Global Naija Info

Senegalese troops move in on the Gambia The whereabouts of former president Yahya Jammeh is unknown as military forces of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) crossed from Senegal into Gambia. This is coming hours after President Adama Barrow was sworn into office, the African Press Agency reported Thursday. Long convoys of military vehicles with armed soldiers entered the troubled nation through the border town of Karang, resident Abdoulie Bah told dpa. The troops are expected to search for long-term ruler Yahya Jammeh, who refuses to give up power despite losing the Dec. 1, 2016 presidential election to Barrow. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed his “deep concern” about Jammeh’s refusal to step aside. The UN Security Council voted unanimously to back Barrow and called for a peaceful transition of power. The resolution called on former president Jammeh “to carry out a peaceful and orderly transition process,” and to transfer power to Barrow in ac

Comedian Koffi endorses Victor Edogun’s book Dozens of Nigerian celebrities have endorsed ‘Bold’ and ‘Poetic Experience’, two books recently released from the stable of veteran Nollywood actor, Victor Edogun. The two books were released three years after ‘Save Today’, a novel by Edogun on terrorism that went viral on the internet. The books have continued to enjoy rave reviews and endorsement from Edogun’s colleagues in the entertainment industry. Kenny Ogungbe has also endorsed the book Some of those who have publicly endorsed the books are Kenny Ogungbe, Emeka Ike, Sunny Neji, Koffi, Ebube Nwagbo, Mr Ibu and a host of others. ‘Bold’ is a thriller and romance classic crafted in smooth and seamless narrative. It expounds the intricate starting bloc of the GSM Telecom Business in Nigeria, blending it with an upbeat love story between two youthful scions of the shipping and telecom industries. Meanwhile, ‘Poetic Experience’ is a catalogue of Poems composed during the nation’s

Publisher of Premium Times newspaper Dapo Olorunyomi and Evelyn have been released by the police in Abuja.

Comedian Koffi endorses Victor Edogun’s book Dozens of Nigerian celebrities have endorsed ‘Bold’ and ‘Poetic Experience’, two books recently released from the stable of veteran Nollywood actor, Victor Edogun. The two books were released three years after ‘Save Today’, a novel by Edogun on terrorism that went viral on the internet. The books have continued to enjoy rave reviews and endorsement from Edogun’s colleagues in the entertainment industry. Kenny Ogungbe has also endorsed the book Some of those who have publicly endorsed the books are Kenny Ogungbe, Emeka Ike, Sunny Neji, Koffi, Ebube Nwagbo, Mr Ibu and a host of others. ‘Bold’ is a thriller and romance classic crafted in smooth and seamless narrative. It expounds the intricate starting bloc of the GSM Telecom Business in Nigeria, blending it with an upbeat love story between two youthful scions of the shipping and telecom industries. Meanwhile, ‘Poetic Experience’ is a catalogue of Poems composed during the nation’s

Yahya Jammeh, no longer recognized as president The UN Security Council on Thursday affirmed that Adama Barrow is now the legitimate President of The Gambia, declaring that “former President Yahya Jammeh is out”. The President of the Security Council, Olof Skoog (Sweden), told the UN Correspondents after the adoption of the Resolution 2337 (2017) by consensus by the 15-Member Council. The Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Resolution was sponsored by Senegal on the situation in The Gambia. NAN reports that the Resolution by Senegal, sought the Council’s approval and support for ECOWAS to take all necessary actions to remove Jammeh and install Barrow as President. “I just made a call to The Gambia’s President Adama Barrow to tell him that the Security Council is behind him and support him as the president. “The Security Council affirmed support to President Barrow. The Resolution adopted just now is political. “There is a strong request to former

Jose Mourinho Manchester United generated the most revenue of any football club in the world last season, according to a report published by Deloitte. United dethrone Real Madrid – who held top spot for 11 years – after accumulating a record revenue of 689m euros (£515m) during the 2015-16 term. The Premier League club saw commercial revenue grow by 100m euros (£71m). Combined revenue for the top 20 clubs during the 2015-16 season grew 12% to 7.4bn euros (£6.41bn) – a new record. It is the first time Manchester United have topped the annual Deloitte Football Money League since the 2003-04 season. Real drop down to third, behind Spanish rivals Barcelona, who remain in second spot. German giants Bayern Munich move up a position to fourth and Manchester City also climb a spot to fifth – having generated 524.9 euros (£392.6m) – up from 463.5 euros (£352.6m) during the previous season. It is the first time they have reached the top five of the annual list. Eight Premier League clu

Tunisia players celebrate one of their goals Tunisia boosted their chances of reaching the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over neighbours Algeria. They took the lead when Algeria’s Aissa Mandi directed Youssef Msakni’s left-wing cross into his own net. And some dreadful defending by Faouzi Ghoulam led to him bringing down Wahbi Khazri for a penalty which Naim Sliti coolly slotted into the right corner. Algeria pulled a goal back when Sofiane Hanni struck from the edge of the area. Tunisia’s victory takes them to three points and second place in Group B and leaves Algeria with only one point. Group leaders Senegal can qualify later on Thursday by beating Zimbabwe. It means Algeria, who had been one of the pre-tournament favourites, will have to rely on other results going their way if they are to qualify from the group – and they have to face Senegal in their final match. Tunisia went into the game off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Senegal and anything other

Dapo Olorunyomi The Nigeria police have raided PREMIUM TIMES head office in Abuja, and arrested the newspaper’s publisher. The publisher, Dapo Olorunyomi, was arrested alongside the paper’s judiciary correspondent, Evelyn Okakwu. Plain-clothed officers conducted search at the office shortly after 5p.m. Thursday, and said they were acting on a complaint filed by the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai. The arrests came days after PREMIUM TIMES turned down the army’s demand to retract news stories about the Nigerian Army and its operations. The paper’s Editor-in-Chief, Musikilu Mojeed, condemned the raid. “They should stop deluding themselves that they can muzzle the press and intimidate PREMIUM TIMES,” said Mr. Mojeed. “They should know that our loyalty lies with our readers and the Nigerian people who have a right to know.” He said the paper will continue “to discharge its responsibilities in line with global best practices, social responsibility and patriotism, even at great ri

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), with his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule (left) and Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I (right) during the 1st Quarter 2017 Town Hall meeting (6th in the series) to render account of stewardship of Governor Ambode’s administration, at the Ajelogo Housing Scheme, Akanimodo, Mile 12, Ketu, Lagos, on Thursday. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday said that his administration would consolidate on its infrastructural renewal drive with the construction of 181 local government roads in the current fiscal year, saying the process for the award of the contract would commence next week. Governor Ambode, who spoke at the first Quarterly Town Hall Meeting for 2017, the sixth in the series, held at the Ajelogo Housing Scheme, Ajelogo Market Road, Akanimodo, Mile 12, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria said the 181 roads, was an improvement on the 114 roads, two in each local government, which his administration promised to embark upo

Late Francis Suberu Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has expressed rude shock and sadness over the death of a member of staff of National Mirror Newspaper, Mr. Francis Suberu. Suberu, a reporter attached to the Government House in Lagos, died on Tuesday after a brief illness at the age of 37. He was survived by his wife, two children and aged mother, among other relatives. Governor Ambode, in a condolence letter he personally signed and addressed to the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Folashade Omolara Suberu, described the late journalist as a quiet and unassuming man who contributed immensely in projecting the programmes and policies of his administration in the last 19 months through balanced news reports. The Governor said it was always painful to lose a soul mate and family bread winner, but urged members of the family to take solace in the fact that Suberu led a good life and was a member of the esteemed journalism profession. According to the letter dated January 18,

President Muhammadu Buhari The Senate on Thursday opposed President Muhammadu Buhari’s deployment of Troops to The Gambia without approval of the National Assembly. The Federal Government had deployed Troops to Gambia, if President Yahya Jammeh refused to leave office and handover to President-elect, Adama Barrow by January 19. Speaking during plenary, Sen. Chukwuka Utazi (PDP-Enugu), who raised a Point of Order said that President Buhari violated the constitution by deploying troops to Gambia without approval of the National Assembly. “Section 5 of the constitution stipulates “subject to the provisions of this constitution, the executive powers of the federation shall be vested in Mr President. “Section 4 notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, a President shall not declare a state of war between the Federation and another country except with the sanction of a resolution of both Houses of the National Assembly sitting in a joint session. “Except with the prior

President Adama Barrow of The Gambia Adama Barrow has been sworn in as the Gambian president in neighbouring Senegal as incumbent Yahya Jammeh refuses to leave office. The swearing in ceremony took place at the Gambian embasy in Senegal aidst tight security provided by ECOWAS troops. Details later.

The Federal Government in December 2016 launched a new information app called Federal Government of Nigeria Information App (FGN IAPP) to help close the information gap between the federal government and Nigerians. Beyond serving as a medium to send undiluted and factual information directly to Nigerians and bringing about a paradigm shift in the way the government communicates with the citizens, the FGN IAPP is poised to be a good resource for motivation and inspiration for Nigerians with the BE INSPIRED section of the mobile app. The “Be Inspired” feature is aimed at motivating young entrepreneurs, academics, professionals and those aspiring for greater heights to meet those who have made their mark in different fields. According to the developer, Mr Olawale Wale-Falope, Nigerians on a monthly basis will be given the chance of a life transforming session with a top government official, business icon, celebrity, professionals or industry leader who will inspire them to greatness.

President Muhammadu Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari is embarking on a 10-day annual leave. To this end, the president on Thursday transmitted a letter to the Senate intimating it of his decision to embark on leave. The letter was read on the floor of the Senate by the Senate President Bukola Saraki. Details later

The man who won The Gambia’s disputed election says he will be sworn in as president at the country’s embassy in neighbouring Senegal. The message, posted on Adama Barrow’s social media accounts, invited the general public to attend the ceremony. Last-ditch efforts by regional leaders to convince Yahya Jammeh to step down as president failed overnight. He lost elections last month, but wants the results annulled citing errors in the electoral process. West African military forces are ready to enforce a transfer of power in The Gambia, a popular beach destination among European holidaymakers. Senegalese troops remain stationed at the Gambian border, despite the deadline for Mr Jammeh to stand down passing at midnight. Barrow’s invitation on his facebook account The threat of military action is supported by Nigeria and other states in the region. Mr Barrow has been in Senegal since Sunday following an invitation to attend a summit of African leaders who back his victory. The p

Senegalese troops move in on the Gambia Gambian Army at Command Centre Kanilai has communicated that they are joining ECOWAS forces to remove recalcitrant President Yahya Jammeh. This is coming as troops from Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Mali and Togo massed at the borders of Senegal, waiting for a green light to intervene and unseat Yahya Jammeh, who according to the constitution is no longer the country’s legitimate ruler. There are also reports that Gambian soldiers have withdrawn from strategic areas near the country’s borders with Senegal as ECOWAS soldiers prepare to move in. Banjul has been turned into a ‘ghost town’ with tens of thousands of people fleeing the capital and at least 26,000 crossing the border into Senegal.

Adama Barrow (left) in Bamako now in Dakar Adama Barrow, the man expected to be sworn in today as Gambia’s new president, has declared Alhaji Yahya Jammeh’s era over. “My dearest Gambians — the presidency of Yahya Jammeh is officially over. The new era of Gambia is here at last. #NewGambia“, Barrow wrote on his Twitter handle this morning. Barrow, going by the vows of West African leaders, is expected to be sworn in today. Where it will be done, is yet unclear as Jammeh ignored military threats and stay put in Banjul, refusing to step down. The country’s national stadium was initially the choice venue for the swearing in. But Barrow’s spokesman Halifa Sallah said he would be sworn in an undisclosed location. Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz who initiated a last minute effort to break the political deadlock by visiting Jammeh on Wednesday said Jammeh was adamant about hanging on to power.. Mr Abdel Aziz flew in to the Gambian capital Banjul on Wednesday evening to me

Yahya-Jammeh Troops from Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Mali and Togo are at the borders of Senegal, waiting for a green light to intervene and unseat Yahya Jammeh, who according to the constitution is no longer the country’s legitimate ruler. There are reports that Gambian soldiers have withdrawn from strategic areas near the country’s borders with Senegal as ECOWAS soldiers prepare to move in. Banjul has been turned into a ‘ghost town’ with tens of thousands of people fleeing the capital and at least 26,000 crossing the border into Senegal. Meanwhile, Ousman Badjie, the chief of defence staff, has said that he will not put his men on the line and they will not fight or die for Yahya Jammeh.

The suspect, Dominic Puopolo A man in Florida has been accused of posting online that he would kill U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at his inauguration on Friday. “This is Jan. 16, 2017. I was requested to type this in and post it. “Yes, I will be at the review stand, the inauguration and I’m going to kill President Trump, President-elect Trump today,” Dominic Puopolo said in a video posted on Monday. Puopolo, 51, was arrested on Tuesday and allegedly admitted to making the threat. He was ordered for a mental evaluation at a court hearing on Wednesday. The threat, which was directed at the Secret Service, came in the middle of a long string of incoherent video messages where he calls himself Jesus Christ and repeatedly talks about his “father”. Some of the messages are aimed at President Barack Obama’s White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough and model Adriana Lima, as well as a woman he refers to as his daughter. Puopolo, who said in one of the posts that he had had three

Abdulmajid Ali, Ogun Police Commissioner Police have arrested one of the three leaders of the armed gang that kidnapped eight persons including students at the Nigerian Turkish International School recently in Isheri, Ogun State. But the three students and five members of staff of the school are still in captivity. A reliable police source confirmed to Channels Television that the suspected leader, Phillip Joel Kakadu, also known as “General Kakadu” was arrested by men of the Intelligence Response Team in Warri, Delta State where he had come to spend his loot. Kakadu was alleged to have confessed to possessing about twenty five AK-47 rifles with five of his boys among the 16-man gang that operated in the Turkish school on Friday. He is said to have confirmed other leaders who are with the victims were from creeks in Lagos and Ogun. He named one General Agbala, whom he said had about 30 boys and General O. C. with over a hundred boys, whom he said was the overall leader of the kid

President Yayah Jammeh of Gambia, still clinging on to power after expiration of ECOWAS deadline. Will he be forcefully removed today? A last minute attempt to convince Yahya Jammeh to give up his role as Gambian president before Wednesday’s midnight deadline failed, according to sources in the country’s capital. Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz allegedly made a last-ditch effort late Wednesday night to persuade Jammeh to stand down after more than two decades in power, but was not able to convince him. Troops from Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana remained in position in neighbouring Senegal as the deadline passed. Meanwhile 26,000 Gambians crossed the border into Senegal between the start of the year and Monday, with many continuing to flee the impending conflict in recent days, according to UNHCR spokeswoman Helene Caux in Dakar. Eyewitnesses reported heavily armed soldiers arriving at the Senegalese border town of Karang late Wednesday, while the Nigerian Air Force depl

A 44-year-old woman, Hanne Sulaiman, has given birth to sextuplets in Dutse, Jigawa, but they all died. The delivery of the sextuplets came barely 18 years after the woman gave birth to a set of twins. The delivery occurred at Dantaye village in Dutse Local Government Area of the state. The development came as a surprise among the inhabitants of Dantaye settlement, who viewed the delivery as extraordinary. Hundreds of people trooped to the General Hospital Dutse to see the woman. A 60-year-old Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA), who took delivery of the first two babies some minutes after 12 a.m. on Jan. 15, said on Wednesday that she had never came across such incident throughout her experience. “When she delivered, one was alive and one was dead, but after some minutes the other died too,’’ she however said. Ms Aziba Rebecca, a health worker at the Basic Health Clinic Sakwaya, who took the delivery of the second two babies on Jan. 16, also disclosed that the woman delivered at

NNPC-logo The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Wednesday admonished Nigerians not to engage ‎in panic buying of petrol as there was no plan to increase its price. ‎ In a statement released in Abuja by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr Ndu Ughamadu, the Corporation further assured motorists that there was enough supply in stock. ”The Corporation has 1.3 billion litres stock of PMS, otherwise called petrol, which is sufficient to serve the nation for more than 38 days. ”This plea comes on the heels of reports that some motorists have begun panic buying of petrol, following rumours that the government is about to increase the pump price of the white product from N145 per litre. ‎ ”NNPC wishes to assure Nigerians that there is no iota of truth in the rumour that government is scheduled to adjust pump price of petrol. ”Indeed, with the resumption of production by the Corporation’s three refineries in Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Warri, compl

Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana’s presidentt The Ghanaian government has deployed 205 soldiers to The Gambia to implement ECOWAS directive on the swearing of Adama Barrow as president today. ECOWAS leaders had given President Yahya Jammeh until yesterday to quit power and allow for a peaceful transfer of power but Jammeh remained adamant. Senegalese and Nigerian troops have already taken positions at the borders to implement ECOWAS decision. Read the statement by Ghana on troops deployment to The Gambia below:

The fleeing crowd at Banjul Airport, Gambia Gambians and tourists were leaving Gambia in droves as the deadline set by ECOWAS leaders for President Yahya Jammeh to quit power expires. Bus parks were scenes of chaos as people boarded buses, packing suitcases onto trucks and hiring canoes to flee the capital of Banjul, as President Yahya Jammeh clung to power on the eve of his rival Adama Barrow’s planned swearing in. The Banjul airport was also chaotic as many people struggled to board planes to fly out of the country Jammeh, a former soldier who once vowed to rule for “a billion years”, is refusing to step down, despite condemnation from regional leaders and threat of an imminent invasion by West African troops to enforce his election defeat. Residents in two Senegalese border towns reported heavy troop movements towards the frontier and a Senegalese military source confirmed the build up. In a sign he is digging in, Gambia’s National Assembly passed a resolution to allow Jammeh