The national chairman of the Labour Party, Mr Dan Nwanyanwu, has announced his resignation as the party’s chairman. 










After having a close door meeting with the party’s National Working Committee on Wednesday in Abuja, Mr Nwanyawu told reporters that his decision to resign was personal.
When asked further if he was bowing out of office to join another political party along with the Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko, who party sources said was still negotiating whether to remain in the party or not, Mr Nwanyanwu said he believed in the party’s ideologies.
He, however, urged the public not to read meaning into their decisions.
“I am not leaving to join another political party. I am only leaving because I feel it is time for other persons to come and contribute to the development and growth of the party. That is why i am leaving. People should not read meaning into this,” he said
His resignation is coming few weeks to the party’s third National Convention, where new leaders will be chosen, will hold on October 4.

Apple has unveiled a smartwatch - the Apple Watch - its first new product line since the first iPad and the death of its co-founder Steve Jobs.

The device runs apps, acts as a health and fitness tracker and communicates with the iPhone.
While rival smartwatches already exist, experts said Apple had a history of entering sectors relatively late and then changing their direction.
Apple also unveiled two new handsets that are larger than previous models.
The iPhone 6's screen measures 4.7in (11.9cm) and the iPhone 6 Plus's 5.5in (14.0cm) - a change that analysts said should help prevent users migrating to Android.
It also announced a new service called Apple Pay, which chief executive Tim Cook said he hoped would "replace the wallet" in shops.
Watch apps

The watch's rear features LEDs and sensors to detect the user's heart rate

The Apple Watch comes in two sizes and is controlled by what Apple calls a "digital crown" - a dial on its side that allows content on its screen to be magnified or scrolled through, and can also be pressed inwards to act as a home button.
The display is a touchscreen that can detect the difference between a light tap and heavier pressure from the user's fingers. In addition, the device runs Siri - Apple's voice-controlled "personal assistant".
It offers a variety of different watchfaces, can alert the user to notifications, act as a heart rate monitor and show maps.
Apple said that apps could be processed on an iPhone, but displayed on the watch in order to extend battery life. It did not say how often the device needed to be recharged.
Although some of these features are available from competing products, one observer said the device had the potential to ignite the wearable tech sector.
"I'm sure that for many people, waiting to see what Apple did was a first step before going out and buy a wearable technology product, whether or not it's an Apple one they get," said Tim Coulling, senior analyst at research firm Canalys.
Motorola's president, Rick Osterloh, told the BBC last week that he welcomed the idea of Apple "growing" the smartwatch market, even though it would compete with his own product, the Moto 360.Jump media playeredia player help

Mr Coulling added that other rivals probably felt likewise.
"The buzz that Apple's entry will generate about wearables is unquestionable," he explained.
"It has a huge marketing budget and uses slick advertisers, so its launch will generate interest around the whole product segment."
The watch - which comes in three different editions - relies on its user owning an iPhone 5 or more recent model.
It will cost $349 (£216) - which is more than recently announced Android Wear watches from Motorola, Sony and others - and will not be available until "early 2015".
Bigger phones While Apple Watch was the most anticipated product, the company's new handsets are likely to be its biggest earners.
Apple saw its global share of smartphone shipments slip from 13% to 11.7% between the second quarters of 2013 and 2014, according to research firm IDC, while Android's share grew.

The new iPhones are bigger and thinner than the previous version

"The main benefit for Apple in going to a larger size of screen is not so much to woo people over to its devices, but to prevent its customers defecting, particularly to devices such as Samsung's Galaxy Note," said John Delaney, head of IDC's European mobility team.
"But one should bear in mind that Apple's decline is relative - the smartphone market has expanded, and most of the expansion has taken place in the lower price bracket that Apple doesn't address."
Apple had previously justified the 3.5in and 4in screen sizes of its existing iPhones as being suited to one-handed use. In 2010, the company's co-founder Steve Jobs went so far as to say "no-one's going to buy" a phone that they could not get a single hand around.
But one expert said a market had developed for so-called phablets.
"Watching video is definitely something that appeals on a bigger display, as well as gaming. And for business customers, having more space to do emails properly and look at and edit presentations helps," said Carolina Milanesi, chief of research at Kantar Worldpanel ComTech.
SMARTPHONE SALES BETWEEN JANUARY AND JULY 2014:

	UK	US	China
(Source: Kantar)
iOS	29.7%	33.5%	15.3%
Android	58.9%	60.0%	82.4%
Windows Phone	9.4%	4.7%	0.9%
Other	2%	1.8%	1.4%

Apple said that the A8 chip featured in the new phones would provide 25% faster compute performance than before.
The improved resolutions - dubbed "retina HD" - mean that the iPhone 6 offers 326 pixels per inch and the iPhone 6 Plus 401ppi. While better than before, the resolutions are still beaten in terms of raw numbers by Samsung's flagships - the Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4 - and the HTC One.
New sensors include a barometer, which Apple said would help fitness apps distinguish whether the owner was running up a mountain or along a flatter surface.
The M8 co-processor can now estimate distances as well, which may should also help provide more accurate readings.
The handsets will be available for sale on 19 September.

Apple has previously waited for others to pioneer new tech before leapfrogging the competition as the graphic below illustrates:

INTERACTIVE

Xerox Alto
Macintos 128k
Rio
iPod
IBM Simon
iPhone
Fujitsu Stylistic
iPad
Apple Watch
Fossil Wrist PDA

Apple Pay

The Apple Pay service depends on an NFC (near field communication) chip featured in both the new phones and watch.

Apple said that US McDonald's restaurants, Whole Foods stores and Walgreens pharmacies would accept Apple Pay

Apple described the service as being "secure" because it worked without Apple needing to store the credit card details itself, or the user having to share their name and card details with the cashier.
iPhone owners will be able to use it by waving their handset above an NFC reader at a shop's till.
Several other firms have tried to pioneer touchless payments, but they have yet to become popular beyond credit and debit cards that include the feature.
"We've been waiting a long time for Apple to get into contactless payments, and its solution is characteristically straightforward for ordinary people," commented Jason Jenkins, director of content at the news site Cnet.
"But with contactless so common in Britain, I have to wonder if Apple has missed the boat here - waving a credit card at a payment reader is hardly a challenge."

Analysis : Richard Taylor, North America technology correspondent

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly Apple Watch, where the tech giant's signature hallmarks of elegance and simplicity are in evidence.
It is certainly a bold move to overhaul the user interface and use a "digital crown"; in terms of functionality it appears extremely comprehensive, although at $349 for the basic version - around 30%more than its Android rivals - it needs to be.
The nuances of its fitness tracking capabilities elevate it beyond the competition, though some features like "digital touch" to send bespoke messages and gestures to friends feel a bit gimmicky.
The square design may be a little too futuristic-looking for timepiece traditionalists, although making the watch in two sizes is a smart move which will broaden its appeal to women.
It is little surprise that Apple Watch supports Apple Pay, the new payment mechanism. By taking a cut from real-world and non-Apple online transactions, Apple Pay has the potential to be a hugely powerful revenue generator.
It is undoubtedly convenient - especially when used in conjunction with Apple Watch - but after the recent celebrity photo hacks, confidence in Apple's security is dented - and it will take time before many smaller retailers are on board.

The boat was reportedly conveying passengers to Lokoja market when it capsized

Thirty-three people are said to have died in Niger after a boat carrying them capsized.

The incident is said to have occurred around the Dere area of the state and the passengers were reportedly on their way from Katcha to Lokoja market.

Leadership reports that the boat was carrying about 100 passengers but it lost control and hit a tree in the middle of the river.

The boat then split in two resulting in the death of the victims, consisting of mostly women and children who weren’t able to swim to safety.

The accident has reportedly been confirmed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abiodun Gambari.

Archbishop Emeritus of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie in a recent interview with Vanguard, reprimanded the divorce saga going on between Pastors Chris and Anita Oyakhilome which he described as ‘disturbing’.

According to him, when pastors refuse to honor the vows they took at the altar of God, what do they expect from the ordinary members of their congregation?

He further stated that “When the going was good, they took vows on the altar of God to stay together in sickness and in health, until death do them part. They promise to make one another faithful partner in the presence of God, their family and friends and vow to be each others faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. They promise to love one another unconditionally, to support each other, honor and respect and cherish themselves for as long as they both shall live.”

Asked what the development portrays for the Church of God, the cardinal replied with a question

“What Church are you talking about?.

It is not good. Are they true pastors? Good shepherds of the Lord are expected to do everything to shepherd their flock including their spouses even when they err. If God forgave us in spite of our filth, why can any man who is truly called pastor not forgive any malfeasance?”

Okogie however, blamed the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, which registers every organization which goes about deceiving people in the name of church, noting that there are several “useless” institutions that have been registered churches which are currently painting the Church of God in bad light.

Boko Haram militants attacked a platoon led by the son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, shooting him today. He sustained serious injuries to his legs and was being transported to the hospital at the time of this report.

Adeboye Obasanjo, an army engineer, was a Lieutenant Colonel at the 3rd Division in Jos, Plateau State.

He and his platoon were engaged with Boko Haram militants at Baza, which is the village of the General Officer Commanding of the 3rd division when the incident took place. The Lieutenant Agwu of the 234 battalion, GOC of the 3rd Division, Major Gen JS Zaruwa and Colonel Victor Ebhaleme who serves as the Brigade Commander of the 23rd Army brigade in Yola were all together advancing towards Michika when Boko Haram fighters unleashed the deadly attack on the soldiers.

Twenty four soldiers in the platoon were reportedly killed by the militants.

Apart from the dead soldiers, the army also lost an armored tank to the militants. As a result of the attack, the army has moved sensitive weapons from Mubi to the Brigade headquarters in Yola leaving Mubi vulnerable to attack. The town of Mubi has practically been deserted following the closure of schools and massive retreat of soldiers from the city.

The former president is currently traveling in Singapore according to family sources.

The Nigerian military are reportedly battling against Boko Haram insurgents at Mubi town following reports that residents of the town are fleeing the area following news of the approaching terrorists.

Excerpt from Punch:

Nigerian soldiers are turning back fleeing residents of Mubi in Adamawa State as they engage Boko Haram insurgents in an attempt to regain the town.

The soldiers are also said to be engaging in a fierce battle with members of the sect all through Sunday night and Monday morning to regain full control of Michika.

Fighter jets are bombing the hideouts of the insurgents while foot soldiers battle their locations around Michika local government area secretariat.

Read more from PUNCH

#Mubi #Michika #Adamawa #BokoHaram #Nigeria #Yola
 

Chairman of the Maiduguri chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Malam Abdulwasiu Alfa, on Monday urged the Federal Government to adopt some of its strategies against the Ebola Virus Disease in fighting Boko Haram, adding the tactics would go a long way in ending insurgency in the country.

``We commend the Federal Government for gallantly curbing the spread of the Ebola virus.

``We urge the government to do so toward ending the Boko Haram reign of terror in the country,’’ Alfa said.

Alfa said that if government had adopted the same strategy in fighting the insurgency the problem would have been solved long ago.

``If the government will fight the insurgency the way it fought the dreaded Ebola virus, the Boko Haram sect will have been crushed long ago,’’ he said.

Alfa also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees (NCR) to be more proactive toward assisting thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno.

``Government agencies charged with providing succor to the IDPs like NEMA and NCR should be more visible in areas which has the highest number of IDPs,’’ Alfa said.

He also called on the Federal Government to issue a white paper on the Gaji Galtimari Committee of Inquiry into the Boko Haram crisis in the state.

#Nigeria #Ebola #BokoHaram

President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday in Abuja called on Nigerians to pray for the nation’s security forces to enable them to contain insecurity in the country.
Jonathan made the call at the inauguration of the “Citadel and Towers”, the new complex of the House on the Rock Church, Abuja.
Represented by the Minister of Agriculture, Akinwunmi Adesina, Jonathan, who also inaugurated the Churche’s Cathedral in Lagos, said both structures were architectural masterpieces.
“We understand the importance of faith-based organisations in building a strong, peaceful, resilient and prosperous nation; your work in this regard is highly commendable.
“Like the citadel, Nigeria is rising, my government is working hard, supported by your prayers and the results are evident.
“Today, Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa; we are producing more food than ever before.
“There are renewal of our rail systems, improvement of petrochemical and gas industries, expansion of construction of roads and other infrastructure.
“Modernisation of our airports, improvement of our educational and health systems are receiving major attention’’, he said.
According to him, together we are building a Nigeria of our dreams; a nation destined for greatness by God, to become a beacon of light to nations.
“Yes, we have our security challenges, but none of these things should discourage us, we are working very hard to address the insecurity in some parts of the nation.
“Our security forces are facing enemies of progress who do not want our nation to prosper; those who maim and destroy.
“We must all arise and pray for our security forces, we must be encouraged everyday and indeed when the enemy shall arise, the Lord will lift a mighty standard against him’’, he said.
He expressed gratitude for the prayers of the church for Nigeria, especially for people in government and for the vision for the new church complex.
Jonathan expressed optimism that great leaders would arise from the Church and other faith-based organisations to move the nation forward.
Pastor Paul Adefarasin of the House on the Rock Church, said true transformation required discipline, integrity, unity, commitment, clarity of purpose and sharpness of vision.
He said the citadel being inaugurated was synonymous with the Biblical nation builder Nehemiah and thus Nigeria must stand guard physically and spiritually.
He harped on the need for social justice and equity in the land.
“Today, we stand in one of such structures built to protect our land and deliver social justice to all; the Citadel and Towers epitomises contemporary 21st century architecture.
“It behoves on us to remember the reason for which the citadel was birthed; this edifice has been prayerfully fashioned as a place of refuge.
“This centre is inspired by a clear understanding of the strategic role of faith based organisations as partners in national development.
“Government alone cannot be left to do the business of building our nation; we must all become veritable vehicles for the actualisation of social justice”, he said.
He said education cannot be overemphasised as a tool for national transformation and the church must play its role.

L-R:General Manager, Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mr Celestine Ogolo, Head of Technical Services Division, Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency, Mitchell Alamina and General Manager, Human Resources and Administration, RSSDA, Tonye Sukubo, during the 2014 Annual Media Report in Port Harcourt, last Friday. Photo: Egberi Sampson