AFRICAN NEWS FLASH

T he Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Wednesday assured Nigerians that there was nothing to worry about President Muhamadu Buhari’s health. Mr. Mohammed, while addressing journalists after the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, said Mr. Buhari “is in very very competent hands and there is no cause for alarm.” The president has been in London for three weeks where he is receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. Several Nigerians have expressed worry about his health and his ability to continue to run the government despite his failing health. His critics like Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State have also called for his resignation. The government has, however, repeatedly said the president was recovering well and would soon return to continue his work currently being handled by his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo.

Mr Bode Augusto Mr. Olabode Mubasheer Augusto has been a Non-Executive Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc since April 22, 2010. Mr. Augusto has experience spanning over 30 years in various organizations including PriceWaterhouse, Nigeria International Bank and Agusto & Co. Limited. He also held various public positions including Director of the National Pension Commission, Member of the Central Bank of Nigeria Monetary Policy Committee and Director - General of the Budget Office of the Federation. Mr. Augusto is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

HENRY SEMENITARI Born on June 29, 1963, Semenitari, hails from oil rich Rivers State in the Niger Delta region attended Saint Cyprians Primary School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State in 1974. He moved on to Okrika Grammar School, Okrika, Rivers State in 1979, Enitonna High School, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State in 1980 and University of Lagos in 1987. In furtherance of his academic pursuit, he went to the International Graduates School of Management, University of Navar, Barcelona, Spain in 2000, Harvard Business School, Boston, US for Advanced Management Programme in 2007 and the Cambridge Judge Business School for another advanced leadership programme at the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom. Today, Semenitari holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from International Graduate School of Management, University of Navara (I.E.S.E) Barcelona, Spain. He is an alumnus of the

More details coming

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has been more absent this year than he has been present. Two weeks ago, the 74-year-old left for London to have medical treatment for an unspecified condition and it's unclear when he will return. In January, a planned 10-day vacation combined with "routine" check-ups, again in the U.K., stretched to nearly two months, fuelling speculation about the true state of his health. Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation and just three years ago leapfrogged South Africa to become the continent's biggest economy.

Barely 48 hours after three suicide bombers attacked the University of Maiduguri, another bomber on Saturday detonated his explosive outside the perimeter fencing of the school. The Borno State police commissioner, Damian Chukwu, said the incident happened at about 10 a.m. He said the bomber hid near the the university’s Children Secondary School, and detonated the bomb, killing himself, when he sighted a security man coming in his direction. There was no other casualty in the incident, he said. The incident, the third in less than two weeks, has however heightened tension in the campus, as students and staffers alike expressed worries over the frequent attacks there. The university lies on the outskirts of Maiduguri, on the route to Bama. Aside from the brick perimeter fence on the front side of the university, there is no major barrier at the back of the University, which seems to allow insurgents easy access into the campus. Last week, one of the five Boko Haram commanders sw

More details soon

Details soon

Details soon

Presidency has urged Nigerians to disregard the rumour making the rounds that something unpleasant has happened to President Muhammadu Buhari. The Senior Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in a series of tweets, said the rumour “is plain lies spread by vested interests to create panic.” One of the rumours making the rounds claim that President Muhammadu Buhari has been put to life support where he has gone to receive medical treatment abroad. And, even more disturbing is another one that claims the president may even have died. However, Mr. Shehu debunked the rumours, maintaining that nothing unpleasant has happened to the president. “Baseless rumors are trending again that an unpleasant thing has happened to our beloved President, Muhammadu Buhari.” “If you have received this information on WhatsApp or Facebook, disregard it bcos it is plain lies spread by vested interests to create panic.” “Nothing unpleasant has happened to the President. No c

The acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday, inaugurated the second board of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority. The board which has Jide Zietlin as its chairman was inaugurated inside the Vice-President’s Conference Room at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Osinbajo charged the chairman and other members of the board to see their appointments as calls to service which will require total commitment and dedication of the highest standards. He said he was confident that the appointees would epitomise the attributes individually and collectively. “As representatives of the people, our charge is simple: we require you to fundamentally improve the performance of the authority and strengthen its operations,” he said. 

The speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Monday Igbuya, was on Thursday morning impeached over allegations of financial misappropriation and highhandedness. Igbuya was replaced by the member representing Okpe Constituency, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori. the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Friday Osanebi, presided at the assembly sitting where the former speaker, Igbuya, was impeached alongside the Majority Leader, Tim Owhofere. Our correspondent reliably gathered that the sitting started about 7:06am which was against the usual 10am for sitting by the House, and was fully attended by members excluding the impeached principal officers. The lawmakers also suspended the impeached speaker for three months while the former Majority Leader who has now been replaced by Mr. Johnson Erijo was, however, handed an indefinite suspension. At the end of the sitting, the new Speaker and other members then proceeded to the Government House to intimate the state Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, of the c

The letter, written by President Muhammadu Buhari to the National Assembly, to inform the lawmakers of his medical leave and to transmit power to his deputy, is generating controversy. Buhari had stated that Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo would coordinate the affairs of the nation while he was away instead of writing that Osinbajo would act as the President. Senate President Bukola Saraki, at the plenary on Tuesday, read the letter from Buhari, informing the legislature of his medical vacation in the United Kingdom. Buhari said his stay in the UK would be determined by his doctors. While the President said in the letter that Osinbajo would “coordinate” the governance of the country during his absence, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa criticised the letter as not naming Osinbajo as Acting President and should be disregarded. Three Senior Advocates in Nigeria – Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, Femi Falana and Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe – however, explained that the word used by Buhari was unimportant even though

Senator representing Cross River Central, John Enoh, has cross-carpeted from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Enoh, who is the Chairman of the senate committee on finance, made the announcement on the floor of the Upper Legislative Chambers on Tuesday. The lawmaker disclosed that he had registered as a member of the APC in his ward. Reacting to Enoh’s defection, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki wished him well in his new political party, the APC. “I wish him fruitful service to his people on the platform he has chosen,” Saraki said.

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sunday night met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Zamfara State Governor, Abubakar Yari ahead of his trip to London.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday night left Nigeria for London where he is scheduled to consult with his doctors. According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the duration of Buhari’s stay in London will be determined by his doctors. Adesina however said the President had transmitted a letter to the National Assembly as required by law. The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari proceeds to London tonight for follow-up medical consultation with his doctors. “He had planned to leave Sunday afternoon, but decided to tarry a bit, due to the arrival of 82 Chibok girls who arrived Abuja earlier in the day. “The President wishes to assure all Nigerians that there is no cause for worry. “He is very grateful for the prayers and good wishes of the people, and hopes they would continue to pray for the peace and unity of the nation. “The length of the President’s stay in London will be determined by the doctors. Government will

The 82 released Chibok girls were airlifted from Baki in Borno state after their release - The presidency confirmed that have arrived in Abuja 82 Chibok girls who were released by the dreaded Boko Haram group have arrived in Abuja where they are expected to meet President Muhammadu Buhari. The  girls were released on Saturday, May 6  by the terrorists after a lengthy negotiation that involved the release of two terrorists. In a tweet by Femi Adesina who is the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, he confirmed that the girls have arrived Abuja and were received by Abba Kyari who is the president’s chief of staff.

The United States Embassy in Nigeria and the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office have raised the alarm that the Islamist group, Boko Haram, is planning to kidnap expats working in the country. According to a terse statement issued on its website, the US embassy warned Americans to avoid a certain area in the North-East. The statement said, “The US Embassy has received a credible report that Boko Haram is actively planning to kidnap foreigners working along the Kumshe-Banki axis in Bama Local Government Area, Borno State. “Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.” In its own message to British citizens made available to our correspondent on Friday evening, the FCO said, “Summary and Terrorism: Reports received (indicated) that Boko Haram is actively planning to kidnap western foreign workers in Bama Local Go

Nigerians have expressed concerns on how much the physical appearance of President Muhammadu Buhari has changed over the past few months. While comparing the 2015 and 2017 photos of the President on social media last week, concerned citizens bemoaned the President’s frail looks. The two photos, placed side by side and trending online, showed Buhari looking significantly leaner in one than the other. The President also appeared pale and shaven-headed in the frail-looking picture, with his native hat slouched over his forehead. Again, several Nigerians took to the comments section of a video posted on our source's Facebook page, in which Buhari was seen attending Juma’at prayers on Friday, to express concerns over the President’s uncharacteristic gait and fragile appearance. Omitibayo Adetoro said, “Today, I tried to look at Muhammadu Buhari with the following questions on my mind: What if he were my father and in this condition. How would I have felt?  “What if he wer

Several Chibok school girls who were abducted by the insurgent group, Boko Haram, have been released. Nearly 300 girls were abducted from their dormitories in 2014 as they prepared to write their final exams. Twenty one of them were earlier released last October after negotiations between Boko Haram and the Nigerian government. Two other girls were found separately, in addition to those who escaped on the night of their abduction, bringing to over 50 those who regained freedom. It is not immediately clear how many girls were released this time, but Sahara Reporters said 80 were released, and were at Banki town in Borno State awaiting airlift. The Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, who took part in previous talks to free the girls, told our on Saturday that he was aware that “about 85 per cent negotiations had been completed last night”. “Although I did not participate in the negotiations, but, I am fully in the know of what was going on,” Mr. Sani said. The Senato

ABUJA-Three Service Chiefs visited the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja Friday morning. They were the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Buratai; the Chief Of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar and the Chief Of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Iba. The reason for the early morning visit is yet unknown. The military chiefs were sighted leaving the State House at about 9.00am. It is yet to be ascertained whether they met with President Muhammadu Buhari

The Senate, on Thursday, postponed the laying of report on the 2017 Appropriation Bill to Tuesday. The Committees on Appropriations in the Senate and House of Representatives had planned to present their reports today, while the presentation was listed on the Order Paper for the plenary. But the Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, announced that both chamber of the National Assembly were still harmonising the versions of the report. He said, “I have also equally been informed that by the grace of God, definitely, the Budget 2017 will be laid on Tuesday. Having said this, Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I will move that we stand down this report to Tuesday, the next legislative day.”

Sacking of cbn management team now Tuesday, 9th may. Announcement of new cbn management team Tuesday 9th may. The Vice Presidents panel has concluded its assignment and will submit its report to president Buhari on Monday 8th may 2017 at 9am. President Buhari will immediately sack the entire management team of the cbn after receiving the report and will Announce a new team as well. Our insider sources said the names of the new team will be sent to the National Assembly the next day.

Updates coming.

Details coming.

The naira will trade around 390 against the United States dollar this week as the Central Bank of Nigeria continues the spate of dollar sale. According to economic and currency experts, the local currency may close the week slightly above or below the 390/dollar mark. They argued that it might take major interventions to get the currency to appreciate significantly above the mark. “I see some marginal depreciation of the naira but the CBN will continue to support it. We will see depreciation and then appreciation. I see the naira closing between 385/dollar and 390/dollar at the parallel market this week,” the Managing Director, Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, said. “I expect the naira to continue to trade flat on the market, I don’t see any havoc in the market this week,” the National President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, said. The naira closed at 390/dollar on Friday, having closed flat at the same level

Angry workers in their thousand disrupted the 2017 May Day celebrations at the Eagle Square, Abuja, over the failure of the Federal Government to give them a new minimum wage in the country. The workers insisted that the Federal Government had a responsibility to give them a definite position on the lingering issue of a new minimum wage in the country. The workers were also angry that neither the President nor the Vice President was at the event to address them on the grave issues of survival affecting them. The incensed workers rejected all entreaties by their leaders to calm them down as they chanted ‘No! We need a new minimum wage.’ They insisted that the N18,000 minimum wage has become inadequate to feed their families and indeed to survive in the face of the biting effects of the economic recession in the country. Trouble started when the workers who had gathered in front of the podium to listen to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, were told that the Act

Angry workers in their thousand disrupted the 2017 May Day celebrations at the Eagle Square, Abuja, over the failure of the Federal Government to give them a new minimum wage in the country. The workers insisted that the Federal Government had a responsibility to give them a definite position on the lingering issue of a new minimum wage in the country. The workers were also angry that neither the President nor the Vice President was at the event to address them on the grave issues of survival affecting them. The incensed workers rejected all entreaties by their leaders to calm them down as they chanted ‘No! We need a new minimum wage.’ They insisted that the N18,000 minimum wage has become inadequate to feed their families and indeed to survive in the face of the biting effects of the economic recession in the country. Trouble started when the workers who had gathered in front of the podium to listen to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, were told that the Act

The Senate has perfected plans to withhold the confirmation of nominees by President Muhammadu Buhari as part of the lawmakers’ strategies for a showdown with the Presidency. This is notwithstanding the recent move by the Presidency to reconcile with the Senate. The upper chamber of the National Assembly is considering placing an “embargo” on approval of appointments by the President until the legislature and the executive resolved the lingering crisis between them. It was gathered on Sunday that the Senate would make the move based on the recent comment by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who said he agreed with human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), that Section 171 of the Constitution empowers the President to make some appointments without National Assembly’s approval. An impeccable source in the leadership of the Senate told our correspondent that a constitutional crisis was brewing in the country. According to the source, the legislature and the executive have conflicting