuse broadcast; Tim Davie (Director, BBC Audio & Music) to serve as acting DG.

S.J News• [Nov 10, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 10, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Senate: Committee on Environment threatens to halt Ministry of Environment's allocations in 2013 budget; Seeks defence of utilised funds allocated in previous years. Edo Cabinet: Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) dissolves state executive council; To be sworn in as governor on Monday for 2nd term. Condolence: Renowned surveyor & 2nd republic politician, Hope Harriman, died on Thursday in United States; Aged 79 years. NDIC: Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NDIC) pays ₦6.682bn cumulative insured deposit to depositors of 48 liquidated Deposit Money Banks (DMB) as @ August -Umaru Ibrahim (MD/CEO). Strike: Gov Jonah Jang (Plateeau) orders Local Government workers to resume work on Monday, 12th November or face consequences; Workers demand implementation of ₦18,000 Minimum Wage. EFCC v OGD: Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria's (JUSUN) strike stalls trial of Gbenga Daniel (fmr Ogun state) @ State High Court over alleged financial impropriety. CIA: Central Intelligence Agency director, David Petraeus, resigns over extra-marital affair; Married for over 37 years.

S.J News• [Nov 9, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 9, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Refinery: President Jonathan sets March 2013 deadline for completion of Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) & rehabilitation of Kaduna, Port Harcourt & Warri refineries -Dr Reuben Abati (SA to President on Media). Ogun Factional Brouhaha: Chief Adebayo Dayo-led State Executive suspends Maj Gen Adetunji Olurin (retd; PDP Gov candidate), Sen Dipo Odujinrin (Chairman) from party. Fuel Subsidy Probe ($620,000 Bribe): Femi Otedola (Chairman, Zenon Oil) files ₦250bn libel suit against Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Speaker, House of Reps) & Farouk Lawan. Budget Defence: SenateCommittee on Finance summons NNPC over $500m undisclosed revenue of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC). Osun CJ: Justice Olaniyi Ojo retires as Osun state Chief Judge with no anointed successor. NDDC: Senate approves ₦250.86bn for Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as 2012 budget; Personal expenditure of ₦10.22bn, Overhead of ₦7.57bn, Capital (internal) of ₦1.02bn, Projects @ ₦232.06bn. Oyo: State House of Assembly extends tenure of 29 out of 33 Council Chairmen for 6 months; Tenure to expire May 2013. 2013 Budget: Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) presents ₦150bn to State House of Assembly; ₦87.41bn Capital expenditure (60%), recurrent @ ₦62.64bn (40%).

S.J News• [Nov 8, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 8, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ FEC: Federal Executive Council approves urban water project loan granted by International Development Agency (IDA) for Lagos ($33.83m) & Cross River state ($43.92m). Insurgency: Muhammadu Buhari (fmr Head of State) rejects Boko Haram's nomination as mediator in talks between FG & sect. RMAFC: House of Reps orders Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation & Fiscal Commission to present new revenue sharing formula for FG, State & Local Govts to President within 2 weeks. Infrastructure: Federal Executive Council (FEC) approves ₦59.8bn contract for execution of infrastructural projects within Nigeria -Labaran Maku (Minister of Information). En route London: NDLEA nabs 23-year-old Nigerian student in attempt to smuggle drugs @ MMIA, Lagos; Excretes 92 pellets of cocaine weighing about 1.535kg. Academic Qualification: Court of Appeal, Benin reserves judgment in appeal filed by Charles Airhiavbere (PDP Gov candidate) against Gov Adams Oshiomhole (ACN). State of Origin: Senate orders Justice Aloma Mukthar (CJN) to swear in Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo as judge of the Court of Appeal; Appointed as Abia state nominee.

S.J News• [Nov 7, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 7, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Edo: Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) implements State House of Assembly's resolution; 18 Local Govt transition committee dissolved; Heads of Service to take over secretariats. ₦501m Money Laundering: Absence of EFCC counsel stalls Adeyemi Ikuforiji’s (Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly) trial @ Federal High Court, Lagos; Adjourned till 20th November. Ondo: State House of Assembly suspends 9 out of 18 Chairmen of Local Council Caretaker Committees following refusal to heed its directives on council administrations. Millennium Development Goals (MDG): United Nations (UN) sets target for eradication of extreme poverty in Africa by 2030 -Prof Jeffrey Sachs (SA to Ban Ki Moon). Nigerian Compass Newspapers: MD/Editor-in-Chief, Adesina Kawonise, shot along Akure-Ilesha Highway in return trip from Awka, Anambra state; In stable condition. SURE-P: FG, under Subsidy Reinvestment Programme, to commence massive rice farming in 2013 through irrigation from Doma Dam, Nasarawa state -Labaran Maku (Minister of Information). PIB: Consideration of Petroleum Industry Bill for 2nd reading to begin next week -House of Reps; Merged with bill for establishment of National New Frontier Exploration Agency. White House: Barack Obama (D) re-elected as US president; 270 electoral votes surpassed; Mitt Romney (R) back to Massachusetts.

S.J News• [Nov 6, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 6, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Debt Profile: FG reviews proposed debt profile from $7.9bn to $9.3bn for infrastructural development between 2012 & 2014 -Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance). Rivers: I have nothing to do with my poster & Jigawa state governor's; No intention to contest 2015 presidency; Only interested in state development -Gov Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers). Agric: Nigeria’s food produce hits 8.1million metric tonne -Dr Akinwunmi Adesina (Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development). Terrorism: No fewer than 3,000 persons killed by Boko Haram sect -Lt Gen Azubuike Ihejirika (Chief of Army Staff). BZM: Over 500 members of Biafra Zionist Movement arrested in Enugu state for re-declaration of Biafra as sovereign state. 12 Newly Appointed Court of Appel Justices: Justice Aloma Mukthar (CJN) refuses to swear in Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo due to petition protesting her Abia state of origin. Prison, Presido, Paper: South African Reserve Bank rolls out new bank notes bearing Nelson Mandela's (94yrs; 1st SA black president) face.

S.J News• [Nov 5, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 5, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ House of Reps: Committee on Public Accounts summons Jonah Otunla (Accountant-General of the Federation) over revenue shortfall of ₦81.9bn in Federation account. Jigawa: President Jonathan to begin 2-day visit to Jigawa state from Monday; To commission projects built under Sule Lamido administration. Teleconference: Boko Haram denies being behind death of Maj Gen Mamman Shuwa (Nigerian civil war hero) through Abu Mohammed Abdul-Aziz (spokesperson). EFCC: My removal as Chairman few days after arrest of James Ibori (fmr Delta Gov) by EFCC aimed @ destroying anti-graft agency -Nuhu Ribadu (erstwhile EFCC Chairman). Arson: ₦20m Belform cocoa & palm tree plantation @ Isi-Uzo LG, Enugu set ablaze. $1bn: FG to float Euro bond for execution of infrastructural projects within 2013-2015; Seeks National Assembly's endorsement -Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance). Night of Influence: Fareed Zakaria (CNN) to speak on Africa’s Political Economy (The Challenge of Leadership) on 18th, November 2012; Hosted by Airtel Nigeria.

S.J News• [Nov 4, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 4, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Bayelsa v Rivers: President Jonathan meets Kalabari elders in Rivers state to resolve boundary dispute between Bayelsa & Rivers State. Federal High Court, Abuja: 2 drug traffickers (36 & 38 years-old) nabbed by NDLEA @ Nnamdi Azikiwe Int'l Airport (NAIA), Abuja to spend next 7 years each behind bars. Borno: Nigerian Civil War hero, Maj Gen Muhammed Shuwa (rtd), interred in Maiduguri; Shot dead by unknown gunmen in his Maiduguri residence on Friday. Change of Baton: Mrs Valerie Ebe sworn in as new Deputy Governor by Gov Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Nsima Ekere erstwhile (fmr Dep Gov) resigned on personal grounds. Ondo: Caretaker Committee Chairman of Akoko South-West LGA, Mrs Opeyemi Adefarati, dies in auto accident along Owo-Ikare Expressway -Aremu Adeniran (Police PRO). EFCC v Broker: GM & co-owner of Insurance broking firm arraigned before Lagos High Court, Ikeja for allegedly stealing ₦30,606m company money. Unity Road Project: Turkish expatriate & staff of Rivigo JVC Nigerian Ltd abducted by unknown gunmen got rescued from captors’ camp in Gokana, Rivers state -Police PRO. Bayelsa: Building of Ecumenical Centre @ gateway town of Igbogene, Yenagoa with sitting capacity of about 3,000 persons commences.

S.J News• [Nov 3, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 3, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Akwa Ibom: State House of Assembly confirms Mrs Valerie Ebe as 1st female Deputy Gov of Akwa Ibom state; Predecessor, Nsima Ekere, resigned from office on Wednesday. Petroleum: Nuhu Ribadu-led Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force submits report; Process of compiling report skewed -Steve Oronsaye (Deputy Chairman). FG/ Boko Haram Talks: Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) rejects nomination of Mohammdu Buhari (2011 presidential candidate) as mediator -Rotimi Fashakin (CPC National Publicity Secretary). Refineries: National Refineries Committee headed by Dr Kalu Idika Kalu submits report. Airtel: Segun Ogunsanya appointed as new Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria; Replaces Rajan Swaroop. Borno: Civil war veteran, Maj Gen Mamman Shuwa (rtd), shot dead by unknown gunmen @ his Gwange residence in Maiduguri, Borno state -Lt Col Sagir Musa (JTF spokesman). Dangote: 13,000 applicants for Graduate Executive Truck Driver vacancy but only 100 needed; 6 Phd, 65 MBA, 649 Masters & over 8,460 Bachelor degree holders amongst applicants -Aliko Dangote (Chairman, Dangote Group). NNPC, Oil Industry Parastatals: Corporate Governance & Control Task Force, chaired by Dotun Suleiman, recommends creation of NPD, NPI, PAMCO, NOC, NCCDA & NFES to succeed NNPC.

S.J News• [Nov 2, 2012]

S.J News• [Nov 2, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Constitution Amendment: National Assembly disapproves Nigeria Bar Association's (NBA) suggestion; Referendum not prescribed in 1999 constitution -National Assembly. Legacy Projects: Olusegun Obasanjo (erstwhile president) appointed as Nigerian representative for Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust. Contract Scam: Anti-Corruption Network's office in Abuja burgled on Wednesday night -Dino Melaye (Executive Secretary; fmr House of Reps member). 2013 Budget: International Monetary Fund (IMF) supports Executive's $75 crude oil benchmark against Senate's $78 & House of Reps' $80. Boko Haram: Sect to dialogue with FG; Picks Muhammadu Buhari (fmr Head of State) as mediator; Talks to be held in Saudi Arabia; Seeks arrest & prosecution of Sen Ali Modu Sheriff (fmr Borno Gov). Fuel Subsidy: Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force to submit authentic report 2day as directed by President Jonathan; Committee headed by Nuhu Ribadu (fmr EFCC Chairman). Impeachment Brouhaha: PDP suspends 4 Kogi State House of Assembly members from Kogi East Senatorial district for alleged anti-party activities. NLNG: Belgium based Nigerian & author of “On Black Sister’s Street,” Chika Unigwe, wins $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature.