#HEADLINES

= President Goodluck Jonathan has nominated former governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu, as Chairman of the National Pension Commission.

= The Federal Executive Council has approved the signing of a $100 million loan agreement from the Indian Import- Export Bank for three states namely Cross Rivers, Enugu and Kaduna.

= The Federal Government has brought charges against a suspected Boko Haram member, Abdulmannan Obadiki, who is being held in connection with the 2012 attack on the Deeper Life Church in Lokoja, Kogi State.

= The House of Representatives has approved the extension of emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States for another six months.

= The Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, “Operation Pulo Shield”, has barred its personnel from escort duties. The ban followed incessant killings of soldiers in the Niger Delta region by gunmen particularly pirates.

= Thirty-nine government soldiers accused of war crimes have gone on trial in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

= Indonesia has suspended co-ordinated military co-operation with Australia amid an ongoing row over reports Canberra spied on Jakarta officials.

= China is sending an emergency medical team and a disaster relief team to the typhoon-hit Philippines, following criticism of its initial response.

= Former Golden Eaglets captain Lukman Haruna says Nigeria will shine at next year’s World Cup to make up for the disappointment of the 2010 tournament.

= Premier League referees’ Chief Mike Riley has apologised to West Brom head coach Steve Clarke for the controversial penalty awarded against his side in the 2-2 draw at Chelsea earlier this month.

= Pop superstar Justin Timberlake still harbours dreams of conquering the country music industry, insisting the type of music was as influential for him growing up in Tennessee as well as soul and rock music.