Nigeria's 2015 Presidential Election: Contingency Planning Memorandum Update

Nigeria's 2015 Presidential Election
Contingency Planning Memorandum Update
Author: John Campbell, Ralph Bunche Senior Fellow for Africa 

 The success or failure of democracy, rule of law, and ethnic and religious reconciliation in Nigeria is a bellwether for the entire continent. With a population of more than 177 million evenly divided between Muslims and Christians, Nigeria is Africa's largest economy and most populous country. A 2010 Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Contingency Planning Memorandum, "Electoral Violence in Nigeria," considered the potential for widespread violence associated with Nigeria's 2011 elections and the limited policy options available to the United States to forestall it. This assessment remains relevant today.

 The 2015 elections again may precipitate violence that could destabilize Nigeria, and Washington has even less leverage in Abuja than it did in 2011. The upcoming elections are a rematch of the 2011 elections between the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan (a southern Christian) and Muhammadu Buhari (a northern Muslim and a former military chief). Tension between Washington and Abuja is higher than in 2011, largely over how to respond to the radical Islamist insurgent group, Boko Haram, which is steadily gaining strength in northeast Nigeria. According to CFR's Nigeria Security Tracker, Boko Haram has been responsible for nearly eleven thousand deaths since May 2011. Nigerian domestic instability has also increased as a result of the recent global collapse of oil prices, which are hitting the government and political classes hard. Oil constitutes more than 70 percent of Nigeria's revenue and provides more than 90 percent of its foreign exchange. Since October 2014, the national currency, the naira, has depreciated from 155 to the U.S. dollar to 191.

Policy Studies http://www.cfr.org/nigeria/nigerias-2015-presidential-election/p36087


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Gen. Muhammad Buhari's APC Change Campaign Moving Like Hurricane - PDP Insiders

Presidential candidate Gen. Muhammad Buhari (retd) speaking at a campaign rally.

The fears of losing the presidential election to Gen. Muhammad Buhari (retd), the popular presidential flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) made the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Presidency to force the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the 2015 general elections from February 14 to March 28.

Insiders in the PDP have been overwhelmed by the nationwide support for the "CHANGE" campaign of the APC and the increasing momentum left them in political quandary.
"The Change campaign is moving like hurricane," one of them said.

They have also noted the international disapproval of President Goodluck Jonathan's administration even after his government paid more than $1.2 million to Levick, a prominent PR and lobbying firm in Washington to boost his public image locally and internationally as he failed to rescue the kidnapped Chibok school girls since April 14, 2014.
According to Megan R. Wilson in The Hill on 06/26/14 06:00 AM EDT.

Levick will be paid $75,000 per month for its work, in addition to the extra costs of advertisements, video production and website development, and is working for the government through a state-owned media agency.

If members of the firm travel to Nigeria, there will be an additional estimated cost of $22,500 per person. A subcontract with Perseus Strategies is valued at $25,000 per month, bringing the monthly retainer to a total of $100,000.

The glaring failure of President Goodluck Jonathan to guaranty national security has become the Achilles heel of his administration.
He has become very unpopular among the majority of Nigerian voters, who have felt betrayed and disappointed by his administrative failures and large scale corrupt practices in his six years in office.

Former US Secretary of State, Senator Hilary Clinton said: "Nigeria under President Goodluck Jonathan has squandered oil wealth and has bred massive corruption." Therefore, Nigeria needs a President who can guaranty the security and welfare of the people and Muhammad Buhari, the presidential candidate of the main opposition is widely known as a fearless anti-corruption crusader and proven Commander-in-Chief who totally eliminated Islamic terrorism in northern Nigeria when he was the military head of state for only 20 months in the mid 1980s.

“He’s smart enough. He’s educated enough. He’s experienced enough. Why shouldn’t I support him?” said former President Olusegun Obasanjo, endorsing Muhammad Buhari at the public presentation of his controversial new book "My Watch" in Nairobi, Kenya on Tuesday, February 10, 2015. His endorsement matters most for the popular approval of Buhari, because Chief Ọbasanjọ, GCFR, is a former Nigerian Army general and military head of state of Nigeria in the late 1970s who also became civilian President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 under the PDP and he is still one of the founding fathers and leaders of the party. 

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With 3 out of 4 Parents Admitting Their Kids Forget to Brush their Teeth

With 3 out of 4 Parents Admitting Their Kids Forget to Brush their Teeth  

Kids’ Healthy Mouths Campaign Continues to Encourage Kids to Brush for Two Minutes, Twice a Day As part of National Children’s Dental Health Month, Campaign Announces Video Contest Winners, Texting Challenge and Revamped Mobile App

PR Newswire, 

New York, February 10, 2015

To coincide with National Children’s Dental Health Month, the Ad Council and The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives are extending their successful Kids’ Healthy Mouths campaign to encourage children to brush their teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Beginning today and continuing throughout February, the campaign will announce the winners of a national video contest. They will also introduce a new SMS texting challenge and new characters for their popular mobile app, Toothsavers.

In December, the Ad Council kicked off its first ever video contest with Zooppa, the world’s leading crowd sourced marketing platform for producing creative content. The Kids’ Healthy Mouths contest called on Zooppa’s community of over 27,000 amateur and professional video makers to leverage the existing campaign strategy to create their own videos showing parents trying to give important advice in just two minutes. The final videos were reviewed by creative directors at ad agency Grey New York and the Ad Council.

The Ad Council is pleased to announce the following videos as contest winners:
Eyes on the Ball (Sam Benenati), How To Weed The Garden (Joseph Binetti), Mime (Jason Kraynek), Birds and Bees (Jason Kraynek), Children’s Oral Health Career (Sean Tracy), Big Boy Time (Justin Pinder) and Sharing (Terrence Jones) with Let’s Change the Oil (Cynthia Bravo) and The Talk (Allen Baldwin) as early entry winners.

Created pro bono by Grey New York, the Kids’ Healthy Mouths PSAs stress that while most parenting is difficult to do in two minutes, such as learning how to cook or ride a bike, making sure kids brush for two minutes, twice a day is something a little simpler. The contest winners capture the spirit of the original PSAs and feature a lighthearted look at parenting today. The videos will be highlighted on the Kids Healthy Mouths social pages throughout the month of February.

“This contest and our Kids’ Healthy Mouths campaign celebrate the dedication of parents,” said Ad Council CEO and President Lisa Sherman. “This is one of our most successful campaigns because the message is simple and succinct, and the creative strategy is compelling and fun – while parenting can be challenging, this simple daily task is a bit easier.”

The mouth is the gateway to a person’s overall health, and an unhealthy mouth can be associated with obesity, diabetes and even heart disease. Additionally, while dental disease impacts all children, it disproportionately affects children from low-income families and minorities.

“While National Children’s Dental Health Month is a wonderful reminder that parents should be focusing on their children’s oral health, we want to make sure that caregivers are dedicated to healthy mouths all year round,” said Gary Price, Secretary and CEO of the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation. “We hope that our ongoing initiatives will continue to give parents the encouragement and guidance they need to teach their children lifelong oral health habits.”

In addition to announcing the video contest winners, Kids’ Healthy Mouths has various additional initiatives planned for the month of February including:

• Texting Program Challenge: Kids’ Healthy Mouths invites parents to join their free texting program which further supports the campaign’s main goal of encouraging parents to make sure their children brush their teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Texters can take part in a five-day family brushing challenge this month, and will also receive personalized tips and support. Text TOOTH to 97779 to join.
• Toothsavers App Update: The widely popular mobile app Toothsavers is getting an update this month with three new characters (Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, and Rabbit). The new characters will be announced on Kids’ Healthy Mouths social channels. Since its launch, more than 68,400 people have downloaded the app.
• Scholastic Partnership: Kids’ Healthy Mouths has partnered with Scholastic to continue to educate parents and teachers on the importance of brushing. Resources are available at Scholastic.com/HealthyTeeth for caregivers and Scholastic.com/2min2x for teachers where they can download lesson plans, activities, an oral health care book list, oral health care tips in English and Spanish, and a printable oral health poster.

Since the campaign launch in August 2012, media outlets throughout the country have donated more than $78 million to run the PSAs. Additionally, over 1.9 million people have visited the campaign website to learn more about the importance of children’s oral health.
For more information about the Kids’ Healthy Mouths campaign, visit 2min2x.org and follow the campaign’s social media communities on Facebook and Twitter.

###

Campaign Partners

The Ad Council
The Ad Council is a private, non-profit organization with a rich history of marshalling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced literally thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has affected, and continues to affect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit http://www.adcouncil.org/, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or view our PSAs on YouTube.
Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives
The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives is a coalition of more than 35 leading organizations in the field of oral health. The Partnership is committed to improve children’s oral health so that they can develop into healthy, productive adults. The coalition shares the view that no child should be in pain and suffer broader health issues or endure the social stigma and lack of opportunity resulting from untreated dental diseases and conditions. The coalition’s primary mission is to teach parents and caregivers, as well as the children themselves, to take control of their own health through oral disease prevention. A complete list of members of the Partnership can be found here.


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Video: The 7 Most Ridiculous Perks of Working at Facebook

The 7 Most Ridiculous Perks of Working at Facebook

The main Facebook campus in Menlo Park, Calif., has all of the standard tech company freebies: free gourmet food, on-site gym and fitness classes, and creative outlets for music and art. But, the ..

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President Goodluck Jonathan’s N5 Billion Naira Endorsement Gift Tears Ohanaeze Apart

Cover of Chinua Achebe's all time classic novel Things Fall Apart. 

The Second Coming

Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
~  William Butler Yeats ( 13 June 1865 – 28 January 1939)

Jonathan’s N5 Billion Naira Endorsement Gift Tears Ohanaeze to Pieces

~ Rev By Obinna Akukwe

*Igariwey denies receiving such money
*19 Northern states chapters Presidents Stranded in Enugu
*Igbo leaders kick while Igbo Youths Rejoice
* Ohaneze Elders Council Condemns Endorsement of Jonathan


Pandemonium broke out at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Secretariat of Tuesday during the sharing of the huge sums of money given to the Igariwey led leadership of the body for endorsing Jonathan’s second term. Many persons who were at the endorsement venue smiled home with some tens and hundreds of thousands of naira and a few got some millions of naira. Some obviously greedy beneficiaries of the Ohanaeze national cake who felt shortchanged in the sharing formula had revealed to members of Ohanaeze Elders Council and other Igbo leaders in Nigeria and diaspora that Jonathan released N5billion naira and their leaders hid more than eighty percent of the money for themselves while releasing pittances to them.

This grumbling group within the Igariwey led Ohanaeze Ndigbo Executive claimed that those who cornered a lion share of what was given by Jonathan campaign group includes Chief Emmanuel Iwunyanwu, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya , Prof Goddy Uwazulike among others. They also manipulated Chief Joe Nwaorgu and Chief O.A.U Onyema Secretary General and Deputy President General of Ohanaeze respectively, as those that gave those pittances not commensurate with their status as leaders and youth leaders in the organization. These men are threatening to expose all the secret deals from the secret Aso Villa meeting of January 12th to the events of Monday night if they are not adequately compensated.

Some Ohanaeze State Chapter Presidents from 19 northern states complained to the Director General of Igbo Mandate Congress (IMC), Rev Obinna Akuwe that they were disenfranchised from the sharing process because they raised issues of security of Igbos in the north. Their spokespersons, Zamfara and Jigawa States Chapter Presidents, claimed that they were disenfranchised in the sharing process and that only the FCT branch of Ohanaeze was given money.

The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Zamfara State, Evangelist Nmamdi Okeke while confirming the arrival of huge bags of money shared at the venue claimed that “we were disenfranchised probably because we raised questions about the issue of security for Ndigbo in the north with sections of Ohanaeze leadership, including possible contingent plans to evacuate our people home in case of crisis. Our views probably did not get down well with some people” Evangelist Okeke vowed continuing to work with other Ohanaeze leaders especially in the north to ensure that Igbos are not brutalized. He expressed gratitude to the Minister of Defense, General Aliyu Gusau (rtd) for his support to the Igbo community in the North West.

Rev Igwesi Offodile, Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Jigawa State Chapter also told Rev Akukwe that “ the security of Ndigbo in the north before, during and after the elections is very important and if Ohanaeze cannot make adequate contingency plans then it is very unfortunate”.

Chief Akunne Azikiwe, son of Nigeria’s first President and Owelle of Onitsha, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe while speaking with Rev Akukwe on the subject matter said that “ collecting of billions form Jonathan without any negotiation is not good for Ndigbo. Jonathan is our neighbor, we cannot abandon him but this issue of sharing money is not beneficial to our psyche, ”. On the calls for the postponement of the elections, Akunne Azikiwe lent support positing that” very soon the announcement postponing the polls will be made by six weeks or so which is a good development. This will give Ndigbo and other tribes’ time to diffuse tension in Nigeria and return to issue based campaign”

Rev Akukwe was told by some leaders of Igbo Delegates Association(IDA) that they were given N20 million naira to be shared among the 19 Northern States and described as unfortunate the fate that befell Ohanaeze State Chapters in the North who were still stranded in Enugu as at press time. They believe that the 19 northern states failed to comply with the directive to give Goodluck Jonathan maximum support; hence they were disenfranchised from the sharing process. They described Igariwey as the first Ohanaeze President to receive money and share same to the grassroots in such proportion, pledging undying support for him.

The Chairman of Ohanaeze Elders council and first republic transport minister Chief Mbazulike Amechi had on Thursday told Rev Akukwe that those sharing money are not the real Ohanaeze. According to him, those sharing the money are “a group of illegal Ohanaeze whose major purpose is to collect and share billions of naira without any negotiation over the fate of Ndigbo during and after the Jonathan era”. Chief Amaechi told the leaders of Igbo Mandate Congress that those that went to Abuja to meet with Jonathan are speaking for themselves and their family. According to him “The basic interest of those endorsing Jonathan is to collect money. They were sharing millions and hundreds of thousands on Tuesday to some persons and we the Elders Council of Ohanaeze are not a part of it. Some persons even got their finger bitten off while some women got their dresses torn while struggling for the money from Abuja. That is not what Ohanaeze stands for” Ohanaeze Elders Council had rejected the endorsement of President Jonathan and had asked Igbos to vote either Buhari or Jonathan as their conscience permits them.

Dr Zed Chukwujama, Secretary Ohanaeze Caretaker Committee expressed worry over the fate of Igbos in the north after the elections and told Rev Akukwe “that those who are sharing the millions are not thinking of how to protect Igbo lives and property especially in the North”.

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Gari Igariwey in a press conference on Friday denied receiving N5billion naira to endorse Jonathan. Igariwey reportedly told newsmen that “What is happening in Ohanaeze is purely money. Certain persons want to negotiate on behalf of Ndigbo for 2015 general elections not necessarily for Igbos interest but solely for their selfish interest,” Igariwey described the insinuations that Jonathan gave them N5 billion naira as baseless and while asking Igbos to vote the incumbent posited that it is only Jonathan that will implement the National Conference Report.

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For Nigeria Let Us Be Calm and Resist Provocation - Muhammad Buhari

"For Nigeria Let Us Be Calm and Resist Provocation."

Following the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the 2015 general elections by six weeks, I wish to appeal for utmost restraint and calm by all Nigerians, especially the teeming supporters of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This postponement, which comes on the heels of the bogey of the National Security Adviser that half of the registered voters were being disenfranchised was exposed as a crude and fraudulent attempt to subvert the electoral process.

The PDP administration has now engineered a postponement using the threat that security will not be guaranteed across the length and breadth of Nigeria because of military engagement in some states in the North East. It is important to note that although INEC acted within its constitutional powers, it is clear that it has been boxed into a situation where it has had to bow to pressure. Thus, the independence of INEC has been gravely compromised.

As a Nigerian and a presidential candidate in the elections, I share in the disappointment and frustration of this decision. This postponement coming a week to the first election has raised so many questions, many of which shall be asked in the days ahead. However, we must not allow ourselves to be tempted into taking actions that could further endanger the democratic process.

Our country is going through a difficult time in the hands of terrorists. Any act of violence can only complicate the security challenges in the country and provide further justification to those who would want to exploit every situation to frustrate the democratic process in the face of certain defeat at the polls.

If anything, this postponement should strengthen our resolve and commitment to rescue our country from the current economic and social collapse from this desperate band. Our desire for change must surpass their desperation to hold on to power at all cost. We are clearly dealing with people who feel they can get away with placing their personal interest over those of our nation and its citizens. What is at stake is the very survival of our country. We must not allow this temporary delay to abort this great opportunity.

While I share the pains and frustrations of my fellow citizens over this development, my deep faith in the democratic process assures me that this country, with your support, will overcome.

We must remain resolute and rise above all provocations.

We must continue to trust in the entire democratic process and in INEC, which has been brought under so much pressure in the last few days. Our trust can only serve to encourage the electoral body to remain steadfast and remain committed to the rule of law. I wish to state strongly that our party will not tolerate any further interference with the electoral process.

The rescheduled elections of March 28th and April 11th, 2015 must be sacrosanct.

Nigeria is definitely greater than any of us, and much more important than our individual ambitions. Before us there was Nigeria, and long after we are gone there will still be Nigeria. Let us continue to do our part to make it thegreat country that it should be. We must rescue our dear country. God being on our side, we shall salvage Nigeria together.

God Bless Nigeria!

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR
Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Party, APC.

BOOK OF THE MONTH: Definition Of A Miracle ByFarida Nana Efua Bedwei

Farida Nana Efua Bedwei (1979-) was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and spent most of her childhood in Dominica, Grenada and the U.K. before the family moved to Ghana when she was nine. She got Cerebral Palsy when she was 10 days old, and was home schooled by her mother until she was 12 years old when she entered mainstream school for the first time. To the surprise of all, she excelled and has risen to become one of the top software engineers in Ghana. Definition of a miracle is her first novel.


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Why Is President Goodluck Jonathan Desperate To Secure A Second Term By Force?

Why Is President Goodluck Jonathan Desperate To Secure A Second Term By Force?

It is has become pertinent to ask why President Goodluck Jonathan is desperate to secure a second term at all costs and by all means, because of the manner that political bribery is now being used to buy the support of governors, senators and pastors in Nigeria.

The reason why the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) rigged the gubernatorial election in Ekiti state to remove Dr. Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and install their own candidate, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose is to secure the state for President Jonathan in the presidential election, because he must win a required minimum of votes in the south west to win the presidential election.
Without the power bloc of the south west no presidential candidate can win any presidential election. That is why the PDP is still desperate to wrestle the State of Osun from the APC and with billions of naira in his hands, President Jonathan can buy millions of votes and as at present several allegations of political bribery are making headlines.

    Pastors and priests under CAN and PFN have alleged that the N10 billion naira budgeted by the presidency to induce pastors to coerce their members to support Jonathan’s re-election have been hijacked by few ministers who call all forms of spurious meetings and collect their signature to justify the huge billions collected. Many of them spoke with the Director General of Igbo Mandate Congress (IMC) and Director of Media of General Assembly of all Igbo Christian Organizations and Ministers (GAAICOM), Rev Obinna Akukwe on conditions of anonymity claimed that they are yet to receive their own share of the over N10 billion naira budgeted for pastors and priests through the President’s goodwill. They promised a showdown with those they claimed collected money on their head and refused to give them their share.

    ~ http://www.informationng.com/2015/02/opinion-presidency-2015-jonathan-dumps-oritsejafor-for-oyedepo-uma-ukpai-enenche-by-obinna-akukwe.html

A classified information reached me from Abuja that the PDP has a budget of N500 billion to spend on winning a second term for President Jonathan, because of the fears of losing the presidential election to Gen. Muhammad Buhari (retd), the presidential flag bearer of the APC whose verified reputation as an incorruptible administrator who has vowed not to let any corrupt public official to escape from prosecution is not good news to them. And the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has been accused of corrupt practices by both local and international investigators, with open accusations of missing or misappropriated billions of dollars at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) recently indicted by the investigative forensic audit done by PriceWaterHouse Coopers into the allegations of unremitted funds to the Federation Accounts as reported on http://www.punchng.com/news/forensic-audit-report-indicts-nnpc-npdc/ and other major news channels.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is also riddled with allegations of corruption.
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, former federal government minister and Ijaw leader also called on President Jonathan to revoke the multimillion dollar pipeline security contracts awarded to ex-militant leaders, Government Ekpemukpolo, alias Tompolo, and Asari Dokubo and he also accused them of oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

    According the Wall Street Journal report, the Federal Government of Nigeria is said to be making an annual payment of over N3.6 billion to Tompolo, N1.44 billion to Mr. Dokubo, N560 million to Tom Ateke, and N560 million to Victor Ben alias Boyloaf.

    In 2011, the government had awarded a pipeline surveillance contract worth $103 million (N15 billion) to Tompolo’s Global West Vessel Specialists Limited.

    http://m.dailytimes.com.ng/article/5109/revoke-tompolo-dokubo%E2%80%99s-security-contracts-now-clark-tells-fg/#.VNTuXyxyx1A

They are all the most vocal backers and supporters of President Goodluck Jonathan, because they don't want a change of administration to revoke their multimillion dollar contracts.

Another multimillion dollar deal they don't want revoked is the Niger Delta Amnesty deal and investigations by the Wall Street Journals exposed the following:

    Nigeria's Former Oil Bandits Now Collect Government Cash

    Alhaji Dokubo-Asari once stalked the mangrove-choked creeks of the Niger Delta, a leaf stuck to his forehead for good luck, as a crew that he ran bled oil from pipelines and sold it to smugglers. “Asari fuel,” they called it.

    Last year, Nigeria’s state oil company began paying him $9 million a year, by Mr. Dokubo-Asari’s account, to pay his 4,000 former foot soldiers to protect the pipelines they once attacked. He shrugs off the unusual turn of events. “I don’t see anything wrong with it,” said the thickly built former gunman, lounging in a house gown at his home here in Nigeria’s capital.
    http://www.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052702304019404577420160886588518-lMyQjAxMTAyMDMwMDEzNDAyWj.html?mod=wsj_valetleft_email


There are also the billion dollar oil blocks and fuel subsidy contracts that President Goodluck Jonathan and his political mafia controlling the oil cartel of Nigeria don't want to lose in 2015.

All the chewing gum campaign speeches on transformation agenda and serving Nigerians are all bullshit and his spin doctors are just using them to hoodwink the gullible and ignorant electorate, the mere pawns in their chess of political power to control the Nigerian economy for as long as they can.


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CAN and PFN Did Not Endorse Any Presidential Candidate for the 2015 Election

Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsejafor, founding and Senior Pastor of Word of Life Bible Church, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has not confirmed that PFN and CAN endorsed any presidential candidate. Therefore, the public should ignore such unfounded reports and rumours.

The spin doctors of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) have been under pressure to attract popular support for their unpopular incumbent President, Mr. Goodluck Jonathan, PhD, before the critical presidential election on Valentine's Day February 14, 2015, because of the widespread indignation among majority of Nigerians who are disappointed by the failures of his administration since he assumed office on May 6, 2010. He has become the most polarizing political leader in the modern history of Nigeria and worsening the lingering North-South dichotomy dividing the country into a dominantly Muslim north and largely Christian south,  making the religions of Islam and Christianity and tribal bigotry to dictate the politics of national leadership. 

 President Goodluck Jonathan.
 
The most glaring threat to the second term campaign of President Jonathan is his failure to guaranty the security and welfare of Nigerians who have been under incessant horrifying attacks of the ruthless Boko Haram terrorists in the north east and middle belt of Nigeria. More than 15, 000 people have been killed with more thousands injured and over one million people displaced from their homes in besieged villages and towns; scattered in different parts of the country and as refugees in the neighboring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon. There are also more than 40 million jobless youths who have been enraged by reports of political corruption with billions of dollars missing or unaccounted for by the administration of President Jonathan. His publicized achievements in agriculture and modern transportation have not provided the jobs they need urgently for their daily survival and welfare. Therefore, majority of them have been galvanized and mobilized to join the call for change of administration by the main opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and are trooping en masse to the presidential campaign rallies of Gen. Muhammad Buhari (retd), the charismatic presidential candidate of the APC who is 72 and yet attracts the youths like a rock star and the leading catalyst for the nation building of a New Nigeria. 

Gen. Muhammad Buhari (retd) with his Christian running mate, Prof. Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo, a Law Professor, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a Senior Pastor in the popular pentecostal Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). 

Muhammad Buhari, a devout Muslim has chosen a highly respected Christian pastor and Law professor, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) as his running mate. The momentum of their popularity as been described as a nationwide movement like a hurricane that may end the 15 years rule of the PDP in Africa's most populous country in 2015.


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IAA Brings Global Advertising Agenda To Africa

-- April 27th – 28th conference in Ghana the first of its kind bringing together advertising and marketing experts in Africa 

NEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading advertising and marketing professionals from Africa and around the world will converge on Ghana this April, for an industry leadership conference hosted by the International Advertising Association (IAA).

The "Africa Rising | The New Consumer Generation" Leadership Conference in Accra, Ghana will provide insights into the latest consumer and brand trends in the advertising industry in Africa. It will be held from 27th - 28th April, 2015 at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra.

Faris Abouhamad, IAA Chairman and World President said, "This conference is a must-attend event for anyone who is serious about doing business in what is being dubbed as the next big growth market. It will give attendees the opportunity to network with advertising industry leaders from Africa and around the world."

"Emerging and established brands in Africa will also benefit from insights on the latest international advertising trends and how they apply to local markets."

Norkor Duah, IAA Vice President of Development in Africa said, "This is a unique opportunity for advertising and marketing professionals in Africa. Our exciting line up of speakers will cover topics including the emerging consumer generation, impact of mobile and e-commerce, self-regulation in the advertising industry, and an analysis of the media landscape in Africa."

Conference speakers include: Faris Abouhamad, IAA Chairman and World President; Michael Lee, IAA; Yaw Boateng, McKinsey & Company; Julian Boulding, thenetworkone; Samuel Ashitey Adjei, Ecobank Ghana; Jeffrey Cole, Center for the Digital Future, USC Annenberg School; Norkor Duah, Lowe Accra; Erich Joachimsthaler, Vivaldi Partners; Yaw Nsarkoh, Unilever Nigeria; Joel Edmund Nettey, Innova DDB Ghana; Susan N. Omanga, Exclamation Marketing Ltd.; Mike Saunders, DigiLab; Brett Bivans, International Alliance for Responsible Drinking.

 For more information or to register please visit http://www.iaaglobal.org/africarising or follow the conversation on Twitter using #AfricaRising

For more information contact: 
Michael Lee, IAA Managing Director Norkor Duah, IAA VP Development, Africa
E-mail: michael.lee@iaaglobal.org
Email: norkor@lowelintas.com.gh
Tel: + 1 646 722 2611 or + 1 203 252 7319

International Advertising Association 
The International Advertising Association (IAA), headquartered in New York, was founded in 1938 to champion responsible marketing. The IAA is a one-of-a-kind global partnership whose members comprise advertisers, media, advertising and public relations agencies, media companies, and academics. Visit www.iaaglobal.org.

SOURCE International Advertising Association
RELATED LINKS
http://www.iaaglobal.org

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JERUSALEM 3D, Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch

JERUSALEM 3D, Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch  
Explore the Intersection of History, Science, and Religion Soaring Above the Ancient City in Giant Screen Film Presented by National Geographic Film Opens at the California Science Center on March 10, 2015 
 
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Jerusalem: sacred to half the people on earth; fought over more than any other place in history; conquered and destroyed, rebuilt and reinvented repeatedly over 5,000 years. JERUSALEM 3D, a giant screen film adventure, immerses audiences in a cinematic journey—soaring high above the Holy Land and plunging deep into the vibrant Old City— to experience iconic sites cherished by billions, and explore on a grand scale the intersection of science, history and religion in this ancient, enigmatic place. Distributed by National Geographic Studios, the original production from Cosmic Picture and Arcane Pictures will premiere at the California Science Center IMAX^® Theater on March 10, 2015.

Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch ("The Imitation Game," "Star Trek into the Darkness," PBS's "Sherlock"), JERUSALEM 3D gives audiences a rare glimpse of the storied city, and exclusive access to iconic holy sites—including the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jordan River, Sea of Galilee, and the mountain fortress of Masada—and to little-known parts of the region. The 43-minute large format film was executive produced by the late Jake Eberts, legendary producer of movies such as "Gandhi," "Chariots of Fire," and "Dances with Wolves"; produced by Taran Davies, George Duffield and Daniel Ferguson; and written and directed by Daniel Ferguson.  Large format industry veteran Reed Smoot, ASC, is Director of Photography.

Special access is one of the unique aspects of the film. With thousands of archaeological sites, Jerusalem is one of the most excavated cities on the planet, with so much more waiting to be discovered. Since 2010, the JERUSALEM 3D production team has followed several of the most impressive excavations in and around Jerusalem, documenting their progress as well as the tools used to uncover and understand the past. The film features renowned archaeologist and religious studies professor Dr. Jodi Magness of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who explains the many layers that chronicle this important crossroads of civilizations. She leads a group of students through an ancient water tunnel beneath the biblical-era city of Jerusalem, which conveyed water from the Gihon Spring outside the city walls to the residents of the city in the event of a siege by an invading army. Audiences are given a tour of excavations around the Western Wall, marveling at one of the ancient world's greatest feats of engineering.

"The California Science Center is a perfect fit for JERUSALEM 3D," said producer Taran Davies. "The film soars above the Old City in rare aerial footage (the first time in over 25 years such filming has been allowed), and travels underground to where archaeologists are studying the city's many layers and piecing together a 5,000-year-old jigsaw puzzle."

"The film looks at the historic roots of Jerusalem's universal appeal and what science reveals about how people have lived there over millennia. It also gives a taste of what it is like to live in Jerusalem today, as experienced by three young women of different faiths who call it home," said producer George Duffield.
Movie-goers will meet these three teenagers—Farah Ammouri, Revital Zacharie, and Nadia Tadros—each of them from one of the three major world religions that share the Old City.  From the Damascus Gate and the Dome of the Rock, to the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the girls each reveal the Holy City from their own perspective. For those of the Jewish faith, Jerusalem represents their homeland.  Every synagogue in the world faces Jerusalem, and three times a day, Jews pray towards the temple that once stood here above "the Kotel" or Western Wall. For Christians, Jerusalem is the place where Jesus was arrested and sentenced to death nearby in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Via Dolorosa, or 'Way of Sorrows,' is said to be the path Jesus took on his way to crucifixion. For Muslims, Jerusalem is the city of the prophets. Muslims believe that Mohammed was taken on a miraculous journey from Mecca to Jerusalem where he ascended to Heaven on a ladder of light, which they associate with the Dome of the Rock.
After viewing the film, Science Center visitors are encouraged to visit "Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition," which also opens on March 10, 2015. In this exhibition, guests will discover the science and significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls, manuscripts written and hidden in caves 2000 years ago, in an exhibition that is the largest of its type ever mounted outside of Israel. Featured will be sections from 10 of the Dead Sea Scrolls, including parts of the oldest known copies of the Hebrew bible, also known as the Old Testament. Over half of these scroll selections have never before been seen in the US. Other highlights include a 3-ton stone from Jerusalem's Western Wall and over 600 archeological artifacts. Through multimedia exhibits, guests explore the technology used to date and decipher these ancient manuscripts, and preserve them for future generations.

To purchase tickets to see "Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition," or combination tickets to see "Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition" and an IMAX film, please visit http://californiasciencecenter.org/visit/admission/dead-sea-scrolls-admission. To purchase tickets to see JERUSALEM 3D, please visit http://californiasciencecenter.org/visit/admission/imax-admission.

For more information on JERUSALEM 3D, including links to the trailer, and behind-the-scenes videos, visit www.jerusalemthemovie.com. Become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/jerusalemthemovie. Or follow on Twitter @Jerusalem_Movie, #jerusalemfilm.

About the California Science Center
The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the  wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe- inspiring films.

The Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. For recorded information, including IMAX show times, call 323.SCIENCE (323.724-3623). IMAX ticket prices range from $5.00 to $8.25. For advance ticket purchases, group rates, or to make reservations for any visiting group of 15 or more (required), call 213.744-2019. Parking is available in the guest lot at Figueroa and 39th / Exposition Park Drive at $10 per car, and $25 for commercial buses or oversize vehicles. Both the Science Center and IMAX Theater are wheelchair accessible. For further information, please visit our website at www.californiasciencecenter.org.
Proceeds from the IMAX Theater support California Science Center exhibit and education programs.

About National GeographicWith a mission to inspire, illuminate and teach, the National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. The member-supported Society, which believes in the power of science, exploration and storytelling to change the world, reaches over 600 million people each month through its media platforms, products and events. National Geographic has funded more than 11,000 research, conservation and exploration projects, and its education programs promote geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com, and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Eileen Campion
Roslan & Campion PR
212-966-4600
eileen@rc-pr.com
Kristina Kurasz
California Science Center
213-744-7446
kkurasz@cscmail.org

SOURCE California Science Center Foundation
RELATED LINKS
http://www.californiasciencecenter.org
http://www.nationalgeographic.com

 
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