Finally, the 2015 budget has been passed by the Senate (N4.493 trillion)

The Senate has passed the sum of N4.493 trillion budget for the 2015 fiscal year.

The budget passage on Tuesday, came with an increment of N135.4 billion above what the executive arm of government earlier prepared and submitted to the National Assembly for approval.

The passage followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Finance on the 2015 Appropriation Bill, tabled before the Red Chamber by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Ahmed Maccido during its plenary.

However, Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Ahmad Lawan hinted that in spite of the passage, the National Assembly was still be expecting the President elect, Muhammadu  Buhari,  to send a supplementary budget to the 8th Assembly, when he assumes power on May  29, 2015.

Lawan criticized the budget passed, saying there was no balance between capital allocation and recurrent expenditure proposed just as he regretted that the passage of the budget was carried out late by the legislature.

“You’ve lost the right to have privacy” – PDP addresses Buhari on the AIT issue

The Peoples Democratic Party has reacted to the alleged report that African Independent Television, has been barred from covering the activities of President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari.
The former-ruling party admonished Buhari for attempting to stifle the freedom of the media, while adding that he ceased to be a private person since he got elected.

In a statement released by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Olisa Metuh, the President-elect was reminded that the Nigerian constitution gives power to the media to cover his activities.

The statement said: “The PDP as a party that have nurtured the nation’s democracy in the past 16 years cannot afford to fold its hands and watch the constitutional rights, media freedom and personal liberty of Nigerians, the basic tenets of democracy being demolished.”

“We ask, is this a beginning of the feared erosion of the freedom and personal liberty the media and Nigerian citizens have been enjoying in the last 16 years under the PDP led-administration?”
“Has our dear nation finally fallen into the clutches of totalitarianism and impunity where government actions will based on egocentric decisions and impulses of individuals rather than the rule of law?”

“While we assure the President-elect of our resolve to run a mature and responsible opposition based on issues, we are disturbed by this emerging development and reassure the Nigerian people that we will continue to stand with them on issues of democracy and freedom at all times.

“Perhaps, we need to remind General Buhari that part of the challenge of his new position, even as President-elect is that he has lost his private life which is now subject to public scrutiny and media interrogation, as required of the custodian of the mandate of the Nigerian people.”

“The PDP is not oblivious of the background of the President-elect especially as it relates to the freedom of the media, but we had thought that having declared to be a converted democrat, he would make himself amenable to the basic principles of democracy by following the due process of the law on any circumstance.”

“General Buhari may also wish to be reminded that the Nigerian constitution upon which provisions he emerged President-elect, also gave the media powers to cover activities of public office holders while at the same time providing legal avenues for redress in the event of any violation.”
“If the right of the President-elect was in anyway violated by the AIT or any media house for that matter, he is expected to act within the law and seek redress in the courts otherwise one would have
no option than to conclude that he is out for personal vendetta.”

“The APC and the President-elect may have one or two lessons to pick from President Goodluck Jonathan, who though the most maligned and abused President in the history of our nation, even by the APC, allowed his actions to be sufficiently guided by humility, tolerance and the rule of law.”

Hate Campaign: Buhari Fights Back, Bars AIT From Covering His Activities

Chief Raymond Dokpesi and President-elect Buhari

President-elect, General Mohammadu Buhari may have just started a revenge mission on the African Independent Television, AIT when, Monday, the security men attached to him barred the station’s correspondent, Bebei from covering Buhari’s functions, Vanguard is reporting.


It is gathered that the directive was discreetly given to the correspondent by an official at the Defence House where the crew had gone to cover the visit of Cuban ambassador to Buhari.

Gen. Buhari describes Boko Haram as a fraud

Nigeria’s president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari says Boko Haram will be denied a recruitment base the moment our local communities realize that its claim to being a religious group is nothing but a fraud.

In a statement issued and signed by Garba Shehu, Directorate of Media & Publicity, APC Presidential Campaign, Buhari said: “The fraud called Boko Haram can be defeated by denying it a recruitment base.”

This was General Buhari’s message to the leaders of Nasarawa State who came to congratulate him on his emergence as president-elect.

“No religion allows for the killing of children in school dormitory, in markets and places of worship. They have nothing to do with religion. They are terrorists and we are going to deal with them as they deal with terrorists anywhere,” he announced.

Buhari said he is greatly pained by the destruction of schools in Northeastern part of the country, an action he said could deny thousands of youngsters access to education and a better future unless something was done urgently to avert this tragedy.

“The worst thing anybody can do is to deny children access to education. That will be destructive to their lives and we are not going to allow that to happen,” the President-elect assured.

He announced that his government will help the states to get more money to improve infrastructure by ensuring that all federal collectible revenues are paid directly into the federation account and each tier of government given its due share.

“As at now, the government does not even know how many revenue accounts it has. We will give all the tiers what is due to them but will hold them to be accountable as we would the federal government.”

Buhari while describing Nassarawa state as his own “political laboratory”, meaning the only CPC-controlled state of the 36 others adjudged the experiment as having been a success.

“From one state, I now have 22 political laboratories.”

He commended Governor Al-Makura for surviving his many impeachment plots, saying “without Nassarawa, there would not have been an APC.”

Yes I Am Handsome but I Am Not a Womanizer – Vincent Opurum

Simply known as Vincent Opurum, is one of the rising hunks in the movie industry. A recent chat with the Imo State born actor revealed the other side of him which many yearn to know. The amiable actor who is also an ambassador of peace opens up about his life and why he sometimes likes to keep his personal life private.

Vincent Opurum

How did your journey to acting begin?

It started in Kaduna in the year 2000. I was in Kaduna when I had an opportunity to be part of a movie my very first movie actually called Pain of a teenage mother sponsored by the Ministry of Women Affairs Commission. The story was about teenage mothers and the pains they go through when they are denied by the society they live in. Before my first movie, actor, Ramsey Nouah was my role model and he visited Kaduna with Genevieve Nnaji back then for a movie that was directed by Lancelot Imasuen. I saw them on location doing their thing and instantly decided to be an actor. So when the opportunity presented itself, I made up my mind to follow my calling.

Did you continue with your career in Kaduna?

No I came into Lagos in 2003 to continue my career.

So which movie would you say gave you your big break?

Honestly I can’t tell because I acted in so many films at that time but I suddenly realized that people were beginning to take note of me and in no time the celebrity bug caught me too.

How would you describe your rise in the industry?

I will simply say, to whom is chosen by God, comes a King. I give God all d glory People say you are one of the most handsome actors in the industry right now.

How does that make u feel?

I am simply humbled

What do you look out for when accepting a script?

Anything that is not the norm. It has to be challenging.

How would you describe the transformation of Nollywood from the days of Living in Bondage till date?

It’s changing for the better now. The Nigerian movie industry has a long way to go, but with hard work and creative talents coming up these days , I am sure we will get soon.

What do you think are some of the shortcomings of the film industry in Nigeria?

We lack a standard to operate with amongst movie practitioners. It is high time mediocres shouldn’t be allowed to run the show.

Are you implying that the present crop of people into movie production are not professionals? 

What I said is a general food for thought. But if there is a standard in our movie industry, mediocrity won’t come in through the back door. We have a large number of well respected professionals in this industry but mediocres and pirates are our major challenge.

How much do you think is needed to shoot a standard Nollywood movie today? 

It all depends on the story line, number of casts, the locations, logistics etc. These are the primary things that your budget. So it’s not a stable budget.

How many movies would you say you have to your credit till date?

Honestly I have lost count.

But have you shot past the 100 mark?

Of course, it’s over hundred movies now and counting.

A lot of your colleagues have gone into movie production and directing. Do you have plans to follow suit ?

I have my plans and aspirations close to my chest and with time, you will see and hear from me.

Who are your role models in the industry?

Locally, like I said, it is Ramsey Noah. Internationally they are Leonardo Di Caprio, Russell Crowe, Al Pacino, and Denzel Washington.

So how would you rate the various award platforms for the film industry in Nigeria?

We will get there, there is room for improvements, at least Nollywood is now ranked 3rd in the world in terms of movie making.

What do you think the government should do to further assist Nollywood as a body to develop its steady growth ?

 It is obvious. We need an enabling environment such as building of a film village which is currently on going, make available financial assistance to help improve on what is already on ground. And if I may add, Power (PHCN) should be better improved to aid movie production better. And finally, to put Pirates in the place they belong to so that the industry will move forward.

Away from Nollywood what else occupies your time ?

My business

Which is ……..?

What I do isn’t for public consumption.

People say you are a womanizer citing your looks as a tool. Is this true?

My look has nothing to do with my attitude. I am a God fearing and helpful citizen of Nigeria. But there is no smoke without fire……. If you can point out a few of these victims then maybe I will agree with this saying. People just sit in their homes and concoct stories about other people with no proof. May I remind you that what you see on television is the total opposite of who I am. I am a humble person and even shy most times. I only do my best to interpret roles given to me, that’s all.

So are you saying that you have never broken any heart since you came to limelight?

Never. Tell me if you know any?

What lessons has life taught you as a person?

Life is a combination of the good, the bad, the ugly. All what we need is God’s direction and not to fall into the wrong hands. Though the road to success is full of mysteries, only God knows it all.

How do you relax when you aren’t on movie sets?

I love to play football, lawn tennis, table tennis, basketball, reading and watching movies.

SPORTS: Ramsey Snubs Morgan's Handshake

Celebrity Arsenal fan Piers Morgan has hit out at Aaron Ramsey following our 0-0 draw with Chelsea, lashing out because the Welshman refused to shake his hand.

The journalist has been heavily critical of Ramsey in the past, and during the midfielder’s recovery from injury Morgan was one of those calling for his exit. With the 24-year-old since turning into a fantastic midfielder, Morgan has changed his tune somewhat.

Ramsey was arguably among the best midfielders in the world last season, and while he has struggled in comparison this time around, he has still shown his quality since recovering from a string of hamstring issues.

After slamming the player he branded “Whatshisname” at almost every turn, Morgan thought everything would be smoothed over with a handshake.

SHOCKING News: Sacked IGP Suleiman Abba Sent This Message To Jonathan, Tells Nigerians The Whole “Secret”

The former inspector general of police, Suleiman Abba, has said he did his very best and delivered a credible and peaceful election to the country during the 2015 general elections.

Abba was sacked on Tuesday in a statement by the Presidency who said the sack was with immediate effect. He was replaced by Solomon Arase, the former DIG in charge of Force Intelligence.

Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, Abba said, “I want to thank the Almighty God, for seeing me into the office of IGP; like He said, He gives and He takes and He is also seeing me out as the IGP, particularly, when it is in good health and with the ovation I’m getting from my colleagues.
“To my colleagues, I know you have seen it all.

We started at a time that was very difficult in Nigerian history, a time when politics had picked up. We were getting ready for the elections and our whole attention, I would say, was on the elections, even though we kept on doing our best in managing our day to day activities.

 “My happiness is that we have gone through it; the elections are almost over. I want to seize this opportunity to thank everyone, all stakeholders with regards to the 2015 elections for making it not only a reality, but also making it credible.

“I want to say that I want to move on with my life believing that life has steps and it is a journey.”