2015 POLLS: INEC DEFENDS PRINTING OF VERY SENSITIVE MATERIALS ABROAD

The Independent National Electoral Commission, has explained that the ballot papers for the 2015 general elections are being printed abroad, as part of measures to ensure credibility of the polls.

Giving the clarification in Abuja, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Kayode Idowu said the integrity of the electoral process was of paramount interest to the commission.

He stated that the commission intends to use between seventy to seventy-five million ballot papers for each of the five elections.

Mr Idowu dismissed in strong terms, speculations that the commission has budgeted seventy-five million U.S. dollars to print the presidential ballot papers in Europe.

He however added that the non contentious ballot papers for this year’s election were being printed locally, while the very sensitive ones were sent abroad to avoid issues of credibility.

PRESIDENCY CHIDES APC OVER SMEAR CAMPAIGN

The Presidency has accused the All Progressive Congress of engaging in a campaign of personal ambitions, judging from the repeated allegations by Alhaji Lai Mohammed that Dr Goodluck Jonathan lacks the capacity to tackle insecurity and corruption. 

In a chat with State House Correspondents, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said it was unfortunate that the APC spokesman was starting the year in a manner he termed, Lai habitual mounting of nonsense. 

Dr Abati maintained that close watchers of President Jonathan will sincerely testify that his administration is committed to fighting insurgency and corruption.   Dr Abati added that to demonstrate the political will and commitment of his administration, President Jonathan made the insecurity and corruption as major issues in his New Year in broadcast.

The Presidential Spokesman, wondered whether such distinct message is too complicated for Lai Mohammed to understand, except that he and his masters regard it as an opportunity to play cheap politics.

2015 FIFA FEMALE WORLD CUP: NIGERIA BATTLES, USA, SWEDEN & AUSTRALIA

The Super Falcons of Nigeria has been placed in group D along side Australia, USA and Sweden in next year's Female World Cup, holding in Canada.

DETAILS OF THE 2015 World Cup draw published by FIFA

Group A

Canada

China

New Zealand

Netherlands

Group B

Germany

Ivory Coast

Norway

Thailand

Group C

Japan

Switzerland

Cameroon

Ecuador

Group D

USA

Australia

Sweden

Nigeria

Group E

Brazil

South Korea

Spain

Costa Rica

Group F

France

ENGLAND

Colombia

Mexico

GUNMEN ATTACK MEDIUM SECURITY PRISON IN MINNA, NIGER STATE

Security operatives are searching for some of the fleeing prisoners in Minna, Niger State.

This followed an attack on the Medium Security Prison in Minna this evening.

The facility is located along David Mark Road in the Niger State capital.

A gang of heavily armed men attacked the facility at about 4.30pm today, broke the cells and freeing 270 inmates.

The gunmen were said to have forced their way into the armoury and record room carting away some weapon and bullet proof vests.

Witnesses said police were spotted chasing after some of the prisoners, who were seen pulling their prison uniforms to escape arrest.

PRESIDENCY REACTS TO PURPORTED PLOY TO IMPEACH JONATHAN

The Senate in the last four years has conducted its legislative functions and responded to issues that are of great national importance with commendable political sagacity.

In this same period, the senate has functioned as a stabilizing force within the polity employing much political maturity that is required to guide and protect our nascent democracy.

However, confrontation and strong disagreements are not uncommon phenomenon in Executive-Legislative relationship world-wide.

The recent purported attempt by some Senators to prepare impeachable offences against the President, as reported in some section of the Media, is seen by us in this light.

We strongly trust and believe in the leadership of the present Senate and the unwavering patriotism and commitment that have been shown by the distinguished members and we trust that ultimately it is this tendency towards true Nationalism that will prevail in the Senate.

It is our view that there are at present, serious fundamental issues of National importance such as winning the war against terrorism and  stabilizing the economy in the face of dwindling oil revenue which requires the full attention, commitment and swift action  of distinguished members of the Senate.

We are of the opinion that all matters political can and will be resolved politically in the overall interest of our democracy and the wellbeing of our people.

SIGNED

Dr Doyin Okupe, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs

BS

UNEDITED