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- Many Nigerians have maintained that 2016 is a year they can never forget because of the hardship it brought on the people - As the country enters into 2017, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) says President Buhari and the governors must now put their acts right The impunity with which the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration as well as those of the governors carried on in 2016 may not be tolerated by Nigerians in 2017. This declaration was made by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in its New Year message to Nigerians and made available to NAIJ.com. Bobboi Kaigama released the warning to President Muhammadu Buhari and governors It said a situation where professionals are thrown out while wives of governors are made to take charge of up to six ministries would no longer be tolerated.

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Nigerians with the coming of the new 2017 year. My dear Compatriots, I am happy to welcome you to the beginning of a New Year in our beloved country Nigeria. I felicitate with you today at a time when our nation is witnessing a new and impressive turnaround in our security and socio-economic situation.

Nigeria's number 1 man, President Muhammadu Buhari has once again greeted the people with a message of hope for the new year. Comparing Buhari's 2016 New Year message to 2015: What has changed? Issues such as security, fight against corruption, terrorism and the state of the economy dominated his new year message.

The Nigerian Army operating under ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ in Borno and other north-eastern states has arrested one of the most-wanted Boko Haram insurgent in the state. The Boko Haram commander was nabbed in the house of a politician The chairman was also arrested for hiding the top Boko Haram Commander, whose identity is yet to be revealed, in his house at 1000 housing estate along Maiduguri-Damaturu- Kano road, the Vanguard reports.

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A brave Nigerian soldier Sergeant Aliyu Bello, who was killed during the final operation of the military in Sambas forest, the latest Boko Haram strongh old, was buried in Maiduguri, Borno state. The slain sergeant was buried on December 26 at the military cemetery in Maimalari barracks.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, on Friday, ordered all Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) the 37 Commissioners of Police (CPs), to beef up robust security arrangement towards ensuring crime free Christmas and New year celebrations across the nation. Police boss, Ibrahim Idris IGP Idris said this in a statement signed by the Police Force Public Relations Officer (PFPRO), DCP, Don Awunah. According to the IG, the conventional Police men, and the personnel of the specialized units of the Force comprising which comprise the Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Federal Highway Patrol, Explosive Ordinance Department, the armament unit, Sniffer dogs section, the Marine Police and Police Air wing, have been deployed to provide effective security and protection of life and property nationwide during the Christmas. The Police boss, acknowledged that Police presence is already emplaced on the highways and major roads ...

A young man learned the hard way that it’s best not to brag about your alleged crimes on social media. A man, whose name is unknown, has recently stolen $28 million from a local cartel in Guyana. Thief punished for his crime Being blinded by successfull theft the dim witted man took to social media to show off his loot flashing stacks of money on his bed. However, his euphoria didn't last long. Shortly afterwards the cartel members found the boastful guy, took him hostage, beat him up and gave his family two days to pay the stolen cash back.

- Former President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has made his decision known about 2019 - There had been insinuations that the former president was making plans to contest again in the forthcoming presidential election Former President Goodluck Jonathan has denied a recent report that he met with his kinsmen in Otuoke, Bayelsa state, to discuss the 2019 election. The Nation reports that the former president made the denial through a statement issued by his media aide, Mr Ikechukwu Eze. The statement described as lies the online reports about the purported meeting, and said Jonathan was neither in his home state on the said date nor met with his kinsmen who paid him an end of year visit, as the report claimed. Ex-President Jonathan said he did not meet with his kinsmen over 2019 general election “Our attention has just been drawn to a fabricated online publication alleging that the former President Goodluck Jonathan made comments on the 2019 ele...

We all have problems in life. At times we cannot solve them on our own. That is why we publish the letters of our readers to get your help. You might have been in a similar situation. You may know the solution. Share your opinion with those, who really need it. A depressed black woman Here is the story our reader wants to share with us and get your opinions: "I live in Gusau and work with Fidelity bank. I have no time for myself or anything else except for my job. I've lost countless boyfriends due to the nature of my job, it does not give me the space to be with my man romantically. After endless break ups I moved to the fast paced-culture of online dating. I met this fascinating, humble and intriguing man online. He was like heaven on earth. A prime definition of decency. We moved from Facebook chat to Whatsapp and then calling on phone. He's always on phone with me. Little did I know that he had other foul plans. I must give it to him "his cards were neat...

Siddika Sanusi, the daughter of Muhammadu Sanusi, the Emir of Kano, is getting married to Malam Abubakar Umar on Friday, December 23. The lavish wedding ceremony is taking place at the Emir’s palace, where members of a big and happy family, close friends, different top officials, businessmen and other dignitaries gathered. People are watching as the young girl smooches the reptile; Photo by Sani Maikatanga Snake charmer entertains the guests during the ceremony; Photo by Sani Maikatanga Among the unusual highlights of the event were snake charming girls who kissed live pythons to entertain dear guests. Girls kissing pythons during the wedding ceremony; Photo by Sani Maikatanga Emir Sanusi has reportedly received N100,000 as Sidikka's dowry. Interestingly, President Muhammadu Buhari married off Zahra for 12 gold coins (about N250,000). Muhammadu Sanusi, Emir of Kano, at the ceremony; Photo by Daily Trust

- Rotimi Amaechi says Buhari is eager to reflate Nigeria’s economy and fulfill the needs and aspirations of Nigerians - Amaechi said the Ministry of Transportation will shift attention to the rehabilitation of the old railway lines of Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri after the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna railway project - The former governor of River state says Buhari would ensure he achieves his promises Rotimi Amaechi, the minister of transportation, has assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari is working hard to ensure he achieves his campaign promises. According to him, one of the core mandates of the present administration was to fulfill the needs and aspirations of Nigerians. Amaechi says Buhari is eager to reflate Nigeria’s economy Speaking in Abuja on Friday, December 23, through Yetunde Sonaike, the director of press and public relations department in the ministry of transportation, Amaechi said that President Buhari is eager to reflate the economy and deliver t...

Several bank accounts connected or controlled by former first lady, Patience Jonathan will be frozen following an order by a Federal High Court in Lagos over criminal-related use. According to Sahara reporters, the account contains $5,316.66. Also affected were five companies and one Esther Oba that has a total balance of N7,418,829,290.94 . The court’s order came following charges initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed by its lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo. The monies in the various accounts are suspected to be proceeds of crime. Justice Mojisola Olatoregun who is the presiding judge granted the order of the freezing of the account but warned that the anti-graft agency will pay damages if the accounts shouldn’t have been frozen Federal High Court orders freeze on Patience's account A few months ago, the former first lady wrote to Ibrahim Magu, the acting chairman of the EFCC explained that the $31.4 million found in her account is for her medi...

China has a history of making fake food items and the fake rice phenomenon has been there for a while. A reputable English-language newspaper in Korea, The Korea Times, reported that “China famous for having all, making all, has now been reported to have made rice out of plastic and has distributed it.” The ‘plastic rice’ is reportedly made by forming potatoes and sweet potatoes into regular rice grains shape, then adding industrial synthetic resins. It remains hard after cooking and can cause serious health issues. Experts have raised the alarm of possible flooding of the Nigerian market with the ‘plastic rice’. As Christmas draws close, a lot of people will be getting bags of rice from their employers, friends and well-wishers. You can determine if your rice is fake by carrying out any of the simple tests below. 1. The mortar and pestle test When molding a few grains of rice with a mortar and pestle, if the powder gives a quite white colour, you are good to go but it ...

 Nina Dobrev She is said to be the most beautiful lady in the world. She is a Bulgarian Canadian model and actress. She was born in Bulgaria but raised in Canada. Nina Dobrev has showed and appeared in many feature films, including Runaway Pieces, Never Cry Werewolf, Away From Her and participated in a series of the drama. It is known that Acting is her passion, and she likes to travel which is her hobby. She started acting at Armstrong Acting Studios in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The movie by which she is known to all is Perks of being a Wallflower.

Editor's note: The Senate on December 15, Thursday, rejected the presidency’s nomination of Ibrahim Magu as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The rejection raises questions on the acceptability of President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-graft war using Magu, particularly as the ruling party failed to pull through the screening despite its majority in the Senate. Chido Onumah explains why it's better for the Senate to confirm Magu's nomination. There are very few moments in a nation’s history that can equate the infamy that took place at the Nigerian Senate on Thursday, December 15, 2016. Of course, this is Nigeria, where infamous acts by those who have purloined our country are an everyday occurrence. Two days ago, after months of prevarication the Nigerian senate, one half of the National Assembly that was described as a den of thieves and "unarmed robbers" by ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo, finally summoned the shameless a...

Some members of the European parliament (MEP) have risen in support of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu. The MEPs – 16 in number – in a joint letter have asked the European Union High Commission to take action on human rights abuses against members of the IPOB. The letter addressed to the High Representative and vice president of the EU high commission Federica Mogherini said the unlawful detention of Kanu and the violence against IPOB members by Nigerian government must be looked into. The letter which was dated Monday, December 19, said Kanu has been illegally imprisoned since October 14, 2015, despite being acquitted of all charges brought against him by the Department of State Services.It was signed by Julie Ward, Ana Gomes, Bart Staes, Beatriz Becerra, Brando Benifei, Catherine Stihler, Ernest Urtasun, Eva Joly and Hilde Vautmans. Others signatories to letter include: Jude Kirton-Darling, Kati Piri, Miapetra, Kumpula-Natri, Michèle Rivasi, N...

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, will be closed for six weeks between February and March next year. This was disclosed on Monday, December 19, by the minister of aviation for state, Hadi Sirika, The Nation reports.  He explained that the closure was to enable a construction company, Julius Berger Plc carry out total re-construction work on the airport runway which is badly damaged. Speaking to journalists after an inspection of the runway, Sirika said during the six months rehabilitation work, the runway will still be put to use. He said the will only be shut for six weeks when the mid-section of the runway would be reconstructed. While the repairs last, the Kaduna airport has been designated as an alternative to Abuja airport and arrangement has been finalized with Kaduna state to convey the passengers to Abuja. Sirika said the government is aware of the pains passengers are currently going through due to the non-availability of Jet A1 and the scarcit...

Ahead of the impending cabinet reshuffle by President Muhammadu Buhari is set to sack at least 10 ministers from his cabinet. According to Vanguard, Presidency has tapped leaders of the Senate to secure prompt and less rancorous screening process. There are also indications that some ministers might be asked to swap portfolios at the turn of the new year. Quoting a source, the report said the Presidency was suspicious of the recent bashing from the Senate, a situation that had seen a number of nominees dropped during confirmation It will be recall that there are two vacancies are existing in the ministerial portfolio, following the death of Barrister James Ocholi, the late Minister of State for Labour and Employment in March and the exit last week of the Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed.

In what has been described as a chilling audiotape, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers has allegedly been caught arranging payment to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in a telephone conversation. According to Sahara Reporters who released the tape, Governor Wike made payment to INEC officials especially those sent from Plateau state to rig the election for candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Etche, Khana, Ikwerre and other key local government areas in the state. In a call to an INEC official who complained that the fund provided by Wike was not enough, the governor fumed insisting he had already paid the electoral coordinator in Plateau State/ Wike was also informed that one of the officials was reluctant to sign of the result sheets and in anger, the governor threatened to kill the official. He said: “If it’s that one, she should return whatever… “I’m going to make sure that I kill him in this state…just don’t worry.” “Call that ...

In Grepolis, you will follow in the footsteps of Odysseus, Leonidas, the beautiful Helen, or other Greek heroes to create the empire of your dreams. Strategy and cooperative play are the keys to success in Grepolis. If you make the right decisions, you will develop a small town into a huge metropolis. But be aware: Other emperors are also striving for glory. Recruit a powerful army and form mighty alliances to stand strong against your enemies and conquer new lands. And of course: Your god will be of great benefit if you use his power wisely!

Rochas Okorocha, the Governor of Imo state, has asked pro-Biafra supporters to calm down as Nigeria will be better soon. The governor, who noted this at the palace of Emir of Lafia when he paid a condolences visit to the Emir Alhaji Isa Mustapha Agwai, said that Igbos are part and parcel of Nigeria and has shed more blood than any other ethnic nationality in Nigeria. He said " Igbos are found in every village, nook and cranny of Nigeria. If you ask me who is true Nigerian, I will said Igbos are true Nigerians. Because there is no village in this country without an Igbo man living in that area. Wherever you found him he is contributing to the economic and political development of the area. We believed in the unity of Nigeria". Governor Okorocha clarified that Biafra is an agitating group just like you have the Afenifere or OPC, the Niger Deltas groups, the Arewa and others in the country. Biafra is not the only agitating groups in Nigeria at the moment but I don't ...

 The presidential source discloses that Buhari may resubmit Magu's nomination to Senate as advised by the anti-corruption committee - According to the leaked information, there is no evidence against Mr Magu The presidential advisory committee against corruption urged President Muhammadu Buhari to re-submit the candidature Ibrahim Magu as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the lawmakers. The Premium Times exclusively reports that this happened just hours after the Nigerian Senate rejected the nomination last week.

The wall of Urua market Ederebo in Ikot Akpatek in Onna local government area of Akwa Ibom state, collapsed on Monday, December 19, killing two market women. No fewer than 17 others sustained injuries and were taken to Immanuel General Hospital, Eket for medical attention, The Punch reports.