Queen Beatrix of Netherland abdicates; hands crown to first son

 Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands at 75 year old abdicated today April 30th after 33 years as queen and handed over her throne and crown to her eldest son at a ceremony that held on the balcony at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam. 46 year old Willem-Alexander will be the first King of the Netherlands since 1890. The former queen will now be addressed as Princess Beatrix. More photos after the cut...

One of my Best Movies: One Tree Hills

Nigeria: RCCG Empowers Over 700 People

In line with its vision of giving hope, restoring dignity and performing her corporate social responsibility, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Lagos Province 1 recently embarked on putting smile on the face some of the residents of Ebute-Meta and Apapa Road area by organizing a two day moment of hope, reports OLAYINKA LATONA.
The programme according to the Special Adviser to General Overseer on Administrative and Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola was in line with the mandate given by the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye that the church must ensure implementation of projects within their locality to complement government's efforts in providing basic amenities for the citizens.
In his words: "Corporate Social responsibility entails giving back to the society by adding value to the life of the people. Not only blessing these people spiritually but also ensure that their physical life also have a meaning. It was on this note that the entire Lagos Province 1 came together for the first time to stage this year CSR so that we can have a better impact unlike previous years. We have people from Ebute-Meta West and Yaba axis's that benefited from this programme"
The Pastor in charge of corporate social responsibility, Lagos Province 1, Pastor Timothy Olaniyan explained that the province is not giving back to the society for the first time but has been in vanguard of seeing to the physical need of the less privilege. Olaniyan explained that the church collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to achieve the laudable project
The two days CSR programme was well attended with over 700 participants which include both young and old alike. Read the rest of the story after the cut....

Health: Saving Mother and Child

 

The wife of Katsina State Governor, Mrs. Shema surrounded by dignitaries who ensdorsed the training with their presence

With increased cases of maternal and child mortality, a non-governmental organisation, Brown Button Foundation, recently trained traditional birth attendants in Katsina State on safe birth methods. Yinka  Ogundimu Writes

For three days, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and Community Health Attendants (CHAs) gathered in Katsina State at three different senatorial zones of Funtua, Daura and, Katsina for one purpose. It was for the safety of lives for which they are responsible.

In northern Nigeria where medical personnel are scarce and medical facilities inadequate, TBAs and CHAs have become major sources of primary maternity care during pregnancy and after childbirth, but not with required experience.

Accordingly, a refresher course was organised for them by both the Brown Button Foundation (BBF) and Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN), and supported by the Service to Humanity Foundation and Ministry of Women Affairs in Katsina State.

Doctors, Medical Personnel Fight over UCH Top Job

Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, Health Minister

A crisis of confidence is brewing between medical doctors and other medical personnel at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan on the filling of the vacant position of the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC) of the hospital.

The Nigeria Union of Allied Health Care Professionals (NUAHCP) had last week at a press conference insisted that the post  of DCMAC of the hospital should not be monopolised by medical doctors but thrown opened to other medical personnel within the system, calling for caution so that the filling of the position would not rupture the cordial relationship between all professional bodies in the hospital.

The NUAHCP, comprising Pharmacists, Radiographers, Laboratory Technologists and, Physiotherapists, faulted the appointment of Laboratory Physician as DCMAC, insisting that one of their members should have been appointed.

But, taking a holistic view of the situation at a press briefing yesterday, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) averred that “if the idea of appointing a deputy for any officer is to have somebody that can step into the officer’s shoes when not available.

It noted that the only suitable person for the post of DCMAC was a medical doctor.
“Anything short of that is like appointing a carpenter to be the deputy of a pilot in an aeroplane,” the NMA said.

The NMA through its chairman, Prof. Adefolarin Malomo, pointed out that the prevailing problem was caused by the change in the designation from Medical Laboratory Technologist to Medical Laboratory Scientist without retraining or changes in capability.

Rihanna Buys Chris Brown A £700,000 Car For His Birthday

Rihanna has got enough dosh to make sure Chris Brown doesn’t just get socks and a dodgy jumper for his 24th birthday. 

The singer has shelled out more than £700,000 on a limited edition 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss – only 75 were ever made. And she’s also planning to take him to that well-known UK tourist hotspot... York.
A source said: “Chris is in Las Vegas with pals so he’ll get his birthday gifts on his return to LA next week diver

Birthday surprise ... a 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss for Chris “Rihanna has spent more than a million dollars on his main gift – a custom-made car. She’s had it personalised with his initials on the red leather seats.

“Rihanna is also planning a break to the UK in June when they’ll visit York.She’s on tour then and he has always wanted to visit the historic town.”

Goldie’s Belongings to be Auction by Tomorrow says Family

Late Big Brother Africa housemate and Hip hop star, Goldie Harvey's family will on Wednesday 01/05/13 auction all her belongings. The family said this in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement signed by the family representative, Deji Adetayo, stated that although the singer did not leave a will, she had had an agreement with her husband, Leonard Harvey to auction her remaining items.
Mr Adetayo said the proceeds from the sales would be donated to charity.
He said, “There will be a garage sale at Goldie’s house located at 30B, Ologunkutere Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos on May 1, 2013.

President Obama’s speech at the White House Correspondents Dinner (VIDEO)

A must watch video..... Wow!!! President Obama in one of his funniest moment. I never know he's so funny/play. Watch him show his white set of teeth at White House Correspondent Dinner held on Saturday night. Oh! this is so Hilarious. C'mon lets check it out......

Fmr IGP’s House Razed In Jigawa

The resident of the former Inspector General of Police Hafiz Ringim has been attacked in Jigawa state

According to sources at the Nigerian police,  Mr. Ringim’s house has been attacked by suspected Boko Haram Sect members.
Police say there were no causalities.
Jigawa residents say that the gunmen targeted a nearby police station in the process also attacked the former Inspector General of House.

Thank you Lord by Don Moen

Funny Wedding Video

LAGBUS commences checking of passengers, luggage at parks

The security measures are targeted at avoiding attacks by Boko Haram.

The LAGBUS Assets Management Ltd., operators of LAGBUS intra-city buses in Lagos State, has ordered its staff to start screening passengers and luggage to enhance security.
Babatunde Disu, LAGBUS Managing Director, who disclosed this at a four-day training organised for its drivers and ground staff in Lagos on Friday, noted that the development became necessary following the current security challenges in the nation.
The training, tagged ‘Performance Improvement Programme for Operation Staff,’ is aimed at equipping members of staff with security tips and customer relation strategies.
Mr. Disu advised commuters to co-operate with the routine checks and urged LAGBUS staff to be polite and courteous to passengers.

Another News on Twin Babies: Couple Remanded For Selling Their Twin Babies

Mr. and Mrs. Augustine Agbona, the Ogwashi-Uku-based couple who allegedly sold their set of twins last week have been remanded in prison custody by an Asaba Chief Magistrate’s Court.

The couple along with two others simply identified as Okolie and Ebere are standing trial for the sale of the infants to a Lagos-based woman, Okogwu for N400,000.

Mrs. Agbona who was recently delivered of the set of twins (a boy and a girl) at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta State, allegedly sold them in connivance with her husband.

They were nabbed by members of the Asaba Community Police who handed them over to the police for further investigation.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, ASP Lucky Uyabeme, confessions of the couple led to the arrest of other suspects.

ASP Uyabeme added that the babies, who were recovered from the alleged buyer, have been handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Asaba for proper care.

Okolie, a staff of the Welfare Department in the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Ebere based in Ogwashi-Uku who allegedly facilitated the sale of the infants were granted bail after fulfilling the conditions, while the court ordered that the couple should be remanded after failing to meet bail demands.

The husband, Augustine was remanded in Ogwashi-Uku Prisons, while the wife, Ebele was remanded in Agbor Prisons by the court.

Further hearing in the case has been adjourned till 16 May, 2013.

7 Killed In Yobe Terror Attack

The Joint Task Force (JTF) on security in Yobe has confirmed the death of two policemen and five suspected terrorists in an attack early on Thursday.

The policemen and terrorists lost their lives during an attack on security formations by suspected Islamic Boko Haram members at Gashua in the Bade Local Government Area of Yobe.

The Spokesman of the JTF, Lt. Eli Lazarus, made the announcement in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Lazarus said that some of the attackers escaped with gunshot wounds and appealed to the public, particularly medical personnel not to treat any one with gun shot wounds.

"Please, help us by informing the police or any of the task force formations before anyone with gunshot wounds would be treated.

"Those that escaped with gunshot wounds also carted away two vehicles, police uniforms and other items from the police station," he said.

The statement noted that "security operatives on the other hand recovered three vehicles, one AK47 rifle and one Rocket Propelled Grenade bomb.

"Other items recovered include, one locally made pistol, one generating set and a large quantity of ammunition."

The statement added that the JTF was conducting 'cordon and search' operation in Gashua to fish out any of the gunmen probably hiding in the village.

The JTF assured that it was on top of the situation and solicited for cooperation from the public to ensure that normalcy returned to Gashua.

Northern Governors ask Boko Haram to ceasefire

The governors expressed serious concern at recent attacks which left nine policemen dead in Borno and Yobe.

The Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF, has appealed to members of the Boko Haram sect to give peace a chance, saying reverting to attacks and other acts of violence after an offer of amnesty by the Federal Government will not advance the course of peace.

The Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, said on Friday that the renewed violence that hit parts of Borno and Yobe States on Thursday negated all efforts to restore peace to the region.

In a statement in Abuja signed by Mr. Aliyu’s spokesperson, Danladi Ndayebo, the forum expressed serious concern at the fresh wave of attacks which left nine policemen dead and many buildings destroyed in Bama in Borno State and Gashua in Yobe State.

The Forum described the death of the policemen as a great national loss, referring to the deceased as heroes who died in the course of service to their fatherland; and prayed that God grants repose to their souls and give their families and friends the fortitude to bear the loss.

The statement urged the military, the police and other security agencies not to be discouraged by the dastardly act, emphasizing that Nigeria would forever remain grateful to security agencies for the successes recorded so far in the war against terror.

The forum reiterated its commitment to continue to work closely with the federal government in finding a lasting solution to the security challenges confronting the nation.

Four Low Cost Romantic Wedding Anniversary Ideas

For some people, planning a wedding anniversary can be tough and expensive. Hotel rooms, lots of flowers, and exotic dinners can come with a hefty price tag as well as a lot of stress. It doesn't have to be that way.Guys you what, just be your self and cut down some of those expenses on you list. Ok.

It's always important to remember that your wedding anniversary is a time to celebrate the years of love and devotion that you and your partner have shared together. It's not always necessary to shower your spouse in expensive luxuries. The most memorable and valued anniversaries are those that are intimate and have deep meaning for your spouse and for yourself.

Here are a few ideas to help get you started.

1. Plan a "Romantic Nightlife Picnic"

Find a spot that has an amazing view, its does not mean you have to travel of the country. The goal is to choose a scenic and beautiful backdrop for your late night adventure but don't forget to pack foods and snacks that you know your spouse will love. This is an opportunity to show your true love. You also might want to stay away from heavier foods, such as fried foods, as this can create a sluggish feeling after eating. The goal of the picnic is to have an experience, not to gorge and fall asleep ok.


2. Home Cooked Candlelight Dinner

A Simple prepared romantic candlelight dinner at home can be an exciting experience, especially if your spouse (man) is not used to you cooking. Create a meal that you know your spouse will enjoy and that has a bit of flare. This will go over a long way. You can also enhance the experience.You can also try the followings:

• You can play romantic songs to enhance the mood

• Prepare candles and dim the lights. It will be create a romantic glow.

• You can fill the room with her favorite flowers.

• On the dinner table, place scatter rose petals.


3. A Trip Down Memory Lane

Take your spouse on another "first date". Try recreating the first date. It's fun and romantic to relive the same experience through new eyes. Incorporate all the small details including where you went, what you ate, the car you drove, and then compare them to who you are now.

It's always exciting to see where you were as a couple before and compare that to where you are now.


4. Capture New Memories With A Romantic Photo Shoot

Spend some time searching for the right photographer for this one. You want these pictures to be sensual. Do this every few years and put into a special secret photo album for you and your spouse to enjoy for years to come.

I can see someone is already planing his/her next "ANNIVERSARY", please don't forget to make it fun and memorable. *wink*

Former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State Laid to Rest

May Her Soul Rest in Peace

The Anatomy of "Jack Bauer"

24 Hours

U Remember Vin Diesel? Fast and Furious 7 promises the biggest of all ever

Vin Diesel, the actor who features in the famous Fast and Furious action film series, has revealed that the 7th edition will be the biggest of all. This is surprising, if you consider the fact that the 6th edition is yet to be released! The 6th installment of Fast & Furious, also known as Fast Six, the street racing high action American film is set to release on May 24, 2013 in the US. Written by Chris Morgan and Directed by Justin Lin, the movie stars include Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson and Michelle Rodriguez.
Currently, the cast and crew of the film are busy with post-filming activity. During one such event, Vin Diesel spilled the beans over the 7th Fast and Furious. He tells Hollywood Reporter, the seventh edition is probably going to be the biggest of them all and it is set to release on 11th July 2014. Production of the same is scheduled to begin in August 2013. Besides the film being eagerly awaited, fans can also look forward to a cooperative racing video game titled Fast & Furious: Slowdown which is expect to be released on May 21, 2013. This video game has been developed by Firebrand Games and is published by Activision for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation3, Wii U, Xbox and Nintendo 3DS.*Watch out*

Summer MusicSummer Musical TheatreCamp includes ‘Footloose’ and ‘Phantom of the Op’ry’

Performances this summer in Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College The Summer Musical TheatreCamp for Kids and Teens begins its 19th summer season with the classic musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” and Neil Simon’s classic play “Jake’s Women” as the shows for the high school division of this educational program. The high school camp begins Monday, June 10 and runs four consecutive weeks ending with the productions of “Jesus Christ Superstar” July 6-8; and “Jake’s Women” July 7-8.

The second session of SMTC begins with programs for kids ages 5 through 11, and a second session of middle school and high school aged kids. The kids show this summer is a production of “Phantom of the Op’ry” and the teen crossover group will perform the musical “Footloose.”

These camps begin on Monday, July 9 and continue four consecutive weeks with performances of both shows on the weekend of August 2-4. All performances take place at the newly-renovated Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St., in downtown St. Augustine. Mike Beaman serves as artistic director for the summer program. Carl Liberatore returns as technical director, and Curtis Powell works as administrator and music director for the program.

“Jesus Christ Superstar,” considered the first rock opera, and created as a concept album at the end of the turbulent ’60’s, has at its center a social and political rebel. Jesus’ meteor-like rise in renown provides, as the title suggests, a parallel to contemporary celebrity worship. As his teachings are evermore embraced, Judas increasingly questions the enlightened motives of this new prophet, resulting in betrayal.

The Summer Musical TheatreCamp, now in its 19th season, has excelled in its goal of giving students a taste of musical theater by instructing in all aspects of a musical theater production: acting, music and dance. The camp culminates in the creation and performance of complete staged musical theater and theatrical productions before a live audience.

The Summer Musical TheaterCamp is widely as the leading training ground for young actors. Since its inception in 1995, with 30 kids ages 5 to 14, the educational program has produced 28 musical theater shows with over 1200 kids and teens in participation.

For the past 10 years the SMTC for teens has produced full-scale Broadway musicals on its stage. This summer SMTC produces its sixth non-musical comedy with an elite auditioned cast from within the teen program.Additionally, for a fourth year, the middle school/high school group will present its own full-scale musical in an effort to give these younger actors the skills and opportunities to be on stage in leading rolls. The actors have come not only from St. Augustine and throughout the state, but from across the U.S. including New Jersey, California, Ohio, Wisconsin; and even England and Malaysia. Many children and teens have spent up to 13 years in the program with several now working as professional actors throughout the country. This summer, more than 175 children ranging from age 5 to 18 are expected to take part in the 2013 summer season.

Ex-IGP, Ehindero, diverted N16m from police money, ICPC tells court

The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) yesterday told an Abuja High Court how former inspector general of police (IGP), Mr. Sunday Ehindaro received an interest of N16 million out of the N557.9 million donated to the Nigeria Police Force by the Bayelsa State Government for the procurement of arms, ammunition and riot control equipment.

A prosecution witness, Mr. Olayinka Adebayo who disclosed this under cross-examination by counsel to Ehindero, Dr. Alex Iziyon (SAN) claimed that the former police boss diverted the money for his personal use. The witness further disclosed that Intercontinental Bank paid the money in cash to Ehindero. In addition, he told Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi that when the ICPC invited the accused persons, they could not account for how the money was spent.

Adebayo had earlier testified that he led an investigation team, which discovered that another former IGP Hafiz Ringim, who was then commissioner of police in Bayesa State, paid the money. He equally alleged that the accused persons placed N200 million out of the amount in a fixed deposit account at the Intercontinental Bank Plc, where it had generated an interest of N16.5 million.

According to Adebayo, during the cause of investigation, the team visited Bayelsa State to get evidence of when the money was approved. The former police chief had earlier pleaded not guilty to the six-count criminal charge preferred against him by the ICPC. He was docked alongside a former commissioner of police in-charge of budget, Mr. John Obaniyi. Justice Oniyangi adjourned the case to June 27, for continuation of trial.

Bangladesh building collapse toll increases to 200

Thousands of distraught relatives watched rescuers Thursday battle to find their loved ones in the rubble of a collapsed Bangladeshi garment factory compound as the toll climbed past 200.

...UN, US, Others Condemn Killings

The United States of America, United Nations and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have condemned the violent confrontation that led to the loss of many lives in Baga, a border town in Borno State. Similarly, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and Northern Elders Forum (NEF) have raised similar concerns over the Baga incident.

Their reaction coincided with the arrangements being put in place by the federal government to inaugurate the Committees on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North and that of Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons today.

The US government, which also expressed concern over the possibility of the insurgency having deeper ties with other violent extremists throughout the region, said quelling the violent revolt needed more than just a security intervention. Responding to reporters’ questions at the State Department in Washington DC on Monday evening, the acting deputy spokesperson, Patrick Ventrell, said the US government would support the Nigerian authorities in their efforts to bring the perpetrators of violent acts to justice.

“The United States does condemn the violence that took the lives of so many innocent civilians in Baga, Borno State. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who died or were injured as a result of these attacks. “We support the Nigerian authorities in their efforts to bring the perpetrators of violent acts to justice, and stress the importance of respecting human rights and protecting civilians in all security responses. So we urge all parties to refrain from reprisal attacks,” he said.

On the reported use of rocket-propelled grenades by Boko Haram and the fact that the sect might have integrated more with the al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb across the Sahel, Ventrell said the State Department does not have information on the type of munitions used by the sect.

Nigeria Central Bank to phase out polymer notes from June

The Polymer notes were engulfed in corruption from the onset.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is set to phase out polymer notes by June this year as the apex bank is to begin the printing of second generation smaller denominations in paper from that time, the News Agency of Nigeria is reporting.
In an interview with the agency on Sunday in Washington DC at the Spring Meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, Tunde Lemo, the Central Bank Deputy Governor, said the bank is phasing out the polymer notes because it fades out easily.
“By the middle of the year, we will start to produce the second generation of lower denomination notes, now in paper and not in polymer,” he said.
“However, with the benefit of hindsight, we probably should not have adopted polymer because, yes, the substrate lasts longer, but the in-consubstrate began to fade; we didn’t realise that at the time of introduction.”
He said at the time of introducing the polymer notes, available research showed that it lasts longer than paper notes.
Mr. Lemo also said that the contract for the printing of higher denomination notes has been awarded to a foreign company due to the low capacity of the Nigerian Printing and Minting Company.
Nigeria’s conversion to polymer notes had been engulfed in crisis from the onset.
Officials of Securrency, the Australian firm that got the contract to print the polymer notes, during the tenure of Chukwuma Soludo as Central Bank Governor, allegedly paid millions of dollars as bribe to top Nigerian officials for the contract.
Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency is already investigating the corruption and has questioned Mr. Soludo and other senior finance officials in office during the contract award.

Policemen, not hired killers, killed my friend’

Tochukwu Ofogeli, a friend of Santos (Nwabueze) Korie, who was allegedly killed by policemen around Daleko Bridge, Lagos, has said his friend was killed by policemen and not hired killers.

PUNCH Metro had reported on April 12, 2013, that Korie was killed in his vehicle after being accosted by policemen for driving against traffic.

The police had said the perpetrators were probably hired killers in police uniform.

However, Ofogeli, who was in the vehicle when the incident occurred, said the killers were policemen with name tags.

He said, “We were coming from Mile 2 area but on getting to Iyana-Isolo, we saw a roadblock as the road was under construction. A newspaper vendor advised us to drive against traffic and then make a U-turn and ascend the bridge.

“As we approached the bridge, two policemen accosted us and cocked their guns. Korie tried to park properly when one of the policemen opened fire and killed him on the spot.

“After he was shot, the vehicle rammed into an oncoming truck laden with sachet water.”

Asked if he could recognise the killer policemen, he said, “One of the policemen wore the usual black shirt and black pair of trousers while the other one wore a black shirt and khaki trousers.

“I saw their name tags from afar but did not put it to memory because I did not know they would kill my friend and they fled immediately after killing him. I am however sure without doubt that they were policemen and not hired killers.”

Ofogeli said ever since the incident occurred, he had not been feeling too well because he witnessed the murder.

He said, “Korie was a good friend and we were just chatting when policemen killed him even though he never said a word. The blood splashed all over the car and it happened in my presence. As I speak to you, I am still in shock because I had no idea that such a thing would happen that day.”

Reacting to the incident, a civil society organisation, Network on Police Reform in Nigeria, said police extra-judicial killings seem to have risen in recent times.

The Programme coordinator, Okey Nwaguma, said it was however difficult to prove this as there was little data documentation on police killing.

He said one of the reasons why the killings continued was because perpetrators were hardly brought to book.

He said, “One of the factors causing the increase in police extra-judicial killing is the fact that perpetrators are hardly brought to book. Also, families of victims are sometimes intimidated by the police while some others are just too afraid to speak.

“Police deliberately mess up investigation by encouraging families of victims to hurriedly bury them. Sometimes, the police might even claim that killers are impostors in police uniform and refuse to investigate.”

Culled from Punch

Jonathan inaugurates committee on Boko Haram today

Abuja — President Goodluck Jonathan will today inaugurate the committee to engage members of Islamic sect, Boko Haram, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

This comes as the President, yesterday, appointed a new member, Barrister Aisha Wakil, into the committee .

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said the inauguration would hold at 9:00a.m.

The statement read: “The inauguration by President Goodluck Jonathan of the Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North and the Committee on Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons originally scheduled for 10 am today has been brought forward to 9a.m.

“President Jonathan has also approved the inclusion of Barri- ster Aisha Wakil as a member of the Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Chall- enges in the North which has been given the task of identifying and constructively engaging key leaders of Boko Haram, and devel- oping a workable framework for amnesty and disarmament of members of the group.

”As earlier announced, the inauguration of both committees will take place at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa.”

Members of both committees were expected to be seated by 08:30 a.m.

Nokia unveils dual-SIM Asha 210 with QWERTY keyboard

NEW DELHI: Tech giant Nokia on Wednesday unveiled a new addition to its Asha series of phones, Nokia Asha 210. According to Nokia, the phone has been designed to offer consumers more social experiences.

The phone which will be equipped with a QWERTY keyboard will have a dedicated WhatsApp button. The phone also supports Facebook, Twitter and Gmail.

Asha 210 comes with a 2 mega-pixel camera (resolution 600 x 1200 pixels) which has features like editing and sharing options, says Nokia. The phone will come in both single-SIM and dual-SIM options.

The phone supports WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR. It has a RAM of 32 MB and supports MicroSD expandable memory card of up to 32 GB. The phone boasts of a screen size of 6.1 cm and weighs 99.5 grams.

The company claims that it has a battery life of up to 46 days with Single-SIM and up to 24 days with Dual-SIM. According to Nokia it has a talk-time capacity of 12 hours on 2G.

Nokia Asha 210 will be available in five colour options: yellow, cyan, black, magenta, and white. Nokia in its release said that the estimated retail price for Asha 210 is around $72. The company expects to start shipping the phone in the second quarter of 2013.

Boston Bombing Suspect Says No Ties to Terrorist Groups; Motivated by Hate for America, Christianity

A photograph of Djohar Tsarnaev, who is believed to be Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, a suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing, is seen on his page of Russian social networking site Vkontakte (VK), as pictured on a monitor and a mobile phone in St. Petersburg April 19, 2013.


The captured suspect behind the Boston Marathon bombing, 19-year-old Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, has been answering questions by authorities regarding the attack, telling officials that he and his older brother, who was killed in a shootout, do not have ties to any terrorist organizations. New information has suggested, however, that they held strong anti-American and anti-Christian views.

ABC News revealed that Dzhokhar and his older brother, 26-year-old Tamerlan Tsarnaev, who was shot down by police in Boston early Friday morning, had radicalized themselves over the Internet, but did not receive any direction or financing from overseas groups. Authorities believe that the brothers, who were born in Chechnya but had lived in the U.S. for close to a decade, were likely inspired by former al Qaeda leader Anwar al-Awlaki, who was killed in 2011.

"The older brother appeared to be the more radicalized of the two and was the one that drove the need to conduct the attack as well as the preparation for the attack that is building the bombs," said Seth Jones, a counter-terror expert at the RAND Corporation.

The brothers apparently used an al Qaeda Internet magazine to make the pressure cooker bombs, with the attack being largely put together by Tamerlan Tsarnaev. The Boston Marathon bombing last week left three people dead and injured close to 200 others.

Car Explodes Outside French Embassy in Libya

The French embassy in Tripoli, Libya, was attacked by what appeared to be a car bomb on Tuesday

A car bomb destroyed about half of the empty French Embassy in Libya early Tuesday morning, in the most significant attack against a Western interest there since the killing last September of the American ambassador, J. Christopher Stevens.

Two French guards were injured in the attack, and one was in critical condition, said a French diplomat present at the scene.
The explosion was a new blow to the transitional Libyan government’s hopes of establishing a better sense of public security after the ouster of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi nearly two years ago. The blast was the largest in Tripoli since the end of the Western bombing campaign that helped force Colonel Qaddafi from power. It was the largest in a long string of smaller attacks on diplomatic missions, and it marks one of the first to occur in the capital.
As in previous attacks, no one claimed responsibility. But Libyans and international analysts have blamed Islamist militants for past attacks, and did so again in Tuesday’s bombing.

Many Islamist militants in Libya have said that they are fighting a foreign attempt to remake their country as a Western-style liberal democracy instead of an Islamic state. They resent the Western powers for their military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, to say nothing of the history of European colonialism in North Africa.
In particular, extremists have focused their anger, in posts on Facebook and other forums, against France for its intervention in neighboring Mali, a former French colony where French troops landed in January to help the central government roll back a hard-line Islamist takeover. The blast outside the embassy came just a day after the French parliament voted to extend the deployment of those troops.

Even during the uprising against Colonel Qaddafi, which was greatly aided by French military assistance, many Libyans suspected France and the other Western powers of intervening in order to seek oil or influence. And some Islamist militants further resent the West for its help because they believe the Western powers sought to “seize the revolution” in order to “recreate Libya in a Western image of secular democracy,” said Professor George Joffe, a Libya scholar at Cambridge University.

The explosion outside Tuesday went off just after 7 a.m., before most employees had arrived at the building. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Libyan official involved in investigating the crime scene said the blast had taken place when the Libyan guards who stand outside were changing their shift.
The force of the blast broke the windows and damaged the facades of more than two dozen buildings over an area as wide as 500 yards. Plumes of smoke billowed from the burning wreckage of a car, described by the official as a Renault, that was parked by the embassy walls. A burst water main flooded the street.

A resident living nearby, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, compared the blast to the worst days of violence in Iraq. “I was knocked out of bed. I lived in Baghdad and I woke up to explosions as big as this one,” she said.
In a statement, the Libyan government described the explosion as a “terrorist attack” and vowed “to cooperate with all parties to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice.”
“The people and government categorically reject such acts,” the statement said. “They do not reflect the respect and appreciation that the Libyan people hold for the French Republic and the French people,” the statement added, specifically recalling French support for the revolution.

In Paris, President Franςois Hollande said the bombing was “aimed, by way of France, at all the countries of the international community engaged in the struggle against terrorism.”

Twin Killings In Kutara Village,Abuja

Despite being in the jet age with globalization taking centre stage, some communities in Nigeria are still caught up in their traditional ways of life with fervent practice of their cultural beliefs.

In this Channels TV Community Report, correspondent Doris Okenwa, continues investigation into the alleged killing of twins and infants in some communities in the Federal Capital Territory and examines how lack of development might be contributing to this bizarre way of life.

The journey goes into some of Abuja’s most remote areas where bizarre practices such as killing of twins and infants for cultural beliefs have been going on for years.

According to the missionaries, the killings in Kutara village, in Abaji area council are age-long traditions.

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MTN Nigeria gets $3b loan from consortium of banks to expand network

The loan which consists of US$1.8 billion in additional facilities and US$ 1.2 billion in restructured existing Local Facility was formally sealed by top officials and Board Members of the company and the participating banks at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

MTN CEO, Mr. Brett Goschen, said, the signing of the loan deal signposts another strategic collaboration between MTN Nigeria and local and international financial institutions, aimed at deepening telecommunications services in Nigeria.

According to him, the deal was the sixth of such strategic partnerships, with other notable ones including a facility of US$170 million Commercial Paper Facility secured by the company in 2002 and $395 million Medium Term Facility in 2003.

He said the 2003 deal was the largest African telecoms funding deal to close outside of South Africa at the time and won Project Finance magazine’s “African Telecoms Deal” for that year.

“In 2007, MTN Nigeria again partnered with various local and international financial institutions to raise USD 2 billion to fund our rapidly expanding operations. It was again regarded as the largest loan syndication to any individual telecommunications company in Africa. In that year, it won the ‘African Deal of the Year’ by the EuroMoney Magazine,” he said.

Mr. Goschen recalled that once again in 2010, MTN Nigeria partnered with 15 local financial institutions and two international lenders to raise another USD 2 billion, which was described as the largest corporate financing deal in the whole of sub-Saharan Africa. This deal was awarded ‘Trade Finance Deal of the Year 2010” by the Trade Finance Magazine of the United Kingdom.

“The essence of these deals was to enable MTN to make the necessary capital investments to expand our network infrastructure and meet the growing demands of our customer base. We certainly put that financing to good use, built the most extensive telecommunications network in Africa and grew our customer base to over 50 million subscribers,” he said.

He noted that MTN currently has effective network coverage of more than 85 percent of Nigeria’s land mass and population, and nearly 100 percent coverage of most major highways in the country.

Mr. Goschen said with a relatively low mobile penetration, sound economic growth, lower cost of ownership for consumers and the insatiable demand for data services, there is still ample room for more growth in the sector.

“The restructured and additional facilities will enable us to continue with the aggressive investment in our network,” he said. He stated that the company invested $1.6 billion in 2012 and is investing over US$1.5 billion in 2013.

“Enhancing our network quality is also a key focus of the investment as we lead the delivery of a bold new digital world for our customers,” he said.

Mr. Goschen lauded the participating financial institutions for passing a ‘vote of confidence’ in MTN, stressing that the loan syndication showcases the strength of the Nigerian financial institutions and their ability to stimulate significant economic growth.

He thanked the industry regulator and other government stakeholders, whose support for the industry has led it on the path of continuous growth, making it possible for MTN to record the achievements it has in the last 11 years.

“Most importantly, we thank our esteemed customers who have been our pillar of support since our commencement of commercial operation in 2001. Without you, we definitely would not have been able to achieve this,” he said.

He stated that the company is under a binding obligation to offer good quality of service to its customers and he pledged that the company would strive to meet and exceed the expectations of its customers and other stakeholders.

President Jonathan Quiet More Than 48 Hours After 185 Civilians Massacred In Borno

Following the massacred in the Borno state, the Nigerian President has refused to comment. More than 48 hours after Nigerian soldiers hunting for Boko Haram insurgents allegedly leveled Baga town in Borno State, killing 185 civilians and wounding several others, President Goodluck Jonathan is yet to comment on the tragedy.

The president’s silence is a sharp contrast with the way his United States counterpart, Barack Obama, acts whenever even a single American is killed.

But there has been no word from the Nigerian government since news of the massacre broke in the local and international press.

Presidential spokespersons, Reuben Abati and Doyin Okupe did not answer or return calls seeking comments on why the president is still quiet about the killings. They also did not respond to text messages sent to them.

The president’s silence has however sparked outrage among some Nigerians.

“A competent and sensible president should have visited Borno immediately to see things for himself,” says Segun Onabanjo, a sociology lecturer at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye. “That he is still holed up there in Aso Rock, keeping mum when his troops are alleged to have extrajudicially killed 185 is an indication of how much this president values the lives of the people he governs.”

Olu Akerele, a chieftain of the opposition Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, said it is sad that Nigerians have no one to look up to for leadership in the face of this kind of tragedy.

“Our expectation is that the president would immediately review the intelligence he received from Borno and then take action to lessen the pains of the people of the town. This president has carried his ineptitude too far,” Mr. Akerele said. “It is an indication that even if all of us are killed, this president just might not care.”

Bombing Suspect Seeks Death-Penalty Defense Lawyers

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the Boston Marathon bombing suspect, asked a court to appoint two lawyers with experience in death penalty cases to help with his defense.

Tsarnaev’s lawyer, Miriam Conrad, said in a filing in federal court in Boston that two lawyers who have defended capital prosecutions should be appointed, “given the magnitude of this case.”

Conrad cited the case against Jared Loughner, the gunman who killed six people and injured 13, including former Democratic congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was allowed to hire two attorneys with experience in death penalty matters to assist the public defender. Loughner pleaded guilty to the 2011 rampage and is serving life in prison.

Tsarnaev, 19, was charged with executing the April 15 bombings with his older brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev. Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, died of injuries sustained in a gun battle with police four days after the attack.

The case is U.S. v. Tsarnaev, 13--mj-02106, U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts (Boston).

To contact the reporters on this story: Lindsay Fortado in London at lfortado@bloomberg.net; Janelle Lawrence in Boston at jmlawrence@me.com

KMMK

Chinua Achebe To Be Buried On May 23

The family of Professor Chinua Achebe and the South-East Governors Forum on Sunday fixed May 23 for burial of the literary icon.
Chairman of the forum and Anambra State Governor; Peter Obi announced this after a meeting of the governors and members of the Achebe family.

The meeting held at Enugu State Government House, had all the governors in attendance, except Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, who represented by his deputy, Mr. Eze Madumere.

Speaking with journalists, Ikechukwu Achebe, son of the late author, described his father as “a great family man.”

He commended the federal government and the South-East governors for their support to the family since his father’s demise.

“The governors have also accepted to assist in his burial; we are very grateful. President Jonathan was also the first to commiserate with us when our father died; we are grateful to all of them” he said.

On whether the family would accept a post-humours national honour on behalf of the novelist and poet, he said, “we have not come to that yet. When such comes, we shall take a decision on that.”

He, however added that “my father would definitely be remembered for what he stood for – a Nigeria that is fair to everybody, a Nigeria that meets the expectations of her citizens.”

Driver’s Stubbornness Caused Ibadan Petrol Tanker Fire!

While some residents of Omitowuju area, near Mokola in Ibadan are still counting their losses over the fire that destroyed buildings, shops, cars and other valuables in the area, Street Journal has gathered that the disaster could have been avoided but for the stubbornness of the driver of the petrol tanker that eventually caused the fire.

Eyewitnesses disclosed to Street Journal that the driver of the tanker which was believed to be taking 33,000 litres of petrol to a filling station in Mokola was warned by some residents that he would not be able to go through a narrow part of the road, especially a portion where they warned him the tyres could get stuck and cause the vehicle to fall on its side. He however allegedly ignored the warning saying he would handle the situation and manage the tanker to go through. He was however said to have escaped from the scene soon after the fire started.

The fears of the residents became justified in a matter of minutes when the vehicle fell and spilled its contents as the driver tried to turn near the St Stephen’s Church. Before long, a fire had started and houses, shops, cars and even a mosque were consumed. Residents trooped out and started battling the fire which had been announced by thick smoke that rose high enough to be seen around Dugbe and other parts of the city. While some residents battled the fire before the arrival of the officials of the fire service, some looters who cashed in on the situation had a field day. Tawa Ibrahim told Street Journal that “some people pretended to be helping shop owners to more their goods while they were actually stealing them but because everybody was confused, they were able to get away”.

Mr Oladele who thanked God his family especially his children escaped unhurt disclosed that his house was consumed, “my house and everything I owned went with the fire”, he said.

Fire guts INEC Abuja office again

A section of the Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Abuja, went up in flames Monday evening.

This comes about four months after the January 7 incident occurred at the office of the Director of Voter Registry at the same ICT building.

The minor incident occurred in the office of the former Director in charge of Alternative Dispute Resolution located in the Information, Communications and Technology, ICT.

Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Kayode Idowu, who confirmed the outbreak, said there was no severe damage on the office.

Comedian Princess weds at Ikoyi registry [PHOTOS]

Popular Nigerian comedienne and MC, Princess Damilola Adekoya is officially married.

Princess and her lover Ade on Monday, April 22, 2013 made it official at the Federal Marriage Registry, Ikoyi, Lagos.

When asked about her new love, Princess said”He’s a very quiet and private person, and someone who loves and understands what I do. He loves entertainment too, I won’t say more than that for now.”

The couple will still be having a traditional marriage ceremony slated for May 8, 2013. This will be preceded by her ’Shades of Comedy’ show coming up on Workers’ Day, May 1.Big Congrats to them

FBI confirms surviving Boston bombings suspect 'in serious condition'

After a weekend in hospital, there is intense interest in the condition of the lone surviving suspect in the Boston marathon bombings, who is said to be conscious and even communicating with authorities.

The FBI said Monday that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev remains in serious condition more than 48 hours after his dramatic capture.

In a brief statement posted on the FBI website Monday morning, the agency said, “According to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev remains in serious condition.”

The FBI said it released the information at the request of the hospital.

Charges against 19-year-old Tsarnaev are expected to be laid as early as Monday, in connection with the marathon explosions as well as the gun battle with police that left his 26-year-old brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, dead late last week.

The FBI identified 19-year-old Dzhokhar as the second of the two suspects sought in connection with last week’s twin bombings that left three dead and injured more than 180 others at the finish line of Boston’s famed running race.

While details of Dzhokhar’s precise condition in hospital are unclear, NBC News has reported that he is responding to questions in writing.

A U.S. senator confirmed Sunday that Tsarnaev was shot in the throat. Sen. Dan Coats of Indiana told The Associated Press that questions have been raised as to whether the bombing suspect will be able to talk again.

After his arrest, Tsarnaev was immediately rushed to Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center where he was put under heavy sedation and remains under heavy guard.

There is no word on what kinds of charges Tsarnaev may face, the most serious of which could be the use of a weapon of mass destruction to kill people – a charge that carries a possible death sentence.

Tsarnaev may also face murder charges in the death of Sean Collier, a 26-year-old police officer who was shot and killed on Thursday evening. Police allege Collier was gunned down during a confrontation with the Boston marathon bombing suspects.

On Sunday, Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis told CBS’ "Face the Nation" that after the firefight between police and the suspects, authorities discovered more than 250 rounds of ammunition and a number of homemade explosives, leading them to believe the brothers were planning other attacks.

"We have reason to believe, based upon the evidence that was found at that scene -- the explosions, the explosive ordnance that was unexploded and the firepower that they had -- that they were going to attack other individuals," Davis said. "That's my belief at this point."

Daily Quote

"Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow.
The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing"
-Abraham Lincoln

Words of Nelson Mandela take over Times Square’s billboards

NEW YORK — A film installation celebrating the words of former president Nelson Mandela is taking over many of the electronic billboards of New York’s Times Square for a few minutes every night for the month of April.

The short film was commissioned by the Tribeca Film Institute, an arts organisation co-founded by actor Robert De Niro. It is being played shortly before midnight across many of Times Square’s glowing screens for the rest of the month.

"We’re in the crossroads of the world, it’s all about the glitz and the glamour, and all of a sudden you’re seeing this man to remind us of our humanity," Ndaba Mandela, a 30-year-old grandson of the anti-apartheid leader, said at a special screening of the film on Friday night.

Mr De Niro also attended the event at a Times Square hotel and posed for pictures with Mr Ndaba and Kweku Mandela, another grandson, but did not make any remarks.

The two grandsons worked with filmmakers Nabil Elderkin, Andrew van der Westhuyzen and Gregory Stern to choose inspiring quotes from Nelson Mandela’s speeches to honour his 95th birthday in July.

Mr Mandela spent 27 years on Robben Island and in other jails as a result of his struggle to end apartheid in South Africa before becoming the country’s first black president in 1994.

His words have been animated to dance across screens that normally advertise clothing, movies and corporations. About a dozen electronic billboards, including one on Thomson Reuters’ Times Square building, are participating, organisers said.

Mr Mandela, who stepped down from office in 1999, has had health problems recently and spent more than a week in the hospital with pneumonia this month.

"He’s doing much better," Ndaba Mandela, who said he lived with his grandfather in Johannesburg, said in an interview. "I would say he is about 80%."

He added that his grandfather had offered his approval upon learning that his words would be projected in Times Square. "If he doesn’t support something, he’ll let you know," Mr Mandela said.

Reuters

Photos of deadly Texas plant explosion show how blast ‘totally decimated’ four-block area

Police in West, Texas say it’s not clear how many people are trapped in the rubble after a fertilizer plant explosion that killed as many as 15 people and injured more than 160 others. Waco Police Sgt. William Patrick Swanton said on early Thursday that he doesn’t know how many people have been rescued since the Wednesday night explosion. But he says officials on the ground remain in “search and rescue mode,” going building to building in the largely decimated neighbourhood surrounding the plant. He says he knows some firefighters still are missing. Below, photos show the devastation left behind by the blast

Nigerians banned from taking human rights abuse cases to American courts

Nigerians who believe they could run to foreign courts to obtain justice from multinationals deemed to have violated their rights in Nigeria have had their hopes shattered after the United States Supreme Court ruled that such cases could not be pursued in America.

The American apex court ruled yesterday that “Nigerian plaintiffs who said foreign oil companies had been complicit in violating their human rights may not sue in American courts,” reports The New York Times. “The decision limited the sweep of a 1789 law that had been used to address human rights abuses abroad,” the paper adds.

The decision was unanimous, but the justices divided along ideological lines in their reasoning, according to the report, adding: “Human rights groups said the decision was a sharp blow.”

“This decision so severely limited a law that has for decades been a beacon of hope for victims of gross human rights violations,” said Elisa Massimino, president of Human Rights First. “This decision cuts a hole into the web of accountability. Human rights abusers may be rejoicing today, but this is a major setback for their victims.”

Business groups however said the ruling would help put an end to baseless lawsuits.

“The US Supreme Court’s decision today ensures that trial lawyers cannot continue to use the American judicial system to expose global businesses to frivolous and costly lawsuits,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president of the US Chamber of Commerce.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., writing for the majority, said a general presumption against the extraterritorial application of American law barred the suit.

“All the relevant conduct took place outside the United States,” he wrote.

He added that even some minimal contact with the United States would not be sufficient to overcome the presumption. “Even where the claims touch and concern the territory of the United States, they must do so with sufficient force to displace the presumption against extraterritorial application.”

He gave an example: “Corporations are often present in many countries, and it would reach too far to say mere corporate presence suffices.”

The New York Times report says that the case involved a joint subsidiary of Royal Dutch Petroleum Company, based in the Netherlands, and Shell Transport and Trading Company, based in England. The subsidiary, incorporated in Nigeria, was accused of aiding and abetting in atrocities by Nigerian military and police forces against Ogoni villagers in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria.

“After being granted asylum in the United States, several Nigerians sued the parent companies under the 1789 law, the Alien Tort Statute, which is brief and cryptic,” says The New York Times. The Alien Tort Statute allows US federal courts to hear “any civil action by an alien for a tort only, committed in violation of the law of nations or a treaty of the United States.”

The law was largely ignored until the 1980s, when federal courts started to apply it in international human rights cases. A 2004 Supreme Court decision, Sosa v. Álvarez-Machain, left the door open to some claims under the law, as long as they involved violations of international norms with “definite content and acceptance among civilised nations.”

Culled from News Express

Police Organise Workshop For Officers

A 4-day workshop on Capacity Building for Police Public Relations Officers organized by the Nigeria Police Force, in conjunction with the Government of Akwa-Ibom State, kicked off Wednesday at Le’ Meridien Hotel, Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State, southsouth Nigeria.

According to a statement by CSP Frank Mba, Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, the workshop is intended to equip Police Public Relations Officers with requisite professional skills and knowledge in effectively managing the corporate image of the Force in the face of rising extremism, criminality and terrorism in the country.

It is expected to emphasize the need for synergy and collaborative efforts among security agencies in the country.

He said “the curriculum of the Workshop is strategically designed to cover training in Media relations, Crisis Communications and Issues Management; Media and Police Public Relations; Perception, Image and Brand management in government agencies; and Terrorism in Democracy and Communication.”

Also featuring in the intensive training workshop are topics on Public Relations in Police and non-commercial organization, social role of the police in the post 9/11 era; and other relevant courses.

The training workshop which is being facilitated by PRM Africa, a foremost Public Relations and Brand Communications firm in Nigeria, with support from some good spirited private and public institutions, has in attendance, the Director, Defence Information, Brig.-General Chris Olukolade who is leading spokespersons of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force. Also participating in the Workshop are the spokespersons of the Department of State Security Services, Mrs. Marylyn Ogar and other Public Relations managers from the Customs, Immigration, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

“The participation of other security agencies is a manifestation of the resolve of the present Police Management to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in the fight against crime and criminality in the country,” Mba said.

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, while addressing participants in his welcome address, commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, for his magnanimity in making the Workshop a reality.

He informed that the workshop is part of his reform agenda to strategically reposition the Nigeria Police Force for effective performance in the face of growing security concern in the country.

He added that the introduction of capacity building for the Public Relations Department of the Force is aimed at deepening confidence, strengthening relationship with the public and boosting the corporate image of the Nigeria Police; noting that the success of the Police and other security agencies in the fight against crime, depends largely, on the support, cooperation and partnership enjoyed from the public.
Source: PM News

Edo LG polls: ACN, PDP in another epic battle

BANJI ALUKO writes on the claims and counter-claims among the main political parties in the local government election coming up Saturday in Edo State.

GOING by history, Saturday’s local government election in Edo State is the first of its kind since the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration of Governor Oserheimen Osunbor conducted such election in December 2007. Then, as the party in power and in line with the ‘Nigeria syndrome’ that ensures that ruling party in the states wins local government election, the PDP cleared the 2007 election to the consternation of the ACN, who had accused the PDP of rigging the polls.

That was 2007. Today, the party is no more in power; it has been supplanted by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). A big bashing came the way of the PDP last year when its governorship candidate, General Charles Airhiavbere, could not win in any of the 18 local governments in the state. Since then, the party has been greatly depleted with some influential politicians leaving its fold. And right now, the usual bravado and swagger the party was once associated with are no more there. But their chairmanship and councillorship candidates, leaders and supporters are not just ready to give up the fight as they go into Saturday’s election, ready to stake a claim and re-assert themselves.

The ACN, on the other hand, is breathing with confidence for obvious reasons—it recorded a landslide victory during the 2012 governorship election and it is more of a convention for the government in power to clear council elections in the country. Even for many of the ACN candidates in the April 20 election, victory appeared secured the moment they picked the party’s ticket. No wonder the chairmanship candidate of the party in Oredo Local Government, Osaro Obazee, was so confident when he said, “I have no iota of doubt that I would win on Saturday.”
Sources: Nigeria Tribune

Ordained Evangelist Eucharia Anunobi spotted at an Event Dressed Like A Harlot (LOOK)

This is not the proper way to dress as an Evangelist and submit by saying let whoever have not committed a sin be the first to stone her...lol

What you do think of this???

Jonathan Sets up Committee On Granting Amnesty To Boko Haram

President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the constitution of a Presidential Committee to “constructively engage key members of Boko Haram and define a comprehensive and workable framework for resolving the crisis of insecurity in the country.”
Dr Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity stated and announced the setting up of committee on granting Amnesty To Boko Haram. The committee set up are excpected to work on:
-Developing a framework for the granting of amnesty
-Setting up of a framework through which disarmament could take place within a 60-day time frame
-Development of a comprehensive victims’ support programme
-Development of mechanisms to address the underlying causes of insurgencies that will help to prevent future occurrences.

The committee is made up of the following Nigerians:
Committee on dialogue and peaceful resolution of security challenges in the north
1. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Minister of Special Duties Chairman
2. Sheik Ahmed Lemu Member Member
3. Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed Member
4. Col. Musa Shehu, (rtd.) Member
5. Sheik Abubakar Tureta Member
6. Dr.Datti Ahmed Member
7. Senator Sodangi Abubakar Member
8. Senator Ahmed Makarfi Member
9. Hon. Mohammed Bello Matawalle Member
10.Amb. Zakari Ibrahim Member
11.Comrade Shehu Sani Member
12.Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed Member
13.Mallam Adamu S. Ladan Member
14.Dr. Joseph Golwa Member
15.AVM A. I. Shehu Member
16.Mr. R. I. Nkemdirim Member
17.DIG P. I. Leha Member
18.Prof. Nur Alkali Member
19.Malam Salihu Abubakar Member
20.Alhaji Abubakar Sani Lugga Member
21.Barrister Ibrahim Tahir Member
22.Brig-Gen. Ibrahim Sabo Member
23.Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda Member
24.Group Capt. Bilal Bulama,Rtd. Member
25.Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi Member
26.Representative of OSGF Secretary

The setting up of the committee is coming after the National Security Council on Wednesday, considered a report by the technical committee it set up to review modalities for addressing security challenges in the north.
President Jonathan also approved the constitution of a Federal Government committee on the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in keeping with his pledge that Nigeria will work with the United Nations and other countries to stem the worrisome proliferation of small arms and light weapons, and their use in creating insecurity and instability in Nigeria and other developing nations.
Members of the Committee on small arms and light weapons are
1.Amb. Emmanuel Imohe Chairman
2.Amb. Martin I. Uhomoibhi Member
3.Amb. T. D. Hart Member
4.Amb.Ghali Umar Member
5.Amb. B.G. Wakil Member
6.Mr. Opelusi Olureti Member
7.Representative of Ministry of Interior Member
8.Representative of NSA Member
9.Representative of DG (SSS) Member
10. Representative of NIA Member
11. Representative of Federal Ministry of Justice Member
12. Representative of Ministry of Defence Member
13. Representative of DIA Member
14. Representative of the Nigeria Police Force Member
15. Representative of the Nigerian Customs Service - Member
16. Representative of OSGF Member
17. Director, International Organisations Dept (MFA) Secretary
Both committees will be formally inaugurated by President Jonathan by 10 AM on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Okonjo-Iweala: 2013, A Game Changer for Nigeria

The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said that 2013 is going to be a game changer and a turning point for the country.

The minister, who said this on the Christiane Amanpour current affairs programme, “Amanpour” monitored on CNN Tuesday, said that the President Goodluck Jonathan administration was going to produce results this year, even as she pointed out: “We are already producing results within the administration.”

Okonjo-Iweala added: “On the economic side, I just want to say that macroeconomic stability has been restored. Now, nobody should minimise that.

“Remember there were the lost two decades in Africa, in the 80s and 90s, where there was instability such that people could not focus on areas that could create jobs.

“Now things are turning right because we had growth of 6.5 per cent last year and we are projecting the same number this year, compared to the average five per cent in other African countries.”

The minister however admitted the growth figure was intangible and could not be felt by the average Nigerian seeking employment and grappling with the challenges of insecurity and other vices in the country.

“But I just want to add that when you mention GDP growth in my country, people will immediately say you can’t eat growth because we have challenges of unemployment, we need to create more jobs; we also have challenges of inclusion and there are problems of inequality, all those are challenges we face,” she said.

The finance minister also called for the cooperation of the international community so that Nigeria could overcome the rising spate of oil theft.

Okonjo-Iweala, who put the volume of oil stolen from the country daily at 150,000 barrels, expressed disappointment over the loss of revenue to the nation.

According to her, “We are still a poor country, we cannot afford any leakage. Mexico and Nigeria have this problem but that of Mexico is much smaller.

“But we also need international community to get involved. We have international people who buy this stolen oil and we need them to treat it as stolen crude just like you do with blood diamonds so that those people don’t have a market to sell the stolen oil.