S.J News• [March 1, 2013]

S.J News• [March 1, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ AfDB Loan: African Development Bank Group approves $300m (₦48bn) loan to finance Transport Sector & Economic Governance Reform Programme & Nigeria Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for 2013-2017. ₦18m Land Scam: FCT High Court grants Abubakar Audu's (fmr Kogi Gov) son, Mustapha Audu, bail in the sumof ₦5m 2 sureties in like sum. Police: Inspector General of Police, Muhammad Abubakar, disburses ₦9.8m to families of policemen injured & deceased while in active service in Borno & Yobe states. Sentence: Johannesburg High Court, SA postpones Henry Okah's case again to March 18, 19 & 20 for new legal team to get used to notes left by old team. Share Price & Market Manipulation: Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) suspends Apel Asset and Trust, EDC Securities & Calyx Securities Ltd for 1 week; Fined ₦15m, ₦5m & ₦1.5m respectively. Tuition: Prof Francis Idike (VC, EBSU) announces indefinite closure of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki following series of students' protest. MT Tuma: House of Reps to probe Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) over purchase of PPMC's $60m oil vessel for haulage of petroleum products.

S.J News• [Feb 28, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 28, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Kogi: Gov Idris Wada resumes work @ Lokoja, Kogi state; Underwent medical treatment in Abuja hospital, following motor accident. NDIC: Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation paid depositors of 48 failed banks ₦90.13bn as @ December 2012 -Umar Ibrahim (MD, NDIC). FRSC: FG sets up inter-ministerial committee for review of new National Road Safety Strategy for Nigeria; Road safety policy to last from 2012 to 2016. Bill for an Act to Amend NDE Act: House of Reps rejects proposal to pay unemployed Nigerian graduates of Tertiary institutions. Emir of Kano: Ado Bayero returns to Kano state; Flown to London for medical treatment on January 21, following attack on his convoy. Gold: Nigeria lost over $50bn (₦8tn) through illegal mining & exportation of unprocessed gold in the last 2 years -Linus Awute (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines & Steel).

S.J News• [Feb 27, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 27, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ 2013 Budget: President Goodluck Jonathan signs 2013 Appropriation Bill into law following consultations & agreement between Executive & Legislature. EFCC v ex-Gov's Son: FCT High Court remands Abubakar Audu's (fmr Kogi Gov) son, Mustapha Audu, in Kuje prison over obtention of ₦18m under false pretence. University Protest: House of Reps Committees on Army, Security & Police Affairs to probe killing of 4 Nasarawa State University, Keffi students. Forestry Monitoring Committee: 15 Niger Republic nationals arrested in Kwara state for illegally felling trees -Kayode Towoju (Commissioner for Environment & Forestry). Piracy: Abductors free 6 foreign sailors (2 Indian, 1 Russian, 3 Ukrainian) unharmed; Seized off coast of Bayelsa state on February 17, 2013; ₦200m ($1.3m) ransom demanded. PDP: Peoples Democratic Party's Board of Trustees elects Tony Anenih as Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees. En route Thailand: NDLEA nabs 22-year old man with 1.295kg of methamphetamine during outward screening of passengers @ MMIA, Lagos. Legal: National Judicial Council (NJC) appoints Justice Kudirat Tokunbo Kekere-Ekun as Justice of the Supreme Court; Slot vacant due to retirement of Justice Olufunlola Adekeye. Pipeline Vandalism: Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) deploys new technology; Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) to bury pipelines deep inside ground. Fidelity Bank Petition: Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) suspends Ajibola A Aribisala (SAN) for gross misconduct; Michael Aondoakaa (fmr Minister of Justice) was 1st to be deprived of SAN rank. Pentagon Chief: US Senate confirms Chuck Hagel (fmr Republican Nebraska Senator) as US Defence Secretary with 58-41 votes; To replace Leon Panetta; Predecessor confirmed by 100-0 in June 2011.

S.J News• [Feb 26, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 26, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Ondo Cabinet: Gov Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) dissolves State Executive Council (SEC) barely 24 hours after inauguration for 2nd term. NGF: Bid to topple Gov Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) from Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) throne thwarted, as governors postpone election till May, 2013. Lagos: Closure of Ladipo Spare Parts Market, Matori on Monday due to abuse of environment after several meetings with market leadership -Ministry of Environment. Pension Reform: Head of Service of the Federation dissolves Abdulrasheed Maina-led Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms following Presidential directive. EFCC v ex-Bank MD: EFCC to re-arraign Dr Erastus Akingbola (fmr MD, Intercontinental Bank) over alleged theft of ₦47.1bn bank money. Nokia 105: Nokia unveils £13 Mobile phone; Charged once & use for 35 days; Colour screen, built-in torch & FM radio. Cameroon/Nigerian Border: France won't negotiate with abductors of French family (3 adults, 4 children) -Jean-Yves Le Drian (French Defence Minister).

S.J News• [Feb 25, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 25, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ PDP: Gov Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) emerges Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party’s Governors’ Forum; Gov Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) still Chairman of NGF. Ondo Gov: Gov Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo; Labour Party) & Ali Olanusi (Deputy Gov) sworn-in for 2nd term; Re-elected during October 21 election. RMAFC: Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation & Fiscal Commission seeks abolishment of State & Local Govt joint account for achievement of desired development @ grassroots. Tax on Petrol: Gov Babatunde Fashola (Lagos) rejects Federal Govt's plan to impose consumption tax on petrol on every purchase @ fuel stations. Indorama Corporation: World’s largest producer of polyester & PET resin to set up $1.2bn fertilizer plant in Port Harcourt, Nigeria; To produce 1.4million tonnes of granulated urea annually. PRTT: President Jonathan approves dissolution of Abdulrasheed Maina-led Pension Reforms Task Team with immediate effect. Telecoms: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to impose 2.5% operating tax on telecommunication operators.

S.J News• [Feb 24, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 24, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Cement Factory: BUA to commission $500m Edo Cement plant @ Okpella, Edo state in 2014 -Abdulsamad Rabiu (Chairman, BUA Group). Cabinet Shake-up: Gov Gabriel Suswam (Benue) drops Michael Lordye (Head of Service) & 11 Commissioners; New Head of Service, Terna Ahua, to be sworn in on Monday. Sokoto: State Govt to commence payment of ₦18,000 Minimum Wage to Local Govt Staff by March, 2013 -Abdullahi Wali (Outgoing Head of Service); Head of Service now Mohammed Bature Shinkafi. Polio: Atiku Abubakar (erstwhile vice president) donates ₦75m to Rotary International, District 9110, Lagos, to fight polio in Nigeria. Ogun: PDP to resume activities in Ogun state on Monday; Secretariat locked up by police following crisis between OBJ faction & Adebayo Dayo-led SEC. Renewable Energy: Climate Investment Funds (CIF) to provide Nigeria with $50m to support African Development Bank-supported programme for renewable energy. Nigeria/Brazil: President Jonathan & President Dilma Rousseff (Brazil) sign MoU setting up Nigeria-Brazil Bi-national Commission to boost trade & economic activities. Egypt: President Mohammed Morsi changes Parliamentary election date from April 22 to April 27, 2013 due to Easter clash -Presidential spokesman.

S.J News• [Feb 23, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 23, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Delta to Anambra: FG completes procurement process for construction of 2nd Niger bridge with Julius Berger/AIIM Consortium as preferred bidder -Mike Onolememen (Minister of Works). Nigeria/Brazil: Brazilian President, Dilma Rousseff, to visit Nigeria on Saturday; To hold talks on further expansion of trade & economic relations. Broadcasting Operations: Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) revokes licence of Wazobia FM, Kano. Budget: Supreme Court orders Adolphus Wabara's (fmr Senate President) retrial @ Abuja High Court over alleged ₦55m bribe from Ministry of Education to approve budget. Kogi: State Govt inaugurates 5-man Drugs Monitoring Committee to ensure sale of good drugs to patients -Dr Idris Omede (Commissioner for Health). Ecobank: Federal High Court, Lagos orders EFCC to disclose whereabouts of money & properties forfeited by Mrs Cecilia Ibru (fmr MD, Oceanic Bank) within 72hours. Surveillance Cameras: Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to connect border control posts to Nigerian Satellite System (NISS) -Rilwanu Bala Musa (Comptroller General, NIS). Spy Cell: Iran denies allegations by Nigeria; Terrorists arrested in Nigeria not trained by Iran -Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (Deputy Foreign Minister). South Africa: Oscar Pistorius (26yrs; Paralympian) granted bail @ Pretoria Magistrate Court; Accused of murdering girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp (29yrs), on Feb 14 @ his Pretoria home.

S.J News• [Feb 22, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 22, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Not IEDs: FG inaugurates committee on control of commercial explosives; To forestall lapses in importation, transportation, storage, sale & use of commercial explosives in Nigeria. 2013 Budget: Cross River State House of Assembly passes ₦152.4bn appropriation bill; ₦ 44.77bn recurrent & ₦107.5bn capital expenditure. Kugama v Madaki: Bamanga Tukur (PDP National Chairman) confirms Joe Madaki as duly elected PDP Chairman for Adamawa state; Debunks PDP factions is Adamawa. RMAFC: Revenue Mobilization, Allocation & Fiscal Commission to probe misappropriation of ₦873bn solid minerals development funds. Terror Cell: Iranian Embassy yet to to confirm or deny ties to terrorist cell uncovered in Lagos; Saeed Koozechi (Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria) summoned by Olugbenga Ashiru (Minister of Foreign Affairs) to register FG's displeasure. Legal: National Judicial Council (NJC) recommends compulsory retirement of Hon Justice C.E Archibong (Federal High Court, Lagos) & Hon Justice T.D Naron (Plateau State High Court).

S.J News• [Feb 21, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 21, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ PHCN Entitlements: FG approves immediate payment of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) staff -Emeka Wogu (Minister of Labour). Trade Policy: FG to review Nigeria's trade policy for development of trade as an alternative source of revenue & for reduction of dependence on oil -Dauda Kigbu (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade & Investment). Terrorism: Senate endorses death sentence for terrorists; Adopts conference report on a Bill for an Act to amend Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011. Edo Cabinet: Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) sends list of 19 commissioner nominees to Edo State House of Assembly for consideration; About 60% returnees. Africa-South America Summit: President Jonathan to leave Abuja for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea 2moro to attend 3rd Africa-South America Summit. Ministries: Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta) appoints 8 new Permanent Secretaries based on competence, merit, seniority & geographical spread balance. Anti-PDP: All Progressives Congress (APC) unfolds 7-point agenda ahead of 2015 general election.

S.J News• [Feb 20, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 20, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Road: House of Reps Committees on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) & Works to probe Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway Rehabilitation Project. Gunrunning: 15 Russians arraigned before Federal High Court, Lagos for unlawful importation of Firearms & Ammunitions into Nigeria; Arrested by Naval officers on 18 October 2012. Polio: President Jonathan restates administration’s commitment to eradicate polio from Nigeria by 2015; Australia pledges $50m for polio eradication programme. Terrorism: Federal High Court, Abuja turns down Sen Ali Ndume's request for further stay of proceedings; Allegedly linked with Boko Haram; Case adjourned to 6 May. Pakistani Summit: Agreements @ recent D-8 summit in Pakistan to strengthen existing relations among members of the group -President Jonathan. Delta Beyond Oil: Delta state signs $820,000 MoU with United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) for establishment of a shoe factory. Bayelsa: High Court, Port Harcourt orders FG to pay ₦37.6bn (₦17.6bn Special Damage, ₦20bn General Damage) as compensation to November 20, 1999 victims of Odi community military invasion in Bayelsa state. Ondo Gov: Ondo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal commenced on Tuesday; Suit filed by ACN against victory of Gov Olusegun Mimiko (Labour Party). Refusal to Appear b4 Red Chamber: House of Reps orders Mohammed Abubakar (Inspector General of Police) to arrest Abdulrasheed Maina (Chairman, Pension Reform Task Team) dead or alive & produce him before Senate.

S.J News• [Feb 19, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 19, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Fuel Subsidy: Ifeanyi Ubah (CEO, Capital Oil) wins suit against Mohammed Abubakar (IGP), Tunde Ogunsakin (CP, Special Fraud Unit), Aig-Imokhuede (Chairman, Access Bank), Cosmas Maduka (CEO, Coscharis Motors); Awards ₦10m as damages. Presidential Summit on Water: Nigeria to invest about ₦350bn ($1.91bn) annually to meet water & sanitation targets -President Jonathan. Lagos: Gov Babatunde Fashola inaugurates 3-member Tribunal of Enquiry into December 26, 2012 fire & explosion incidents @ Giwa & Okoya, Lagos state. Kidnap: President Jonathan orders security agencies to locate & rescue 7 foreign construction workers abducted in Bauchi state. House of Reps' Resolution: Foreign currencies can't be banned for local transactions; CBN not a law enforcement agency -Tunde Lemo (CBN Deputy Gov, Operations). Newspapers Distributors Association of Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter): Vendors to begin strike on February 13, 2013 due to arrest of members by Youth Empowerment Scheme of Oyo State (YES-O) officials -NDAN. NYSC: JAMB registration numbers of prospective corps members not to disqualify pre-degree holders from service but rather to weed out unqualified corps members -Mrs Abosede Aderibigbe (Director, Public Relations). Mali: Mohammed Abubakar (Inspector-General of Police) deploys 7 investigative police officers (IPO), 1 Formed Police Unit (FPU) comprising 140 personnel to Mali. 3-year Match Fixing Probe: China Football association bans 33 players & officials for life; Shanghai Shenhua club fined 1m yuan ($160,000; £103,000) & stripped of 2003 league victory.

S.J News• [Feb 18, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 18, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ ICPC v Gov: 4 state governors under probe for financial related offences -Ekpo Nta (Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices & other Related Offences Commission). Setraco Nigeria Ltd: Unknown gunmen abduct Briton, Greek, Italian, 4 Lebanese construction workers in Bauchi state -Mohammed Ladan (CP). Fraud: Court of Appeal, Lagos to hear appeal filed by Rasheed Ladoja (fmr Oyo Gov) on April 8, 2013; Seeks to quash charges. Niger State: Gov Muazu Aliyu (Niger) appoints Idris Ndako (Secretary to State Govt), Joshua Bawa (Chief of Staff, Govt House) & Barr Abbas Bello (Head, State Civil Service). Medical Trip: “I actually died, passed out for more than a week; My intestine & tummy were opened; 8 or 9 operations done within 1 month" -Patience Jonthan (1st Lady). Venezuela: President Hugo Chavez (58yrs) returns to Venezuela after receiving treatment for cancer in Cuba; Swearing-in delayed due to illness.

S.J News• [Feb 17, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 17, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Rainfall: Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) predicts heavy rainfall for 2013; To range from 400 to 1000mm in North & between 1500 & 3000mm in South -Dr Anthony Anuforom (DG, NIMET). Kidnap: Abductors release Edo state lawmaker, Victor Edoror (Esan Central Constituency), in Abraka, Delta state; Kidnapped in Irrua on February 3, 2013. Army: Nigerian Army graduates 2,094 (1869 male, 225 female) counter-terrorism & counter-insurgency soldiers @ Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Kontagora, Niger state -Gen Azubuike Ihejirika (COAS). Petrochemical: Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Ltd to construct Africa’s largest fertilizer plant in Eleme, Rivers state; To gulp about $1.2bn -Manish Mundra (MD). Port Terminal: APM Terminals Apapa Ltd acquires satellite-based container location system; Capable of ensuring 99.5% accuracy of container location & inventory in terminal yard. Oil & Gas: About $6bn invested in Onne Oil & Gas Free Trade Zone, Rivers state; 8 years into operations; About 30,000 workers employed -Labaran Maku (Minister of Information).

S.J News• [Feb 16, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 16, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ AWOL: President Jonathan orders immediate arrest of Abdulrasheed Maina (Chairman, Pension Reform Task Force) for abdicating duty without official reason. 2-week Absence: Enugu State Post Primary School Management Board (PPSMB) suspends 5 principals for laxity in work -Dr Gabriel Okafor (Chairman, PPSMB). NDLEA v Baba Suwe: Court of Appeal, Lagos to hear appeal filed by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on April 18, 2013; Ordered to pay ₦25m as damages to Babatunde Omidina. Agric: Gov Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) to establish 10,000 hectares farm project in Oyigbo Local Govt, Rivers state. SURE-P: FG approves ₦500m grant from Subsidy Re-Investment & Empowerment Programme as palliative to existing registered transport operators in FCT -Bala Mohammed (Minister of FCT). Death Sentence: Court of Appeal, Lagos fixes April 29 for hearing of appeal filed by Hamza Al-Mustapha (fmr CSO to Sani Abacha) & Lateef Sofolahan (fmr PA to Kudirat Abiola). AFCON 2013: Gov Babatunde Fashola (Lagos) splashes ₦59m on Nigeria's Super Eagles for victory in African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

S.J News• [Feb 15, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 15, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ January 2013: Federal, State & Local Govts to share ₦575bn; FG ₦216bn, State ₦109bn, LG ₦84bn, ₦49bn to be distributed to oil producing states -Yerima Ngama (Minister of State for Finance). Edo: House of Reps summons Mohammed Adoke (Minister of Justice), Ita Ekpenyong (DG, SSS) over murder of Olaitan Oyerinde (Private Secretary to Gov Adams Oshiomhole). ₦: House of Reps moves to ban use of foreign currencies in local & domestic transactions in Nigeria; Motion brought to floor by Hon Nadu Karibe (Bayelsa). INEC: Change Advocacy Party & Democratic Front for a Peoples Federation de-registered over failure to meet Electoral Act 2010 requirements; 30 parties axed thus far. ₦100,000 & 2 Sureties: Magistrate Court, Kano grants bail to Yakubu Musa, Mubarak Sani (Wazobia FM reporters) & Abubakar Abdulkarim (fmr Exec Sec, Kano State Censorship Board). Fuel Subsidy: Ikeja High Court freezes assets of Dr Ahmadu Ali's (fmr PDP Chairman) son, Mamman Nasir Ali, & his co-accused, Oluwaseun Ogunbambo. FCT Budget: ₦4bn earmarked for African First Ladies' Mission office complex in Abuja is unconstitutional & illegal -Prof Wole Soyinka (Nobel Laureate). NPL: Nigeria Premier League season to commence 9th March, 2013 due to cash constraints; Draw for fixtures to hold on Friday @ FIFA Goal Project auditorium, Abuja. South Africa: Oscar Pistorius (Pralympic athlete) charged with murder over shooting of girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp (30yrs; fmr FHM model), @ his Pretoria home, SA. FIFA Ranking: FIFA releases February ranking for national teams; Nigeria's Super Eagles now 30th in world & 4th in Africa.

S.J News• [Feb 14, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 14, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NNPC IGR: House of Reps Committee on Finance orders NNPC to remit ₦6.2tn Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to FG. Ojuju Workers: FG discovers 45, 000 ghost workers from 251 Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDAs) under the Integrated Payroll & Personal Information System (IPPIS). Reshuffled CP: Mohammed Abubakar (Inspector General of Police) orders immediate redeployment of 33 Commissioners of Police -Frank Mba (Police Spokesman). Abduction: Gov Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) signs Kidnapping & Allied Offences Bill 2013 into law; Approves death penalty for kidnappers in Bayelsa state. Constitution: Illegal for President Jonathan to sign 2013 Appropriation Bill now -Femi Falana; If failed to sign within 30 days, then bill shall be re-presented to National Assembly for passage by two-third majority of members. Properties: FG sets up Foreign Assets Verification Committee for evaluation & appraisal of key Nigerian Navy & Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) properties. OML: House of Reps Committee on Gas Resources to probe sale of Oil Mining Licence (OML) 26 by Shell in conjunction with NNPC to Hydrocarbon Nigeria Ltd. PRTT: Senate gives President Jonathan 2-day ultimatum to sack Abdulrasheed Maina (Chairman, Pension Reform Task Team) from Federal Civil Service over refusal to appear before Senate. Mali: Troops deployed to Mali increased to 724 (424 Nigerian Army & 300 Air Force personnel) -Defence Headquarters.

S.J News• [Feb 13, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 13, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ 2013 Budget: President Jonathan not likely to sign ₦4.987tn budget into law this week; Talks between Executive & Legislature ongoing -Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance). NIPC: FG approves downward review of cost of company registration @ Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission from ₦50,000 to ₦15,000 -Olusegun Aganga (Minister of Trade & Investment). Enugu: Gov Sullivan Chime underwent treatment for removal of cancerous tumours from neck & nose; Departed country for London in September 19, 2012. Oil Pipeline: Federal High Court, Lagos remands 6 accused charged with vandalism of oil pipeline & murder of 3 NNPC engineers. Cross River: Gov Liyel Imoke is hale & hearty; May return to Nigeria between weekend & next week; Receiving medical treatment in a Maryland, US hospital -Efiok Essien Cobham (Ag Gov). OPEC: Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries to produce an average of 29.8 million barrels per day in 2013 -OPEC February Monthly report.

S.J News• [Feb 12, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 12, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Mega Party (ACN, CPC, APGA, ANPP): All Progressives Congress (APC) Merger Committee to meet 2moro over sharing formula. Oil Theft: 18 persons arrested by Joint Task Force (JTF) over alleged oil theft in EFCC custody -Wilson Uwujaren (EFCC spokesperson). AMCON v Babalakin: Dr Wale Babalakin (Chairman, Bi-Courtney Group) denies owing Asset Management Corporation (AMCON) ₦13.5bn. Money Laundering: EFCC re-arraigns Femi Fani-Kayode (fmr Minister of Aviation) before Federal High Court, Lagos over alleged money laundering; Pleaded not guilty. APGA: Victor Umeh appeals Court of Appeal, Enugu verdict removing him as Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Lending Agent: Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) appoints First Bank of Nigeria as Securities Lending Agent (SLA) for equities & bond transactions on the NSE. Vatican: Pope Benedict XVI (85 years) to resign as head of Catholic Church February 28, 2013 due to ill health; Last pope to resign was Gregory XII in 1415.

S.J News• [Feb 11, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 11, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Telecoms Money: Dr Mike Adenuga Jnr gives $1m to Super Eagles for 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory; Coach Stephen receives $200,000. Webometric Ranking: Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife rated as best university in Nigeria; Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB) 2nd. Adulterated Cement: Another illegal cement factory discovered @ Zango, Adavi LG, Kogi state by police- Mohammed Katsina (Kogi CP). AFCON 2013: Nigerian national team, Super Eagles, to be hosted in a special plenary session of the House -Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Speaker of the House of Reps). Kano Monarch: Ado Bayero (Emir of Kano) to return to Nigeria this week -Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (CBN Gov). Shut Both Eyes: 60% reduction in crime achieved in Lagos state, compared to pre-Traffic Law era -Ade Ipaye (Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice). AMCON: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria to take possession of 2 properties in Rivers & 1 in Lagos state belonging to Wale Babalakin (Chairman, Bi-courtney) over ₦13.5bn debt owed GTBank. Crude Oil Deals: National Assembly to hamper NNPC's attempt to obtain $1.5bn loan to offset debts -Sen Magnus Abe (Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream). Green Robe on the Throne: 19-year drought ended as Super Eagles of Nigeria defeat Burkina Faso 1-0 to win AFCON 2013 cup.

S.J News• [Feb 10, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 10, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Insurance: National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to enforce ‘no premium no cover’ on Govt agencies & parastatals; Ministry of Finance to issue circular next week directing MDAs to conform. Calabar Port: FG approves capital & maintenance dredging of Calabar port -Habib Abdulahi (MD, Nigerian Ports Authority). Budget Of Hope: Gov Theodore Orji (Abia) signs 2013 Appropriation bill into law; ₦134.15bn proosed by Gov, ₦137.17bn passed by House. Cable Cars: Lagos cable cars to start operations in 2015 on 3 routes around Adeniyi Adele axis; $500m (about ₦ 81bn) invested for launch -Dapo Olumide (CEO of Ropeways Transport Ltd; fmr MD of Virgin Nigeria Airlines). Rivers: FG earmarks ₦1bn for establishment of Law Faculty in University of Port Harcourt, Rivers state; 50% of donation doled out already -President Jonathan. 50th Convocation: University of Lagos confirms Prof Rahamon Bello as Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG); effective from November 12, 2012. 3rd Party: CBN unveils Guidelines for Regulation of Agent Banking & Agent Banking Relationship in Nigeria for enhancement of delivery channel & offering of banking services in a cost effective manner.

S.J News• [Feb 9, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 9, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ MFB: CBN & National Association of Microfinance Banks to set up technical committee for resolution of Grey Areas in the recapitalisation of microfinance banks. Enugu: Gov Chime Sullivan (Enugu) returns to Enugu after being absent for 140 days; Underwent treatment in London. Joint Forces: Newly formed All Progressive Alliance mega party will crash in less than 6 months; Made up of strange bed fellows -Uche Ejike (Deputy Chairman, APGA). Fraud: EFCC arraigns Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji's (Lagos Speaker) Personal Assistant, Oyebode Atoyebi, for allegedly stealing ₦65m belonging to Resourcery BDC Ltd. RSIEC: Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission to recruit about 1500 Ad hoc staff for forthcoming elections in 7 Local Govt Areas in Rivers state. APGA: Enugu State High Court orders Victor Umeh to stop parading self as National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance; Tenure actively ended on December 2, 2010. Budget: Gov Theodore Orji (Abia) signs Appropriation Bill of ₦137.17bn for 2013 fiscal year into law; Passed by State House of Assembly on December 28, 2012. Fuel Subsidy Probe: Erstwhile Chairman & Secretary of House of Reps ad hoc committee, Farouk Lawan & Boniface Emenalo regain freedom from Kuje Prisons with ₦10m bail each with 2 sureties in like sum.

S.J News• [Feb 8, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 8, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Assent or Override: Opposition House of Reps members threaten to override President Jonathan’s veto on 2013 budget if he fails to sign the ₦4.9tn budget. Gov is Back: Gov Sullivan Chime (Enugu) arrives through Nnamdi Azikiwe Int'l Airport, Abuja after treatment in London; Away from country since September 19, 2012. Infringement on Rights: Federal High Court, Lagos to rule on preliminary objection filed by Nigerian Police against suit filed by Ifeanyi Ubah (Chairman, Capital Oil & Gas) on February 18, 2013. The Accidental Public Servant: Nasir el-Rufai (fmr FCT Minister) releases book; Collection of fiction, half-truths, exaggeration & reflection of selective memory -Atiku Abubakar (fmr VP). Prosecution's Evidence: Sen Aliyu Ndume asks Federal High Court, Abuja to stay proceedings on trial pending appeal filed to challenge court's decision. Google: Over 10,000 Nigerian bank branches, Automated Teller Machines (ATM), Point of Sales (PoS) & businesses now on Google Maps -Juliet Ehimuan (Manager, Google Nigeria). Health: Gov Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) to establish ultra-modern diagnostic centre @ Oyo state hospital to boost health services & complement University College Hospital's (UCH). AFCON 2013: Confederation of African Football (CAF) suspends Tunisian referee, Slim Jdidihas, over controversial refereeing in Burkina Faso v Ghana semifinal match.

S.J News• [Feb 7, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 7, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NCS: ₦779bn, ₦850bn earned by Nigeria Customs Service in 2011 & 2012 respectively; Targets ₦1tn for 2013 -Wale Adeniyi (PRO, NCS). Sokoto Budget: Gov Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto) signs ₦116bn appropriation bill into law. Naija Bond: International Finance Corporation (IFC) issues ₦12bn Nigeria local currency bond with yield of 10.2%; To be matured in February 2018; Total subscription for 5-year IFC paper around ₦20bn -(VP & Treasurer, IFC). 2013 Budget: Delta State House of Assembly passes ₦472bn budget for 2013 fiscal year; ₦314.4bn capital & ₦157.6bn recurrent expenditure; ₦398.31bn proposed by Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta). NNPC Aircraft: 5NNOC (operated by Aero contractors) overshoots runway on landing @ Osubi airport, Warri, Delta state -Tumini Green (Ag Group GM, Public Affairs, NNPC). En route SA: NDLEA nabs 45-year-old South African based Nigerian with 6.1kg of cocaine (₦50m street worth) @ MMIA, Lagos. Vendetta: Gov Abdulfattah Ahmed (Kwara) inaugurates 10-man Commission of Enquiry into Offa & Erin Ile crisis; report to be submitted in 6 weeks. Joint Forces: Opposition parties' alliance ahead of 2015 election, a sign of weakness -PDP; APGA dissociates self from merger. Senate's Pension Probe: Abdulrasheed Maina (Pensions Reform Task Force) drags Senate & Police before Federal High Court, Abuja; Seeks ₦1.5bn in damages. Super Eagles v Mere Eagles: Super Eagles of Nigeria progress to finals of Africa Nations Cup (AFCON) for 1st time since 2000; Annihilated Eagles of Mali Mali 4-1.

S.J News• [Feb 6, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 6, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ SURE-P: About ₦70bn spent by Subsidy Re-Investment Programme on job creation -Dr Christopher Kolade (Chairman, SURE-P). In & Out: Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) uncovers about 1,487 illegal routes & 84 regular borders to Nigeria -Abba Moro (Minister of Interior). Entrepreneurial Skill: FCT names ₦650m Youth Support Centre, Abuja after Patience Jonathan; Inaugurated on Tuesday. 2013 Budget: Gov Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo; LP) signs 2013 appropriation bill of ₦152bn into law; ₦78.91bn capital & ₦73.59bn recurrent expenditure. Money Laundering ($50,000): Federal High Court, Kano grants bail in the sum of ₦8m & 2 sureties in like sum to Gov Sule Lamido's (Jigawa) son, Aminu (34yrs); Trial adjourned to March 18, 2013. Text: Telecoms operators comply with NCC's new price cap of ₦4 per SMS for all domestic off-net (across networks) SMS from February 5, 2013. Vals in Dock: High Court, Abuja adjourns trial of Vincent Ogbulafor (fmr PDP Chairman) to February 14; Arraigned by ICPC over ₦2.2bn fraud during tenure as head of National Economic Intelligence Committee (NEIC). Ministerial Portfolio: President Jonathan approves deployment; Prof Chinedu Osita Nebo to head Ministry of Power; Kabiru Tanimu Turaki to head Special Duties. SWF: FG to up Sovereign Wealth Fund from $1bn to $5bn by 2016 -Yerima Ngama (Minister of State for Finance). AFCON: Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to dole out $20,000 to each Super Eagles' player if Mali is beaten in Semi finals of 2013 Africa Nations Cup.

S.J News• [Feb 5, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 5, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Cabinet Shake-up: President Jonathan swears-in newly confirmed ministers, Prof Chinedu Osita Nebo (Enugu) & Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (Kebbi) @ Presidential Villa. Money Laundering: Federal High Court, Kano remands Gov Sule Lamido's (Jigawa) son, Aminu Sule, in prison custody; Nabbed with $50,000 @ Mallam Aminu Int'l Airport, Kano but falsely declared $10,000 to NCS. Housing Deficit: FG reaffirms commitment to deliver 1 million houses annually in Nigeria -Ms Ama Pepple (Minister of Lands, Housing & Urban Development). Post Office: Police defuses 2 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) in parcel addressed to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Finance) -Aderenle Shinaba (FCT CP). Pipeline Vandalism: Federal High Court, Lagos to rule on bail application for 4 out of 6 accused pipeline vandals on February 11, 2013. Kidnap: Member of Edo State House of Assembly, Victor Edoror (Esan Central), abducted in Irrua on Sunday by unknown gunmen -Uyi Igbe (Speaker). Bayelsa: State Govt spent about ₦3.14bn on scholarships for state indigenes within & outside Nigeria; 130 PhD, 260 Masters, 142 UG, 250 Post Primary School Pupils -Gov Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa). Campaign of Calumny?: President Jonathan not incompetent; Challenges inherited tackled & to be resolved before end of 2014 -Dr Doyin Okupe (SSA to President on Public Affairs).

S.J News• [Feb 4, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 4, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Fuel Subsidy Removal: Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) accuses FG of diverting Subsidy Reinvestment & Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) funds; Part of funds used for empowering PDP cronies ahead of 2015 elections -Lai Mohammed (National Publicity Secretary, ACN) . Cheddar: Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (CBN Governor) only entitled to N25,000 per night for local trips - Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ; Cost of foreign trips yet to be disclosed. Escrasvos-Gas-to-Liquid Project: Joint military Task Force (Operation Pulo Shield) arrests Niger Delta youth leader, Ayiri Emami (Community Spokesman), over shutdown of Chevron Nigeria Ltd’s gas pipeline project in Warri, Delta state due to failure to provide electricity to Ugborodo community. War of Attrition: Dr Reuben Abati’s (SA to President on Media & Publicity) attack on ex-ministers is a sign of weak government; President Jonathan administration should account for $67bn foreign reserves inherited from Olusegun Obasanjo -Femi Fani-Kayode (fmr Aviation Minister) . Vendetta?: Socio-cultural association, Kwara South Youth Development Initiative (KSYDI), sets up 7-man committee for reconciliation between youths of Offa & Erin Ile communities. Contempt of Court: Ifeanyi Ubah, Capital Oil & Gas Ltd drags Access Bank before Federal High Court, Lagos over alleged refusal to comply with court order; Bank ordered to discontinue suit filed against Ubah & others @ London court. Road Dualisation: FG awards contract for dualisation of Lokoja-Benin road; Construction of Obajana-Egbe- Ilorin roads to be done in 2014 budget year. NBS: National Bureau of Statistics fixes October as new preliminary target for rebasing Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP); Delay in overhauling of GDP computation due to bureau’s concern in accuracy than fidelity of deadline -Dr Yemi Kale (Statistician of the Federation) .

S.J News• [Feb 3, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 3, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Local Content: Oredo OLM 111 gas plant in Edo state constructed by indigenous engineers; Estimated @ over $350,000 & funded by Network Oil & Gas Nigeria Ltd -Mrs Allison Madueke (Minister of Petroleum Resources). Share Sale & Purchase Agreement, SSPA: Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR) acquires 95% equity stake in Savanna Sugar Company (SSC) Ltd; 2.14bn ordinary shares of ₦1 each acquired. Repackaged Dangote Cement: Police uncovers illegal cement factory @ Zango, Adavi LGA, Kogi state -Mohammed Musa Katsina (Kogi State Commissioner of Police). Nigeria/Indonesia: FG signs MoU with Indonesia; $2bn trade volume between Nigeria & indonesia to be improved -Olusegun Aganga (Minister of Trade & Investment). Cancer: FG to include cancer screening & treatment as services offered by National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) -Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu (Minister of Health). Osun: State Govt seals up UNESCO recognised institution, Centre for Black Culture & International Understanding (CBCIU) @ Osogbo, Osun state. Biotechnology Summit: University of Nigeria (UNN) to host 1st meeting of Scientific Advisory Board of the UNESCO International Centre for Biotechnology (Category II) in Africa; Holds from February 4 to 8, 2013. Indonesia: FG calls for stay of execution of Nigerians on death row in Indonesia for drug-related & financial crimes in Indonesia; 27-point joint communiqué issued @ end of bilateral talks between presidents. Trailer Park: Mike Onolememen (Minister of Works) gives Boroni Prono Nigeria Ltd (Contractor) 16-week deadline for completion of 450-capacity Trailer Park on Apapa-Oshodi expressway in Lagos state.

S.J News• [Feb 2, 2013]

S.J News• [Feb 2, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ AfDB: African Development Bank to provide $700m credit to Bank of Industry (BOI) & Nigerian Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank to finance non-oil exports. More Witness: Johannesburg High Court, South Africa postpones Henry Okah's sentencing; Fixes February 28th, March 1st or 4th. Ad-Hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy: Abuja High court remands Farouk Lawan (fmr Chairman) & Boniface Emenalo (Secretary) in Kuje Medium Security Prisons, FCT over $620,000 bribe. Enugu: Gov Sullivan Chime (Enugu) to return to Nigeria in the next 10 days -Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Hospitalised in London hospital since September 2012. Army: Maj-Gen Ebiobowei Awala now new GOC 3rd Armoured Division, Maxwel Khobe cantonment, Jos, Plateau State; Replaces Maj-Gen Jack Okechukwu Nwaogbo. Kwara: State Govt relaxes 24-hour curfew imposed on Offa & Erin-Ile; Movement allowed 12pm-6pm on Fridays & 7pm-2pm on Sundays -Isiaka Gold (Secretary to State Govt). Not Uncle Bens: Nigeria to attain self-sufficiency in rice production by 2015; African Development Bank (AfDB) to invest $150m (₦23.7bn). Kogi: State Govt inaugurates 20-member committee for implementation of Subsidy Re-investment & Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) in Kogi state -Yomi Awoniyi (Deputy Gov).