BREAKING NEWS: Alhaji Shehu Shagari Is Dead

BREAKING NEWS: Alhaji Shehu Shagari Is Dead Alhaji Shehu Usman Shagari, Second Republic president is dead. He was 90. Shagari, who celebrated his birthday on February 25, with all the former heads of states in Sokoto barely a month ago, died this afternoon. Further details soon…...

BREAKING NEWS: Alhaji Shehu Shagari Is Dead

BREAKING NEWS: Alhaji Shehu Shagari Is Dead Alhaji Shehu Usman Shagari, Second Republic president is dead. He was 90. Shagari, who celebrated his birthday on February 25, with all the former heads of states in Sokoto barely a month ago, died this afternoon. Further details soon…...

.....From the day of my birth till now, my life hav be full of GOODLUCK...

From the day of my birth till now, my life hav be full of GOODLUCK... And am planning to say I do under GOODLUCK because to see a GOOD "Her" require GOODLUCK from GOD. With PATIENCE, I have no shaking because is one of the fruit of the spirit Less I forget whoever what to reap Good harvest must pray for GOODLUCK and must also have PATIENCE. I Wish all NIGERIA YOUTHS GOODLUCK #marching forward

What I discussed with Jonathan, Buhari -Mbeki

Winner of Obafemi Awolowo Leadership Award, former South African president, Thabo Mbeki, has given an insight into his separate private meetings with President Goodluck Jonathan and his main challenger in the March 28 presidential election, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari. Speaking exclusively with the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday night, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, moments before his departure to Johannesburg, South-Africa, Mbeki disclosed that the forthcoming elections were discussed with the two leading candidates, with emphasis on the need for the process to be devoid of crisis. He noted that he was particularly gratified that both candidates gave firm commitment to accepting the results of the elections, particularly the presidential poll. When asked if a direct commitment was given on the outcome of the election, he said "absolutely." He also met with the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu same Tuesday evening, before he left for the airport. Mbeki also mentioned the anxiety created by Nigerian media reporting of the pre-election process, which he said necessitated his decision to meet the leaders involved in the electoral process. According to him, "when I followed the Nigerian press from outside the country; reading on the internet, one gets worrying feeling that things could go wrong and that is why it was important for me to talk to the actual leaders and not just read what is in the media. At least now, I am really, really reassured." The former South African president, who is now a celebrated political mediator in the African continent, also stated that during his parley with the political leaders, the need for peace, before, during and after the elections was emphasised, adding that all parties were made to realise that in every election, there must be a winner and a loser. He added that both Jonathan and Buhari agreed that the loser of the election must accept the outcome. Mbeki equally said he never met with Chief Obafemi Awolowo in his lifetime, but that his emancipation exploits were well-known to them in South Africa, saying the sage was not just a Nigerian leader, but a leader of Africa.

Four Edo LGs yet to get PVCs –INEC

With two weeks to the March 28, 2015 presidential election, the Independent National Electoral Commission on Friday disclosed that it had yet to distribute Permanent Voter Cards in four local government areas of Edo State. The electoral body explained that the PVCs were meant for eligible voters, who registered during the Continuous Voter Registration exercise last year. He said the cards in the affected areas of Owan East, Owan West, Ovia South West and Uhunmwonde, had yet to be distributed because the commission had yet to take delivery of them. The state INEC Administrative Secretary, Mr. Brown Ulucha, made the disclosure while addressing some protesters at the state headquarters of the commission in Benin, Edo State capital. The protesters, who were led by the Peoples Democratic Party House of Representatives candidate for Egor Ikpoba Okha Federal Constituency, Mr. Johnson Agbonayinma, expressed displeasure over what they termed as a bias posture of the commission in the state. They also accused INEC staff, including the Electoral Officers in Egor and Ikpoba Okha councils of bias, alleging that the PVCs, which were reportedly stolen, might not have been missing.

SHOCKING: WHY OBASANJO ENDORSED BUHARI

WHY OBASANJO ENDORSED BUHARI By Ngozi Okonjo Iweala Obasanjo endorsed General Buhari as the man to deliver this nation. I was personally shocked, when I heard the news. This is because, I was expecting Baba to stay at the touch line, and leave Nigerians to study his body language. But the masquerade could not control his dance in the public market. Hence he mistakenly flogged his own mother who is also a trader in the market. Nigerians, I am left with no option than to tell us that, these ex-generals and their boys are up to something. The issue at hand is not all about the presidential seat. But rather, the national cake (oil blocks). Less I forget, is it not the same Obasanjo who woke up and hand picked his puppet 2011, who eventually grew like Joseph the messiah of Egypt? Is it not the same Obj that told us 2011, that General Buhari is too old to rule this country? Is it not the same Obj that told us Buhari is a dictator? Somebody should have a rethink like me. We must understand the preacher's language before decoding his message. If Obj can take a swift and prefer General Buhari to Jonathan, a puppet he dedicated his energy and resources to win 2011 election, then as an average Nigerian, we should have a rethink and ask our leaders what is so special in Aso Rock. If leadership is to serve the people, why is it that,the ex-generals finally gang up against their new recruit on account of change? If we're to outline the sins of Mr.President, are the ex- generals not guilty of such sins? One may ask why is SPEAKER taking a swift? Everybody wants change. But I am astonished the way and manner these ex- general joined the train of change. Is it that, this is the first time they heard the word change? If NO, why did they not change this country when they were given opportunity? Why advocating for change now when the puppet body language shows he Will not renew their oil blocks licence? Why advocating for change now, when the puppet purchased equipment to monitor and reduce vandalism? Why advocating for change now, when the strong headed puppet wiped out their ghost names from the civil service pay roll? Why advocating for change now, when the puppet sacked your boys as corrupt ministers? Why advocating for change now, when the puppet refused to dump Sambo for another puppet? Why advocating for change when he refused to kill Nigerians indiscriminately. But rather he is exploiting all means of dialogue. Unlike your Odi brutal killings and destruction. Why advocating for change now, when the puppet refused to twist governors hands with EFCC to pave his way like you did? Why advocating for change now, when at 72 years, you still tell your children of 50years they are the leaders of tomorrow? Why advocating for change now, when the puppet refused to give you the fertilizer deal? Why advocating for change now, when the puppet refused to jail your enemies? Why advocating for change now, when the puppet refused to rig election for your daughter? Why advocating for change now, when in your time railways were not working? Why advocating for change, when in your time, our judiciary could not delivered a fair judgement in favour of oppositions? Baba,Nigerians are fed up of you sitting in Otta, deciding their future. We want to decide our destiny with the help of God. We want to practice true democracy by using our votes to decide our future. Let the good works or antecedents of our leaders speak volume for them. Just after the presidential chat with Mr.President, we discovered that, you, your colleagues and errant boys, are spreading false informations to pave your way to aso rock. Lastly, I challenge you Baba, #‎Tinubu‬, #‎Atiku‬ and others to tell Nigerians you don't have oil blocks or you Generals are not fighting the last battle to protect your oil blocks. They won't come out and speak my brothers and sisters. They want us to believe they are fighting for us. When they have their own local refineries at their backyards. R..I.P Fela: Animals wan dash me my human right.

WHAT!!! See what Women are into: LAGOS DNA EXPERT SAYS, “40% OF MEN ARE NOT THE BIOLOGICAL FATHER OF THEIR FIRST CHILD”

A Lagos based DNA expert, Dr. Oyinwola while sharing his experience on how a former girlfriend had wanted to force a set of twins on him, has said that 40% of men are not aware that they are not the biological fathers of their first child. Please read below in his words: “How I got into doing DNA is an interesting story which all man should learn from. I lost my wife about 6 years ago. About that time there was a lady I have known for long in Nigeria but who now lives in the UK. I now said I will be in Germany on so,so date , can you come and see me? She came in November and we were together for four days. She left. I left. I got back home. I lost my wife four weeks after that. Then she became pregnant. She didn’t tell me. She didn’t tell me. She waited for a year. After a year, she said she just wanted me to know what she did in Germany, that she now has twins for me-a boy and a girl. I said now that I can’t say anything. I am bereaved. Give me time. How do you want my in-laws to react. Do you know at the 1st year birthday, I was in London with a friend. We did one year birthday for the kids. They were pulling trolleys around with the baby. After 2 years I bought her a car. After 4 years of loosing my wife, I now said let us now review the situation and see whether we can marry. As God will have it, I knew in my mind that I will do DNA before I marry her. Infact, we were even getting a room ready for her in my house. The carpenter was working. She was in the UK dictating what she wanted. I traveled to the UK. I carried her mother. Before I left, I told my brother this is what is happening. I am going to carry this woman to go for DNA if these children were mine. I will now ask them to come for the Ileya festival. We got there she was happy. I took her sample, took the children’s sample. We submitted the sample at the DNA center. We went to Italy together. We went for dinner together. Then I came back. When she was going home one night, I said let me check my mail. I did. The result of the DNA had come. I was not the father of the twins. Haa! I failed with 0%. If not for the medical lab scientist, those children will be in my house now, with me thinking they are my children. I can tell you this happens to so many men. Do you know that 40 percent of most of the 1st born don’t belong to their so called biological fathers, all over the world. Reason? Most of there ladies often have one or two boyfriends”he said Asked why the woman decided to con him into believing he fathered the children, he said “I told her, lady from the result, I am not the father of your kids but I will help you. I explained to her, we met in November, you gave birth in August, perfect. That is the time. You can’t force that on any clinical person. Any pregnancy month minus 3 will give to the AAA. We got 9(Day 9). I asked her a few questions. So how come? She was to confess to me that because I said she should take the next available flight from Heathrow to Cologne, the first flight was 6pm and where she was, was very far. She had to stay with a male friend that was living close to Heathrow and that wgras her day 10. She said one thing led to another and she had sex with the guy. She came to meet me on the 11th and she ovulated around that period. She didn’t know. Atimes women know, atimes they don’t. A woman ovulates only one day in a month and it last for about 10 hours. And sperm can stay in a woman for 48 hours. So a lady can have 2 to 3 types of sperm in her system and when she now ovulates, any sperm that is fertilized can immediately hit that egg. That was what happened to her. So, the sex she had on the 9th of that month, the sperm was still there till 11th when she now ovulated. Before we met on the evening of the 11th, the egg had been fertilized. There are so many homes where they have this kind of problems” Source: LIB

Latest News Chad President Claims He Knows Where Boko Haram Leader Shekuo Is Hiding.......

Chadian President: I Knows Exactly Where Shekau Is Hiding According to the news reaching us from the Cameroonian investigative journalist, Chief Bissong Etahoben, say that  the President of Chad, Idriss Deby said he knows where exactly Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau is hiding. He's quoted to have said this at a press conference with the president of Niger, Issoufou,

B-R-E-A-K-I-N-G News!!! Buhari's Family Insists That He Must Finish His Treatment Before Coming Back.

**APC leaders restless, want Buhari to Come back and continue his treatment in Nigeria. **Buhari's being away for two weeks is collapsing his election campaign and reducing his chances to win. The family of the All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate in the March 28, 2015, Muhammadu Buhari are fighting to stop the leadership of APC from forcing him to return to Nigeria against doctor's advice. It is likely that Buhari may be forced to leave the hospital and return back to Nigeria today or tomorrow with backup fully paid foreign doctors. The leadership of the APC are worried that their Presidential campaign is fast collapsing on the revelation of Buhari's poor health and his being away from Nigeria for over two weeks is creating doubts in the minds of his supporters and the undecided and diminishing his chances in the polls. The buhari's campaign has came to a standstill across the country, as campaign co-ordinators don't know the next line of action, as it is getting certain that Buhari is not strong enough to continue with his electioneering campaign. Buhari failed to attend his regular medical check-up overseas since October 2014 because of his political engagements. We wish him speedy recovery.

Hmmmmmmmmmm! Why are the Northerns Scared?

NORTH FEARS REVOCATION OF OIL WELL LICENCE, WANTS JONATHAN TO BE REMOVED AT ALL COST. AMID a raging debate on the Petroleum Industry Bill, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Business and Rules, Senator Ita Enang, on Wednesday, said that 83 per cent of oil blocks in the country are owned by Northerners. “There should be equity and federal character in the allocation of oil blocks in this country. Eighty- three per cent of all present oil blocks are held by northerners,” Enang said on the floor of the Senate, without any of the senior lawmakers contradicting him. Enang, representing Akwa Ibom North-East (Uyo) Senatorial District, therefore demanded a review of oil block licences in the country even as other senators from the South urged him on. Enang’s disclosures came a day after the debate on the Petroleum Industry Bill had split the senators along North-South lines. The senators held a rowdy session as those from the north stoutly opposed the provision of 10 per cent Host Community Fund in the bill. The provision requires operating companies in the Niger Delta, home to Nigeria’s vast oil resource, to pay 10 per cent of their net profits to the fund for the development of the communities. Strengthening his submission, Senator Enang gave a summary of major oil blocks vis-a-vis their ownership. Enang said Cavendish Petroleum, the operators of OML 110, awarded to Alhaji Mai Deribe of Borno State (North East), makes an average of about N4bn monthly. He said, “Seplat/Platform Petroleum, operators of the ASUOKPU/UMUTU marginal field has Prince Sanusi Lamido (not former CBN Governor) as a major shareholder and Director. “South Atlantic Petroleum Limited (SAPETRO), was established by Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, who is also the Chairman of ENI Nigeria Limited. SAPETRO partnered with Total Upstream Nigeria Limited (TUPNI) and Brasoil Oil Services Company Nigeria Lomited to become operators of the OPL 246. “AMNI International Petroleum and Development Company is owned by Alhaji (Colonel) Sani Bello of Kotangora, Niger State. They are operators of OML 112 and OML 117. “A former Petroleum minister and former OPEC chairman, Rilwanu Lukman, another northerner, manages AMNI oil blocks and with very key interests in the NNPC/Vitol trading deal. “Oriental Energy Resources Limited, a company owned by Alhaji Indimi, runs three oil blocks: OML 15, the Okwok field and the Ebok field. “Alhaji Aminu Dantata’s Express Petroleum and Gas Limited operates OML 108. “OML 113 allocated to Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Limited is owned by Alhaji. W.I. Folawiyo. “OPL 291 was awarded to Starcrest Energy Nigeria Limited, owned by Emeka Offor, which was sold by Starcrest to Addax Petroleum. Emeka Offor still has a stake in Addax operations in Nigeria. “Mike Adenuga’s Conoil is the oldest indigenous oil exploration industry in Nigeria with six oil blocks; “Alhaji Saleh Mohammed Gambo’s North East Petroleum Limited is the holder of the OPL 215 licence. NOREASTER Petroleum was awarded blocks OPL 276 and OPL 283 and closing thereupon a Joint Venture Agreement with Centrica Resources Nigeria Limited and CCC Oil and Gas. “INTEL is owned by (Abubakar) Atiku, Yar’Adua and Ado Bayero and has substantial stakes in Nigeria’s oil exploration industry, both in Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe. “These need to be looked into, revoked and re- awarded. The Federal Character which is a principle applicable in every aspect of our national existence should also be brought to bear in the application of our oil blocks, marginal fields and prospecting licences.” Enang’s disclosures came amid a consensus among the lawmakers on the need to let the bill sail through second reading, while further legislative work would take care of the contentious issues. Enang, who spoke in support of the PIB, also argued for the retention of the 10 per cent host community fund, adding that it did not amount to an additional derivation. Speaking also in favour of the bill, Senator Chris Anyanwu (Imo East) said the bill would address the issue of criminality in the sector. She said, “The element I like most in the bill is the host community fund because it removes the motive for crime. It gives them a sense of belonging and ownership. Until the PIB is ready and people know that their investment is safe, they will not come to Nigeria.” Senator Ayogu Eze from Enugu North also urged his colleagues to support the bill so as allow for the fine-tuning of other controversial areas. Senator Olufemi Lanlehin (Oyo South) argued that Section 191 of the bill gave too much powers to the President, which must be curtailed. Norther senators whose earlier position was outright rejection of the bill have moved to give the bill a chance. Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) captured the new mood when he said, “I was one of the people completely opposed to the bill but from the trend of the debate it looked like the Senate is ready to do a thorough job without fear or favour. For this reason, I will join others in asking that this bill be considered while the contentious positions are addressed. “It is necessary that the powers of the minister be reduced so that whosoever is the minister is not a super minister.” In spite of this, Deputy Leader, Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central); Senators Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa West); Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna North); and Nurudeen Abatemi (Kogi Central) raised concerns on the provisions for host communities’ fund. Danjuma called for the arrest of former militant warlords because he has the highest number of oil wells in Niger delta region, he was protecting his business interest, but is has never condemned the activities of boko haram in the north, nor the killing of innocent people in north central region, by Hausa/fulani herdsmen. Where was Danjuma, when president Jonathan convoy was stoned in Katsina, Bauchi and Taraba state by Hausa/fulani mentally and academically derailed youths. Southwest, Southsouth, Southeast and North central, wake up and fight for your freedom from core north slave masters. We need true federalism. It is only true federalism that can guarantee our freedom and safety. Or let us go back to regional govt.

Hmmmmmmmmmm! Why are the Northerns Scared?

NORTH FEARS REVOCATION OF OIL WELL LICENCE, WANTS JONATHAN TO BE REMOVED AT ALL COST. AMID a raging debate on the Petroleum Industry Bill, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Business and Rules, Senator Ita Enang, on Wednesday, said that 83 per cent of oil blocks in the country are owned by Northerners. “There should be equity and federal character in the allocation of oil blocks in this country. Eighty- three per cent of all present oil blocks are held by northerners,” Enang said on the floor of the Senate, without any of the senior lawmakers contradicting him. Enang, representing Akwa Ibom North-East (Uyo) Senatorial District, therefore demanded a review of oil block licences in the country even as other senators from the South urged him on. Enang’s disclosures came a day after the debate on the Petroleum Industry Bill had split the senators along North-South lines. The senators held a rowdy session as those from the north stoutly opposed the provision of 10 per cent Host Community Fund in the bill. The provision requires operating companies in the Niger Delta, home to Nigeria’s vast oil resource, to pay 10 per cent of their net profits to the fund for the development of the communities. Strengthening his submission, Senator Enang gave a summary of major oil blocks vis-a-vis their ownership. Enang said Cavendish Petroleum, the operators of OML 110, awarded to Alhaji Mai Deribe of Borno State (North East), makes an average of about N4bn monthly. He said, “Seplat/Platform Petroleum, operators of the ASUOKPU/UMUTU marginal field has Prince Sanusi Lamido (not former CBN Governor) as a major shareholder and Director. “South Atlantic Petroleum Limited (SAPETRO), was established by Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, who is also the Chairman of ENI Nigeria Limited. SAPETRO partnered with Total Upstream Nigeria Limited (TUPNI) and Brasoil Oil Services Company Nigeria Lomited to become operators of the OPL 246. “AMNI International Petroleum and Development Company is owned by Alhaji (Colonel) Sani Bello of Kotangora, Niger State. They are operators of OML 112 and OML 117. “A former Petroleum minister and former OPEC chairman, Rilwanu Lukman, another northerner, manages AMNI oil blocks and with very key interests in the NNPC/Vitol trading deal. “Oriental Energy Resources Limited, a company owned by Alhaji Indimi, runs three oil blocks: OML 15, the Okwok field and the Ebok field. “Alhaji Aminu Dantata’s Express Petroleum and Gas Limited operates OML 108. “OML 113 allocated to Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Limited is owned by Alhaji. W.I. Folawiyo. “OPL 291 was awarded to Starcrest Energy Nigeria Limited, owned by Emeka Offor, which was sold by Starcrest to Addax Petroleum. Emeka Offor still has a stake in Addax operations in Nigeria. “Mike Adenuga’s Conoil is the oldest indigenous oil exploration industry in Nigeria with six oil blocks; “Alhaji Saleh Mohammed Gambo’s North East Petroleum Limited is the holder of the OPL 215 licence. NOREASTER Petroleum was awarded blocks OPL 276 and OPL 283 and closing thereupon a Joint Venture Agreement with Centrica Resources Nigeria Limited and CCC Oil and Gas. “INTEL is owned by (Abubakar) Atiku, Yar’Adua and Ado Bayero and has substantial stakes in Nigeria’s oil exploration industry, both in Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe. “These need to be looked into, revoked and re- awarded. The Federal Character which is a principle applicable in every aspect of our national existence should also be brought to bear in the application of our oil blocks, marginal fields and prospecting licences.” Enang’s disclosures came amid a consensus among the lawmakers on the need to let the bill sail through second reading, while further legislative work would take care of the contentious issues. Enang, who spoke in support of the PIB, also argued for the retention of the 10 per cent host community fund, adding that it did not amount to an additional derivation. Speaking also in favour of the bill, Senator Chris Anyanwu (Imo East) said the bill would address the issue of criminality in the sector. She said, “The element I like most in the bill is the host community fund because it removes the motive for crime. It gives them a sense of belonging and ownership. Until the PIB is ready and people know that their investment is safe, they will not come to Nigeria.” Senator Ayogu Eze from Enugu North also urged his colleagues to support the bill so as allow for the fine-tuning of other controversial areas. Senator Olufemi Lanlehin (Oyo South) argued that Section 191 of the bill gave too much powers to the President, which must be curtailed. Norther senators whose earlier position was outright rejection of the bill have moved to give the bill a chance. Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) captured the new mood when he said, “I was one of the people completely opposed to the bill but from the trend of the debate it looked like the Senate is ready to do a thorough job without fear or favour. For this reason, I will join others in asking that this bill be considered while the contentious positions are addressed. “It is necessary that the powers of the minister be reduced so that whosoever is the minister is not a super minister.” In spite of this, Deputy Leader, Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central); Senators Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa West); Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna North); and Nurudeen Abatemi (Kogi Central) raised concerns on the provisions for host communities’ fund. Danjuma called for the arrest of former militant warlords because he has the highest number of oil wells in Niger delta region, he was protecting his business interest, but is has never condemned the activities of boko haram in the north, nor the killing of innocent people in north central region, by Hausa/fulani herdsmen. Where was Danjuma, when president Jonathan convoy was stoned in Katsina, Bauchi and Taraba state by Hausa/fulani mentally and academically derailed youths. Southwest, Southsouth, Southeast and North central, wake up and fight for your freedom from core north slave masters. We need true federalism. It is only true federalism that can guarantee our freedom and safety. Or let us go back to regional govt.

Military Liberates Gulak, Others; Closes in on Shekau

The military on Friday made further gains in its offensive against the terrorist Boko Haram sect by routing them from Bara, the headquarters of Gulani Local Government Area of Yobe State and Gulak, the headquarters of Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. This is coming on the heels of reports that the military is fast closing in on the dreaded leader of the sect, Abubakar Shekau, whose double had been reported killed twice since the declaration of the States of Emergency in 2013. On the same day, President Goodluck Jonathan expressed confidence that Nigerian troops would sustain the momentum built up in the ongoing full scale operations against the terrorists Boko Haram sect. Aside from Gulak and Bara liberated by the military, other locations also cleared in the course of the two-day operation against the terrorists in the North-east included Shikah, Fikayel, Tetebah, Buza, Kamla and Bumsa. According to a statement from the military authorities, fierce fighting that preceded the clearing of the towns and other communities resulted in appreciable casualties on the side of the terrorists. The military said it captured some of the terrorists and recovered thousands of assorted rounds of ammunition as well as vehicles and other equipment including; Anti-Aircraft Guns, General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), Grenades, Multi-barrel bombs, Multi-barrel Grenade Launchers, rifles and mortar guns. Residents of Gulak taking refuge in Yola, the state’s capital went into wild jubilation when news filtered in that their local government had been liberated. Madagali was among the seven local government areas of the state captured by the Boko Haram insurgents last year but six were liberated by the troops leaving Madagali in the hands of the insurgents until yesterday when it was also liberated. The residents expressed gratitude to President Jonathan for boosting the morale of the troops during his visits to the state on Thursday adding that the visit had impacted on the fight against the insurgents. One of the residents, who simply identified himself, Mallam Musa said they got the news of the liberation of Gulak on BBC Hausa news and their men who were still living on mountain tops, who also called to break the good news to them. Military closes in on Shekau… Meanwhile, the military is fast closing in on the dreaded leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau. Intelligence sources disclosed to THISDAY that Shekau had been cornered but could not yet be taken out because of the use of captured girls, women and children as shield by him. A top intelligence source, who doesn't want to give more details because of the sensitive nature of the operation, noted that "Shekau's operational areas had been depleted and the military are ever closer to locating him". "The military knows where he is but the truth is that he is using some of the captives as shield," the source said. Meanwhile, Western forces in the lake Chad region are said to have avoided confrontation with the insurgents. The AFP reported yesterday that Canadian Special Forces participating in military training in southeast Niger, near the border with Nigeria, were ordered to withdraw recently to avoid fighting Boko Haram. According to the report, the troops had been posted to the town of Diffa, where the government of Niger declared a state of emergency on February 11 following attacks in the region that borders Boko Haram's stronghold in Northeast Nigeria. The Canadians, it noted, were participating in US-sponsored counter-terrorism training that started on February 16 and due to end on March 9. The annual programme has 1,300 troops from 19 countries training militaries in five African countries in shooting, movement, communications, and mission planning. Dominique Tessier from Canada's defense department did not say how many Canadians were at risk of confrontation with Boko Haram, but noted in an email to AFP that "several members" were relocated from Diffa to other areas such as Agadez and Niamey in Niger and N'Djamena in Chad "due to security issues." "This was seen as a prudent measure given the current security situation in the region," Tessier said, adding the exercise continues. The Canadian Special Forces also stand ready to provide humanitarian or other assistance, should Ottawa decide to offer help, Tessier said. President: Troops to sustain push against terrorists… In a related development, President Jonathan has assured that the military would sustain the push against the terrorists. Jonathan who spoke while hosting with the outgoing French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jacques Champagne De Labriolle at the Presidential Villa, Abuja assured that the military would rapidly recover more territories from the sect. The President noted that the officers and men of the Nigerian Army he met on the frontlines in Borno and Adamawa states on Thursday were in very high spirits, well prepared and determined to successfully complete their operations against Boko Haram. “We have already recovered much territory and very soon, our troops will clear the terrorists out of other areas not presently under our control’’ the President assured the French Ambassador Welcoming a congratulatory message from President Francois Hollande to Nigeria for recent successes of its armed forces against Boko Haram, Jonathan restated Nigeria’s appreciation of France’s unwavering support for the country and its neighbours in the fight against terrorism. Jonathan particularly commended his French counterpart for organising the Paris Summit of Heads of State of Nigeria, Benin Republic, Cameroon, Niger and Chad in May 2014 to foster greater regional cooperation against terrorism and insurgency. In his remarks, Ambassador Labriolle said that France was confident about the future of Nigeria and its ability to continue playing a huge role in Africa and world affairs.” The ambassador expressed delight at improved trade and economic ties between Nigeria and France in the last three years, saying over 250 French companies are currently operating in Nigeria.