A full time line of 5-month ASUU Strike

We present the timeline reminding of the most major events related to ongoing ASUU strike, which will be entering its sixth month over the weekend:

July 1, 2013:The Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU)embarked on a nationwide strike over alleged Federal Government's refusal to implement the agreement between it and the union over unpaid entitlements.

July 15:The meeting betweenthe Senate, FG and the leadership of ASUU over the ongoing industrial action ended without parties reaching any compromise.

July 22:We are ready to remain shut for three to five years -Prof. Iyayi, former ASUU President, said in an interview, which later becomes historic.

August 1:The delegation of FG led by Benue State Governor, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, had a failed meeting with ASUU officials, as the lecturers insisted on the implementation of the 2009 ASUU/FGN agreement.

August 13:The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said thegovernment has no resourcesto meet the union demands.

August 20:Meeting between striking university lecturers and FGended without a resolutionof the crisis.

August 23:FG ordered that lecturers should go back to classrooms after it had disbursed the sum of N30 billion for earned academic allowances, N100 billion for the provision of infrastructure on campuses of 61 universities covered in the needs assessment .

August 27:ASUU rejected the N130 billion the Federal Government disbursed into the university system

September 5:ASUU strike is beginning to take a toll on students, the fact that female students in Kaduna are nowresorting to prostitution.

September 16:New People's Democratic Party (nPDP) has commenced a seven-day fasting and prayer, to intercede for the prolonged ASUU strike.

September 26:The Nigeria Union of Teachers(NUT) gave a two-weeks ultimatum to FG and ASUU to resolve the strike.

September 30:The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities(SSANU) joined an indefinite industrial actionof ASUU.

October 4:TOTAL PARALYSIS:ASUP shuts polytechnics, joins ASUU strike.

October 11: FG fights back, implements the 'no work-no pay' policy against the striking university lecturers.

October 12:SSANU ends strike.

October 14: It seems it's not just the students that are affected by the ASUU strike, as protesting traders, under the aegis of National Market Women Association, stormed the National Assembly.

October 21:A student of the University of Abuja tried to kill herself because of the effects of the lingering ASUU strike.

October 24:Senate mandated its leadership to search for possibilities of terminating the strike by meeting the Federal Government and the ASUU executives.

October 30:The Nigeria Police. Force used tear gas against the members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities as they mobilised for their protest into the streets of the Federal Capital City, Abuja.

November 5: President Goodluck Jonathan had 13-hour marathon meeting with the leadership of ASUU in conjunction with representatives of the NLC and TUC. The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities said they would now go and brief their members on the details of the discussions.

November 12:Prof. Festus Iyayi diedon his way for ASUU NEC meeting in Kano in a vehicles accident involving Kogi Governor's convoy. The death ruined the plans for a repeat meeting between President Jonathan and ASUU leaders.

November 23:ASUU NEC members agreed that before calling off its strike the government should pay the four-month salary arrears being owed varsity lecturers.

November 26:Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities called for the immediate re-openingof all shut down universities across the country.

November 28:FG givesone-week ultimatumto ASUU or face expulsion; ASUU officials dared FG, referred to the Education Minister as a 'joker'.
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ASUU: Police Deploys More Officers To Universities Across The Country

Following an ultimatum the Federal Government gave to striking lecturers, the police announced it was deploying more officers to university campuses across the country.

The Inspector General of Police,Mohammed Abubakar,said this Thursday evening in a statement issued by the police spokesperson, Frank Mba.

"This is designed to help secure life and property in the Ivory Towers and provide enabling environment for lecturers, students, academic and non-academic staff to go about their lawful businesses without let or hindrance," Abubakar's statement said.
10 hours before that, the Acting Minister of Education,Nyesom Wike,had told the ASUU hey had one week to resume.

The police boss also directed all Command Commissioners of Police to personally oversee the intensification of surveillance activities around universities within their State Commands.

In the statement, the police advised lecturers and students within the Institutions to abide by the law and go about their legitimate businesses without fear of molestation or intimidation from any quarters.

It might be that the Wike 's ultimatum and Abubakar's announcement signify that the Federal Government is ready to literarily force the lecturers resume work.

ASUU has been on a nationwide strike since July 1, demanding the FG to implement a 2009 agreement it had with the Union. The industrial action will be enteringits sixth monthover the weekend shoul it not end until Sunday.
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ASUU STRIKE: 'The Minister Wants To Start A Fight He Cannot Finish' - UNN ASUU

The Chairman of ASUU at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Abada, on Thursday said that the lecturers were not bothered by the federal government's one week ultimatum to return to class which it issued yesterday.

Speaking with journalist yesterday in Nsukka, Abada said the union has no business with the minister who issued the order but with President Jonathan, adding that the order cannot work.

"It is unfortunate that the minister thinks that he can use his office to threaten lecturers. The December 4 ultimatum to lecturers to resume work or risk being sacked cannot work,'' Abada said.

According to Abada, the minister was issuing a 'military order' rather than seek ways of settling things amicably with the lecturers.

Also reacting to the ultimatum, the immediate past chairman of the branch, Prof. Aloysius Okolie, described the ultimatum as unfortunate and an act of over-zealousness.

"Let the minister go ahead and sack all the lecturers in the country if he has such powers.

"The minister wants to start a fight he cannot finish," said Okolie, who is also a senior lecturer in the department of political science.

He said it was against labour laws for the government to use the instrument of starvation on striking workers by invoking no-work, no-pay policy.
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CRAZY!!! GIRLS RIP IYANYA s SHIRT OFF WHILE ON STAGE

While performing at a show. These girls simply couldn't hold back the urge to catch a glimpse of Iyanya s sexy body.
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FOOTBALL: Villas-Boas ready for Manchester United test

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has already turned his attentions to Manchester United after a morale-boosting win in the Europa League.

The Portuguese has come under pressure of late after Spurs' slump in form, which culminated in a disastrous 6-0 Premier League loss to Manchester City last weekend.

However, a strong side travelled to Tromso on Thursday to grind out a 2-0 win to confirm Tottenham's top spot in Group K, putting Villas-Boas in a positive frame of mind ahead of the visit of in-form United to White Hart Lane.

"Obviously the opponent we have on Sunday is the biggest that we can have," the former Porto coach told reporters.

"But to prepare for that game, it was important to get back to winning ways and we did it in a fashion where we looked solid and created lots of chances.

"I am extremely happy with the performance and result."
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FOOTBALL: Beckham: I wanted to stay at Manchester United for my whole career

David Beckham has admitted that all he ever wanted to do was stay at Manchester United- despite having had the honour of playing for Real Madrid, AC Milan and PSG during his illustrious playing career.

The former midfielder left Old Trafford in 2003 for the Santiago Bernabeu, spending five years with the Spanish giants before heading to MLS with LA Galaxy.

Beckham also enjoyed two loan spells at San Siro during that time before returning to Europe for a final stint with PSG earlier this year.

When asked what his teenage self would make of his career so far, the 38-year-old told 'The Christian O'Connell Breakfast Show' on Absolute Radio: "I probably wouldn't believe it, you know, everything that I've achieved in my career and done in my career, the places where I've played.

"I'd probably be a little bit disappointed in myself because I always want to better myself in everything that I do.

"But, as a 17-year-old boy, all I ever wanted to do was stay at Manchester United my whole career, you know, that's nothing against the fact that I've been able to play for some of the other biggest clubs in the world.

"But, not disappointment, but surprise probably, because I always felt that I would stay at Manchester United and finish my career there, so I'd be surprised at myself, not disappointed."

Beckham also reveals that receiving praise from Eric Cantona, for his sensational goal from the halfway line at Selhurst Park in 1996, meant more to him that the strike itself.

"My favourite goal has to be the one against Wimbledon because everybody talks about it, and everybody talks about the history of it," he added.

"But I was happier about the fact that Eric Cantona came up to me afterwards and said, 'Good goal'. That was better than scoring the goal for me.

"He was a quiet man, you know, Eric, but he was a man of few words, and when he actually talked to you it was always something special that he said or some information that you really needed.
"He might have been in the same team as us, and we saw him day in and day out, but for us young lads he was a hero."
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FOOTBALL: BREAKING NEWS: Galliani announces imminent Milan exit

Adriano Galliani has announced that he plans to resign as AC MilanCEO after the Serie A giants' last game of the Champions League group stages at home against Ajax on December 11.

The 69-year-old had come under fire in recent months following theRossoneri's disappointing performances and a number of reports already suggested that he was ready to throw in the towel after falling out with board member Barbara Berlusconi.

Galliani has now confirmed that he is indeed set to step down from his position, although he has voiced his frustration with the way things have gone in the past few weeks.

"I will resign in the next few days, probably after the match against Ajax," Galliani said.

"I will leave the club either with or without compensation. I understand that there comes a moment where it's time for change, but not like this. My reputation has been damaged. This should have been treated a bit more delicately.

"I don't know yet how my future will look like. I will take some time off first and then I will make a decision."

Galliani had been Milan CEO ever since 1986 and saw the San Siro giants win five European Cups/Champions Leagues during his tenure as well as eight Serie A titles.
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HOW SWEET: Dr Sid Shows His Fiancee Some Love (PHOTO)

Dr Sid took to twitter to congratulate his fiancee, Sini Osomo, on her call-to-bar yesterday at the International Conference Center, Abuja.

His girlfriend also decided to express her joy by saying her"boo is so supportive. He is here in Abuja with me to celebrate but has a show in Lagos tonight!"

How sweet, talk about showing your woman some love. This couple is obviously in love.

Congrats Simi Osomo!
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PHOTOS: CHECK OUT Actresses Kate Henshaw and Chioma Akpotha Without Makeup

We all love our beautiful actresses and sometimes, we would like to see them without the makeup they are usually rock when in public.

So when actresses Kate Henshaw and Chioma Akpotha were spotted looking fresh faced and makeup-free, fans eagerly wanted to take a look.

Check out a pic of them both atAbidjanwhere they attended the Sahara Group Foundation Launch.

What do you think?
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Babatunde Fashola Blasts Stella Oduah

Lagos State governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has said that the two armoured cars bought at the cost of N255 million for the Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Oduah, will purchase 51 patrol vehicles for the Nigerian Police.

The governor said this at the 7th annual Town Hall Meeting on Security, themed: 'Sustaining Local Responding To Rising National Security Challenges,' held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

"It is sad to know that the Federal Government that allocate three patrol vehicles for one state police command of 370, 000 police men, is unable to resolve how N255 million was used to purchase 2 saloon vehicles for one officer. It is a very grave irony.

"The cost of average vehicle needed to patrol the state is just N5 million. And with such fund, we will have put at least 51 patrol vehicles on the road, patrolling the streets of Lagos."

"In spite of all this, they resist the idea of a state police. The money from the fund was in the last one year used to provide vehicles for the Nigerian Prison Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, National Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC and indeed the airport wing of the Nigerian police, is funded from this money. And it is the same aviation ministry that manage the airport that we had this very odious car scandal of N255 million."

The governor noted that the upshot of central Government's failure to confront security has continued for the past seven years.

"The residents of Lagos have borne the burden of that neglect, and there is no indication that anything will change soon, in spite of endless reform deliberation and proposals."

On the crime rate in the state, Fashola said "Our crime data base now has record content of 92, 488 which helps us to keep track of all those who have been arrested, prosecuted, jailed or have any contact with the criminal justice system."

He added that the state is preparing for a future of crime prevention, saying "it will be technologically driven, scientifically grounded and result assured."
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REALLY? Tonto Dikeh - Nigeria’s Best Actress?

While most consider Tonto a good actress, calling her Nigeria's 'best actress' could be considered "a step taken too far".

To better understand this, take into consideration what happened when she was crowned Nigeria's best actress at the Exquisite Lady of the Year (ELOY) Awards.

Majority of the guests at the event were surprised when Dike was announced the winner of the Best Actress category.

Dikeh left behind such stars as Ini Edo, Rita Dominic, Kate Henshaw, Jackie Appiah and a few others.

Many were sure that Rita Dominic would win, as she carted away most of the accolades for the year. However, Dikeh, who was nominated for her role in the Uche Jombo-produced My Life, My Damage, prevailed.

There is an opinion among movie lovers that Tonto is better at attracting controversy than lead roles. Some think she should concentrate on being a better actress.

In an industry with the likes of Joke Silva, Liz Benson, Patience Ozokwor, Kate Henshaw and Genevieve Nnaji, how can Tonto Dike be Nigeria's best actress?
By Abisola Alawode and Jumoke Rufus.
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Peter Okoye Attacks Fashion Designer Emmy Collins For Criticizing His Wedding

Peter Okoye has taken to social media to slam fashion designer Emmy Collins for criticizing him.

Emmy Collins is known for always picking on celebrities and some days back, he wrote critiquing post about Peter's wedding.

According to Emmy, he just couldn't understand why Peter and his friends decided to deck themselves in hideous polyester kaftans, adding that the stitching was the worst he had ever seen.

See what he wrote:

If you guys don`t offer accolades to me for restraining myself from critiquing Lola and Peter Okoye during their wedding, I will claim it in Jesus name, Amen.

Yes, there were enough talking points from that wedding yet I refused to touch them even to the extent that a few comments insinuated that I was playing what someone described as "Pasha".

Well, I must say that Peter and the dudes on this image were totally off the mark when they decided to deck themselves in this hideous polyester kaftans.

As if the fabrics weren't disastrous enough, the quality of stitching employed in putting it together compares with the worst I have witnessed so far considering the fact that it is Peter`s wedding for crying out loud and of course he is not short of a bob or two.

Before you move on to the next image, please work your eyes to the hemming of the kaftans especially that of the guys that are flanking Peter on the left and right.

Peter Okoye however took to his twitter handle to lash the designer.

See what he tweeted:

Guys pls who's Emmy Collins?
- Peter Okoye (@PeterPsquare)November 28, 2013

U serz! Dat nigga must be frustrated! RT@jommieP: A failed Blogger and fashion designer lmao

"@PeterPsquare: Guys pls who's Emmy Collins?"

- Peter Okoye (@PeterPsquare)November 28, 2013

Glo 200 airtime no wahala. RT@primaguy:@PeterPsquarenot funny at all! Give the dude some credit!

- Peter Okoye (@PeterPsquare)November 28, 2013
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