RETRIBUTION: POLICE ARREST KILLERS OF TWO LAW MAKERS in Kano

Former PDP chairman in Tauruni Local government area of Kano State, Alh. Saleh Kura has been arrested in connection with the recent assassination of two members of Kano state house of assembly. The state commissioner of police, Ibrahim Idris who confirmed the arrest today while briefing press on the development, said one Ibrahim Lawal who was earlier arrested along side five suspects confessed that the former PDP chairman masterminded the killing. The commissioner stated that the suspect confessed that they bargained to assassinate the legislators at the cost of N100,000 of which they were paid N30,000 after the operation. The police boss also confirmed that the alleged former PDP LG chairman was together with the late Abba Garko before he was killed by the principal suspects. Meanwhile, the principal suspect, Ibrahim Lawal said he made the confession under duress.                       

JONATHAN CONFIRMS ARREST OF KEY PERSONS BEHIND BOMB BLASTS. ACN TO JONATHAN: BE SERIOUS THIS YEAR

President Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan says those involved in the bombing of churches in Niger State, the United Nations building and the Police headquarters in Abuja have been arrested.  The president disclosed this at the New Year service held at the All Saints Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion; Wuse, Zone 5, Abuja. He described the Boko Haram terror attacks, kidnapping in the south east and armed robbery as momentary challenges, promising that his administration will overcome the issue of terrorism in the country.

President Jonathan also assured Nigerians that his administration would continue with the drives for employment creation by encouraging the private sector and entrepreneurs to grow.

In his sermon, the Primate of the Anglican Communion, Nicholas Okoh, said Churches all over the world was celebrating the naming and circumcision of Jesus Christ as well as the New Year.   Speaking on the theme, circumcise your heart, Most Reverend Okoh urged Nigerians to have a positive change of heart.

Lai Mohammed

Meanwhile, the Action Congress of Nigeria has told the Jonathan’s administration to take governance more seriously in 2013, to ease the hardship his government has imposed on Nigerians.  ACN National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed told Coolwazobiainfo Political Editor, Georges Macnobleson that since the country's return to democratic rule in 1999, the year 2012 ranked among the worst years for Nigerians. 

He said having ambushed Nigerians on January 1st 2012, with a fuel price hike, the Jonathan administration had ensured that everything went downhill until the end of the year.

NEW YEAR: IGP SALUTES NIGERIANS

IGP MD Abubakar

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, on behalf of the Police High Command, salutes Nigerians – both at home and in Diaspora – on the auspicious moment of the new year celebration.

While thanking God for his grace and mercies that saw the country and its millions of citizens through the immediate past year, the IGP equally commended Nigerians for their vigilance, partnership and support for the Police, without which the task of policing Nigeria in 2012 would have been a near-impossibility.  He enjoined citizens not to relent in this regard, but rather continue to assist the Force even with greater vigour in the months ahead.

In a similar vein, the IGP expressed his immense gratitude to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, for his passion for the security of the nation and his firm resolve to tackle the current security challenges.  The IGP equally thanked the 36 State Governors, the FCT Minister and Local Government Chairmen across the Federation – particularly those that have supported the Police with logistics and other crime fighting tools in 2012.

 

The Police chief, while pledging the loyalty of the entire officers and men of the Force to the nation, promised that all hands will be on deck in the current year to ensure all forms of crime and criminality in the country – particularly the violent ones – are brought down to the barest minimum.

The IGP promised to re-dedicate himself and his Management Team to the vision of reforming and professionalizing the Nigeria Police Force and bequeathing to the nation a Police Force that will be truly people’s friendly, effective, efficient, intelligence driven, with greater respect for the fundamental rights of the citizens and adequately positioned to tackle the dynamic challenges of crime and social order now and beyond.

He equally charged officers and men of the Force to re-dedicate themselves to the service of their fatherland.  He reminded them that their calling as peace officers demands of them the highest level of patriotism, selflessness and hard-work.  He promised that he will continue to work with relevant Federal Government agencies to seek new ways of improving on their welfare and general working conditions.  

While reiterating his earlier directives to Zonal AIGs and Command Commissioners of Police to ensure a crime and crisis-free New Year celebrations, he advised citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement or persons to the Police or other security agencies.

NIGERIAN IDOL: THE RACE TO THE FINALS COULDN'T HAVE BEEN ANY LESS

Oladokun Olajumoke wowing the Judges

Nigerian Idol kicked off its first episode of a brand new season of great music, great fun and great moments, as season three of the series got to a flying start. From gospel to groovy, there was a host of talent on display and Nigeria is in for another thrilling season. And, there is a new judge on the scene—how does that change the game?

After a brief montage of the high points of the previous two seasons, season three of Nigerian Idol welcomed us to the heart of the nation, Abuja, where the brand new addition to the judging team, Afro-beat legend and three-time Grammy nominee Femi Kuti made his debut alongside singers Yinka Davies and dancer Jeffery Daniel.

Hundreds showed up to audition and the excitement was palpable as Idol hopefuls lined up around the building for a chance to make it to the next level. The very first audition by Colins Ukaigwe, was a shaky introduction to the new season, and Femi Kuti quickly set the tone for his judging style by telling Ukaigwe, “You are going to drive away all the music from this room if you continue!”

A few more disappointing auditions followed, but just as the judges reached their breaking point, things began to look up. Oladokun Olajumoke, a 21-year-old impressed with her rendition of British singer Adele’s song, ‘Someone like you’, while gospel talk show presenter Uchechi Okwuosa also made it to the next round. And there was also good news for return contestant Sylvester Kiskin, better known as ‘Sly1’ he breezed through.

G-Circuit with his Golden Ticket

Soon yeses abounded, and many contestants were getting positive reviews from all three judges. Two contestants truly impressed the Femi, Yinka and Jeffrey, flying past the additional audition rounds and straight into the top 100 competition in Lagos, courtesy of a golden ticket. One golden ticket winner was Onoja Godwin (G-Circuit), a judges’ favourite from season two.

“And still, these loaded episodes are only icing on the cake,”

explained Tiwa Medubi, the project manager. “Nigerian Idol is set to bring you the best of drama, excitement and soulful music. Dreams are being born here and it is our pleasure that viewers get to see the entire picture behind these immensely talented people.”

The show continues next weekend with more drama and excitement as the audition train moves to Port Harcourt.

Nigerian Idol Season 3 judges; Jeffrey Daniels, Yinka Davies and Femi Kuti

Hosted by On-Air-Personality Ill Rymz, Yinka Davies, Jeffrey Daniels and Femi Kuti are in the judges seat this season of the highly rated reality TV show. The Etisalat sponsored third season of Nigerian Idol will air from December 16th 2012 and run until April 14th 2013.

Showing on weekend prime time television, catch Nigerian Idol on NTA Network at 4.00pm on Sundays, Sound city and ONTV : at 7pm on Sundays and Saturdays , STV at  8.00pm on Sundays and 6pm on Saturdays and TVC at  9.00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The grand prize for this season is worth $100,000 which includes:  N7.5 million in cash, a recording contract also worth N7.5 million, and an SUV.