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  PRESS STATEMENT    I AM APC MEMBER, I LIKE TO BE ADDRESSED AS ONE — BUHARI Without referring to any individual, cast of characters, or issues, principles and ideals currently being discussed by Party leaders at various levels, former President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated what he's said times without number, that he is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) @OfficialAPCNg, and would like to be addressed as a loyal member of the party. He says he wants to leave no one in doubt that he would never turn his back on the Party that gave him two terms of office, and would do whatever he can to popularise it. “I am an APC member and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means.” He went on to add that at present, he has nothing but gratitude for the support that the Party gave him before and during his tenure as President, which he considers as the highest honour, and would never ask for anything more. He further stated that...

 LNSC ARRESTS MAN FOR IMPERSONATION, ASSAULT Operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) Ikosi-Isheri Command have arrested one Ademola Oyekan "42" (M) for alleged impersonation and assault. Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency  Operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) Ikosi-Isheri Command have arrested one Ademola Oyekan "42" (M) for alleged impersonation and assault. Upon receipt of a tip-off from a member of the community, the Agency launched an intelligence operation to verify the information, and upon satisfaction, a crack team stormed an apartment in Magodo Phase II, where the suspect was arrested while assaulting one Deborah Nifemi Fafore. The victim, Fafore, accused the suspect of being a serial abuser who specialises in defrauding women through fake identities. The accused was apprehended with a badly worded Identification Card bearing the address of a Lagos Palace, suggesting he is a member of the Oyekan Royal Family...

 Tragedy Strikes Abia Police Command: SRS Commander Slumps, Dies During Meal Tragedy struck at the Zone 9 Umuahia Abia State Police Command on Thursday when the Commander of the Special Response Squad (SRS), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Kenneth Ndu, suddenly slumped and died while eating with his colleagues. According to eyewitnesses, DSP Ndu had just returned from an investigative operation and decided to grab a meal at the command headquarters. While eating, he gripped his spoon tightly, causing concern among his colleagues, who rushed to assist him. Moments later, he collapsed. Efforts to save DSP Ndu's life were hindered by the lack of medical personnel at the Police Clinic on Bende Road, where he was initially taken. He was then rushed to the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Umuahia, where doctors confirmed his death. Sadly, DSP Ndu was due for retirement from the Nigerian Police Force this month. His sudden demise has left colleagues and associates in shock. The Abia Sta...

  Ex Abacha aide, Hamza Al-Mustapha officially defects to SDP Major Dr. Hamza Al-Mustapha has officially joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), marking a new phase in his political journey aimed at national development. Accompanied by his team, Al-Mustapha arrived at the SDP headquarters in Abuja, where he was warmly received by party leaders and supporters. He said his move to the party signals his commitment to leadership based on justice, security, and progress. His defection comes days after former Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufa’i moved to the SDP. El-Rufa’i has said that they would move against the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration during the 2027 polls. Hamza Al-Mustapha was the Chief Security Officer to former military ruler General Sani Abacha during his administration from 1993 to 1998. He was known as one of Abacha’s closest associates during the military regime.

 Lagos closes market over poor sanitary conditions  The Lagos State Government has sealed the Kudaki-Akeja Market, Egbe Idimu, in Alimosho local government area (LGA) due to severe sanitary infractions and poor environmental conditions. Officials from the state’s environmental enforcement agency prior to the market closure, had  carried out multiple inspections around it's environs. The market's closure was disclosed in a post by the Lagos Commissioner for Environment and water resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on Thursday, March 13. The post reads: "Our commitment to a cleaner, healthier environment remains unwavering. Today, the Kudaki-Akeja Market in Egbe Idimu, Alimosho LGA has been sealed due to severe sanitary infractions and the overall unsanitary condition of the market. "We will not hesitate to take necessary actions where hygiene regulations are flagrantly disregarded. The Lagos State Government will continue enforcing environmental laws to protect residents from th...

 TETFund to Disburse N2.86bn to Public Universities in 2025 The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has unveiled its 2025 intervention disbursement plan, allocating N2.86 billion to each public university, while polytechnics and colleges of education will receive N1.99 billion and N2.18 billion, respectively. The announcement was made by TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arch. Sonny Echono, during a strategic workshop in Abuja, where he outlined the disbursement structure and key priorities for 2025. Breakdown of 2025 Allocations Universities Normal allocation: N2,560,562,352.66 Zonal allocation: N300,000,000.00 Total: N2,860,562,352.66 Polytechnics Normal allocation: N1,794,335,731.71 Zonal allocation: N200,000,000.00 Total: N1,994,335,731.71 Colleges of Education Normal allocation: N1,978,428,260.79 Zonal allocation: N200,000,000.00 Total: N2,178,428,260.79 Utilization and Implementation Guidelines Echono emphasized that institutions must utilize their 2024 allocations efficient...

 Rivers Assembly to Investigate Chief Judge Over Alleged Age Falsification The Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated an investigation into the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, over alleged age falsification. The move comes amid the ongoing political crisis in the state, involving a power struggle between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Similayi Fubara. On Thursday, the issue was raised during plenary after the House Leader, Hon. Major Jack, presented certain documents to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule. The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Dumle Maol, stated: “These documents indicate that Justice Simeon Amadi falsified his age in service. This is a serious allegation, and I hope the House takes legislative notice.” Following deliberations, the Assembly resolved to request an investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS). The motion was put to a vote and approved, directing the DSS to verify the claims and report back to the House.

 Keyamo Endorses XEJET as Namibia Seeks Direct Flight with Nigeria The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has suggested XEJET, a Nigerian carrier, as a potential partner for Namibia’s plan to establish a direct flight route between Nigeria and Windhoek. Keyamo made this known during a meeting with the Namibian Ambassador to Nigeria, Humphrey Geiseb, as stated by his aide, Tunde Moshood, on Thursday. Geiseb revealed that Namibia is in talks with Air Peace regarding the restoration of direct air connectivity between both countries but did not disclose the stage of the discussions. He emphasized Namibia’s interest in partnering with Nigerian airlines and encouraged Keyamo to facilitate collaborations with domestic carriers. He also highlighted the historical significance of Air Namibia’s past operations, which connected Lagos to Accra, before the airline ceased operations due to financial challenges. Currently, passengers traveling from Nigeria to Namibia m...

 Gov Bago Reserves All LG Vice-Chairmanship Positions for Women in Niger Governor Muhammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has mandated that all vice-chairmanship positions in the state’s 25 local government areas be exclusively reserved for women in the upcoming local government elections. A strong advocate for women’s inclusion in governance, Bago emphasized that women have long been marginalized despite their significant contributions to society. He stressed the importance of actively involving them in leadership roles to drive development. Describing women as key drivers of national progress, the governor stated that their inclusion in governance is not just about fairness but a strategic move for sustainable development. “This initiative goes beyond meeting quotas; it’s about recognizing the strength, resilience, and intelligence of our women. Their participation in leadership brings balance, innovation, and a unique perspective crucial for development,” Bago said. In a statement by...

 France commends Nigeria’s anti-narcotics efforts, donates operational equipment to NDLEA . Marwa hails Nigeria-French partnership, says donation ‘ll enhance Agency’s work The French government has commended the operational successes of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, especially in areas of illicit drug control and high rate of prosecution and conviction of offenders. The commendation was given by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Marc Fonbaustier while handing over some operational equipment donated by the French government to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday 13th March 2025. He noted that the Agency had done very well in the fight against illicit drugs and narcotics with over 57, 792 arrests; 9.9 million kilograms of seizures and 10,572 convictions within a space of four years. He added that Nigeria’s records of achievements in the fight again...

 Ethiopia and Eritrea on path to war, Tigray officials warn Longtime foes Ethiopia and Eritrea could be headed towards war, officials in a restive Ethiopian region at the centre of the tensions have warned, risking another humanitarian disaster in the Horn of Africa, Reuters reported. Direct clashes between two of Africa's largest armies would signal the death blow for a historic rapprochement for which Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 and could draw in other regional powers, analysts said. It would also likely create another crisis in a region where aid cuts have complicated efforts to assist millions affected by internal conflicts in Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia. "At any moment war between Ethiopia and Eritrea could break out," General Tsadkan Gebretensae, a vice president in the interim administration in Ethiopia's Tigray region, wrote in Africa-focused magazine the Africa Report on Monday. A 2020-2022 civil war in Tigray be...

 EFCC PRESS RELEASE EFCC Arraigns Husband, Wife  for Allegedly Impersonating Katsina State First Lady for N197million Fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  has arraigned a husband and wife, Baba Sule Abubakar Sadiq and Hafsat Kabir Lawal, alongside two others, Abdullahi Bala and Ladani Akindele, before Justice Amina Bello of the Kaduna State High Court for obtaining money by false pretense, money laundering and stealing to the tune of N197,750,000 (One Hundred and Ninety Seven Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira. They were arraigned on six-count charges on Monday,  March 10, 2025. Specifically, the defendants allegedly colluded among themselves and defrauded their victims  through different guises,  including impersonating the wife of the Governor of Katsina State, Fatima Dikko Radda. The defendants were initially arrested by officers of the Department of State Services, DSS and subsequently transferred to the EFCC when it ...

 TROOPS OF 3 DIVISION/OPERATION SAFE HAVEN NEUTRALISES KIDNAPPERS, NAB NOTORIOUS GUNRUNNERS IN KADUNA AND PLATEAU Troops of 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A have neutralised two kidnappers and nabbed suspected gunrunners while recovering arms and ammunition in Plateau and Kaduna states.  On 12 March 2025, troops conducted offensive operations as part of the ongoing Operation LAFIYAN JAMA'A to clear criminal elements hibernating around Kuru and Turu in Jos South local government area (LGA) of Plateau State. During the operation, troops made contact with kidnappers/terrorists close to the high grounds in Kuru and neutralised 2 of the criminals who were in possession of 18 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) and 9 rounds of 5.56 x 45 mm ammunition.    Additionally, on 12 March 2025 troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN conducting Operation LAFIYAN JAMA'A mounted snap checkpoints along Bokkos - Bot - Mangu road in Bokkos LGA ...

 Filling Station Supervisor Arraigned Over Alleged N1.25m Theft A 22-year-old petrol station supervisor, Prosper Ese, was arraigned on Wednesday before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly embezzling N1,256,400 from his employer. Ese, whose residential address was not disclosed, is facing two charges of theft and fraud but pleaded not guilty to both. According to ASP Edet Ekpo, the prosecutor, the incident took place on March 2 at Arigbabuwo Petrol Filling Station, Oko-Afo, Badagry. Ese allegedly misappropriated N1,056,400 from sales proceeds and also fraudulently obtained N200,000 from one Aisat Folorunsho under false pretenses. He was reportedly apprehended while attempting to escape from the station. The prosecution noted that the alleged crimes violate Sections 287 and 311 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Presiding over the case, Chief Magistrate N.A. Layeni granted Ese bail of N1 million with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the hearing to April 16....

 OPERATION VALA UMGODI TEAM NABS ILLEGAL MINING SUSPECT IN MOPANI DISTRICT A 28-year-old male suspect was arrested for illegal sand mining at Molati, an unlawful mining site in the Letsitele policing area, on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, at around 20h30. Members of the Operation Vala Umgodi task team acted on intelligence and successfully apprehended the suspect. Authorities confiscated several items, including a cellphone, shovel, pick, bin, and buckets, which were taken to the local police station. More photos below. 

 TASK FORCE CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL LEVIES AS STREET URCHINS FLEE ON CALABAR STREET MAKURDI 13th March, 2025 A group of street urchins who attempted to disrupt borehole drilling on Calabar Street, demanding illegal "matching ground" fees, quickly took to their heels as the government task force arrived. Led by the Special Assistant to the Governor, Hon. Gbenda Terver, the enforcement team ensured that the law prevailed, putting an end to their extortion attempt. I thought they were bold enough to demand money for a borehole that would benefit their own miserable lives, but the moment real authority arrived they vanished! Cowa*ds! I have your names and pictures, and soon, the public will know exactly who you are. We will ensure that every one of you involved in this illegal activity learns to respect the law—by force, if necessary! By Ukan Kurugh More photos below. 

 Meet 13-Year-Old Simisola Gbadamosi, Nigeria’s Youngest Emmy Nominee Simisola Gbadamosi, a 13-year-old Nigerian voice actress, has made history as the youngest Nigerian ever nominated for an Emmy Award. She received a nomination for the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Younger Voice Performer category for her role as Tola in Iwájú, an animated miniseries created in collaboration between Disney and Kugali Media. Set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, Iwájú premiered on February 28, 2024, earning critical acclaim for its rich storytelling, cultural depth, and thought-provoking themes. The series has secured three Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series and Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series. This milestone also marks Iwájú as the first-ever Nigerian television production to be recognized at the prestigious awards. Simisola, thrilled by the recognition, expressed her gratitude:  "Bringing Tola to life in Iwájú h...

 Lagos State Becomes Africa's Second-Largest City Economy As GDP Hits $259 Billion Lagos State, under the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration, has cemented its position as one of Africa’s economic powerhouses, with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reaching an impressive $259 billion based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). The incredible achievement, revealed on Wednesday during the official launch of the Lagos Economic Development Update (LEDU) 2025, now places Lagos as the second-largest city economy on the continent, behind only Cairo in Egypt. The report noted that the milestone can be attributed to the strategic initiatives of the State Government to increase economic growth and enhance financial performance. According to the report, “The Lagos economy recorded significant growth in the first half of 2024, expanding to N27.38 trillion, which is a substantial increase from N19.65 trillion in 2023”. It emphasised that the growth highlights the resilience of Nigeria’s c...

  Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sounded a cautionary note to politicians, reminding them that "no power is permanent" amid the ongoing crisis involving the Rivers State House of Assembly. Speaking at the commissioning of the Bori Zonal Hospital in Khana Local Government Area, Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the interests of the people. Regarding the legislative impasse, Fubara explained that he made several attempts to reach out to the Speaker and other members regarding the budget presentation, in compliance with the Supreme Court's ruling. Despite his efforts, including sending WhatsApp messages and making direct contact, he was denied access to the Assembly complex. Fubara described the situation as "unfortunate" but expressed his willingness to return to the Assembly when the members may have received further instruction. He emphasized that the misuse of power ultimately leads to destruction and reaffirmed his decision...

  Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly criticized the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project, labeling it as "wasteful and corrupt". He also condemned the President Bola Tinubu administration's decision to spend N21 billion on a new official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, calling it a "misplaced priority" and a conduit for embezzling public funds. Obasanjo made these statements in his new book, "Nigeria: Past and Future," where he discussed the characters and portraits of chief executives at both federal and state levels. The book was unveiled last week to mark Obasanjo's 88th birthday. The Minister of Works, David Umahi, had previously revealed that the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would cost N4.93 billion per kilometer, with the contract awarded on a counterpart-funding basis rather than a Public-Private Partnership. Approximately N1.06 trillion has been released for the pilot phase, which accounts f...

 Methodist Priest Sues Church Over Unlawful Termination and Ejection A dramatic turn of events has unfolded in the Methodist Church Nigeria, as Very Rev. Uchenna Michael Ugorie, a priest, has taken the church to court over his alleged unlawful termination and ejection from his official quarters. Ugorie is demanding reinstatement as Rector of the Methodist Theological Institute in Umuahia, a position he claims he was elected to for a five-year tenure starting May 22, 2020. According to court documents, Ugorie was abruptly removed from office and ejected from his official quarters by the church authorities, who alleged unspecified misconduct against him. However, Ugorie claims that no witness testified against him during the church's investigation, and he was not given the opportunity to defend himself. The priest's lawyer, Obike Onyemere, brought a motion before the Abia State High Court 3 in Umuahia, but the respondents' counsel, J.O. Johnson, objected to the motion. The pr...

 PRESS STATEMENT UNDERSTANDING THE LAGOS STREET SWEEPING PROGRAM: STRUCTURE, REMUNERATION, AND COMMITMENT TO WORKER WELFARE The Lagos State street sweeping program plays a vital role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) oversees this program, ensuring that sweeping operations run efficiently and that workers receive fair remuneration and adequate support. Street sweepers are engaged through private companies under structured contracts, with their responsibilities and entitlements clearly defined. These private companies are responsible for directly paying their engaged sweepers. Following a recent wage review, sweeper salaries have been adjusted to align with the national minimum wage and are proportionate to their work schedule, which consists of four-hour daily shifts. Under this structure: • Sweepers earn ₦40,000 per month • Supervisors earn ₦50,000 per month This arrangement provides workers with financial stability while ...

 Ethiopia’s Tigray regional government appeals for help after factional fighters seize key towns The interim government of Ethiopia’s Tigray region appealed for the Ethiopian federal government to intervene after a faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front seized control of two major towns, leaving several people wounded and raising fears of a return to civil war, AP reported. On Tuesday the TPLF faction seized Adigrat, the second-biggest town in Tigray, and appointed a new administrator, ousting the office-holder loyal to the interim government. On Wednesday night, it took control of Adi-Gudem, a town near the regional capital, Mekele. Several people in Adi-Gudem suffered gunshot wounds when armed forces attempted to occupy a government building. The TPLF fought a brutal two-year war against federal forces which ended in November 2022 with the signing of a peace agreement and the formation of a TPLF-led interim government. Hundreds of thousands of people are believed to have...

 EFCC PRESS RELEASE Alleged N5.8Billion Fraud:  How Former Kwara Governor  Diverted UBEC’s Funds The trial of the immediate past Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, and his Finance Commissioner, Ademola Banu, over alleged misappropriation of N5.78 billion public funds continued on Wednesday, March 11, 2024, before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin. At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, the EFCC presented its second witness, PW 2, Dr. Musa Oladimeji Dasuki, a retired Permanent Secretary at the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), who served between 2011 and 2020. Led in evidence by EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, Dasuki testified that the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of the first defendant as governor and the second defendant as finance commissioner, requested UBEC funds for the years 2013 and 2014 to pay teachers' salaries. According to Dasuki: "The then Commissioner for Finance, Ademola...

 2027: Ugochinyere alleges plot by Wike group to stop PDP from fielding candidate The lawmaker representing the Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives, Ikenga Ugochinyere, has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by a pro-Nyesom Wike group to stop the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from fielding candidates in the 2027 elections. The lawmaker made the allegations on Wednesday while addressing journalists regarding the crisis rocking the main opposition party. According to him, the Wike group, led by the embattled National Secretary of the party, Samuel Anyanwu, is plotting to obtain a court judgment that will permanently stop the PDP from fielding both presidential and governorship candidates. “I want to warn the public of a well-orchestrated plot by the pro-Wike group, led by Anyanwu, to obtain a judgment that will permanently stop the PDP from having a national convention, from fielding a governorship candidate, and from fielding a presidential c...

 Viral ‘Baba Onilu’ in Ibadan dies  A skilled elderly drummer in Ibadan popularly called Ayangbenle ‘Baba Onilu’ is dead, The Nation has learnt. Ayangbenle, a special drummer for Osun during the Osun Osogbo festival is a native of Ede town, Osun State.  The drummer’s son confirmed his demise.  He said: “Baba Onilu has passed away overnight. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljanah Fidarus”. “Baba Onilu last word is “La Ilaaha Ila lahu”. Ayangbenle used to drum for students of the University of Ibadan during convocations, then he also drummed to entertain corps members in Ibadan.  In April 2022, the drummer went viral when Adisa Olashile, a phone photographer and a corps member serving in Ibadan, Oyo, took random pictures of ‘Baba Onilu’ and the pictures went viral on social media platform – Twitter.  Olashile minted two of the pictures as NFT and they got collected immediately on OpenSea for 0.3 eth each – around one million naira.  Adisa promised to give ...

 Ijoba Lande: Portable drops new track ‘Truth or Dare” Street-pop sensation Portable has released a new track inspired by the trending “Truth or Dare” phrase that has taken social media by storm. The phrase gained traction after skit maker Ijoba Lande accused his wife, Dara, of infidelity, alleging she had an affair with actor Baba Tee. Reacting to the controversy, Portable—whose partner, Ashabi Simple, is also an actress—publicly warned Baba Tee and condemned him for being involved with another man’s wife.  He even cursed anyone who might attempt the same with his own baby mama. In his latest song, performed in Yoruba, Portable appears to take a dig at Ijoba Lande, referencing how his wife was taken from him. Celebrating his birthday today, the singer shared a video of himself vibing to the new track, clearly thrilled about the release.

 Protest erupts in Ogun community over ruler installation The people of Olorunda community in Abeokuta North Local Government, Ogun State, have cried out over the alleged plan to impose one Segun Ogunsola Philip on them as the traditional ruler of the community. The residents, who stormed the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, declared that Ogunsola was from Gbagura land and not from the Olorunda community, vowing not to allow non-indigene to rule their community. Residents of the Olorunda community in Abeokuta North Local Government, Ogun State, protesting over ruler installation. The protesters carried placards with different inscriptions such as “Ogunsola is not from Olorunda,” “Ogunsola Segun was never a Baale, He can never be upgraded,” “There is an existing Baale in Olorunda, “Don’t turn Olorunda to war zone,” and “Government should start listening to the poor and powerless on obaship issue.” Speaking with newsmen during...

 Actress Lola breaks silence on accusation of illicit affair with Oluwadolarz Nollywood actress Lola Fanimokun has vehemently denied allegations of an illicit affair with content creator Oluwadolarz, who is currently embroiled in a public breakup with his fiancée, Ifeluv. Ifeluv had taken to social media to accuse Lola of hiding in Oluwadolarz’s bathroom during a recent visit, implying a romantic tryst. Ifeluv also made shocking claims that Lola had undergone multiple abortions for Oluwadolarz. In a statement released on Wednesday, Lola dismissed the allegations as “nonsense” and advised Ifeluv to focus on resolving her own relationship issues rather than dragging her into the drama. Lola emphasized that she will not engage in a public spat and urged Ifeluv to leave her alone. Lola said: “I honestly wasn’t going to address this because I have a clear conscience, but for the sake of my friends and family and most especially my brand, I’d like to address this preposterous allegations...