FG pegs fuel at N97 per litre -- Labour suspends protests, continues strike

	PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, this morning, in his second broadcast to the nation in two weeks, reduced the price of petrol from N141.00 to N97.00 per litre. However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar said President Jonathan agreed with labour to put on hold full deregulation, while labour meets with the Alfa Belgore Committee from today to resolve all issues within three days. He claimed that security reports indicated that some people might hijack the mass protest which began last week, hence, labour decided to suspend the protests, but stated that the general strike would continue. Full text of President Jonathan’s speech: Dear Compatriots, This is the second time in two weeks I will address you on the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. In the last seven days, the nation has witnessed a disruption of economic activities.  Although, the economic imperatives for the policy have been well articulated by government, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) went ahead to declare a nationwide strike. There was also near-breakdown of law and order in certain parts of the country as a result of the activities of some persons or groups of persons who took advantage of the situation to further their narrow interests by engaging in acts of intimidation, harassment and outright subversion of the Nigerian state. I express my sympathy to those who were adversely affected by the protests. At the inception of the deregulation policy, Government had set up the Justice Alfa Belgore Committee to liaise with Labour and other stakeholders to address likely grey areas in the policy, but despite all our efforts, Labour refused the option of dialogue and also disobeyed a restraining order of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria. However, following the intervention of the Leadership of the National Assembly, and other well-meaning Nigerians, Labour accepted to meet with government, but this yielded no tangible result. It has become clear to government and all well-meaning Nigerians that other interests beyond the implementation of the deregulation policy have hijacked the protest. This has prevented an objective assessment and consideration of all the contending issues for which dialogue was initiated by government. These same interests seek to promote discord, anarchy, and insecurity to the detriment of public peace. Government appreciates that the implementation of the deregulation policy would cause initial hardships and commends Nigerians who have put forth suggestions and credible alternatives in this regard. Government also salutes Nigerians who by and large, conducted themselves peacefully while expressing their grievances. Let me assure you that government will continue to respect the people’s right to express themselves within the confines of the law and in accordance with the dictates of our democratic space. Government will continue to pursue full deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. However, given the hardships being suffered by Nigerians, and after due consideration and consultations with state governors and the leadership of the National Assembly, government has approved the reduction of the pump price of petrol to N97 per litre. The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has been directed to ensure compliance with this new pump price. Government is working hard to reduce recurrent expenditure in line with current realities and to cut down on the cost of governance. In the meantime, government has commenced the implementation of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment projects: including the Federal Government- assisted mass transit programme which is already in place, and job creation for the youth.   Furthermore, the legal and regulatory regime for the petroleum industry will be reviewed to address accountability issues and current lapses in the Industry. In this regard, the Petroleum Industry Bill will be given accelerated attention. The report of the forensic audit carried out on the NNPC is being studied with a view to implementing the recommendations and sanctioning proven acts of corruption in the industry. Let me assure Nigerians that this administration is irrevocably committed to tackling corruption in the petroleum industry as well as other sectors of the economy. Consequently, all those found to have contributed one way or the other to the economic adversity of the country will be dealt with in accordance with the law. My dear compatriots, I urge you to show understanding for the imperatives of the adjustment in the pump price of petrol and give government your full support to ensure its successful implementation. I further appeal to Nigerians to go back to work and go about their normal duties as government has made adequate arrangements for the protection of life and property throughout the federation. Government will not condone brazen acts of criminality and subversion. As President, I have sworn to uphold the unity, peace and order of the Nigerian State and by the grace of God, I intend to fully and effectively discharge that responsibility.  Let me add that we are desirous of further engagements with Labour. I urge our Labour leaders to call off their strike, and go back to work. Nigeria belongs to all of us and we must collectively safeguard its unity. Thank you. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

AS Labour/FG Talks Collapse: Strike continues tomorrow – Labour

ABUJA (AFP) – The Federal Government and union leaders ended talks late Saturday without a deal to end a week-old strike that has shut down the country, but a threat by workers to halt oil production was put on hold.

A labour leader meanwhile said the strike over soaring fuel prices that was put on hold for the weekend would restart on Monday if no deal is in place. Another union official said further talks could occur as early as Sunday.

“The meeting is not deadlocked, but we have not reached a compromise,” Nigeria Labour Congress president Abdulwahed Omar told journalists after the meeting at the presidency involving a range of government officials broke up.

Asked if they would now begin shutting down oil platforms, he said, “no, we are taking this thing gradually. We are still giving peace a chance.”

The country’s main oil workers union had threatened to begin shutting down crude production in Africa’s largest oil exporter at midnight (2300 GMT Saturday) if a deal were not reached, but also added that their actions would be predicated on talks at the presidency.

A spokesman for the oil union, PENGASSAN, read a statement over the phone to AFP after Saturday evening’s talks broke up that was in line with Omar’s position.

“In the interest of the ongoing negotiations, the PENGASSAN (national executive council) session has alerted all our members at all production platforms to execute the systematic shutdown if the negotiation process breaks down,” Babatunde Oke said.

He said the union expected further talks on Sunday morning that they would be monitoring before deciding on further action. Other labour leaders and government officials had not officially confirmed such a meeting.

A move by Nigeria’s government to end fuel subsidies abruptly and without warning on January 1 sparked the strike and brought tens of thousands of people out into the streets in protest over the past week.

The move caused petrol prices to more than double overnight, from 65 naira per litre ($0.40, 0.30 euros) to 140 naira or more.

President Goodluck Jonathan was not present when the talks began, but a list of other ministers were there as well as state governors, the senate president and other lawmakers.

The two main labour confederations, Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, held meetings of their executive councils on Saturday and decided to stick to their demand that petrol prices return to pre-January 1 levels.

“If there’s any negotiation at all to be done, the negotiation will only start when the price has gone back to 65 naira,” Denja Yaqub, NLC assistant secretary general, told AFP.

“We are going to convey the same position to him (President Jonathan) tonight.”

A source from the TUC said it had decided on the same position.

Senate President David Mark, who has been acting as a mediator in the process, said after Saturday’s talks that the two sides were on the “right path,” but he provided no details on how a compromise could be reached.

Owei Lakemfa, NLC secretary general, told AFP after the meeting that the government was insisting on negotiating on a price while unions are demanding a return to 65 naira.

He said the meeting “did not go well for Nigeria because we did not reach an agreement … because the country is bleeding.”

Earlier in the day, Nigerians had rushed to markets to take advantage of the break in the strike to stock up on food, but they found prices had often tripled — a mix of sellers taking advantage of high demand and the result of increased transport costs.

“All the same, we still have to buy because we have to eat,” said Olabisi Adekoya, a 36-year-old mother of four at a Lagos market.

Long queues also formed at petrol stations, with some even running dry.

Government officials and economists say removing subsidies was essential and will allow much of the $8 billion per year in savings to be ploughed into projects to improve the country’s woefully inadequate infrastructure.

But Nigerians are united in anger against the scrapping of subsidies, which they view as their only benefit from the nation’s oil wealth. There is also deep mistrust of government after years of blatant corruption.

The main protests in major cities in Africa’s most populous nation have been largely peaceful, though at least 15 people are believed to have been killed in various incidents.

The strike and protests have put the government under mounting pressure as it also seeks to stop spiralling attacks blamed on Islamist group Boko Haram, which have raised tensions and led to warnings of civil war.

More than 80 Christians have been killed in bomb and gun attacks in recent weeks, most of them attributed to Boko Haram, in a country roughly divided between a mainly Muslim north and predominantly Christian south.

OCCUPYNIGERIA LATEST: Tiwa Savage In A Show Of Shame, Fights Fan Over Picture

Though many believe celebrities have blood running through their vains, but for the fact that they are role models to some people, many expect them to always of the best behaviours. Some celebs have in the time past fallen victims of indecent public acts not expected of them. Some months ago, Ruggedman and Goldie engaged a fan on twitter where they freely used industrial words and language without shame. Legendary in the act is the actress with about 58 tattoos on her body, Tonto Charity Dikeh. The latest convert in the ministry is the United Kingdom returnee singer, Tiwa Savage. Tiwa Savage took a picture with a fan (shown above), which was uploaded on twitter. When she retweeted the picture,another fan commented on it this way, "you no even fine. Nah only on top TV yo u dey fine." This infuriated the 'kelekele love' crooner and offensively responded, "you are very stupid and senseless. Your face and heart is UGLY." She continued with this, "In this condition in naija you have the nerve to send that tweet."In a response, the at this point went further in insulting her with this, "So immature, Lol. You are f**king rude with no manners. F**k you." At this point, one would have expected Tiwa Savage to take her cool, but alas! She responded this way, "you are a waste to the Nigerian population." For her fan she is having a swell time exchanging hot words with, he would not stop. "I dont giv a f**k. After all you can kiss transformer for me being a waste," was his reponse to Tiwa. Our dear new entrant into the Nigeria became sarcastic in her response when she wrote, " it hit you hard abi? Next time, think before you open your smelling mouth. Ode oshi (stupid fool). The fan quickly replied, " if I hit you hard, I'm sure you will forget you have a music career. I just pity u ni." In what seems like submission to the game between Tiwa and her fan, she replied with pity, "*hit a woman abi? Well done," the dramatic and disgraful movie ended.

8 Things That Make Every Woman Insecure in Realtionship

s she always appear cool and confident to you? Or, conversely, do you sometimes feel like she has more than her share of insecurities?
Most women, no matter how they present themselves to the outside world, have a few nagging insecurities, especially when it comes to dating. Indeed, the dating world can be rough, and while men also have their share of insecurities, they tend to stress about very different things.
The following are just a few of the things that a woman tends to worry about when it comes to dating or being in a relationship.
Do keep this in mind: Your actions can make a big difference in terms of how secure she’ll feel when she’s with you — so read on for some helpful hints on how to boost her dating confidence.
her dating insecurities!
1- You might not call her after the date
Following through with what you’ve promised her is the first step to building a woman’s trust. So, if you say you are going to call her on Thursday, call her on Thursday. If you say Friday, do it. If that’s not your style, though, or you’d like to keep her attention, just don’t be definite about when you’ll be calling. It’s better than breaking a promise, and at least she won’t be waiting by the phone on a particular day.
2- You just want to sleep with her
It’s a hard line to walk: If you make a move too soon, she’ll think that’s all you want. If you wait too long, she’ll think you’re just interested in her friendship. The best way to work this is to just be sincere. If you are genuinely interested in pursuing a relationship with her, let her know. From there, she’ll give you the signals to let you know when she’s ready to get romantic with you.
3- You’re dating other women
It is perfectly acceptable to casually date more than one woman at the same time — as long as you are honest about it. So, if you are dating multiple women, don’t lie about it. You don’t have to bring it up in the conversation, but if she does, be honest. Once you start sleeping together or things seem to take a turn for the serious, she might assume you’re exclusive, so it’s only fair to let her know if that’s not the case.
She’s scared you’re cheating. Here’s what to do
4- You’re not that interested
Even the most confident woman sometimes needs a little affirmation that you’re interested in her. You could let her know by telling her outright or through a gesture, such as sending her flowers or calling her in the middle of the day — just a little hint to let her know that she’s special to you.
her relationship insecurities
5- You’re cheating on her
Ask yourself the following question: Why is she insecure that I’m going to cheat on her? Have you given her a reason by cheating in the past? If that’s the case, we’d be hard pressed to say that she’s being irrational. If that’s not the case, however, you have to discuss the issue head-on and let her know that you are committed and have no intention of cheating.
6- She’s not satisfying you in bed
Just like men, women have a lot of performance anxiety in the bedroom. If things are going well in that department, make sure to let her know. If not, however, be sure to address the issue in the most sensitive manner possible. For example, don’t tell her, “I don’t like the way you…” Instead, tell her, “Let’s try it this way…”
7- You’re not attracted to her anymore
Just because you are a few years into a relationship, it doesn’t mean that she doesn’t need reassurance anymore. In fact, because you are a few years into a relationship, you have to work extra hard to let her know that you still find her attractive. Remember to compliment her and let her know that she still has it. This will reap rewards for you too — it’ll help keep your romance alive.
8- Another woman is stealing your attention
Do you flirt with other women in front of her? If you do this consistently, we don’t blame her for feeling insecure in this department. There is nothing wrong with harmless flirting — but when you’re with her, devote all your attention to her. You can flirt on your own time.
secure her
Yes, the world of dating is harsh. But with a little foresight and sincerity, you can make her feel infinitely more secure — both about your relationship and about herself. After reading the above tips, you should now be in a much better position to boost her sinking ego. So, if you genuinely care about her, isn’t it worth the extra effort?

Labour, allies suspend strike for two days

Y VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG & FAVOUR NWABOWU, Lagos
ORGANISED labour and its civil society allies, yesterday advised Nigerians to use today and tomorrow to restock and re-energise for the next phase of the nationwide strike and mass protest to force the Federal Government to revert the pump price of Petrol to pre-January 1, 2012 price of N65 per litre.

Under the umbrella of Labour and Civil Society Coalition, LASCO, the group said unless the government between now and Sunday, reverted to the old price, the second phase of the strike, would commence on Monday, January 16, with greater fury.

In a joint statement by Acting General Secretary of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, Comrade Owei Lakemfa and Chief John Kolawole, respectively, on behalf of LASCO, commended Nigerians for turning out in their millions since Monday January 9, 2012, to protest the astronomical increase in the price of PMS (Petrol), saying their resolute stand and insistence in struggling for a better country.

According to the statement “The Labour Movement and its civil society allies after nationwide consultations has decided that this weekend, Saturday 14th  and Sunday  15th January, 2012, will be observed as strike, protest and rally-free days. We ask Nigerians to utilize these days to rest, restock and get re-energized for the continuation of the strikes, rallies and protests from Monday 16th January, 2012.”

Discussions with Government

“The NLC, TUC and their allies in the Civil Society Movement on Thursday 12th January,  2012 met with the Senate leadership, Nigeria Governors Forum and the Executive Arm.

resident ,Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC),Omar Abdulwaheed (middle) addressing protesters on the outcome of the meeting with the President on the fuel subsidy in Abuja yesterday. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

At the meeting,  Labour asked the Presidency to suspend the new petrol (PMS) price increases announced on January 1, 2012.  In return, we offered to suspend forthwith, the strikes, mass rallies and street protests. We also suggested that an expanded committee be set up which would discuss the fuel subsidy issue and pricing for petrol.

The Government side presented a counter proposal asking Labour to negotiate new fuel prices. Since we had no such mandate, Labour declined and decided to return to its National Executive Council meetings which will be held on Saturday 14th January, 2012 for a possible expanded mandate.”

NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS SOLA KOSOKO MARRIES

Pretty daughter of Veteran actor, Prince Jide Kosoko, Sola is now a married woman . She got married to her lover Abiodun Abinna at a private ceremony which took place at solitude Hotel,Jibowu ,Lagos . The news of the wedding didn’t create a buzz unlike the other showbiz weddings that have held in recent times but the reason isn’t far fetched.This is because the talented thespian is one actress who loves to keep her private affairs close to her chest. The ceremony had a lot of personalities in attendance . It was well organized and guests were feted to lavish entertainment. There was free flow of assorted drinks and variety of delicacies. The Bride's father ,Jide kosoko expressed his happiness while speaking to newsmen “this is one of the happiest moments of my life and I wish the couple a happy married life", he said. Congrats to the couple!