INSTANT NEWS

Democrats have been blasted by President Donald Trump over his impeachment.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday swore-in the wife of the Minister of Labour, Dr (Mrs.) Evelyn Ngige as one of the nine new Permanent Secretaries.

Naija News reports that the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (Ag. HoCSF), Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, had announced Buhari had approved the appointment of the Permanent Secretaries.

It was gathered that the swearing-in took place before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the presidential villa.

Others sworn-in are Engr. Hassan Musa from Borno; Aliyu Ahmed from Niger; Olusola Idowu from Ogun.

Those representing regional quotas were: David Adejoh from Kogi representing the North-Central; Umar Idris Tijani from Bauchi, representing North-East; Dr Sanni Gwarzo from Kano representing the North-West; Engr. Nebolisa Anako from Anambra representing the South-East; Temitope Faseun from Ondo representing the South-West and Dr Evelyn Ngige from Delta state representing the South-South.

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has commended his principal President Muhammadu Buhari for the swift signing of the 2020 budget into law.

President Buhari on Tuesday, signed the 2020 Appropriation Bill into law at the State House, Abuja

Osinbajo, who was present at the signing, said the swift signing of 2020 bill by Buhari has restored January – December cycle.

The Vice President added that the budget will advance Nigeria into the next level.

On his verified Twitter page, Osinbajo wrote: By signing the 2020 budget today, President Buhari has restored the January – December cycle.

“The “Budget of Sustaining Growth and Job Creation” will advance our country as we proceed along on the Next Level.”

At least 2000 residents of Lagos would partake in an empowerment grant, been prepared by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu in commemoration of the Lagos Civil Week.

This the governor disclosed through his Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale.

Sanwo-Olu stated that the empowerment grant is In line with the agenda of the Lagos state government administration, through a social welfare intervention programme to support traders to grow their businesses gradually.

Unveiling the programmes and activities lined up for the civic week and the launch of the Sanwo-Olu Cares initiative, Adebowale said the grant should be seen as ‘setting on the path’ for citizens who are able to contribute their quota to the economic development of the state.

According to her, the week-long programme championed by the Lagos State Office of Civic Engagement, will not only focus on empowerment but also look into the areas of imparting social values in children and youth as a guideline for achieving widespread civic engagement through planned programmes of action.

“We aim at building a people-centred Lagos by adopting a variety of engaging activities as a channel to inspire individuals to be active participants in the process of nation-building. Engaging citizens remains our ultimate goal. We can only improve Lagos through our collective effort.

At least 2000 residents of Lagos would partake in an empowerment grant, been prepared by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu in commemoration of the Lagos Civil Week.

This the governor disclosed through his Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale.

Sanwo-Olu stated that the empowerment grant is In line with the agenda of the Lagos state government administration, through a social welfare intervention programme to support traders to grow their businesses gradually.

Unveiling the programmes and activities lined up for the civic week and the launch of the Sanwo-Olu Cares initiative, Adebowale said the grant should be seen as ‘setting on the path’ for citizens who are able to contribute their quota to the economic development of the state.

According to her, the week-long programme championed by the Lagos State Office of Civic Engagement, will not only focus on empowerment but also look into the areas of imparting social values in children and youth as a guideline for achieving widespread civic engagement through planned programmes of action.

“We aim at building a people-centred Lagos by adopting a variety of engaging activities as a channel to inspire individuals to be active participants in the process of nation-building. Engaging citizens remains our ultimate goal. We can only improve Lagos through our collective effort.

“Beneficiaries of the social welfare inclusive initiative would be encouraged to invest 50% of the grant received in a small-scale business. The Office of Civic Engagement has partnered with some companies to assist our citizens actualize these goals by planning and monitoring the growth of their small-scale business,” she stated.

Analysing the schedule of the programme to be held at Eko FM Marquee, Alausa, Lagos, Adebowale said there will be social visitations to Churches, Mosques, as well as senior citizens as relief materials, will be distributed to them, adding that the flag-off of the week-long event would be interactive, educational and entertaining.

The chairman board of trustees, Nigerian citizens in South Africa, Chief Chuks Okolie has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the steps taken to stop xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.

Okolie who gave the commendation in an interview with DAILY POST in South Africa lauded Buhari for using his visit to the country to ensure that Nigerians in the country were safe.

“The situation like you could see since you arrived has been normal and everything is okay now. Everybody is going about their business and there is relative peace, there is peace now,” he noted.

Recounting what led to the recent xenophobic attack on Nigerians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, Okolie stated that some uninformed miscreants who had disagreements with foreign nationals took the laws into their hands.

He said, “It was just a misunderstanding. You will agree with me that in every society, there are some miscreants; the uninformed South Africans that took the
law into their hands and because of some disagreement they went into the street and they started looting.

“ It was purely looting, it was an act of no provocation. When it started, we the Nigerian citizens in diaspora association went into fact-finding and we found out that the issue was not connected to Nigerians but just a few misunderstandings that started in a small place and some miscreants took laws into their hands and started looting foreign-owned shops.

“I will not say that it was a case of South Africans hating Nigerians or other foreigners but in every smoke, there is a fire. There might be a South African that doesn’t like a Nigerian and when that issue comes up, they will use it as an avenue to leverage on the misunderstanding or misconception.”

When asked how the South African government was tackling the situation to stop a reoccurrence of such attack and what the Nigerian government have done for Nigerians who were repatriated during the attack, Okorie said, “Initially we were not happy because the South African police stood by and watched South Africans destroy and loot businesses but I will tell you that since the visit of President Buhari, things have changed. The police has also promised to always be at the scene or on call whenever issues like that come up.

Popular Nigerian sensational singer, Kizz Daniel has gone spiritual, revealing what God told him in the dream.

The singer disclosed that his new single ‘Jaho’ was given to him as a message directly from God.

He advised his listeners to always be true to themselves and know where they come from.

Daniel in his lyrics ‘ Jaho Gbe mi di de’ [God take me higher] prayed for God to take him higher in life.

Here are excerpts from the lyrics, “I dreamt about this song. Its a message from God and I sang it to life.

“You better know who you are, do wetin you know.

“As you come this life alone so you will leave alone. Don’t do like them.”

Kizz Daniel also on his Instagram page advised his fans and supporters to change the world by being good always.

“Today in the spirit of Jaho, go change the world for good by being yourself provoke them with happiness and thanksgiving

“This record came to me in my dream, a message from the most -high.

“This is my Christmas gift to my fans across the world,” He wrote on his Instagram page.

A Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, has ordered the arrest of Afeez Fashola, popularly called Naira Marley, over an alleged car theft.

According to NAN, the Chief Magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, on Monday ordered the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Sgt. Sunday Idoko, handling the case to present Naira Marley in court on the next date of adjournment, December 21st.

Two of Naira Marley’s brothers and his cousins appeared in court over alleged theft of a car and a cell phone.

The defendants, Idris Fashola, 18, Babatunde Fashola, 24; and Kunle Obere, 22, are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, assault and obstructing the arrest of Naira Marley.

The chief magistrate granted the three defendants N500,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

Speaking in court, the prosecutor, ASP Edet Okoi, said the three defendants committed the offences on Dec. 16, at Eko Hotel Roundabout on Victoria Island, Lagos.


He said that the trio who were in a motorcade with Naira Marley, stole a Toyota Camry vehicle with Registration No. FEE 120 AA valued at N1.8 million and an iPhone X5 worth N330,000 belonging to one Mr Adelekan Ademola.

According to Okoi, the three defendants and others at large assaulted the complainant by beating him up.

Okoi alleged that the second defendant, Babatunde Fashola and others at large obstructed the police while performing their lawful duty and prevented them from arresting Naira Marley.

“One of the vehicles in the musician’s motorcade hit the complainant’s vehicle from the back while he was throwing out money from his vehicle to his fans.

“When the complainant came down from the vehicle to inspect the damage, Obere entered into the complainant’s Camry and drove it off with the motorcade.

“Ademola reported to the police and the vehicle was tracked to where it was parked at Jakande Crescent, Oniru in Lagos.

“When the police arrived at the location in company with the complainant, Naira Marley and his boys started beating the complainant.

“A group of boys obstructed the police from arresting the musician but they were able to apprehend the three defendants,” he said.

President Muhammadu Buhari is sad as his birthday celebration turned to mourning because of the death of Hajiya Rakiyya Adamu, the mother of Alhaji Lawal Aliyu and Ubandoman Daura,

The former Principal Personal Secretary to the president when he was Military Head of State. She died at the age of 93.

In a condolence message to the Ubandoma, his family and the Daura Emirate Council, President Buhari said, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of Hajiya Rakiyya who was widely respected for her outstanding community work across various domains in the Daura Emirate.”

“I pray to Allah to repose her soul and grant the family and the entire people of Daura Emirate the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

The son, Alhaji Lawal who retired as a Director in the Federal Civil Service is also a close friend of the President.

Nigerian singer and songwriter, Duncan Mighty has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

Naija News reports that the Port Harcourt based musician was kidnapped in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, Southeast Nigeria.

Although details of his abduction are still sketchy as at the time of filing this report, there are indications that he was beaten mercilessly before he was whisked away.

Duncan Mighty’s abduction was announced by Celebrity barman, Cubana Chief Priest, who is one of the management of Club Cubana in a post on social media network, Instagram.

Cubana Chief Priest said the “Port Harcourt boy” crooner was beaten and abducted by the gunmen amid gunshots.

”Duncan Mighty beat up and picked up by unknown gunmen in Owerri after numerous gunshots. Pray for Duncan Mighty,” Cubana posted.

Nigeria national football women’s team has dropped three places in the latest ranking released by world football governing body, FIFA.

Naija News reports that Ghana also slipped 10 places down.

Recall that most African teams failed to go past the third round of the 2020 CAF Olympic Games qualifiers.

The Super Falcons now occupy the 39th position, while Cameroon dropped three spots to 49th position.

The Black Queens occupy the 60th positions.

Brazil return to the top 10 after a thumping 6-0 victory over Mexico, while world champions the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, France and Sweden end 2019 in the top five places of the world rankings.

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Tuesday sign the 2020 Appropriation billon Tuesday barring any last-minute change.

President Buhari had invited leaders of the National Assembly to the Presidential Villa for the budget-signing ceremony.

A top source told The Punch that Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila among others, had been invited to witness the signing of the budget.

“We have a notice from the Presidency to be at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday to witness the signing of the budget.

“The date and time may change but I have it on good authority that the ceremony is billed for Tuesday,” the source said.

Curtrend is aware that the National Assembly had a meeting on December 5, 2019, passed the 2020 Appropriation Bill, raising it from the proposed N10.33tn to N10.6tn.

Malami Takes Over Sowore’s Case
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has asked the State Security Services (SSS) to transfer Omoyele Sowore’s case file to his office.

Naija News understands the directive was contained in a letter dated 11th December 2019 and addressed to the Director-General of the State Security Services, National Headquarters Abuja.

This fresh development was made public in a statement issued on Friday morning by Malami’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Umar, Jibrilu Gwandu, who noted that the minister was doing this “as part of deliberate efforts to probe emerging issues related to the recent imbroglio related to Omoyele Sowore’s case and for speedy dispensation of justice.”

The fresh directive is coming amidst local and global outcry over the flagrant disregard for several court orders and the increasing rate of human rights abuses in Nigeria.

Malami also has directed a speedy conclusion of investigations into circumstances surrounding the invasion of Federal High Court in Abuja by operatives of SSS to rearrest Sowore last week.

Malami’s letter was signed by the Solicitor General of the Federation and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Dayo Apata, (SAN).



According to the letter “the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice upon a further review of the case has directed the immediate takeover of the prosecution of all charges in respect of Omoyole Sowore by the Federal Ministry of Justice in line with the provisions of Sections 150(1) and 174 (1) (a-c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)”.

The Minister’s letter further requested the DSS to “promptly forward all the case files” in respect of Omoyele Sowore to the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.”

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state has threatened to forbid the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) if the members fail to conduct themselves well.

This, the governor said this yesterday on a television programme.

Sanwo-Olu maintained that his administration was committed to delivering his Greater Lagos vision while adding that his administration had recorded a lot of achievements in the last 196 days in the area of security.

List Of Commissioner Nominees by Gov. Abiodun
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has forwarded the list of his commissioner nominees to the state House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

The list is coming more than six months after Prince Abiodun was inaugurated as the governor of the South-Western State.

Bondvibe understands the Governor had last week promised to release the list of his appointees before Christmas.

See the full list.

Dr Kehinde Oluwadare
Bar Femi Ogunbanwo
Afolabi Afuape
Oludotun Taiwo
Ganiyu Hamzat
Mrs Funmi Efuape
Jagunmolu Jamiu Akande Omoniyi
Tunji Akinosi
Ade Adesanya
Dr Adeola Odedina
Prof Sidi Osho
Dapo Okubadejo
Dr Yomi Coker
Hon Abiodun Abudu Balogun
Gbolahan Adediwura
Tunji Odunlami
Laolu Olabintan

Anthony Joshua, the Nigeria-born British boxer has defended the tactics employed during his victory over Andy Ruiz Jr.

Joshua defeated Ruiz in Saudi Arabia last week Saturday to claim the belts he lost to Ruiz six months ago.

WBC champion, Deontay Wilder, condemned Joshua over his jab and grab technique.

Wilder told The Athletic, “Joshua did what he had to do to get the win. He ran around the ring and was on his bike all day.”

“You want to dominate guys, man. I’m not coming in, after losing to this guy, to just dance and grab and jab and hold. I’m going to show the world and convince them I am the very best and that no one is close to me.”

AJ hit back at his rival’s comments, insisting that he deserves credit for showing the discipline to box smart and prise back the heavyweight world titles.

“That’s Wilder’s opinion, a lot of people don’t have a good bone in their body to say a positive thing anyway. I outboxed the heavyweight champion of the world for 12 rounds. I don’t think I lost a round. Maybe one”

“I come in there with a great game plan, I’m successful. Isn’t that good enough?”

“You can’t box to keep everyone happy; you have to box for the win. And I feel like when I’m at home celebrating, he’s there talking about negativity. Negative energy breeds failure so I’m just going to keep a positive mindset and build on that victory.”

Committee to Protect Journalists has berated the manner and inhuman treatment of the Nigerian government on journalists especially Sahara reporters and the owner Omoyele Sowore.

Naija News understands that the United States-based organization warned Nigerian authorities over their continuous effort to intimidate journalists after the management of Sahara Reporters informed the organization that their Nigerian bank account has been frozen without advance notice in October, significantly hindering their operations.

The website was separately disabled twice due to allegations of copyright infringement, and staff report cyberattacks and increased surveillance outside their Lagos office, according to Sahara Reporters staff who spoke to CPJ.

The site conducts aggressive reporting on corruption, according to CPJ’s review of its reporting. Its founder, Omoyele Sowore, is in the Department of State Services (DSS) custody after plans to mobilize for his #RevolutionNow protest.

“CPJ is unable to confirm a connection between Sowore’s arrest and his journalism but continues to investigate the case. “Sahara Reporters must be permitted to keep the Nigerian public informed without intimidation,” said Angela Quintal, CPJ’s Africa program coordinator.

“Surveillance, cyberattacks, &copyright notices against Sahara Reporters mark a concerning pattern of interference and harassment of an investigative news outlet.”


Sahara Reporters’ Nigeria-based account with Guaranty Trust Bank was frozen without warning in October, La Keisha Landrum Pierre, Sahara Reporters’ chief operating officer, told CPJ. The outlet has struggled to pay operating costs and salaries and was unable to publish for a day on November 10, Pierre said.

Pierre told CPJ the bank said the account was subject to “a government hold” and “not able to be operated,” but would not elaborate. When CPJ requested comment by email, Ijeoma Nwachukwu, a relationship manager with Guaranty Trust Bank, declined to reveal details about specific accounts because of “duty of confidentiality.”

Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson recently appeared on the BBC pidgin programme “Question Till Mouth Pain You With Mercy”,

On the program, she talked about her life, marriage, career and many other things.

When she was asked how she copes with marriage and work, Mercy replied she makes use of the scale of preference as she puts in what’s more important to her at that particular moment ahead of any other things.

In her words translated from the Pidgin language. She said

“What I use is a scale of preference, I live my life based on what’s more important, so I follow it like that.

She got tired eventually when she hilariously tells the interviewer she’s tired of the questions.”

Clubs that make it to the last 16 stages of this season’s UEFA Champions League are set to get £8million each for their efforts according to the Daily Star.

Naija News understands the amount will be paid to each of the 16 clubs that make it to the stage of the European competition.

After Tuesday’s round of matches, 14 teams have already booked their places in the Champions League Round of 16 stages.

They are Chelsea, Liverpool, Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, Valencia, PSG, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Juventus, Barcelona, RB Leipzig, Valencia, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid.

Chelsea confirmed their place in the last 16 stages of the competition after defeating Lille 2-1 in their final Champions League group stage encounter on Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge while Liverpool also qualified after beating Red Bull Salzburg 2-0.

Atletico Madrid, Leverkusen, Dinamo Zagreb, Atlanta, Shakhtar Donetsk are still in contention to qualify and complete the list of teams that will make the round of 16.