News
Straight from the Headlines! – What Everyone was Talking About This Week
Boko Haram Bomb Blasts
The headlines this week have been quite gloomy. The aftermath of the bomb blasts which left over 180 people dead in Kano last week has left a deep wound in the fabric of the nation with many still in shock over the deadly attacks. There has hardly been any headline without the words ‘Boko Haram’ in it, or something relating to it, and of course, with a tale of tragedy. Sad. This same attack claimed the life of a Channels TV Reporter, Enenche Akogwu (May his soul rest in peace). I say a big well done to all the journalists, photographers and media practitioners who are risking their lives to bring us such news.
So let’s take a look at some of the stories that made headlines this week again and discuss on them. And while doing that, don’t forget to say a prayer for Nigeria.
National
The Islamic sect, Boko Haram, claimed responsibility for the Kano attacks and the purported leader of the group sent further threats via YouTube. In an audio played over the picture of the suspected leader, Abubakar Shekau, he said “I ordered it and I will give that order again and again. God gave us victory,” among other things.
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Hafiz Ringim
The Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim was removed from office and in his stead, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar was appointed. He has resumed office and vowed to fight Boko Haram till the end.
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Security agents on Tuesday killed a suspected Boko Haram leader, Uzairu Abba Abdullahi and his pregnant wife at his home in Kano. Another suspected Boko Haram member was killed trying to gain access into the State Security Service office in Kano.
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The President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan again urged members of Boko Haram to come forward for a dialogue with the Federal Government.
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Liyel Imoke
The Supreme Court on Friday January 26 2012, declared the elongation of tenure of five state governors illegal and consequently sacked them. Their tenures elapsed in May 29 last year. The governors are Ibrahim Idris (Kogi), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) and Liyel Imoke (Cross River). They are all members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
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The Central Bank of Nigeria on Tuesday put the “actual” total subsidy payments on fuel imports in 2011 at N1.7tn, an excess of N300bn above the N1.4tn figure given by the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
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Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida said goodbye to politics saying he will never seek any elective office again.
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The Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Sam Amadi, announced that Nigerians should prepare to start paying higher electricity tariff from the second quarter of this year as plans have been concluded to raise the current rate between April and June.
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Local
A beautiful baby girl with no arms and legs was born to a peasant farmer and his wife in Zaki Local Government Area of Bauchi state.
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A Mechanic was sentenced to death by hanging for stealing in Delta. He was sentenced to death for robbing a University lecturer of his car stereo at gun point in company of another accomplice now deceased.
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Soldiers who were deployed to Lagos streets since Monday, January 16 2012 were withdrawn on Tuesday, January 24 2012.
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Entertainment
Lekan Lekinson
Sadly, the Nigerian Entertainment Industry lost an actor. Lekan Lekinson, a Yoruba movie actor passed away this week after a prolonged battle with diabetes. May his soul rest in peace.
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How do you feel about the happenings in the country this week? What other stuff happened that you would like to share?
Have a great weekend!
