S.J News• [Feb 1, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 1, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Oil & Gas Audit: $143.5bn (about ₦21.5tn) earned by Nigeria in oil sector between 2009 & 2011 -Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). Otedola v Farouk (Fuel Subsidy Probe): ICPC to arraign House of Reps member, Farouk Lawan, 2day over alleged $620,000 bribe demanded from Femi Otedola. Money Laundering (Place of Trial): Supreme Court strikes out appeal filed by EFCC against James Ibori (fmr Delta Gov) over his trial in Asaba, Delta state. People’s Public Sessions: Public presentation on review of the 1999 Constitution postponed indefinitely -Aminu Tambuwal (Speaker). Electricity: FG, General Electric (GE) sign $1bn (₦158bn) deal to boost power sector in the next 5 years; Manufacturing & training facilities to be established in Calabar -Olusegun Aganga (Trade & Investment Minister). Kogi: Court of Appeal, Abuja upholds election of Gov Idris Wada (Kogi; PDP); Dismisses apeal filed Jibril Isah due to lack of merit & substance. Local Govt: Lagos State Local Govt Election Petitions Appeal Tribunal upturns election petition tribunal's decision declaring Babajide Obanikoro (PDP) as winner of 2011 Ikoyi/Obalende LCDA Chairmanship; Adewale Adeniji (ACN) to be reinstated. 2013 FCT Budget: Federal Capital Territory proposes ₦5bn for rehabilitation of prostitutes & destitutes in Abuja; ₦4bn for construction of 1st Lady’s Mission Building; VP Namadi Sambo’s Guest House in Asokoro to be renovated with ₦150m. French Ligue 1: David Beckham (37yrs) signs 5-month deal with Paris St-Germain (PSG); Salary to be donated to local children’s charity.

S.J News•[Jan 31, 2013]•

S.J News• [Jan 31, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ World Bank: ₦785bn to be spent on 27 projects in Nigeria within the next 5 years; 60% on sustainable development projects; 40% on human capital development. Police Pension Fraud: Federal High Court, Abuja remands John Yakubu Yusufu (fmr Dir, Police Pension Office) in prison over alleged ₦250m fraud. Audit Queries: House of Reps Committee on Public Account to issue arrest warrant to Prof Attahiru Jega (INEC Chairman) & Festus Odimegwu (NPC Chairman) over failure to honour invitations. South East: FG sets up committee on South-East Erosion for assessment of ongoing projects, damages; Committee headed Engr Emeka Eze (DG, Bureau for Public Procurement). Human & Vehicular Stilled: Kwara State Govt imposes 24-hour curfew on Offa & Erin-Ile towns till further notice for restoration of public order. Oil Pollution: Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria found guilty; Ordered by Dutch court to pay damages in a decision that could open door to further litigation.

S.J News• [Jan 30, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 30, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ ECA: President Jonathan approves distribution of $1bn from Excess Crude Account among 36 states & FCT -Dr Yerima Ngama (Minister of State for Finance). Cheques: EFCC docks Aliyu Gebi (Chairman, House Committee on Internal Security) before Abuja High Court over alleged issuance of dud cheques of about ₦120.5m to his lender. Oil & Gas: House Committee on Petroleum Resources, Upstream to probe sale of Oil Mining Licence (OML) 30 to oil exploring company & report to the House within 3 weeks. NAMA: Nigerian Airspace Management Agency to commence 24-hour service in Enugu, Owerri & Yola airports from March, 2013 after full installation of air field lightings -Nnamdi Udoh (MD, NAMA). Pension Scam: EFCC re-arrests Police Pension Office Director, John Yakubu Yusuf, due to pending cases; Earlier sentenced to 2-year imprisonment with an option of ₦750,000 fine over theft of ₦27.2bn. Mali Rebels: About $34m (₦7bn) expended on deployment of troops & logistics support with additional pledge of $5m for further assistance -President Jonathan. NPA: Nigerian Ports Authority introduces Integrated Port Community Information System (IPCIS) for information gathering.

S.J News• [Jan 29, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 29, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Police Pension Scam: High Court, Abuja sentences Yakubu Yusufu to 2years imprisonment with an option of ₦750,000 fine over theft of ₦23bn. Kidnap: Unknown gunmen abduct Richard Ibegu's (Council Chairman) parents in Oloibiri, Ogbia Local Govt Area, Bayelsa state. White Flag: Boko Haram declares ceasefire; Seeks release of incarcerated members, following series of meetings with Govt officials & religious leaders. AU Summit (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia): Polio in Nigeria to be eradicated by 2015 -President Jonathan. Convocation: University of Lagos (UNILAG) graduates to receive 'University of Lagos' certificates, not MAULAG -Prof Rahaman Bello (Vice Chancellor). FHA: FG to restructure & commercialise Federal Housing Authority; To be implemented by a 10-man committee in 18 months & supervised by Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) -Ms Amal Pepple (Minister of Housing & Urban Development). Kwara: Scholarship awards to replace bursary soon for students of tertiary institutions -Aliyu Lade (Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Science & Technology). Netherlands: Queen Beatrix to abdicate throne in favour of her son, Prince Willem Alexander (Prince of Orange), on April 30, 2013.

S.J News• [Jan 28, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 28, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ 2013 Budget: Details of 2013 Appropriation Bill being studied by President Jonathan -Sen Joy Emodi (SA to President on National Assembly Matters). Access Bank: Cosmas Maduka (CEO, Coscharis Group) steps down from Access Bank Plc board; Serves mandatory 12 years as non-executive director. Tax Revenue: ₦5.007tn generated from taxes in 2012 fiscal year for FG -Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). Pension: Pension Reform bill passed into law in 21 out of 36 states of the federation; Contributions under Contributory Pension Scheme begun in 7 states -National Pension Commission. President, Court of Appeal: Segun Oni (fmr Ekiti Gov; PDP National Vice Chairman) asks Federal High Court, Abuja to revoke MTN's operational licence over alleged refusal to release complete call data record. AFCON 2013: Referee in Nigeria/Zambia match, Ghead Grisha (Egyptian), sacked from ongoing Africa Cup of Nations over controversial penalty awarded to Chipolopo of Zambia. Australian Open: Novak Djokovic (Serbian; #1) wins 3 consecutive Australian Open titles; Defeats Andy Murray (England; #3) with 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-2.

S.J News• [Jan 27, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 27, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Niger Delta: Amnesty programme for militants in Niger Delta to end in 2015 -Kingsley Kuku (SA to President on Amnesty). FRSC: Federal Road Safety Commission operatives directed to obtain driver’s license before end of January or forfeit salary. Aviation: Nigerian Meteorological Agency acquires new calibration equipment for weather-measuring equipment to boost airspace safety -Dr Anthony Anuforom (DG, NIMET). Airport: FG grants 24 hours operation @ Akwa Ibom Int'l airport with effect from March, 2013; Over ₦440m realised since inauguration about 3 years ago- Austin Mbeh (Commissioner for Special Duties). Power Projects: VP Namadi Sambo gives National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) contractors marching orders on completion of projects on or before December 2013 deadline. Bauchi: Construction of Bauchi Int'l Airport awarded to Triacta Nigeria Ltd; To cost over ₦7.9bn with completion period of 18 months -Gov Isa Yuguda (Bauchi). Australian Open (Tennis): Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) retains title; 4-6 6-4 6-3 victory over Li Na (China).

S.J News• [Jan 26, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 26, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ DSS: 144 cadets of Direct Short Service commissioned into Nigeria Air Force; To be deployed to crisis prone areas -Air Marshall Alex Sabandu Badeh (Chief of Air Staff). Mansion, Mini reception, Detached BQ: EFCC identifies another James Ibori (fmr Delta Gov) property situated @ Lekki, Lagos state. Independence Day Bomber: Federal High Court, Abuja sentences Edmund Ebiware to life imprisonment for alleged involvement in October 1, 2010 bombing @ Eagle Square, Abuja. Dubai-Bound: EFCC nabs Nigerian @ Nnamdi Azikwe Int'l Airport, Abuja in attempt to smuggle $200,000 out of country. AERO Contractors: Daily flight operations between Lagos & Sokoto via Abuja for transit passenger drop-off & pick-up to begin from January 28, 2013 -Obaro Ibru (Ag MD, Aero). Law meets Shot-Caller: President Jonathan, VP Namadi Sambo hold 2-hour meeting with leadership of National Assembly @ Presidential Villa, Abuja; Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Speaker) absent. Turkey-Bound: EFCC arrests Nigerian with $40,050 @ Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja for attempting to smuggle $40,050; Only $5,000 declared. Ebonyi: Gov Martin Elechi signs ₦104.37bn 2013 budget into law; Highest since creation of state in 1996; Passed by State House of Assembly on January 21. White House: Barack Obama names Deputy National Security Adviser, Denis McDonough (43yrs), as new Chief of Staff; To succeed Jack Lew (nominated Secretary of Treasury).

S.J News• [Jan 25, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 25, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Power: Electricity generation hits 4,286MW; 460MW drop in generation on Monday due to 1-day shutdown of Okpai Power Plant (owned by Agip Oil) for repairs -Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). Oil & Gas: Indigenous firms won about 87% of industry contracts in the last one year -Diezani Alison-Madueke (Minister of Petroleum Resources). Pipeline Vandals: Police Special Task Force arrests 4 suspected pipeline vandals vis-à-vis attack on NNPC pipelines @ Arepo, Obafemi Owode LG, Ogun state. Terrorism: Alleged mastermind of THISDAY, The Moment & The Sun bombing in Kaduna state in April, 2012 to be arraigned before Federal High Court, Abuja 2day. SMS Tariff: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) sets new price cap for all domestic off-net (across networks) SMS @ ₦4 per SMS with effect from February 5, 2013; CDMA's included. Nigerian Police College: Senate’s Public Accounts Committee directs Police authorities to submit records of appropriation & implementation of budgets in the last 5 years. APGA BoT: APGA removes Tim Menakaya (fmr Minister of Health) as Board of Trustees' member; Trustee not to exceed 2 terms of 4 years each -APGA constitution. Capitol Hill-Endorsed: Senate confirms Sen John Kerry (69yrs; Massachusetts Democrat) as Secretary of States; Replaces Hillary Clinton.

S.J News• [Jan 24, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 24, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Edo Gov: Edo State Gov Election Petition Tribunal dismisses petition filed by Charles Airhiavbere (PDP Gov candidate) against Gov Adams Oshiomhole’s (ACN) victory in July 14, 2012. London Pix: Gov Chime Sullivan (Enugu) makes 1st public appearance in photograph with Gov Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Gov Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) & Gov Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers). Police Colleges: FG sets up committee to investigate funding of police training institutions in Nigeria; ₦2bn released for institutions between 2009 & 2012. PDP Scribe: Olagunsoye Oyinlola still PDP National Secretary; INEC yet to be served with court order on removal of scribe -Kayode Idowu (Chief Press Secretary, INEC). Pipeline Vandals: Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation's (NNPC) System 2B petroleum pipeline in Arepo, Ogun state explodes again; Pipeline shut immediately -PPMC. FG Benjamins: Federally-collected revenue between January & November 2012 hit ₦9.953tn; ₦8.759tn estimated -Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Ministerial Nominee: Senate confirms Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (Kebbi) & Prof Chinedu Osita Nebo (Enugu; fmr UNN VC) as ministers of Federal Republic of Nigeria. Dubai-Bound: Federal High Court, Abuja convicts cash courier for attempting to smuggle $188,858 out of Nigeria; 25% to be forfeited & paid into FG treasury. Imo: EFCC storms Imo State House of Assembly; Chris Duru (Clerk) invited to Abuja -Samuelson Iwuoha (Speaker's Media Assistant).

S.J News• [Jan 23, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 23, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Budget of Freedom: Gov Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) presents 2013 draft budget of ₦183.11bn; ₦64.3bn (34.97%) recurrent, ₦119.75bn (65.3%) capital expenditure. Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT): Past pension administrators siphoned about ₦4bn monthly from national treasury -Hassan Salihu (PRTT spokesperson). Power Outage to Enhance Transmission: Abia, Anambra, Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, parts of Imo state to experience 2-day blackout (Saturday & Sunday) -Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). Nautical (16 Crew Members): Nigerian ship, belonging to Brila Energy & carrying 5,000 tonnes of jet fuel (Jet A1), hijacked in Cote d‘ Ivoire port. Environmental Sanitation: Lagos State Govt shuts down Mile 12 & Ketu Fruits markets over non-compliance to sanitation law -Tunji Bello (Commissioner for Environment). Crude Theft: EFCC arraigns 23 persons (10 Nigerians, 10 Indians, 3 Ghanaians) before Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa over alleged involvement in crude oil theft. Foreign Investment: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) meet to adopt new visa policy to enable influx of genuine investors, frequent travellers, tourists. Energy Drinks: Chess piece moves ongoing in House of Reps to ban sale & consumption of caffeinated energy drinks in Nigeria; Life-threatening effects on blood pressure, heart & brain function -Rep.

S.J News• [Jan 22, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 22, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ DMO: House Committee on Public Accounts gives Debt Management Office 48-hour ultimatum to refund ₦200m to FG for tax evasion tax, financial recklessness. Kaduna: State Govt to pay ₦150,000 each to over 4,000 victims of post-election violence in April, 2011 as compensation -Deputy Gov Nuhu Bajoga. Oil Revenue: Nigeria's oil receipts from January to November, 2012 @ ₦6.24tn ($40bn) -Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). ECOWAS: Economic Community of West African States' parliament okays ongoing military operations in Mali -Sen Ike Ekweremadu (Speaker of Parliament). EFCC v ex-DG: EFCC re-arraigns Raymond Omatseye (fmr DG, NIMASA) over alleged transfer of unapproved £300,000 from NIMASA’s Barclays Bank Account in London between 2009 & 2010. Terrorism: Johannesburg High Court, SA found Henry Okah guilty of masterminding October 1, 2010 car bombing which killed 12 persons; Faces life in prison. Interest Rate: CBN maintains Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) @ 12% with a corridor of +/- 200 basis points around midpoint; Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) retained @ 12.0% & Liquidity @30.0%.

S.J News• [Jan 21, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 21, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Fuel Price: Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) can't be sold @ Govt approved price of ₦97 per litre in South-East region; Product bought @ ₦105 from private tank owners -IPMAN. Scam: House of Reps Committee on Public Accounts to summon Tony Anenih (fmr Minister, Works & Housing) over ₦20bn road contracts awarded during his tenure. Adamawa: Gov Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) sacks Felix Twangwami (Commissioner for Social Development & Integration) for disloyalty. Joint Forces: Tom Ikimi (fmr Minister of Foreign Affairs) appointed Chairman of 19-member committee on ACN, CPC, ANPP merger -Lai Mohammed (ACN National Publicity Secretary). Apex Mortgage Bank: FG appoints Mike Nwogbo as Ag MD for Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), following dissolution of board; New board to be reconstituted soon. Kano: Ado Bayero (Emir of Kano), 2 injured sons, aides flown to United Kingdom, following attack on convoy by unknown gunmen in Kano state. UDUTH: Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto commences cancer treatment, sequel to licence obtained to operate equipment for radiotherapy -Dr Yakub Ahmed (CMD). Batman Car: Original Batmobile (1960s television series) sold @ auction in Scottsdale, Arizona for $4.2m (£2.6m) -Barrett-Jackson Auctions.

S.J News• [Jan 20, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 20, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Health: Constitution of new boards for FG University Teaching Hospitals, National Food &Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) approved by President Jonathan. Telecoms Operators: Ban on promotions & lotteries to be lifted soon for operators who met Key Performance Indicators (KPI) in December, 2012 -Eugene Juwah (Executive Vice Chairman, NCC). NEMA: National Emergency Management Agency to train no fewer than 154,800 community volunteers nationwide on quick response & disaster management before March, 2014 -Muhammed Sani-Sidi (DG, NEMA). 2012 Budget: Lagos state attains 89% budget performance for 2012 budget; Highest since inception of administration in 2007 -Gov Babatunde Fashola (Lagos). Aviation: 11 additional airports to be re-modelled as soon as 1st set of 11 undergoing re-modelling is completed & commissioned by end of 1st quarter, 2013 -Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Kano: Ado Bayero (Emir of Kano) survives Saturday afternoon attack on convoy by unknown gunmen in Kano. Ports: House of Reps sets up joint committee to investigate decongestion delay in Lagos & Port Harcourt ports; Recommendations to be made within 3 weeks, not normal 6 weeks. 2 Oath Takings: President Barack Obama & VP Joe Biden to be officially sworn-in 2day & ceremonially on January 21, 2013, as courts & public institutions do not open on Sundays.

S.J News• [Jan 19, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 19, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Inspection Tour: President Jonathan pays surprise visit to Nigerian Police College, Ikeja on his way to Cote d’ Ivoire for ECOWAS meeting. Odi v FG: Inhabitants of Odi, Bayelsa state drag FG to court 13 years after military invasion of Odi; Demand ₦20bn damages. 2-star Generals: President Jonathan, represented by Mrs Olusola Obada (Minister of State for Defence), decorates 55 newly promoted Maj-Generals (22), Rear Admirals (19) & Air Vice Admirals (14). 17 Storage Tanks, 121,720,000 Litres: Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke (Minister of Petroleum), re-commissions Pipelines & Products Marketing Company's (PPMC) Benin Depot; Been dormant since 2005. Public Holiday: FG declares Thursday, January 24, as public holiday to commemorate Eid-El-Maulud -Abba Moro (Minister of Interior). Data: Greek parliament to probe George Papaconstantinou (ex-Finance minister); Accused of tampering with list of suspected tax evaders with Swiss bank accounts.

S.J News• [Jan 18, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 18, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Mint Company: House of Reps to probe missing ₦2.1bn from Nigerian Security Printing & Minting Company (NSPMC) in December, 2012. Loot: EFCC arraigns Dr Wale Babalakin (Chairman, Bi-Courtney Highway Services) @ Lagos High Court, Ikeja for allegedly laundering ₦4.7bn for James Ibori (fmr Delta Gov). Unified Code of Corporate Governance: FG inaugurates Committee on New Corporate Governance Code. NSE: Nigerian Stock Exchange calls on FG to grant tax incentives to quoted companies for attraction of more listed coys -Oscar Onyema (CEO, NSE). Joint Forces: Senate approves deployment of 1,200 Nigerian troops in Mali for limited combat duty. Peace Deal: President Francois Bozize appoints Nicolas Tiangaye (56yrs; Lawyer) as Prime Minister of new national unity government in Central African Republic. Oprah's Interview: Lance Armstrong (41-yr-old cyclist) admits using Performance Enhancing Drugs (EPO, Testosterone, Human Growth Hormone) in all 7 Tour de France wins (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 & 2005).

S.J News• [Jan 17, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 17, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Trafficking in Persons’ (Prohibition), Enforcement & Administration Bill 2012: Federal Executive Council (FEC) approves 5-year imprisonment for human trafficking. CBN: Central Bank of Nigeria sells $108m @ bi-weekly foreign exchange auction; Revokes licences of 236 Bureau de Change (BDC) operators over non-payment of mandatory $20,000 deposit. Otedola v Farouk: Festus Keyamo gives police 1 week ultimatum to charge Farouk Lawan (House of Reps) to court over $620,000 subsidy bribe scandal. Pipelines: ₦165bn lost (Product theft & cost of repairs) to pipeline vandalism between 2009 & 2012 -Haruna Momoh (MD, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company). CoE: FG to spend ₦12bn on multimedia laboratories in all Federal & State Colleges of Education -Prof Ruqqayatu Rufa’i (Minister of Education). Impeachment: Members of House of Representatives pass unanimous vote of confidence in Aminu Tambuwal (Speaker). Not Uncle Ben's: Nigeria to be self-sufficient in rice production by 2015 -Olajumoke Akinjide (Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory). Bundesliga: Pep Guardiola (41yrs; fmr Barcelona coach) to replace Jupp Heynckes as Bayern Munich manager by end of season; Signs 3-year contract.

S.J News• [Jan 16, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 16, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ $15m Loan: $15m credit facility not obtained from Export-Import(Ex-IM) Bank; Ex-IM only assisted in purchasing 32 fire fighting engines from American company -Gov Babatunde Fashola (Lagos). EFCC v Sylva: Federal High Court, Abuja grants EFCC's application to extend forfeiture order for Timipre Sylva's (fmr Bayelsa Gov) 48 properties; extended to January 24. Nigeria Immigration Service: FG sacks Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mrs Rose Uzoma, from service. ECA: Excess Crude Account rises to $9.242bn; Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) shares N567.708bn to FG, States & LGs for December -Yerima Ngama (Minister of State for Finance). Budget of Transformation: Gov Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) presents ₦152bn budget for 2013 fiscal year; ₦82.97bn recurrent & ₦69.15 bn capital expenditure. Misappropriation: Gov Rochas Okorocha (Imo; APGA) accuses Ikedi Ohakim (fmr Imo Gov; PDP) of ₦62 fraud during tenure (2007-2011). Mali Rebels: President Jonathan orders immediate deployment of a battalion plus (about 900 troops) to Mali; 190 to be deployed now -DHQ. Cycling: Lance Armstrong (41yrs; stripped of 7 Tour de France titles) confesses to doping during interview with Oprah Winfrey in Texas; Apologises to Livestrong charity; Interview to be aired on Thursday. Power Generation: Pakistani Supreme Court orders arrest of Raja Pervez Ashraf (Prime Minister; fmr Minister for water & power) over graft allegations; Street protests led by Muhammad Tahirul Qadri (cleric) ongoing.

S.J News• [Jan 15, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 15, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Kaduna State House of Assembly: Federal High Court, Kaduna remands Dogara Mato (Deputy Speaker), 6 fmr Lere LG officials in EFCC custody over ₦30m fraud. First Lady: Wife of President Jonathan, Patience Jonathan, in Germany for medical check-up. Kidnap: Mother of Kombowei Benson (Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly), Betinah Benson (78yrs), abducted @ her Korokosei, Southern Ijaw LG residence. PDP South-West Congress: Bamanga Tukur (PDP National Chairman) confirms Solomon Onwe (Deputy National Secretary) as Acting National Secretary following sack of Olagunsoye Oyinlola by court. ₦300m Forged Contract: Police arrests businessman over attempt to defraud Kano State Govt to the tune of ₦300,842,042. 107,000 bpd: Sino Arab Energy (Chinese firm) in partnership with Osabo Refining & Petrochemical Industry (local firm) to set up $7.5bn refinery in Akabuyo LG, Cross River state. ₦281m Fraud: Fmr House of Reps member, Napoleon Obukowho Gbinije, drags EFCC before High Court, Abuja over alleged breach of fundamental human right. Egypt: Court of Cassation orders retrial for Hosni Mubarak (fmr President; 84yrs), 2 sons, Habib al-Adly (fmr interior minister), top security chiefs.

S.J News• [Jan 14, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 14, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Imo: Gov Rochas Okorocha inaugurates 3 judicial panels of inquiry to probe Ikedi Ohakim's (fmr Imo Gov) contracts, LG system, autonomous communities and traditional rulers. Delta North Senatorial District: Justice Aloma Mukhtar (Chief Justice of Nigeria) directs Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa (Acting PCA) to act on 2011 DPP candidate's petition. Nautical: FG fines owners of ship, M.V Marevia, $1m over importation of 2 containers of toxic materials to serve as a deterrent to others -Dr Ngeri Benebo (DG, NESREA). NPDC: Nigerian Petroleum Development Company to complete 100 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) Oredo Integrated Gas Handling Facility (IGHF) project by 3rd quarter of 2013. Sugar: Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc (DSR) crashes sugar price by 25% due to price of raw sugar @ international market; 50kg bag drops from ₦8,900 to ₦6,660. Electricity: FG to secure $160m loan from Africa Development Bank (AfDB) for boosting of power transmission -Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi (Minister of State for Power). Onshore Oil Block: NLC calls on FG to cancel sale of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 30 by Shell & partners to Heritage Oil (British coy) due to Tony Buckingham's (Heritage founder) reputation.

S.J News• [Jan 13, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 13, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NEPZA: President Jonathan approves appointment of Oluwagbemiga Kuye as MD of Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority. 5.5km-8.5km Roads (ECOFUND): Osun state Govt begins construction of 218km project @ ₦16.62bn in 30 Local Govt Areas; Local Govt financed but State Govt monitored. Money Laundering: Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) nabs Nigerian while trying to board Emirates flight to Hong Kong via Dubai @ MMIA, Lagos with $767,500. Operation Pulo Shield: No fewer than 1,945 oil theft suspects arrested, 18 vessels seized within Bayelsa zone in the last 2 years; Theft reduced by 84% (from 9.5m barrels per daily to 1.5m) -JTF. Insurgency: State Security Service (SSS) arrests Boko Haram member, Hassan Pagi Bukar, @ residence of erstwhile House of Reps member, Hon Tijani Umara Kumalia in Abuja -SSS. Natural Gas/Power Generation: Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) begins delivery of 65 million standard cubic feet per day (65mmscf/d) of gas into domestic market. World Bank: Makhtar Diop's (Vice President for Africa) 1st official visit to Nigeria scheduled for Sunday (2day) since assuming office in May, 2012.

S.J News• [Jan 12, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 12, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Adamawa SURE-P: Subsidy Reinvestment & Empowerment Programme to recruit 10,000 youths & women (18-35years) annually -Salihu Yunusa Belel (Chairman, Adamawa State Implementation Committee). 750m Contract Scam: Prof Charles Soludo (fmr CBN Gov) granted bail, passport seized; Arrested by EFCC over contract awarded to Australian firm for printing of polymer currency notes (₦5, ₦10, ₦20). Academic Qualification: Supreme Court sets aside Court of Appeal ruling upholding petition filed by PDP Gov Candidate against Gov Adams Oshiomhole (ACN). Criminal Conduct: Federal High Court, Abuja sacks National Secretary of PDP, Olagunsoye Oyinlola (fmr Osun Gov) due to nullification of South West Zonal congress by 2 courts. Operation Pulo Shield: Joint Task Force nabs 22 oil bunkerers with 162 drums of diesels @ Calabar Jetty, Cross River state; Products siphoned from NNPC pipeline. Police Shielding Killers: Gov Adams Oshiomhole's (Edo) allegations on murder of Olaitan Oyerinde (Private Secretary) is unfounded -Mohammed Abubakar (Inspector- General of Police). Kano: Central Bank of Nigeria grants licence to Kano state Govt for establishment 37 microfinance banks in Kano state -Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (CBN Gov). Power: FG assures Nigerians of 5000MW generation of electricity by end of June, 2013 -Reuben Okeke (DG, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria).

S.J News• [Jan 11, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 11, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NIGCOMSAT: Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) recommends use of NigComSat-1R (satellite facility) for Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDA) and private sectors. Uvwie, Sapele, Okpe Federal Constituency, Delta State: EFCC declares Gbineje Obukowho Napoleon (fmr House of Reps member, 2003-2007) wanted over ₦281.28m fraud. ₦5, ₦10, ₦20: EFCC arrests, quizzes Prof Charles Soludo (fmr CBN Gov, 2006-2008) over contract awarded to Australian firm for printing of polymer currency notes. The Governor Explains: FG to procure 15 additional aircraft for International Aviation College, Ilorin before April, 2013 -Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara). Code of Conduct: Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) calls for dismissal of Peter Gana (DIG, Force Criminal Investigations Dept) & Mohammed Abubakar (IG) over murder of his Principal Secretary, Olaitan Oyerinde on May 4, 2012. ₦1.5bn Scam: Lagos State High Court, Igbosere revokes bail granted Adeyemi Ikuforiji's (Lagos Speaker) PA, Oyebode Atoyebi; To bee remanded in EFCC custody. Gender Equality: ₦49bn spent by FG in the last 4 years on education, health & economic empowerment for Nigerian women -Prof Viola Onwuliri (Minister of State for Foreign Affairs). U.S Treasury Secretary: President Barack Obama nominates Jack Lew (White House Chief-of-Staff; 57 year-old Orthodox Jew) as Treasury Secretary; Subject to Senate confirmation

S.J News• [Jan 10, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 10, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ 40 FG Varsities: Federal Executive Council (FEC) approves 3 universities; To be established in Kebbi, Yobe & Zamfara states. INEC VRD: Senate Committee on Electoral Matters rules out possible sabotage in fire outbreak @ Voters Registry Department of Independent National Electoral Commission HQ, Abuja. Cabinet Dissolution: Gov Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) dissolves State Executive Council; Commissioners & Advisers to hand over to Permanent Secretaries. TASUED: Gov Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) relieves Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Prof Segun Awonusi, of his duties; Replaced with Prof Oluyemisi Oluremi. WDAS: Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sells foreign exchange (forex) worth $43.2m (₦66.96bn) @ its bi-weekly Wholesale Dutch Auction System. Electrical Surge: Fire guts section of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi's (Alaafin of Oyo) palace in Oyo state; 21 rooms, 4 apartments razed; No lives lost. Pension Fraud/Arrest Warrant: Senate Joint Committee to summon Mohammed Abubakar (IG of Police) over failure to arrest Abdulrasheed Maina (Presidential Pension Task Force Team). MRS: Oil vessel explodes @ MRS Tin Can Island depot, Lagos state; Explosion emanated from petroleum laden barge about to berth @ MRS jetty. Up & Down Like Wall Street: FG plans to attain 10,000MW of electricity generation by December, 2013; Generation capacity @ 6,442MW by end of 2012 -Mrs Zainab Kuchi (Minister of State for Power).

S.J News• [Jan 9, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 9, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ National Integrated Power Projects: Geregu power plant ready for take-off by Friday with about 144MW power generation. Lagos Perm Secs: Gov Babatunde Fashola (Lagos) approves redeployment of 5 Permanent Secretaries in Lagos state public service. Bayelsa Treasury: ₦4,451 state treasury inherited from Timipre Sylva (erstwhile Bayelsa Gov) -Gov Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa). EFCC v Daniel: Gbenga Daniel loses bid to quash 13 out of 38 charges preferred against him by EFCC before Ogun state High Court, Abeokuta. Subsidy Claims: ₦94bn verified for 23 marketers to be paid in the next few days -Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance). PDP BoT Chairman: Board of Trustees election deadlocked; Meeting held @ Presidential Villa, Abuja. Fit & Proper Persons Test: MD/CEOs of Nigerian deposit money banks ordered to undergo bi-annual test; Assessment to be conducted by CBN.

S.J News• [Jan 8, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 8, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ PDP BoT: PDP to elect Chairman, Board of Trustees tonight in Abuja; Position vacant after resignation of Olusegun Obasanjo (fmr President). INEC VRD: Fire guts Voter Registry Department of INEC; No effect on oncoming elections -Emmanuel Umenger (Director, Public Affairs). Museum: Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Environment & Public Utilities retired for giving out Kings Square premises to a multinational for 31 days @ a ridiculous rate of ₦300,000 throughout duration -Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo). Nigerian Army: Lt-Gen Azubuike Ihejirika (Chief of Army Staff) decorates 14 newly promoted Brigadiers-General with rank of 1-star General. Senate: Prohibition of same-sex marriage in Nigeria irrevocable; Criminal offence punishable by imprisonment of not less than 14 years -Sen David Mark (Senate President). Edo Gov: Gov Adams Oshiomhole (ACN) v Charles Airhiavbere (PDP); Supreme Court to rule on Friday over defence of Gov's educational qualifications before Election Petition Tribunal. Unprecedented 4th: Lionel Messi (25yrs) wins 4th FIFA Ballon d'Or @ ceremony held in Zurich with 91 goals in 2012; Abby Wambach (US) wins women’s equivalent. Republic of Ghana: John Dramani Mahama (54yrs; NDC; 50.7% vote) sworn in as Ghana's President; Ceremony boycotted by opposition over claims of electoral fraud.

S.J News• [Jan 7, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 7, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Accreditation: Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) okays commencement of clinical training programmes @ University of Abuja (UniAbuja). Edo: Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) orders immediate closure of National Museum, Benin City over illegal operation & non-maintenance of ground. Anointed BoT Chairman: Election for PDP Board of Trustees Chairmanship to hold 2moro; No aspirant endorsed for position yet; Aspirants warned to desist from campaign of calumny. Warri: Magistrate Court, Delta state grants Casely Omo-Irabor (Warri-based lawyer) bail in the sum of ₦3m over alleged involvement in attempt to bribe police for release of Vincent Akpokona (kidnap kingpin). Museum: Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) sacks Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Environment & Public Utilities, H. A. Ikhelowa, for alleged dereliction of duties. Oyo: Gov Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) not to be blamed for interrogation of Teslim Folarin (erstwhile Senate Leader) by the police over alleged plans to disrupt peace in Oyo state -Dauda Kolawole (ACN Publicity Secretary). Nautical: 22 vessels arrested for illegalities on nation's waters within the last 12 months -Nigerian Navy. South Africa: Nelson Mandela (fmr SA President; 94yrs) completes recovery from lung infection & gallstone surgery -Spokesman

S.J News• [Jan 6, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 6, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Aviation Intervention Fund: Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) backs FG's plan for acquisition & distribution of 30 aircrafts for boosting of domestic operations. Ogun: Fire guts car park of Ogun state secretariat @ Oke Mosan, Abeokuta; 7 state-owned vehicles (3 Toyota Camry, 2 Honda Accord, 2 Nissan Primera) burnt. PDP BoT: South/West Peoples Democratic Party yet to adopt any candidate for PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairmanship -Kayode Babade (PDP Zonal Publicity Secretary). Scofields: Nigerian Prisons Service relieves Mr Omobitan (officer-in-charge) of appointment following escape of 20 inmates in Sagamu prison; Replaced with Mr Ogunmodede. Salary Automation: NLC, TUC issues 21-day ultimatum to Gov Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) to stop CHARMS consultancy firm & halt new tax regime or face industrial action. Insurgency: FG discovered 1,497 illegal border entries; 16,000 foreigners deported thus far -Abba Moro (Minister of Interior). ₦4.986tn 2013 Budget (SEC's Exclusion): National Assembly denies negotiations with Presidency on fate of Director-General of Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunmah Oteh.

S.J News• [Jan 5, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 5, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ EFCC v Sylva: Timipre Sylva (erstwhile Bayelsa Gov) denies ownership of 48 houses in Abuja confiscated by EFCC. Drug Trafficking: NDLEA nabbed veteran guitarist (62yrs) on January 1, 2013 @ MMIA, Lagos in attempt to smuggle 1.575kg of cocaine, hidden @ false bottom of luggage, to Italy. Rank and File: Mohammed Abubakar (IGP) approves promotion of 1,944 junior Police officers within rank bracket of Constable & Sergeant to next ranks. Scofields: 20 inmates escaped from Sagamu Prison, Sagamu LG, Ogun state on January 2, 2013 -Zakari Ibrahim (Comptroller-General, Nigeria Prisons Services). Farmers: FG to distribute 10 million mobile phones to farmers, not to spend ₦ 60bn acquisition; Permanent Secretary misquoted out of context -Dr Akinwumi Adeshina (Minister of Agriculture). Infiltration: Mohammed Abubakar (IGP) directs Special Anti-Robbery Squads (SARS) to be on police uniforms henceforth. Petroleum Conduit: 8 pipeline vandals nabbed with over 200 drums of illegally produced petroleum products between Igbani Station & Parrot Island in Cross River state.

S.J News• [Jan 4, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 4, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Restraining Order Defied: PDP Caretaker Committee held Local Govt congress in Yola, Adamawa state despite High Court order. ₦6.46bn: EFCC confiscates 48 properties belonging to Timipre Sylva (fmr Bayelsa Gov); Being prosecuted @ Federal High Court, Abuja for alleged misappropriation of state funds. Kidnap: Abducted member of Gombe State House of Assembly, Jalo Ganga (Chairman, House Committee on Finance), released from captivity. Bayelsa: Hyundai Heavy Industries paid ₦30m ransom to abductors of employees (4 Koerean & 2 Nigerians) without consent of Police command -Kingsley Omire (Bayelsa CP). Anambra: State Govt spent ₦128m on 57 communities for resettlement of 2012 flood victims in Anambra state -Oseloka Obaze (SSG). Pipeline Vandals: ex-militants seize 5 illegal crude oil laden barges (about 1.65m litres) in Bolowo town, Ese Odo LG, Ondo state -Ebi Molos (ex-militants' spokesperson). 4 Koreans, 2 Nigerians: Kidnap kingpin, Digiteme Itua (aka Seko), escapes from police -Kingsley Omire (Bayelsa CP). Charlatans: Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) shut down 82 substandard medical outfits in Abuja in 2012 -Bala Mohammed (Minister of the FCT).

S.J News• [Jan 3, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 3, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Aviation: FG to procure & distribute 30 aircraft to domestic airline operators for boosting of domestic operations -Yakubu Dati (GM, Corporate Communications, FAAN). Rivers: Gov Rotimi Amaechi swears in 6 female Permanent Secretaries @ Council Chamber of Government House, Port Harcourt, Rivers state. Adamawa PDP: Adamawa High Court, Yola suspends Adamawa state PDP Local Council congresses slated for 2day. Dana Air: Flight operations to resume on Friday, 4th January, 2013 after death of 163 persons in aircraft crash in Lagos state on June 3, 2012. Rivers Cabinet: Emeka Wogu (Commissioner for Special Duties) relieved of his appointment by Gov Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Replaced with Omunakwe Dickson. ACN Gov: Action Congress of Nigeria, Ekiti nominates Gov Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) as its candidate for 2014 gubernatorial election in Ekiti state. Capital Market: Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) withdraws registration of 35 operators over non-compliance; CSCS to transfer shareholders' shares to any stockbroker of their choice. Aso Rock Tussle: President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 campaign posters flood Abuja streets; PDP, Presidency deny involvement. International Friendly: Nigeria's Super Eagles held Catalonia (host) to a 1-1 draw @ Cornelia El-Prat Stadium, Barcelona; 3' PK by Sergio Gonzalez; Bright Dike @ 54'.

S.J News• [Jan 2, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 2, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ 2013: Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) urges Jonathan’s administration to take governance more seriously in 2013 -Lai Mohammed (National Publicity Secretary). MOSOP: Legborsi Saro Pyagbara (Head of International Advocacy, MOSOP) elected as new president of Movement for Survival of the Ogoni People. PDP Congress: PDP congress in Yola, Adamawa state banned until further notice due to security -Mohammed Yabo (AIG, Zone 3). Presidency: Jigawa State House of Assembly endorses Sule Lamido's presidential ambition in 2015 -Adamu Ahmad Sarawa (Speaker). Banger: Importer of fireworks that wreaked havoc in Lagos on Boxing Day in police custody -Lagos State Police Command. Pension: Theft of ₦3.3tn pension fund to be recovered by team; No confidence in probe by Senate Committee -Abdulrasheed Maina(Chairman, Pension Reform Task Team). Prerogative of Mercy: Gov Kashim Shettima (Borno) grants pardon to 30 prisoners following State Advisory Committee's recommendations.

S.J News• [Jan 1, 2013]

S.J News• [Jan 1, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Power: Electricity generation now @ 4,502MW; 7,000MW target to be attained in 2013 -Labaran Maku (Minister of Information). A Caring Heart Budget 4: Gov Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) presents 2013 appropriation bill of ₦151bn; ₦73.35bn recurrent & ₦77.65bn capital expenditure. Bread Production: FG to save ₦300bn annually on importation of wheat through use of 20% cassava flour -Labaran Maku (Minister of Information). Jigawa: Gov Sule Lamido (Jigawa) presents 2013 budget proposal of ₦115bn to State House of Assembly. NBTE: National Board for Technical Education accredits 7 new National Diploma courses by Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yola -Prof Bobboi Umar (Rector). 2013 Budget: Gov Babatunde Fashola (Lagos) signs 2013 appropriation bill of ₦499.105bn into law; Budget proposal of ₦497.277bn presented on October 31th, 2012. FCT: FG sets up 15-man reconciliation & investigation committee for probe of clash in Gwako village, FCT; Findings to be submitted in 1 week -Sen Bala Mohammed (Minister of FCT). MRI Scan: Blood clot found between brain & skull of Mrs Hillary Clinton (US Secretary of State; 65yrs); To be fully recovered once blood-thinning dosage is set -Doctor.