Ukraine says civilians killed in rocket attack in east

President says at least seven people killed in Kramatorsk, as fighting rages in several areas ahead of peace talks.

Ukraine says that Russian-backed shelling at the Petrovskiy district in Donetsk killed seven people [File: Reuters]

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said that Russian-backed fighters have launched an artillery strike on the town of Kramatorsk, killing at least seven civilians.

Obama confirms death of US hostage held by ISIL

Statement confirms death on Friday of aid worker Kayla Mueller, who was seized by ISIL in Syrian city Aleppo in 2013.

Kayla Mueller was taken captive in August 2013 after leaving a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Aleppo [Reuters]

Barack Obama, the US president, has confirmed the death of a US hostage held by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Get Ready For PDP's Grand Plan, ASUU Urges Nigerians

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has urged Nigerians to resist an alleged grand plan by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to send the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, on terminal leave.
ASUU made the statement ‎in a resolution reached at the end of a National Symposium on the 2015 elections and signed by Chairman of the union at the University of Ibadan chapter, Prof. Segun Ajiboye.
According to the Nation newspaper online, the academic union asked Nigerians to be alert to the grand plan to scuttle 2015 general election.

ASUU boss

It was also stated that ASUU warned the cabals to tread with caution as the Nigerians are too sensitive to be forced to succumb to tyrannical ploy.

Jonathan’s Media Chat Holds On Wednesday

President Goodluck Jonathan will on Wednesday, February 10, host what the Presidency described as a special edition of presidential media chat.
This was disclosed by the special adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Dr. Abati said Jonathan will, during the programme, answer questions on national issues.

Jonathan Wants Northern Governors To Sponsor Christian Pilgrims

 

President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed displeasure over reports that the northern state governors did not sponsor Christian pilgrims during the 2014 pilgrimage to Israel.

The president’s reaction came after Pastor Ayo Oritsejafo who is the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, informed the President that all Christian pilgrims from all the states in the North were sponsored by individuals or were self-sponsored.

NFF Board Looks Set To Reappoint Stephen Keshi

Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) officials are considering offering tormented Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi a new contract in a bid to solve the current headache they face in which the team lack competent manager.

Stephen Keshi

Since Nigeria failed to qualify for the just-concluded African Nations Cup, the Super Eagles have been without a substantive manager. Keshi’s contract with the NFF lapsed after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil but he was brought back the by sports minister Tammy Danagogo to guide the Super Eagles through the 2015 Nations Cup qualifiers on an interim basis.

Labaran Maku Denies Accusing Jonathan Of Sponsoring Boko Haram

Ex-minister of Information and Communications, Mr. Labaran Maku has said he never pointed accusing fingers at President Goodluck Jonathan as being the sponsor of the terror group, Boko Haram.

Labaran Maku

The former minister who is also the gubernatorial candidate for the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Nasarawa State has denied reports that he accused the presidency of being the brain behind the social and political unrest in the nation.