French Islamic groups urge Muslims to condemn terrorism

France's main Islamic groups urged Muslims across the country to observe a minute of

silence on Thursday and for imams to condemn terrorism in the wake of the massacre at the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine.

The groups called on "Muslim citizens of France to observe a minute of silence today at midday, along with the rest of the nation, in memory of the victims of terrorism."

The appeal - issued by Muslim assemblies from across France - also called on imams at Friday prayers to "condemn the violence and the terrorism with maximum firmness".

Muslim citizens were also asked to join "in massive numbers" a national day of solidarity on Sunday where demonstrators are expected to take to the streets of towns across France.

Police were frantically hunting two men who fled Paris on Wednesday after gunning down 12 people in an attack on Charlie Hebdo, apparently in retaliation for the magazine's defiant stance in publishing cartoons they deemed offensive to Islam.

Jonathan condemns terrorists attack in France

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday commiserated with President Francois Hollande and the people of France as they mourn the victims of Wednesday’s terrorist attack.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President described the attack as senseless and unjustifiable.

He further described it as an assault on freedom of expression.

He assures Hollande and the people of France that Nigeria stands in full solidarity with them in their mourning period.

The statement read, “President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the Federal Government and people of Nigeria extend heartfelt condolences to President Francois Hollande and the people of France as they mourn the victims of yesterday’s (Wednesday’s) dastardly terrorist attack.

“President Jonathan and Nigeria join the rest of the civilised world in condemning the

I set up 12 universities in the remaining …. – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday said that the report of the National Conference would be presented to the next National Assembly.

Jonathan gave the assurance at the flag-off the PDP presidential election campaign at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, ahead of the February election.

He said that the executive arm of the government did not want to present the report to the current assembly because of some issues in the assembly.

The President said that his administration approved the conference with the aim of moving Nigeria forward and would want the report to be well applied.

He said that the general elections were about the young people.

“ We have just introduced our governorship candidates, and you see their age brackets.

“I directed INEC yesterday to ensure that every eligible voter must vote, and I mean it.

“We put voter’s card in place. This administration is relevant to Nigerians,’’ he said.

The President said that Nigeria was for the youth, and urged the youth to defend the

India police probe ‘godman’ for castrating followers PH

Indian police said they are investigating a popular self-styled godman for allegedly

encouraging 400 followers to undergo castrations at his ashram so they could get closer to God.

The country's top crime fighting agency has registered a case against Gurmeet Ram Rahim, known as the "guru in bling" for his penchant for garish clothes and jewellery, over the operations in the country's north.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said in a statement late on Wednesday Rahim is being investigated for criminal intimidation and causing grievous bodily hurt, saying 400 castrations were allegedly carried out.

The guru, who heads the Dera Sacha Sauda organisation based in Haryana state, is already facing trial for conspiracy over the murder of a journalist in 2002 along with claims of sexually exploiting female followers.

The latest case was filed after one of his devotees, Hans Raj Chauhan, lodged a complaint in court alleging he was manipulated into having the "painful" operation at the ashram.

"They were told that only those who get castrated will be able to meet God," Chauhan's