TB Joshua has some good news for you this 2015

At a candle light vigil service held to usher in the New Year 2015 at The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) in Lagos, Nigerian Prophet T.B. Joshua declared 2015 to be 'the year of good morning'.

In the energetic service broadcast live on Christian television station Emmanuel TV, Joshua admonished congregants on the need to 'worship God in Spirit' in a sermon titled, 'Discovering your real value'.

"Christianity lies in the heart," he told the multitude of worshippers, adding that merely observing religious ceremonies does not signify genuine Christianity.

"No matter what this coming year brings, if you are more of God, your trials are the soil in which your faith will flourish," he enjoined the congregation.

The crowds, including a huge array of foreign guests sporadically waving their national flags, thronged every available space within the sprawling church complex, even spilling onto the adjoining roads.

"If you are expecting a New Year, you must be pure in heart," he stressed, reminding the faithful of Jesus Christ's words in Matthew 5:8. "If not, the troubled year of 2014 will continue in 2015," he warned.

Although Joshua uncharacteristically did not give his yearly prediction, his message conveyed that the troubles witnessed worldwide throughout 2014 would persist in 2015 but genuine Christians would grow stronger through them.

He stressed that the freedom the Bible speaks of in John 8:36 is spiritual not physical, insisting that a 'free spirit,' was needed for Christians to enjoy peace throughout 2015. "This liberation of your spirit is all you need to have the best year," he stated.

"You just need a Word from God to change the course of your life," Joshua continued. "God said I should give you the Word – Good Morning! Instead of saying 'Happy New Year', say 'Good Morning'. 2014 was the afternoon but now we are going to the morning. This Word is anointed." 

The cleric revealed that from henceforth, irrespective of the actual time of the day, Christians should maintain the greeting, 'Good morning', insisting that a spiritual blessing was attached to such proclamation. 

As Joshua led the congregation in prayers, lights were dimmed and candles lit throughout the auditorium.

"Joy comes in the morning. Open your lips and begin to decree this joy to your life," Joshua instructed the congregation.

He then led them in a heartfelt declaration, "My heart is Heaven! Good Morning my destiny, health, business, family, marriage - live in the morning throughout 2015!"

Among the nearly 2,000 foreign guests in attendance at the 'crossover service' were 44 family members of those who tragically died when a building collapsed within the church compound on September 12th 2014.

Jerry Gana, Peter Obi, Fani-Kayode, Appointed Jonathan’s Campaign Directors

The game is about to commence, President Goodluck Jonathan has put up a crack team for 2015. Former minister of information, Prof Jerry Gana, former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, have been named as Jonathan’s Campaign directors.

Others who made the list include former minister, Tunde Adeniran, special duties minister, Kabiru Turaki, former minister of information, Aliyu Umar, former finance minister and senator, Nenadi Usman.

Also named are former Senator Nimi Amange, Emmanuel Imohe, PDP’s national youth leader, Abdullahi Maibasira and deputy director-general of Goodluck Support Group, Prof Nick Eze.

The presidential campaign team headed by a former PDP national chairman, Chief Ahmadu Ali, will be inaugurated by Jonathan on Monday in Abuja, ahead of the February 14 presidential poll.

A release by the special adviser to the president on political matters, Prof Rufai Alkali, said the inauguration will take place at the PDP Presidential Campaign Office, the Legacy House, in the Maitama District of Abuja by 2pm.

The release also stated that the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Tony Anenih, has been appointed the national campaign adviser.

Adeniran will serve as deputy director-general of the campaign’s head office, while Turaki and Obi, will serve as deputy directors-general for the North and South respectively. Fani-Kayode will be the director of media and publicity, while Gana heads the campaign’s Contact and Mobilisation Unit.

Aliyu Umar will head the Directorate of Administration and Logistics, while Usman, takes charge of Finance Directorate.

Secret Night Trial: Nigerian Army Dismisses 203 Soldiers

The Nigerian Army has dismissed 203 soldiers after a secret court martial held in the dead of the night, for allegedly disobeying a direct order from their commanding officer, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.

One of the sacked soldiers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were dismissed for asking for support equipment, following the army’s plan to convey them in a tipper for an operation in Bama and Gwoza, two strongholds of Boko Haram insurgents.

The soldier, who is originally of the 19th Battalion in Okitipupa in Ondo State, but attached to the 7th division in Maiduguri, said the army leadership detained them for over 90 days before dismissing them after a midnight trial.

He said they are owed up to five months in unpaid salaries.

Narrating the event that led to their dismissal, the soldier said his unit reconvened in Maiduguri last August, after they were dislodged by the insurgents in Damboa in an operation where their commanding officer and several other soldiers were killed.

He said they were given two weeks pass and that at the expiration of their pass, they were issued new uniforms, boots and 30 rounds of bullets each as opposed to the statutory 60 rounds. And were going to be conveyed in a tipper lorry to Gwoza and Bama for an operation.

He said having engaged the insurgents in several past battles, majority of the soldiers argued that the operation would be fierce, and therefore requested support equipment.

“So we asked for support weapons. No support weapon was provided. Our CO (Commanding Officer) said he would discuss with the GOC (General Officer Commanding) of the 7 Division at the headquarters. When he came back, he said we should stand down. We thought all was well,” our source said.

But the request made by the soldiers fetched them more than they bargained for.

The next day their new CO, Mohammed A, a lieutenant colonel from 195 battalion, Agenebode, ordered them to submit their weapons and uniforms or be charged with mutiny.

“On the morning of 16 of August, after the GOC briefing, our commander started calling our names and he said anyone whose name is called should submit their uniform and weapon. He added that anyone who failed to do that would be charged for mutiny. We were surprised at what was happening.

“He started from the most senior soldier among us, a warrant officer who had served for almost 30 years. They asked us to go back to the barrack. It is a war zone and our weapons had been taken from us. Staying around was of no use so we left Maiduguri back home.”

The next order from the army hierarchy was for the soldiers to report to the 4th Brigade headquarters in Benin where they were detained for three months.

“They kept us in the fenced field at the officers’ mess in 4th battalion headquarters. When we first arrived at Benin they took statements from us and took it to Maiduguri. The original charge against us was for deserting but after our statements were taken they changed the charge to disobedient to particular order. They said we disobeyed the CO’s order. They seized our phones, we couldn’t communicate with our families for the 90 days we were kept in detention,” our source said.

After they were released on December 24, they were conveyed to their various units. The soldier said on getting to their units, a court martial was set up at about 11.30 p.m. where they were tried and dismissed. He said the next morning, they were evicted from the barrack with their families.

“It was dismissal without benefits. After 17 years in service. Even people that served for 30 years were dismissed without benefits. We had no legal representation.”

Army spokesperson, Olajide Laleye, a Brigadier General, could not be reached for comments on Thursday. Calls and messages to his telephone were not answered or returned.

The dismissal of the 203 soldiers followed a wave of court-martialling of other soldiers for mutiny and other offences.

On December 24, a military court-martial that sat in Abuja sentenced four soldiers to death by firing squad for alleged mutiny.

That judgment came just about a week after another batch of 54 soldiers were condemned to death for refusing to fight the deadly Boko Haram sect.

The 54 soldiers belonged to the 111 Special Forces battalion attached to the 7 division of the army in Maiduguri. They are to die by firing squad, the military court ruled.

The soldiers were accused of disobeying a direct order from superior officers to take part in an operation aimed at dislodging Boko Haram terrorists from Delwa, Bulabulin and Damboa in Borno State.

The soldiers said they refused to take part in the operation because the Army did not provide them with the required combat and support equipment needed for such operations.

Earlier, in September, 12 soldiers were sentenced to death for allegedly shooting at a car conveying their commanding officer, Ahmed Mohammed, a Major General.

The attack occurred May 14 at the army’s 7 Division, Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri, headed at the time by Mr. Mohammed.

Others were also sentenced to life in jail for criminal conspiracy and attempt to commit murder.

The soldiers revolted after some of their colleagues were ambushed and killed by Boko Haram extremists, an attack they blamed their commander for.

Yet, more soldiers remain on trial for their conducts in the fight against the extremist sect, and face being sentenced to death.

On December 23, another batch of 118 soldiers were transported from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to face charges in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

It is not clear when the troops would be arraigned before the military court, but our sources said unlike their colleagues who were convicted December 17, the 118 soldiers are accused of offences less than mutiny.

Also, 22 top officers, including a brigadier general, are being held at the Ikeja Military Cantonment in Lagos, preparatory to being arraigned for yet unclear offences.

They could not be arraigned on December 22 because the court was not properly constituted.

Their arraignment has now been scheduled for a date in January.

The convicted soldiers, apart from the four that were sentenced December 24, have been moved to Lagos to await appeal, pardon or execution.

'I'm Fresh Like My New Whip, Kill Yourself' - Timaya Blasts Haters

See another photo after the cut.

I’m coming up with anti-corruption plan — President Jonathan

One area that even close members of President Goodluck Jonathan's government can't defend him is the fact that millions and billions are missing and nothing much is heard in terms of answers. Hence, it's a good omen if he has decided to take up the challenge against corruption with full force.

He said, “There are two main problems confronting us as a nation: The issue of insecurity in the North where we have the Boko Haram terrorists and in the South where we have commercial kidnapping. The next thing that people worry about after security is the issue of corruption.

“We are coming out with programmes and plans to clean up. These are things that you don’t just use a magical wand to wave off, otherwise even before I became the President, there wouldn’t have been corruption in Nigeria."

President Jonathan said his administration’s strategy against corruption was to strengthen the capability of institutions to nip the menace in the bud. He said his idea of anti-corruption war was not about arresting suspects and parading them on the television.

Jonathan spoke during a special New Year service at the Dunamis church, Area 1, Garki, Abuja.

He said his administration was making efforts to tackle the challenges of insecurity and corruption .

“It is not just about shouting corruption. It is not about looking at one person, arrest the person and show him on television.

“It is about strengthening institutions and coming up with credible plans to make sure that anybody who gets involved with corruption, the system must have a way of detecting him and punishing him.

“Until you put such a system on ground, you cannot talk about eradicating corruption, you will just be celebrating corruption.”

On security challenges, Jonathan said the Federal Government was working hard to restore peace to the country.

He noted that the festive period had been relatively peaceful due to prayers and government’s efforts.

The President said, “You would have noticed that from Christmas to New Year, at least, it has been calm. It did not happen by accident.

“It happened because you have been praying for this country and the government has also been doing something. We do not need to announce what we are doing.

“With your prayers, we will surely get there. We will continue to come up with programmes that will help the ordinary people.

“The same way we won the war against Ebola, we shall win the terror war.”

See Photos: Toyin Lawani celebrates son's 1st birthday in style

Toyin Lawani  celebrated her son's 1st birthday in style. The businesswoman was so emotional as she gushed over him. She said she gave up a lot for him but it's been worth it.

Jermaine Oluwatenor's jungle themed birthday took place yesterday Ist of January..

More below

: "We got him a range sport it got stuck in NYC to land in a week. ...I almost cried. ...then an Angel made this happen. ...After driving around all day looking for the same range sport ....We saw this and I said that's it...guess what he loved it...He enjoys driving with his dad on a regular ....when it's time to get off the wheel he starts crying. ..then I knew he was a car lover. ...This Lil gee doesn't like regular things his age mates like...gee don't watch cartoon,play with toys ;he's either construction or investigating lol. ..Godbless u our son @lordmaine @lordtrigg ....customized by @elegantebytiannahstyling with swarvroski stones /diamonds cream lather and grey plain leather"

Kunle Afolayan Blasts IG Followers who Criticised Him for Smoking Shisha

Multi-talented Nollywood actor and film maker, Kunle Afolayan posted a picture of himself on Instagram where he was smoking Shisha (molasses-based tobacco concoction smoked in a hookah). The photo was posted without any caption, leaving people in the dark and letting the picture speak for itself.

Many of his Instagram followers have however criticised him for posting such photo on a social media, being a role model for many.

His first response goes thus:

"You hand never all. Danger nikan ni. I don't need a preacher on his page. Preach your morals to your children if you have any or take it to church, mosque of shrine. Best bet, delete yourself."

As the blasts from angered and disappointed followers kept hitting at the veteran. He was pushed to write another reply:

"I am not a celebrity neither do I see myself as anybody's role model. I am a professional and human as well. I do what I want to do when I want to do it. Social media is not for kids but adult. Neither is it a church or mosque. My page is my page and I am entitled to display any picture of my choice. For those running their mouth because they claimed to be a fan and buy my film, you are not buying because it's kunle but because you derive value. Don't say because they named today Boxing Day and decide to show your skills. Moreso, maybe some people needs to be enlightened. It is shisha and they come in different flavor like apple etc . If nah cigarettes Or weed nko , you for kuku abuse my mama! Hypocrisy is a decease. For those who love me and my work genuinely, I say I love you too. Let's be civil," 

See what Governor Mimiko’s Aide did to another man's wife

I just don't like it when a man engages in a fight, not to talk of beating a lady. This is condemnable!

Akin Akinbobola, an aide to Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, may be in serious trouble after he reportedly assaulted one of his female workers, Funmilayo Alao-Kwabe in his office in Akure.

Mr. Akinbobola, who is chairman of Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), allegedly gave Funmilayo a brutal beating after the two had a row over salary increment at the agency. She heads a maintenance department at the agency.

An eyewitness told a SR that the ODSFA chairman beat the woman so severely that he inflicted a serious neck injury on her.

Sources at the agency revealed that the chairman used to date the lady, and that he tried to humiliate her just because she broke up with him and had rejected all his efforts to restart their relationship...

Another source disclosed that the fight originated from the chairman’s sudden decision to increase junior employees’ salaries, adding that he then approved a N2000 increase for Ms. Funmilayo, increasing her salary to N42,000. The source, a staff of the agency, revealed that Ms. Funmilayo considered her pay increase too paltry. “She was infuriated and walked up to the agency chairman to demand an explanation. He got angry and began to beat her brutally.”

Another source at the agency said the workers felt that Ms. Funmilayo was poorly treated. “Our Chairman [Akinbobola] increased the salaries of the junior casual workers, who were mostly in maintenance department, to N40,000 while that of their head, Mrs. Funmilayo, was increased to N42,000, just N2000 difference. This is what caused the trouble,” he said.

Contacted by SR correspondent, the assault victim narrated her version of events. She said she was angry about her small increment. After the chairman refused to take her telephone call, she said she sent him a text message asking for an explanation. “He called me after reading my text message and asked for the meaning of the content in the message I sent to him and I told him the meaning. I never knew he had an agenda in mind, he invited me to come over to his office and I went there.

“I got to his office and he started embarrassing me, [asking] why did I send such a message to him. During that process a lady came inside the office and I ordered her out because I was still discussing with him. But the next thing was he slapped me and beat me up. He pulled out some of my hair and nearly snapped off my head and threatened to kill me. During the fracas, he broke my neck and ran away after I collapsed on the floor of his office. I can’t turn my neck [any more].”

Contacted by a reporter, Mr. Akinbobola denied assaulting Ms. Funmilayo, insisting that she hurt herself while struggling with him. He refused to answer any questions about his alleged romantic relationship with the woman. “It’s a personal issue,” he said, adding, “Please let us end the discussion.”

Why We Have Not Recaptured territories held by Boko Haram – Army

The Nigeria army has said avoiding collateral damage in the killing of innocent lives has affected its strategy in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists in the north eastern part of the country.

Army spokesman, Brigadier General Olajide Laleye, made this known while fielding questions during a press conference at the army headquarters in Abuja.According to him.....

“We are not interested in collateral damage, the Nigeria army is very careful about collateral damage, to that extent, our operations are carefully planned to make sure that collateral damage is reduced to the barest minimum.”

 “If certain areas have not been recaptured, it is because the Nigerian army is giving such areas very careful plans, the plans are ongoing, at the right time you will see the outcome.”“And I am very sure that fellow Nigerians will be pleased at the end of such operations that collateral damage is reduced to the barest minimum, law-abiding Nigerians are rescued from the hands of the insurgents and those places are completely freed from terrorism and insurgency,” 

Laleye said the recapture of towns which include: Gombi, Hong, Uba, Makera, Mubi, Holma and Vimtim previously held by terrorists, demonstrate the impact of new counter terrorism strategies being used by the army.

He noted that the success of military operation is dependent on troops discipline, patriotism and professionalism through enforcement of military regulation.

Laleye stated that three ongoing General Court Martial sitting in Abuja, Lagos and Jos are trying erring officers through international best practices in military law.

Culled from Sun

Love in the Air! D'Banj & Bonang Matheba Loved Up in New Photos

The ever gorgeous South African is currently in Nigeria for the weekend. See more pics after the cut.

- See more at: http://www.lailasblog.com/2015/01/dbanj-bonang-matheba-loved-up-in-new.html#sthash.mNXv94TO.dpuf

MBGN Iheoma Nnadi Covers January Issue of House of MaliQ Magazine

Current MBGN Iheoma Nnadi Amanda (born 15 May 1995) unleashed her fierce side on the latest House of Maliq issue.. Check her out after the cut.

Buhari will defeat President Jonathan in the election because...

More than 30 years after he ruled with an iron fist, jailing the corrupt and championing the virtues of military discipline in all things, Muhammadu Buhari is now being billed as Nigeria’s saviour.

The 71-year-old retired army general on Thursday won a landslide victory for the main opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) ticket to challenge Goodluck Jonathan for the presidency next year.

A win would be fourth time lucky for Buhari after a previous failed attempt against Jonathan in 2011 and unsuccessful bids in 2007 and 2003.

“Buhari will defeat Jonathan this time because we’re tired of this government. Buhari is an honest man. He’ll fight corruption and all those who have stolen Nigeria’s money will be dealt with."

His latest candidacy was met with scorn by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, who said the moustachioed former military ruler has nothing new to offer.

Jonathan, in power since 2010, said the February 14 vote was “a choice between going forward or going backwards, between the new ways and the old ways, between freedom and repression”.

PDP spokesman Olisa Metuh added: “Apart from changing to a dinner suit, General Buhari has not changed the tired ideas and provocative utterances that Nigerians rejected in previous elections.”

Yet far from being dismissed as one of the old guard, Buhari’s methods are seen by some as the only way to help Africa’s troubled giant change course.

The APC points to his record tackling corruption, while even the PDP founder, former president Olusegun Obasanjo, has said that Buhari would be better placed to end the Boko Haram insurgency.

– ‘War against indiscipline’ –

Nigerians who were around when Buhari overthrew civilian president Shehu Shagari on December 31, 1983 recalled the changes he brought about in a country blighted by years of graft and inefficiency.

“Buhari’s government introduced ‘War Against Indiscipline’ and everybody inculcated the culture of orderliness in doing things, without cutting corners,” said 60-year-old Samuel Adebowale.

“Under him, corruption and impunity were prohibited and anyone found wanting would be sent to prison,” the businessman told AFP in Lagos.

Water vendor Musa Wushishi, 42, said he expected Buhari to reintroduce such methods if elected — and believed he would have widespread support.

“Buhari will defeat Jonathan this time because we’re tired of this government. Buhari is an honest man. He’ll fight corruption and all those who have stolen Nigeria’s money will be dealt with.

“He did it before… Nigeria will be great again under Buhari. He will crush Boko Haram and there will be peace everywhere,” he said.

In the APC stronghold of Lagos at least, those either too young or not even born when Buhari headed Nigeria’s Supreme Military Council from 1983 to 1985 expressed similar views.

“I was told Buhari was very tough as a military head of state, that he killed drug pushers and jailed pressmen and all that,” said university student Demola Akinlabi, 17.

“We need somebody with an iron hand to govern Nigeria. Look at Jonathan and his government. Nothing seems to be working anymore. No jobs, no light, the roads are bad.

“Look at the killings in the north. He cannot do anything about it.”

– Dictator to democrat –

For analysts decrypting Nigeria’s election campaign, Buhari is seen as strong on anti-corruption and military nous but weak on policy and the day-to-day of political life.

Chris Ngwodo, a political commentator, said Buhari may be helped by the “demographic dividend” of young voters that has transformed his image from dictator to democrat.

“The passage of time has polished his record and created a myth,” he told AFP in a recent interview.

Certainly, the softly spoken Buhari’s strong-arm tactics were not applauded by human rights groups at the time, with critics of the regime, including the Afro-beat legend Fela Kuti, thrown in jail.

Drug traffickers were executed and limits imposed on the media.

Buhari himself has promised a more conciliatory approach.

“I do not intend to rule Nigeria. I want to democratically govern it with your help,” he told APC delegates on Thursday.

But for Dapo Thomas, a political scientist at Lagos state university, the fact that voters may be willing to overlook Buhari’s past record of draconian rule is telling.

Unemployment is rising, security worsening, infrastructure crumbling and the country’s oil-dependent economy is tanking due to a fall in the global price of crude, he said.

“The emergence of General Buhari is an answer to the yearnings of the people for change,” he said.

“For a long time, Nigeria has suffered from bad leadership. All the indices of development and positive governance are lacking…

“The Jonathan administration is clueless and does not seem to have the capacity to arrest the drift.”