S.J News• [Dec 31, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 31, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Fuel Price: Pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) won't be increased in January, 2013; Vandalised pipelines @ Ije-Ododo, Lagos & Arepo, Ogun state restored -NNPC. EFCC v Sylva: Abuja High Court grants interim order restraining EFCC from seizing Timipre Sylva's (fmr Bayelsa Gov) property in Abuja. Abia: State House of Assembly passes ₦137.2bn 2013 budget; ₦68.4bn recurrent & ₦68.8bn capital expenditure; ₦134.1bn proposed by Gov Theodore Orji (Abia). Gombe: State House of Assembly member, Hon Jalo Ganga (Gombe North; Chairman, House Committee on Finance) abducted in Gombe on Sunday -Muhammed Sule (Gombe CP). Rivers: Gov Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) names Nkpogu road in Port Harcourt, Rivers state after Owoye Andrew Azazi (fmr NSA). PSC: Police Service Commission stops use of Federal Character in appointment of AIGs, CPs, other ranks; To be based on merit & performance. AFCON 2013: South Africa unveils Africa Cup of Nations squad; 7 foreign-based players in 23-man squad -Coach Gordon Igesund.

S.J News• [Dec 30, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 30, 2012]•http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Alake of Egbaland (25-year Tussle): Gov Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Olusegun Obasanjo, Ernest Shonekan (fmr Head of Interim National Govt) reconcile Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (Alake of Egbaland), Adedapo Tejuoso (Osile of Oke Ona Egba), Halidu Olaloko (Agura of Gbagura) & Adegboyega Dosunmu (Olowu of Owu). Kogi: Gov Idris Wada (Kogi) undergoes successful surgery on thigh region; In stable condition & won’t be flown abroad for treatment -Dr Felix Ogidingbe (CMD, Cedar Crest Hospital, Abuja); Involved in fatal car accident on Friday. Drug Trafficking: NDLEA nabs 30 yr-old with ingested 980g of cocaine and 34 yr-old with ingested 1.170kg of cocaine & 335g of heroin, @ MMIA. Prerogative of Mercy: Gov Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) releases 20 prisoners; Sentences of 3 on death roll commuted to life imprisonment -Yusuph Olaniyonu (Commissioner for Information & Strategy). 4 Star General: Andrew Iwoye Azazi (fmr National Security Adviser) interred on Saturday @ Ijaw National Heroes Square in Yenegoa, Bayelsa state. Health: Osun state Govt to invest N1bn on rehabilitation of its 9 state hospitals in 2013; N120m spent on procurement of drugs in the last 1 year for free health programme -Gov Rauf Aregbesola (Osun). NHRC: Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) calls on SSS to release 2 journalists detained on Monday without charges.

S.J News• [Dec 29, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 29, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Okada: Kwara State Govt approves single uniform, issues identity cards to commercial motorcycle riders in Kwara state to curb crime; Groups reduced to 7. Kogi: Gov Idris Wada's (Kogi) convoy involved in ghastly accident along Lokoja–Ajaokuta road; Aide-de-Camp dies @ scene; Governor survived. Named After Footballer: Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex, 36,000 capacity seating stadium, in Rivers State to be completed early 2013 -Fred Igwe (Commissioner for Sports). Rivers: State Govt to spend ₦21bn for construction of Trans-Kalabari Road; Project re-awarded to Lubrik Construction Company (LCC) -Gov Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers). 2013 Budget: Lagos State House of Assembly approves ₦499.105bn (₦229.729bn recurrent, ₦269.376bn capital expenditure); ₦477.277bn presented by Gov Babatunde Fashola (Lagos). Kaduna: Justice Rahila Cudjo (Chief Judge) administers oath of office on Nuhu Audu Bajoga (fmr PDP Chairman, Kaduna); Sworn-in as Deputy Gov of Kaduna state. Alimony: $6bn Forbes-estimated bloke, Silvio Berlusconi (fmr Italian PM; 76yrs), to pay Veronica Lario (ex-wife; 56 yrs) €36m (£30m) annually; ex-PM to keep their £60m villa.

S.J News• [Dec 28, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 28, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Deputy Gov: Kaduna State House of Assembly okays Nuhu Bajoga (Kaduna PDP Chairman; 63yrs) as new deputy governor after 10-minute closed-door session. Succour: Sen Iyiola Omisore pays ₦2.5m medical bills for 9yr-old & 20yr-old; Patients diagnosed with cancer of the bone & cancer of the lip respectively. Army: Nigerian Army releases list of 51 senior officers retired with effect from December 31, 2012; 12 Major-Generals, 24 Brigadier-Generals & 15 Colonels. Hilltop Mansion: Section of Olusegun Obasanjo’s (fmr President) Abeokuta, Ogun state residence gutted by fire. Drug Racketeering: NDLEA nabs Colombian drug baron, 7 Nigerians in Lagos over illegal production of methamphetamine -Ahmadu Giade (Chairman, NDLEA). Edo: State Govt rejects ranking as Unsafe; Edo listed as unsafe by Bureau of Consular Affairs, US Department of State for US citizens during holiday season. Budget of Collective Renaissance: Gov Kashim Shettima (Borno) presents 2013 appropriation bill; ₦52.1bn recurrent, ₦132.1bn capital expenditure; Weeps during presentation over havoc wreaked on state. Kaduna Fair: Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (KADCCIMA) fixes February 22 to March 3, 2013 for 34th edition of Kaduna International Trade Fair.

S.J News• [Dec 27, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 27, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Refinery: Warri refinery currently producing 63% of its installed capacity; No maintenance issues to warrant its shutdown -Warri Refining & Petrochemical Company. Sedan, Danfo, Molue: FRSC pegs minimum age of commercial drivers in Nigeria @ 26 for maturity in driving & protection of lives. Continuity in Governance: Gov Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) endorsed for another term from 2015 by PDP stalwarts in Ibadan, Oyo state. Jankara Market: Lagos Island explosion on Wednesday due to firecrackers stored in warehouse; No fewer than 12 buildings razed, 10 vehicles burnt. South Africa: Nelson Mandela (94yrs; fmr President; Nobel Laureate) discharged from hospital; Received treatment for lung infection & underwent surgery for removal of gallstones. Syria: Gen Abdulaziz al-Shalal (Military Police Chief) defects from army due to alleged deviation from primary duty of protection; Declares allegiance to uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. World’s Longest: China launches 2,298km (1,428mile) high-speed rail line linking Beijing & Guangzhou; Trains to run @ 300kph (186mph).

S.J News• [Dec 26, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 26, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Electricity: Egbin Power Plant now generates 1,030MW, up from 600MW, with 5 of 6 turbines working @ full capacity -Mike Uzoigwe (CEO). Warri Refinery: Warri Refinery & Petrochemical Company undergoing routine maintenance for 21 days to boost plant's operating capacity. Abia: Gov Theodore Orji (Abia) grants state pardon to 8 persons incarcerated, in line with Christmas celebration. NIS: Vacancy not advertised to avoid repeat of rush during 2006 recruitment exercise that led to death of applicants -Nigerian Immigration Service; Denies allotment of slots. Terrorism: Charge against Nigerian activist & founder of Hope for the Niger Delta Campaign (HNDC), Sunny Ofehe, dropped by Dutch prosecutors due to lack of evidence. Diversified Economy: Non-oil exports rose from $1m in 2005 to $3.2bn as @ end of 2011 following FG's incentive in granting Export Expansion Grant to stakeholders -Dr Yerima Lawal Ngama (Minister of State Finance).

S.J News• [Dec 25, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 25, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Kaduna: Gov Muktar Yero nominates Nuhu Bajoga (PDP Chairman, Kaduna) as Deputy Governor of Kaduna state -Saidu Adamu (Commissioner for Information). Budget for Consolidation for Restoration: Gov Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) presents ₦285.93bn appropriation bill for 2013 fiscal year; ₦133.235bn (46.6%) recurrent, ₦152.695bn (53.40%) capital. MMIA: Nigerian Customs Service nabs passenger with $456,000 during outward clearance to China en route Doha @ Lagos airport -NCS. 2013 Budget: Gov Babangida Aliyu signs 2013 appropriation bill of ₦84bn into law; ₦46.7bn recurrent, ₦37.5bn capital expenditure. Kidnap: 4 Italian oil workers abducted along Pennington River, Bayelsa state on December 23. Budget of Work in Progress: Gov Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) presents ₦490.32bn budget proposal for 2013 fiscal year to State House of Assembly. UCTH: Kidney Dialysis Centre @ University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) now fully functional -Dr Thomas Agan (CMD, UCTH).

S.J News• [Dec 24, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 24, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Stadium: Contract for renovation of National Stadium, Abuja awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc; Renovation to begin January 2013 -Bolaji Abdullahi (Minister of Sports). EDSIEC: Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) constitutes Edo State Independent Electoral Commission; Headed by Solomon Ogoh. Merchandise Trade: ₦13,929.2bn earned from merchandise trade in 1st half of 2012, against 2011's ₦13,224.4bn -National Bureau of Statistics. Imo: State Govt to redesign Owerri Master plan for transformation to master piece -Uche Nwosu (Commissioner for Lands, Survey & Urban Planning). Abia: State Govt discovers 1727 ghost workers on pay roll of 17 Local Govt Councils by biometric data implementation committee. Plateau: Sacked Senator representing Plateau North Sen district, Gyang Pwajok, appeals Federal High Court's order @ Court of Appeal, Jos. Ogun Debt: Gov Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) inherited total debt of ₦51 from Gbenga Daniel administration -Mrs Kemi Adeosun (Commissioner for Finance). Loan: Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) drags FG, NASS to Federal High Court, Abuja over FG's request for $7.9bn from international credit agencies.

S.J News• [Dec 23, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 23, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ SEC: President Jonathan approves appointment of Dr Suleyman Abdu Ndanusa as Chairman of Securities & Exchange Commission, 2 Executive Commissioners & 3 Non-Executive Commissioners. Ebonyi: Gov Martins Elechi recalls Commissioners for Justice, Works & Culture and Tourism; Suspended 1 month ago for improper dressing to state banquet @ Govt House Lodge in Abakaliki. Electricity (4,374MW- 4,349MW- 4,500MW): Power generation peaks @ 4,500MW; 5,000MW targeted by end of 2012 -Zainab Kuchi (Minister of State for Power). MDA: ICPC issues December 31 deadline for Ministries, Departments & Agencies to return unspent balances on personnel votes to Federation's Sub-Treasury -Ekpo Nta (Chairman, ICPC). Kidnap: Wife of Brig-Gen Oluwole Rotimi (rtd; fmr Military Gov of Old Western Region), Titilayo, released in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun; Abducted on December 3 in premises of AOK Logistics (her company), Ibadan, Oyo. Egypt: Mahmoud Mekki (Vice President; 58yrs) resigns on final day of referendum on draft constitution. Pope Visits Prison: Pope Benedict XVI pardons Paolo Gabriele (erstwhile butler); Serving 18-month jail sentence for theft & leakage of confidential papers -Vatican.

S.J News• [Dec 22, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 22, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ 2012 Nov/Dec WASSCE: 150,615 candidates (37.97%) out of 396,614 candidates obtain credits in 5 subjects, including Maths & English; 47, 289 results withheld. 2013 Budget: Gov Adams Oshiomole (Edo) signs ₦149.5bn appropriation bill for 2013 fiscal year into law; ₦150.45bn presented to state house of Assembly. NPA: President Jonathan appoints Tony Anenih as Chairman of Nigerian Ports Authority. Amnesty: Additional 3,642 ex-militants to be included in 3rd Phase of Amnesty Programme -Kingsley Kuku (SA to President on Niger Delta). ARP, NDP, NTP: INEC deregisters African Renaissance Party, National Democratic Party & National Transformation; 28 deregistered on December 13, 2012. Adamawa PDP: Gov Murtala Nyako bans political activities in Adamawa state; PDP state congresses to begin 27th December, 2012. Hyundai: 4 South Korean expatriates released unscathed; Abducted in Bayelsa state on Monday. Italy: Mario Monti (Italian Prime Minister) hands his resignation to President Giorgio Napolitano following Parliamment's approval of budget by 309-55 vote. Historic View: Psy's (South Korean rapper) Gangnam Style hits 1 billion views on YouTube; Posted on video-sharing site on July 15, 2012.

S.J News• [Dec 21, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 21, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ 2013 Budget: National Assembly passes 2013 appropriation bill of ₦4.987tn into law; ₦4.924tn proposed by President Jonathan in October. Polio: Niger State Govt to setup mobile courts across 25 LGA for prosecution of parents over refusal to immunize children; ₦10, 000 fine or 6-month imprisonment for defaulters. SWF: Investments under Sovereign Wealth Fund to take-off in March, 2013 following ratification of its Strategy Document by board of Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). Kidnap: Nkiru Sylvanus (Nollywood actress) & Kenneth Okolie (fmr Mr Nigeria) released by captors; Abducted in Owerri, Imo state on Monday. NPA, CAC, NIMASA: President Jonathan approves boards of directors for Nigerian Ports Authority, Corporate Affairs Commission & Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency. Arrest Evasion: EFCC declares Abubakar Audu (fmr Kogi Gov) wanted over ₦4bn fraud while in office between 1999 & 2003 -Wilson Uwujaren (EFCC spokesman). FG-Brokered: Plateau workers suspend 7 month-old strike over non-payment of ₦18,000 minimum wage; Payment of salaries to be made from October to December, 2012. Sustained Prosperity: Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) presents ₦94.4bn for 2013 fiscal year to State House of Assembly for approval. CAF 2012: Ivorian national, Yaya Toure (29yr-old; Manchester City), named CAF African Player of the Year for 2nd consecutive year in Accra, Ghana.

S.J News• [Dec 20, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 20, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Fuel Subsidy: House of Reps okays President Jonathan’s ₦161.6bn request for supplementary budget for 2012 fiscal year. Naval Helicopter Crash: Federal Executive Council (FEC) holds valedictory session for Patrick Yakowa (fmr Kaduna Gov), Gen Andrew Owoye Azazi (fmr NSA), 4 others; Memos deferred to January 9, 2013. Army: Nigerian Army Council okays promotion of 22 Brigadier-Generals to Major-Generals, 37 Colonels to Brigadier-Generals & 91 Lieutenant-Colonels to Colonels. ITF: FG owing students under the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) ₦12bn in allowance -Prof Longmas Wapmuk (DG, Industrial Training Fund). Ogun: State Govt suspends Secondary school Principal for allegedly conducting virginity test on female students -Segun Odubela (Commissioner for Education). Prize for Leadership: Prof Wole Soyinka (Nobel Laureate) bags Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership; Prize to be awarded bi-annually. Congo: International Criminal Court (ICC) acquits Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui (Congolese Warlord) of charges of war crimes & crimes against humanity. Time Magazine: President Barack Obama named Time magazine’s Person of the Year for 2012; Selected for honour in 2008 when he became US 1st black president.

S.J News• [Dec 19, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 19, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ PenCom: FG names most senior official, Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, as Acting DG of National Pension Commission following tenure expiration of Chairman & Board executives on December 16. Impersonation: Man sentenced to 2yrs imprisonment by Abuja High Court for fraud & parading self as EFCC senior crime officer. Budget of Development & Growth Effectiveness: Gov Gabriel Suswam (Benue) presents ₦130.9 budget to State House of Assembly for 2013 fiscal year; ₦68.5bn capital & ₦67.5bn recurrent expenditure. NNPC: National Assembly Joint Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) queries Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation's ₦48bn excess expenditure in 2012 operations. Motorcyles Ban: Godwin Ogenyi (State Commissioner for Poverty Reduction) arrested by police on orders of Enugu State House of Assembly for failure to honour invitation. Electricity: Power hits all-time high generation of 4,349.7MW -Beks Dagogo-Jack (Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Power). Harmonised Benchmark: National Assembly adopts $79 per barrel as recommended oil benchmark for 2013-2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) & Fiscal Strategy Paper. Fund Manager or Ponzi Scheme?: Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) shuts down Avenues to Wealth Ltd office in Ikeja, Lagos state over complaints of fraud from investors -SEC.

S.J News• [Dec 18, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 18, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Nigeria Police Force: Minimum entry requirement for constables now OND; 3rd Class degree holders no longer accepted as Cadet Inspectors -Police Service Commission (PSC). Pipeline: Vandalised NNPC oil pipeline explodes in Abule-Ado village, Iba Local Council Development Area, Lagos state. Yuletide: FG declares December 25, December 26 & January 1 as public holidays for Xmas, Boxing day & New Year -Abba Moro (Minister of Interior). Tourism: 2nd National Theatre to be sited in Calabar, Cross river state; To gulp ₦70m, not ₦700m -Edem Duke (Minister of Culture & Tourism). Vandals: Trial of 6 persons over vandalised Arepo, Ogun state petroleum pipelines stalled @ Federal High Court, Lagos due to absence of prosecutor. Sugar: FG to ban importation of packaged sugar (granulated & cube) with, effective from January 1, 2013 -Dr Olusegun Aganga (Minister of Trade & Investments).

S.J News• [Dec 17, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 17, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NSE: Nigerian Stock Exchange targets $1tn Market Capitalisation by 2016 -Oscar Onyema (DG, Nigerian Stock Exchange). Agric: World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB) to spend ₦119bn on transformation of agricultural sector -Dr Adeshina Akinwunmi (Minister of Agriculture). Pension Account: Besides recovery of ₦221bn pension fund, additional ₦20bn found in hidden accounts dormant for over 3 years -Abdulrasheed Maina (Chairman, Pension Reform Tax Team). FIRS: Federal Inland Revenue Service realises ₦4.645tn taxes between January & November, 2012; Surpasses 2012 target set by FG. INEC: House of Reps Committee on Electoral Matters backs INEC (apex electoral body) on deregistration of 28 political parties. Kidnap: Nollywood actress & SA on Public Affairs to Imo Gov, Nkiru Sylvanus, abducted in Owerri, Imo state; ₦100m ransom demanded. Bayelsa: ACN calls for probe into Saturday's military helicopter crash @ Bayelsa state. South Africa: Nelson Mandela (94yrs; Nobel Peace Laureate) undergoes successful surgery for removal of gallstones @ Pretoria hospital, SA.

S.J News• [Dec 16, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 16, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Employment: FG inaugurates Presidential Committee on job creation; To be headed by Emeka Wogu (Minister of Labour) -Ms Josephine Washma (SA to President on Job Creation Initiatives). Kaduna Gov: Mukhtar Yero sworn-in as Governor of Kaduna state by Justice Rahila Cudjo (Kaduna Chief Judge) following demise of Gov Patrick Yakowa. Wi-Fi Hotspot: Free internet services introduced for passengers @ Murtala Muhammed Airport II (MMA2), Lagos. Kano: State Police arrest 2 suspects over murder of Danladi Isa Kademi (ANPP lawmaker in Kano State House of Assembly) -Ibrahim Idris (Kano CP). Bayelsa: Gov Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) declares 3 days of mourning following death of Gov Patrick Yakowa (Kaduna), Gen Andrew Azazi (fmr National Security Adviser), 4 others in naval helicopter crash. SMEs: Cross River: State Govt signs ₦200m MoU with Bank of Agriculture for support of Agro-Small & Medium Enterprises in Cross River state.

S.J News• [Dec 15, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 15, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NIBSS: ₦38.6bn turnover from 2,078 transactions on Point of Sales (PoS) terminals recorded in Nigeria within last 12 months -Adebisi Shonubi (MD/CEO, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System). Kidnap: Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's (Minister of Finance) mother, Prof Kamene Okonjo (82yrs), released; Abducted @ her husband's palace in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta state. Money Laundering: Federal High Court, Lagos Friday strikes out suit filed by Wale Babalakin (Chairman of Bi-Courtney Group); EFCC to proceed with arraignment. Kano: ANPP member @ Kano state House of Assembly, Danladi Isa Kademi (Gaya constituency), shot dead while driving along Eastern bye pass road, Kano state. EFCC v OGD: Ogun State High court, Isabo fixes January 8, 2013 for ruling in application filed by former Gbenga Daniel (erstwhile Ogun Gov) seeking to quash charges preferred against him. Israel: Avigdor Lieberman resigns post as Israeli Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister; Charged with fraud & breach of trust.

S.J News• [Dec 14, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 14, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Solid Minerals Sector Audit (2007-2010): Nigeria loses ₦4.048bn to illegal mining & lack of monitoring capacity for production in quarries -Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI). Budget of Continuity & Inclusive Growth III: Gov Jonah Jang (Jos) presents ₦133bn budget; ₦48.37bn as recurrent &₦85.1bn capital expenditure. House of Reps: Committee on Public Petitions threaten to order arrest of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance) & Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede for failing to honour invitation. Traffic Law (Okada v Lagos): High Court, Ikeja dismisses suit filed by commercial motorcyclists challenging their prohibition from operating on federal roads in Lagos state. Fuel Subsidy: Senate okays ₦ 161.62bn supplementary budget for fuel subsidy in 2012 fiscal year. Displaced Persons: FG constitutes Committee nn Resettlement of Bakassi People for provision of new resettlement for inhabitants of Bakassi Peninsula. Kidnap: 63 persons arrested in raids over abduction of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's mother, Prof Kamene Okonjo @ her husband's palace in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta state -Military. Money Laundering: Gov Sule Lamido's (Jigawa) eldest son, Aminu, released on administrative bail; Nabbed @ Mallam Aminu Kano Int'l Airport with undeclared $40,000. Breast Prosthesis (Colombia to Spain): Panamanian woman nabbed @ Barcelona airport with 1.3kg of cocaine hidden in breast implants.

S.J News• [Dec 13, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 13, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Fuel Subsidy: House of Reps suspends debate on President Jonathan’s ₦161.6bn request for fuel subsidy arrears in 2012 fiscal year till Thursday. Forensic: Federal High Court, Abuja to rule on evidence against Sen Ali Ndume on December 14, 2012 over links with Boko Haram sect. Flood: Over ₦1bn cash donation, hundreds of tons of grains received by Kogi state for distribution to affected victims -Yomi Awoniyi (Deputy Gov). Money Laundering (Egypt-bound): Gov Sule Lamido's (Jigawa) son, Aminu, nabbed @ Malam Aminu Kano Int'l Airport (MAKIA) with $50,000; Only $10,000 declared. Oyo: Gov Abiola Ajimobi approves promotion of 12,076 Teaching & non-teaching staff in public secondary schools; Implementation to cost ₦42.34m -Mrs Tokunbo Fayokun (Commissioner for Education). FG/Electricity Workers: Accrued pension as @ June 30, 2007; 25% of accrued pension to be paid to existing PHCN staff, 75% to be paid into retirement savings accounts. PRTT: Senate orders arrest of Abdulrasheed Maina (Chairman, Pension Reform Task Force Team) over ₦195bn pension fund scam following refusal to honour invitation.

S.J News• [Dec 12, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 12, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ House of Reps: Stella Oduah (Minister of Aviation) questioned over $500m proposed loan for upgrade of Lagos, Abuja, Kano & Port Harcourt int'l airports; Loan to be sourced from China Export-Import Bank. 4th Annual Retreat, Calabar: Financial Inclusion Strategy to be implemented; Borno state picked to pilot financial inclusion scheme due to high rate of financial exclusion -Bankers’ Committee. EFCC: Lagos State High Court, Igbosere adjourns ruling on bail application of Abubakar Ali Peters till December 18; Arraigned for fraudulently obtaining over ₦1bn from FG through Petroleum Support Fund. Kidnap: Brig-Gen Oluwole Rotimi's (retd; Miltary Governor of old Western Region ) wife, Titilayo (MD, AOK Logistics) abducted by unknown gunmen in front of her company in Ibadan. Lagos CJ: Justice Ayotunde Philips (Lagos Chief Judge) releases 46 awaiting inmates from Ikoyi Prison, 233 from Kirikiri Prisons on September 17, 2012; Aimed @ decongesting prisons. ex-Kogi Gov: EFCC to declare Abubakar Audu (erstwhile Kogi Gov) wanted over alleged ₦4bn fraud during tenure between 1999 & 2003 -Wilson Uwujaren (EFCC Spokesman). Fuel Subsidy: President Jonathan seeks Senate approval of ₦161.6bn as fuel subsidy under supplementary budget for 2012; ₦880.2bn paid thus far. South Africa: Nelson Mandela (94yrs) being treated for lung infection @ military hospital in Pretoria, SA & responding to his treatment -President's Office.

S.J News• [Dec 11, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 11, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ N15.5bn: N14bn couriered outside Nigeria intercepted @ airports between January & August, 2012; $9m (N1.5bn) recovered by EFCC/Nigerian Customs Service joint force (Special Task Team) between August & October, 2012 -Ibrahim Lamorde (EFCC Chairman) . House of Reps (Public Hearing): Over N500bn needed annually for repair of roads within next 4 years; Average budgetary allocation of N100bn to road projects inadequate -Mike Onolomemen (Minister of Works) . Kidnap: Police unaware of $1bn ransom demanded by abductors of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s (Minister of Finance) mother, Prof Kanene Okonjo (82yrs); Kidnapped from her Ogwashi-Uku residence -Ikechukwu Aduba (Delta CP) . Abuja: President Jonathan reinstates Abuja plots revoked by Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA); Plots allocated between May 17 & May 28, 2007 (Nasir el’Rufai administration) revoked following Senate resolution in 2007. Fuel Subsidy: EFCC arraigns Abubakar Ali Peters & Nadabo Energy Ltd before Lagos High Court, Igbosere for fraudulent obtention of N1.464bn from FG; Pleaded not guilty; Substantive case adjourned to January 16, 2013. Yobe: Unknown gunmen attack Potiskum in Yobe State; Mohammed Garba (DPO), 13 others killed; Unity Bank branch, telecommunication masts set ablaze with Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). Back-to-School: President Jonathan approves construction of Special Schools for out-of-school children in South-South & South-East geopolitical zones -Nyesom Wike (Minister of State for Education); Inaugurates national implementation committee on integration into Basic Education system.

S.J News• [Dec 10, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 10, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ ATM: Removal of ₦100 charge for use of Automated Teller Machines of other banks to be implemented from Monday, December 17, 2012 -Bankers’ Committee. Kidnap: 82-yr-old mother of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance), Prof Kamene Okonjo, abducted @ her Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State residence. Anti-Corruption: Death penalty for corruption-related offences opposed by Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); Proposes longer prison terms without option of fine for convicts -Okey Wali (NBA President). 28 Toyota Avensis: ICPC summons Suraj Adekunbi (Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly), other principal officers over alleged ₦168m car scam. SSANU Strike: Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, UNIABUJA embark on 1-week warning strike to demand for full implementation of FGN/SSANU 2009 agreement. Ghana: John Dramani Mahama (incumbent; NDC) declared winner of presidential polls with 50.70% vote; Nana Akufo-Addo (NPP) with 47.74% vote; Opposition rejects results.

S.J News• [Dec 9, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 9, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Kogi: Gov Idris Wada (Kogi) to reduce cost of medical treatment in public health institution for pregnant women & their children under 5 years -Dr Idris Omede (Commissioner for Health). Tax: Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) signs Edo Property Tax bill into law; Rich defaulters to be incarcerated for noncompliance with new law. Shea Butter: $2.166bn lost annually to shea butter smuggling across country’s borders -Mohammed Ahmed Kontagora (DG, Niger State Commodity & Export Promotion Agency). Eko 2012: Delta state crowned winners of 18th National Sports Festival with 114 Gold, 99 Silver & 75 Bronze; Rivers 2nd with 76 G, 71 Silver & 70 Bronze; Lagos (Host) 3rd with 64 G, 47 S & 44 B. Aero Restructuring: Captain Akin George (MD, Aero Contractors Airlines) resigns; Board appoints Mr Obaro Ibru (Deputy MD) as Acting MD. Paradise Games: Most facilities for 2014 National Sports Festival (NSF) to be sited in universities & secondary schools located in Rivers state -Patrick Ugbe (Commissioner for Sports). Somalia: African Union troops & Somali National Army join forces to capture Jowhar from Al-Shabaab rebels.

S.J News• [Dec 8, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 8, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NRC: Lagos to Kano mass transit train service to commence operations December 20, 2012; Rehabilitation of tracks, bridges & culverts completed -Adeseyi Sijuwade (MD, Nigerian Railway Corporation). Flood: FG donates ₦400m to victims of recent flood disaster in Kano state -Bashir Yuguda (Minister of state for Works). MTN, Globacom, Airtel, Etisalat: Mobile Number Portability (MNP) now to commence in 1st quarter of 2013; MNP enables mobile telephone users to retain numbers when switching from 1 network operator to another. Power: Nigeria to generate 6,873MW of electricity by end of 2013 -Mike Uzoigwe (CEO, Egbin Power Plant). Kwara: State Govt earmarks ₦200m out of FG's ₦300m relief package for recent flood victims for rehabilitation of infrastructure. London-Bound: NDLEA nabs 2 traffickers during outward screening of passengers @ MMIA, Lagos in attempt to smuggle 1.395kg & 1.485kg (73 & 102 ingested wraps) of cocaine. ex-UNIZIK VC: Prof Ilochi Okafor (erstwhile VC, Nnamdi Azikwe University) regains freedom without paying ransom -Enugu Police; Abducted from his Enugu state residence on November 25, 2012. NPL: Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reinstates Baribote-led board; Sack by Nigerian Premier League (NPL) club owners noncompliant with provisions of NPL Statutes -NFF. English FA: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea midfielder) handed 3-match suspension & £60,000 fine for confronting referee Mark Clattenburg.

S.J News• [Dec 7, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 7, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ No Premium No Cover: National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to withdraw insurance cover for government assets & properties until payment of premiums. INEC: Independent National Electoral Commission deregisters 28 political parties in Nigeria. Shell: NUPENG suspends strike over anti-labour practices following Emeka Wogu's (Minister of Labour) intervention; Directed to recall all sacked officers & members on or before December 4, 2012. Campbell Street, Lagos Island: Lagos State Special Offences Court, Alausa sentences 29-yr-old UAE-based businessman to 8-hour community service for violation of traffic law on November 2, 2012. ₦16bn VP Residence: Senate Committee on FCT rejects additional ₦9bn for construction of VP Namadi Sambo’s official residence; Project awarded in 2009 @ ₦7bn. Akwa Ibom: State Govt uncovers 2,561 ghost workers due to introduction of biometric data system; ₦251m saved -Bassey Akpan (Commissioner for Finance). Kwara: State Govt cancels degree programmes in state-owned Colleges of Education in Ilorin, Oro & Lafiaji; To focus on training teachers @ basic education level. Ghana: Presidential & parliamentary elections to hold 2day; Oluesgun Obasanjo to lead ECOWAS monitoring group; President John Dramani Mahama (NDC; Incumbent) & Nana Ado Dankwa-Akufo (NDP) as top contenders.

S.J News• [Dec 6, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 6, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NCAA: Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority issues Airlines Operators Certificate (AOC) to Dana Air & Sky Jet airlines; Dana to start operations after payment of compensation to families of June 3 air crash. NURTW: Factional leader, Lateef Akinsola (aka Tokyo), arrested by Oyo state Police Command; Undergoing interrogation -Clement Adoda (Deputy CP). Corruption: Transparency International (TI) ranks Nigeria 35th most corrupt country in the world; Scores 27 out of 100 marks to occupy 139th position out of 176 countries surveyed in report. Money Laundering: EFCC besieges LUTH, Idi-araba; Embattled Chairman of Bi-Courtney Ltd, Dr Wale Babalakin, admitted since last Wednesday. Millennium Development Goals: ₦120bn needed by MDG office for developmental projects in 2013 -Precious Gbenol (SSA to President on MDG). African Player of the Year: Confederation of African Football (CAF) announces top 3 players; Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast), Didier Drogba (Ivory coast) & Alexander song (Cameroon); Award to be held in Accra, Ghana. Political Asylum: Guatemalan immigration officials detain John McAfee (67yrs; anti-virus software pioneer) for illegal entry; Sought by Belizean authorities.

S.J News• [Dec 5, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 5, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ ECA: Excess Crude Account hit $9bn as @ end of November, 2012; Part of proceeds used to offset claims on petroleum subsidy -Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance). NSC: ₦6.77bn budget for 2013 fiscal year presented to House of Reps Committee on Sports; ₦400m approved for ongoing National Sports Festival was used for London 2012 Olympics -Patrick Ekeji (DG, National Sports Commission). Budget of Transformation: Gov Idris Wada (Kogi) presents ₦131bn appropriation bill for 2013 fiscal year to State House of Assembly; ₦65.6bn recurrent & ₦65.4bn capital expenditure. Projects: Nigerian contractors to execute engineering & construction projects below ₦5bn from 2013 -Mike Onolememen (Minister for Works). NCS: Nigeria Customs Service targets ₦150bn monthly revenue in 2013; ₦100bn currently generated monthly -Dikko Abdullahi (Comptroller of Customs). Budget of Sustainable Development: Gov Isa Yuguda (Bauchi) presents ₦137.3bn for 2013 fiscal year to State House of Assembly; ₦63.3bn recurrent & ₦74bn capital expenditure. Royal Pugilist: Muhammad Ali to be crowned King of Boxing @ World Boxing Council's (WBC) 50th convention from December 3 to December 8 in Cancun (coastal resort in SE Mexico). Fugitive: John McAfee (anti-virus software pioneer) flees Belize for Guatemala to seek political asylum; Been on the run in Belize following police probe into murder of his neighbour on 11 November.

S.J News• [Dec 4, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 4, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: Rehabilitation of Lagos-Ibadan expressway by Julius Berger & RCC to be completed in 8 weeks -Mike Onolememen (Minister of Works). ₦21bn Budget: Ibrahim Larmode (EFCC Chairman) defends 2013 budget proposal before House of Reps; ₦11.4bn Capital Expenditure, ₦6.5bn Personnel Cost & ₦3.1bn Overhead Cost. SPDC: NUPENG & PENGASSAN to begin nationwide strike 2day if Shell Petroleum Development Company fails to reinstate sacked members as directed by Minister of Labour. Climate Change: African Development Bank (AfDB) to invest $6.4bn over next 5 years to combat climate change in Africa. Kaduna: Gov Patrick Yakowa (Kaduna) swears in 23 newly elected Kaduna state Council Chairmen; PDP won 22 councils, Kaduna North conceded to CPC. Pay-as-you-Pass: FG to reintroduce toll gates on Lagos-Ibadan expressway after on-going reconstruction & expansion for sustenance & maintenance of road -Mike Onolemenmen (Minister of Works). 3rd in Line to Throne: Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William & Kate Middleton (wife), expecting their 1st child after 19 months of marriage -St James's Palace.

S.J News• [Dec 3, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 3, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ House of Reps: Committee on Public Accounts summons Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance) & Dr Bright Okongwu (DG, Budget Office) over non-provision of funds for audit of Federation Account in 2013 appropriation bill. Refinery: Kaduna Refinery & Petrochemical Company (KRPC) shut down for 2weeks by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for routine maintenance. NUPENG: Nigeria Union of Petroleum & Natural Gas Workers seeks Senate intervention; Petitions Shell, Chevron over alleged unfair labour practices. U-17: Golden Eaglets (Nigeria) defeat Mali (Junior Eagles) 2-0 (agg 4-0) in Bamako to secure a place @ 2013 African U-17 Championship in Morocco. Sasago Tunnel: Fire break out as tunnel caves in about 80 km (50 miles) west of Tokyo, Japan; 9 persons found in 3 vehicles confirmed dead -Police. UN Peacekeeping: M23 rebels in Democratic Republic of Congo withdrawn from Goma city 11 days after seizure from Govt troops. CNN Heroes (An All-Star Tribute): Ms Pushpa Basnet (29yrs; Nepalese) named 2012 CNN Hero of the Year @ Shrine Auditorium, LA; Supports children of incarcerated parents.

S.J News• [Dec 2, 2012]

S.J News• [Dec 2, 2012]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ PDP v ACN: PDP drags Gov Rauf Aregbesola to Osogbo High Court over State Govt's planned demolition of building used by PDP as Osun Central Senatorial district secretariat in Osogbo, Osun state. Jaji Bombings: Defence Headquarters (DHQ) relieves Commandant, Armed Forces Command & Staff College (AFCSC), AVM Ibrahim Abdullahi Kure & Corps Commander, Infantry Corps Centre, Maj-Gen Mohammed Danhanne Isa of position; AVM Marshal E.E. Osim & Maj-Gen K.C. Osuji to takeover. Senate 2015: My people from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District told me not to retire politically but to represent them @ Senate in 2015 -Gov Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom). University: Average of $500m (₦78.5bn) spent annually by Nigerians on European & American universities -Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities; About 70% of total allocation in to federal universities in 2008. NPL Annual Congress: Nigeria Premier League (NPL) congress & draws for 2012/2013 league season to hold @ Tahir Hotel in Kano state on December 6, 2012 -Joe Amene(Chairman, Media Sub Committee of NPL). Mexico: Enrique Pena Nieto (46yrs) sworn in as new president on Saturday; Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) returns to power after losing in 2000; Ruled Mexico for over 70yrs. Egyptian Constitution: Egypt's new draft constitution to be put to referendum on 15 December, 2012 -President Mohammed Morsi; Country without guiding constitution, legislature since 2011 revolution marked by ouster Hosni Mubarak.