Iyetade Soyinka, the second daughter of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has died aged 48.
Ms Soyinka, formerly Iyetade Apampa, died at the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital after battling with illness. She leaves behind two children and her parents.
May her soul rest in peace...amen
Tragedy was averted, Sunday, when a Boeing 737 plane with over 100 passengers belonging to Aero Contractors had a bust tyre at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos.
The aircraft, which departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, NAA, Abuja around 9am had a burst tyre on landing at the Lagos Airport. One of the over 100 passengers onboard the plane was the former Minister, federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, Mal. Nasir el-Rufai who tweeted "Upon landing in Lagos, our Aero aircraft lost a tyre. The pilot did a great job of breaking to a halt. My phones flew under seats."
Reacting to the incident, Mr Yakubu Dati, Coordinating Spokesman, Aviation Parastatals said "A aircraft Boeing 737-500 with Registration No 5N-BLC, operated by Aero contractors landed safely at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, following loss of pressure in one of the tyres, today December 29, 2013".
" The aircraft which landed at 10.50am had a total of 104 passengers and crew members on board. The aircraft has since been towed to the apron and Accident Investigation Prevention Bureau, AIPB has commenced investigation into the incident"
After the whole 2013 wahala person no go see 2014? Happy for him joor.
The world of Hip-Hop pauses for a moment to mourn and reminisce over the life of Doe B, the rapper signed to T.I.’s Grand Hustle Records.
He was dope. And he was tragically cut down early this morning by gun men at a show in Montgomery (The Gump) at a club called The Rose. Now, The Rose has another name now, but its still The Rose, according to sources.
The Rose has been plagued by violence and murder, going back decades sources say. And they changed the name in an effort to change the association. But…I am being told that they didn’t do anything fundamentally to change the way people conduct themselves there.
Apparently, there was lone gunman that emptied a clip shooting every rounds at the Doe B. He was apparently struck in the chest and thigh. He was then taken to the hospital.
Kim Johnson, a 21-year-old celebrating her birthday, was hit in the head and killed instantly. According to sources 6 other people were hit by bullets too.
According to sources, the gun man was allowed to enter the club by somebody. Hopefully, there is some form of justice.
Damn shame. Check here for the interview AllHipHop conducted with Doe B.
What do you think?
Kanye bought a tiny replica of his Batmobile- styled Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 for his six months old daughter, North West, as a Xmas gift.
The child-size electric version of the rare $750,000 black supercar car is said to be worth thousands of dollars. A car North can't ride for years to come.
Kim posted the pic above on instagram yesterday, with the caption ''Like father like daughter''.
This guys sha
Halleluyah somebody!! Top music producer, Olumide Aka, popularly known as ID Cabasa, the guy who produced 9ice's mega hit debut album, is reportedly now a pastor. He was ordained yesterday at Global Impact Church, Babs Animashaun, Surulere.
Congrats to him...
How much can you spend on your watch?
That's an 18karat DateJust Rolex watch, worth anything from $15,000 to $25,000.
Hmmmm some people look amazingly great in what they choose not to wear...
Well probably her day-to-day wears is just strictly business...
I must say she looks good.. See photos below
According to reports, Latter Rain Assembly founder, Pastor Tunde Bakare got a cow and hampers from the presidency as a Christmas gift.
Pastor Bakare said the cow and hampers were dropped at his Save Nigerian Group (SNG) office in Lagos, but he rejected the gift because 'a cow is not what president Jonathan should be giving to people now but a country that works'.
I think someone just waked trouble...
They are so grown up and so cute...
Happy family they are...
The convoy of the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, was Saturday involved in an accident at Ewu village, Auchi-Benin Road.
Reports have it that a vehicle carrying tomatoes and plantain had while overtaking a trailer lost control and ran into the governor’s BMW car which forced into a ditch. The incident was said to have occurred at about 9.45 am.
However, no one was reported injured as a result of the incident.
Thank God no life was lost
Bullets riddled a crowd at an Alabama nightclub over the weekend, according to police.
Rapper Doe B, 22, was among those killed, local media reported.
The gunfire also snuffed out the life of Kimberle Johnson, age 21, police said. The barrage wounded six more people at the Centennial Hill Bar and Grill early Saturday.
Security guards at the club couldn’t stop the shooting, and whoever pulled the trigger apparently got away. Police are searching for suspects and asking for tips on Facebook to help them make arrests. The mayor has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Doe B was born Glenn Thomas, and is from Montgomery, his manager Frank White said. Thomas had recently been on tour. Colorful placards announcing his performances marked the path of his December concert rounds through his state and to Atlanta. He then returned to the club in his home town, where his life was taken. It was not the fist time he had been shot, Billboard Magazine reported. His eye had been wounded in a previous shooting, and he wore an eye patch that had become his trademark.
On the cover of his new album Baby Jesus, a baby is pictured dressed like Doe B with the eye patch and with additional bullet wounds on the left arm. The venue got a reputation with city officials after a shooting there last year, which local media reported. Back then it was called the Rose Supper Club, but it changed its name after the violence.
Some people vented their rage at the club over Doe B’s killing Saturday in all caps on the venue’s old, pre-name-change Facebook page.
“Y’all SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH MURDER,” wrote Brandon King. Montgomery’s mayor shut the club down.
The city had given Centennial Hill repeated warnings, Todd Strange said in a statement. “I believe it is not a matter of ‘if,’ but ‘when’ the next tragic incident occurs at this business,” he said. “That is unacceptable, and that is why we have ordered the business to be closed effective immediately.”
Doe B’s musician friends and compatriots poured out their hearts on Twitter. “He was just getting started…. The future was so bright… I would have told you thank you. Rest in peace,” manager White posted. “Clubs keep lettin guns in the club as if that’s not where we as artists work. We got families to go home to, f— is wrong with y’all,” said artist Machine Gun Kelly.
RIP. Doe B
After just seven months of marriage, one of Nigeria's best comediennes Princess Dammy, real name Damilola Adekoya, has separated from her husband, movie producer/director Adeshola Jeremiah.
The NET reports that the couple started having problems just two weeks after their wedding in May 2013 and officially split a few months ago after a series of efforts to mend the broken marriage failed. Confirming the split, Princess Dammy told Thenet.ng
"Yes my marriage has ended due to irreoncilable differences. We have been having issues since the wedding but we still remained together hoping that we would be able to work it out. But apparently, we couldn’t work it out, hence the reason for our separation. We actually ended it several months ago, but we didn’t want to make it public. I’m sure God knows best"
This brings the question, do this celebrities actually fall in love?
Super Eagles’ head coach Stephen Keshi says the home-based Eagles can improve ahead of the 2014 African Nations Championship holding in South Africa in January.
Keshi said this while speaking with sportswriters at Kpor, the headquarters of Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers after the Eagles drew 1-1 with Gokana United FC, a pro-league club.
The match was part of events used to inaugurate the 8,000 capacity Gokana stadium, built by the Gokana LGA. Keshi said the home-based Eagles needed more time to improve, in spite of not having trained enough for the championship.
The coach also said there was still room for any home-based player to distinguish himself and earn a place in the main Eagles team to the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
He however said the Eagles’ final team list for the CHAN tournament would be unveiled before midnight of Tuesday, Dec. 31.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Barnabas Imenger Jnr. had shot the Eagles ahead in the eighth minute while Daniel Nwosu equalised for Gokana United Speaking on the match, Patrick Nwaja, the coach of Gokana United, praised his team for holding the home-based Eagles.
“We had a few days to prepare for this friendly. If we had had more time, we could have done better.
“But I assure all our fans that we will do well in the pro-league,” he said.
Nwaja also commended the Eagles for the standard of their play in spite of the short period they had to prepare for the match as well as the 2014 CHAN.
Well we have faith...
Pastor Chris Okotie Cosmopolitan preacher and founder of the Household of God Church, Pastor Chris Okotie, has an uncanny predilection for perpetually drawing comparison with Wilson Tagbo, the lead character in Anezi Okoro’s coming-of-age novel, One Week, One Trouble.
If he is not vaunting his perennial, starry- eyed prophesy of ruling Nigeria, he is in the news for his marital woes. And just when it seems the former pop singer-turned preacher was having a breather and a ball with his God and congregation, he launched out again, saying ‘all Catholics will go to hell’.
He added for effect that Pope Francis was anti-Christ. In effect, Okotie straddles with ease the borderline between hair-raising hilarity and bewildering absurdity. Shortly before his castigation of Catholicism, Okotie, we gathered had splashed a whooping N33 million on a Range Rover (Autobiography) 2014.
Perhaps, you could excuse his extravagance. However, as the year winds to an end, the twice-married man of God has given Nigerians another hot button topic to take into the New Year.
Information coming out of his vineyard has it that the 55-year-old Delta State born televangelist just added a Rolls Royce Coupe, the 2014 Bespoke Edition, to, wait for this, mark his 30 years as a born-again Christian and 27 years as a pastor!
The 1984 University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Law graduate reportedly spent N120m on the luxury car.
The busty On-Air- personality and ex-winner of the Big Brother Africa reality TV show, Karen Igho recently took to Twitter to reveal that she has been diagnosed with cancer disease.
Karen has been a victim of Twitter critics. They always blast her on the social network for enlarging her breasts.
But she keeps explaining to whoever cares to listen that she did it because a lump was found in her breast years back.
In her emotion-laden tweet, Karen said, “I have cancer. Are you guys happy? Will be undergoing treatment soon. Lord I commit my life into your hand .I told the whole world about my lump and I get bullied everyday for being truthful.”
Heeyah i kinda feel sorry for her...
The 'I wish' star was spotted at the Headies sporting no less than a short hair do and a trimmer, hotter bod'.
Waje who was also the highest female nominee at the Headies with four nominations. Luck met with her!
Congrats Waje
Diamond Bank PLC, a leading player in the Nigerian Retail banking space, has announced a year-end special draw, under the DiamondXtra Reward Scheme, to reward loyal customers of its DiamondXtra account.
The Draw will hold at the Iron and Building Materials Market, OrileIganmu, Lagos, on Friday, December 27, 2013. At the Year-end special draw, 35 customers would win N1million each, 1 customer will win N2million and the luckiest customer will win Salary4Life (earns N100,000 every month for 20 years). Continue...
Commenting on the draw, Head, Corporate Communications of the Bank, Mrs. AyonaTrimnell said, “The DiamondXtra account is a special savings account designed for individuals who want to build up their savings gradually. It is an interest-yielding savings account which allows the deposit of both cash and third party cheques. In addition, DiamondXtra account holders receive a cheque book and an ATM card with which they can withdraw from their account at any Diamond Bank branch. It is a simple and straightforward savings account that comes with a low minimum opening amount of N5,000.”
The DiamondXtra Reward Scheme is currently the longest running reward scheme in Nigeria. It was launched in July 2008 in a bid to encourage a savings culture and also to reward customers for their loyalty.
The draws are held weekly (every Friday), monthly (every last Friday of the Month) and to mark special occasions as determined by the Bank.
The Salary 4Life is a unique feature of the DiamondXtra account in which Diamond Bank pays the sum of N100,000.00 into the customer’s account every month for the next 20 years.
The draws are conducted through an electronic process approved by the National Lottery & Regulatory Commission and the Consumer Protection Council and which is also verified by the renowned auditing firm, KPMG Professional Services.
Every N5,000.00 deposited by the customer increases the customer’s chances of winning as the winning tickets are chosen by a random draw. Amongst the numerous benefits of running a DiamondXtra account is a free access to all Diamond Bank electronic banking channels like Diamond Online, Diamond Mobile and Diamond Dial. DiamondXtra account holders also enjoy a free life assurance cover of N50,000.
DiamondXtra customers also have access to a secured credit card called the DiamondXtra VISA Credit Card which allows them access to a credit limit of up to 75% of the funds in their account without dipping into valuable savings, hence granting them the privilege of qualifying for the weekly and monthly draws.
To enjoy the benefits of the Reward Scheme, existing DiamondXtra account holders must have a minimum of N5,000.00 (Five Thousand Naira) in their account. Multiples of ₦5,000 deposits increase the customers’ chances of winning.
Since the reward scheme commenced, over 1,000 loyal customers have been rewarded with cash prizes valued at over N2bn in total.
Hmmmm its a cool deal, you ain't loosing anything.
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola has told auto dealers to stop using road sides as showrooms for their vehicles.
Speaking while inaugurating the reconstructed Kodesho Road and Simbiat Abiola Way in Ikeja, Lagos, the governor who also warned other hawkers against selling on the road, said that this was causing traffic gridlock and a lot of inconvenience to road users.
Fashola added that there was a lot of serious health implications if motorists have to stay too long on the road. “We build roads to let us get to our businesses; our places of work quickly and to make movement easier.
“But some residents covert the roads to places they trade and as long as we continue to trade on them, we defeat the purpose for which they were built.
“As long as we turn our roads to shopping malls where everybody buys in traffic, we all pay the price because you all know that such causes stress and hypertension. .
“Now, I see those who sell cars on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way and other areas have turned sections of the highways into showrooms.
“I am using this opportunity to tell them to get land where they can display and sell their cars. If we want to be great people, we don’t turn our highways into car shops”,he said, reports News Agency of Nigeria
Hehehe this is a case of whats good for goose is good for....
A Lebanese factory owner who was kidnapped by gunmen in the north Nigerian city of Kano has been freed after a search, police said on Friday. Police spokesman Magaji Musa Majia said that officers found Hassan Zaid, the owner of the MC Plastics facility, around 08:00 GMT on the outskirts of the city.
He was unhurt and has been re-united with his family, Majia added in an emailed statement. "No arrest has been made yet. [The] investigation is in top gear with a view to arresting the fleeing perpetrators," he said.
Zaid was abducted in the Sharada industrial area of Kano on Monday, prompting police to block exits from the city to ensure the kidnappers could not escape. Five assailants stormed the factory compound and seized Zaid as he got out of his car in the car park, witnesses said. Shots were fired into the air, sending workers rushing inside for safety. A security guard and a female employee were shot and wounded.
Kidnappings for ransom are common in Nigeria, with scores of foreigners, include those from the sizeable Lebanese community, targeted every year.
Happy for him, and cudose to #dempoliceguys
Despite being disowned by the family after the death of Sunny Okosun, Ethel Okosun and organisers of Exquisite Face of the Universe World Finals deemed it fit last week to honour the singer with a tribute performance at the grand finale of the pageant.
At the event, Eazy Okosun, brother of the popular musician got on stage and performed a number of Okosun’s memorable songs including ‘African Soldier’ and ‘Orimolade’ to the toast of the guests. His performance was punctuated with reminiscence.
The Exquisite Face of the Universe world finals took place last Thursday, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos and had over 30 beauty queens from different countries compete for the coveted crown. 19-year-old Miss Dominican Republic, Susan Castano, however, emerged winner of the pageant, walking away with the cash prize of $10,000. Miss Sweden Makda Tewoldeberhan was chosen as the 1st runner-up with a cash prize of $4000 while Miss Brazil, Souza Paula was the 2nd runner up with a cash prize of $2000.
I think its a good turn...
On Sunday night Rihanna's cousin re-posted a hilariously disrespectful meme (viral humorous image) on Instagram featuring Chris Brown & Rihanna.
And instead of overlooking it, Rihanna couldn't resist co-signing. Her reply.
Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has warned that Arsenal are no small team, as he looks forward to a clash between both sides.
Chelsea will take on Arsenal on Monday December 23, 2013 in an English Premier League tie.
Mikel said the stability in Arsenal in the current season is a thing any team should be careful about.
“There has been some stability at Arsenal. And I think people criticizing them for failing to win a trophy have helped too. They have not won a trophy yet but you can see they are heading in the right direction,” Mikel told Premier League Television (PLTV).
The Nigeria international also reserved words of praise for the Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger for staying true to his football ideologies and long-term project in North London. “Arsene Wenger is building something at Arsenal and it’s showing now in the way they are playing and their current position on the league table.
“They have a very good chance of winning the league title but so do we,” he said.
Mikel has made league 10 appearances for Chelsea this season and has scored once for the Blues against Fulham on September 21 at StamfordBridge.
Vincent Enyeama has again been honoured in France as he was adjudged as the best player in Ligue 1 for the month of November. The Super Eagles goalkeeper beat Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the award after racking up 59 percent of the votes cast, compared to the Swede’s 32 percent and Florian Thauvin of Olympique Marseille’s distant 9 percent' Vincent Enyeamss has enjoyed an impressive run of form this season that has seen him concede in only four of his club’s 18 league games this season.
The former Enyimba and Akwa Starlets man was between the posts for Lille when they faced Paris-Saint Germain at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.
December 20th 2013
His Excellency,
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,
GCFR Agbe L’Oba House,
Quarry Road, Ibara, Abeokuta.
RE: BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE
I wish to formally acknowledge your letter dated December 2, 2013 and other previous correspondence similar to it. You will recall that all the letters were brought to me by hand. Although both of us discussed some of the issues in those letters, I had not, before now, seen the need for any formal reply since, to me, they contained advice from a former President to a serving President.
Obviously, you felt differently because in your last letter, you complained about my not acknowledging or replying your previous letters. It is with the greatest possible reluctance that I now write this reply. I am most uneasy about embarking on this unprecedented and unconventional form of open communication between me and a former leader of our country because I know that there are more acceptable and dignified means of doing so. But I feel obliged to reply your letter for a number of reasons: one, you formally requested for a reply and not sending you one will be interpreted as ignoring a former President.
Secondly, Nigerians know the role you have played in my political life and given the unfortunate tone of your letter, clearly, the grapes have gone sour. Therefore, my side of the story also needs to be told.
The third reason why I must reply you in writing is that your letter is clearly a threat to national security as it may deliberately or inadvertently set the stage for subversion.
The fourth reason for this reply is that you raised very weighty issues, and since the letter has been made public, Nigerians are expressing legitimate concerns. A response from me therefore, becomes very necessary.
The fifth reason is that this letter may appear in biographies and other books which political commentators on Nigeria’s contemporary politics may write. It is only proper for such publications to include my comments on the issues raised in your letter.
Sixthly, you are very unique in terms of the governance of this country. You were a military Head of State for three years and eight months, and an elected President for eight years. That means you have been the Head of Government of Nigeria for about twelve years. This must have, presumably, exposed you to a lot of information. Thus when you make a statement, there is the tendency for people to take it seriously.
The seventh reason is that the timing of your letter coincided with other vicious releases. The Speaker of the House of Representatives spoke of my “body language” encouraging corruption. A letter written to me by the CBN Governor alleging that NNPC, within a period of 19 months did not remit the sum of USD49.8 billion to the federation account, was also deliberately leaked to the public.
The eighth reason is that it appears that your letter was designed to incite Nigerians from other geopolitical zones against me and also calculated to promote ethnic disharmony. Worse still, your letter was designed to instigate members of our Party, the PDP, against me.
The ninth reason is that your letter conveys to me the feeling that landmines have been laid for me. Therefore, Nigerians need to have my response to the issues raised before the mines explode.
The tenth and final reason why my reply is inevitable is that you have written similar letters and made public comments in reference to all former Presidents and Heads of Government starting from Alhaji Shehu Shagari and these have instigated different actions and reactions.
The purpose and direction of your letter is distinctly ominous, and before it is too late, my clarifications on the issues need to be placed on record. Let me now comment on the issues you raised. In commenting I wish to crave your indulgence to compare what is happening now to what took place before. This, I believe, will enable Nigerians see things in better perspective because we must know where we are coming from so as to appreciate where we now are, and to allow us clearly map out where we are going.
You raised concerns about the security situation in the country. I assure you that I am fully aware of the responsibility of government for ensuring the security of the lives and property of citizens. My Administration is working assiduously to overcome current national security challenges, the seeds of which were sown under previous administrations.
There have been some setbacks; but certainly there have also been great successes in our efforts to overcome terrorism and insurgency. Those who continue to down-play our successes in this regard, amongst whom you must now be numbered, appear to have conveniently forgotten the depths to which security in our country had plunged before now.
At a stage, almost the entire North-East of Nigeria was under siege by insurgents. Bombings of churches and public buildings in the North and the federal capital became an almost weekly occurrence. Our entire national security apparatus seemed nonplussed and unable to come to grips with the new threat posed by the berthing of terrorism on our shores. But my administration has since brought that very unacceptable situation under significant control. We have overhauled our entire national security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, training, funding, logistical support to our armed forces and security agencies, and security collaboration with friendly countries with very visible and positive results. The scope and impact of terrorist operations have been significantly reduced and efforts are underway to restore full normalcy to the most affected North Eastern region and initiate a post-crisis development agenda, including a special intervention programme to boost the region’s socio-economic progress. In doing all this, we have kept our doors open for dialogue with the insurgents and their supporters through efforts such as the work of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and the Peaceful Resolution of the Security Challenges in the North-East.
You also know that the Governor of Borno State provided the items you mentioned to me as carrots. Having done all this and more, it is interesting that you still accuse me of not acting on your hardly original recommendation that the carrot and stick option be deployed to solve the Boko Haram problem. Your suggestion that we are pursuing a “war against violence without understanding the root causes of the violence and applying solutions to deal with all the underlying factors” is definitely misplaced because from the onset of this administration, we have been implementing a multifaceted strategy against militancy, insurgency and terrorism that includes poverty alleviation, economic development, education and social reforms.
Even though basic education is the constitutional responsibility of States, my administration has, as part of its efforts to address ignorance and poor education which have been identified as two of the factors responsible for making some of our youth easily available for use as cannon fodder by insurgents and terrorists, committed huge funds to the provision of modern basic education schools for the Almajiri in several Northern States.
The Federal Government under my leadership has also set up nine additional universities in the Northern States and three in the Southern States in keeping with my belief that proper education is the surest way of emancipating and empowering our people. More uncharitable persons may even see a touch of sanctimoniousness in your new belief in the carrot and stick approach to overcoming militancy and insurgency. You have always referred to how you hit Odi in Bayelsa State to curb militancy in the Niger Delta. If the invasion of Odi by the Army was the stick, I did not see the corresponding carrot. I was the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State then, and as I have always told you, the invasion of Odi did not solve any militancy problem but, to some extent, escalated it. If it had solved it, late President Yar’Adua would not have had to come up with the amnesty program. And while some elements of the problem may still be there, in general, the situation is reasonably better.
In terms of general insecurity in the country and particularly the crisis in the Niger Delta, 2007 was one of the worst periods in our history. You will recall three incidents that happened in 2007 which seemed to have been orchestrated to achieve sinister objectives. Here in Abuja, a petrol tanker loaded with explosives was to be rammed into the INEC building. But luckily for the country, an electric pole stopped the tanker from hitting the INEC building. It is clear that this incident was meant to exploit the general sense of insecurity in the nation at the time to achieve the aim of stopping the 2007 elections.
It is instructive that you, on a number of occasions, alluded to this fact. When that incident failed, an armed group invaded Yenagoa one evening with the intent to assassinate me. Luckily for me, they could not. They again attacked and bombed my country home on a night when I was expected in the village. Fortunately, as God would have it, I did not make the trip. I recall that immediately after both incidents, I got calls expressing the concern of Abuja.
But Baba, you know that despite the apparent concern of Abuja, no single arrest was ever made. I was then the Governor of Bayelsa State and the PDP Vice-Presidential candidate. The security people ordinarily should have unraveled the assassination attempt on me. You also raised the issues of kidnapping, piracy and armed robbery. These are issues all Nigerians, including me are very concerned about. While we will continue to do our utmost best to reduce all forms of criminality to the barest minimum in our country, it is just as well to remind you that the first major case of kidnapping for ransom took place around 2006. And the Boko Haram crisis dates back to 2002. Goodluck Jonathan was not the President of the country then. Also, armed robbery started in this country immediately after the civil war and since then, it has been a problem to all succeeding governments. For a former Head of Government, who should know better, to present these problems as if they were creations of the Jonathan Administration is most uncharitable.
Having said that, let me remind you of some of the things we have done to curb violent crime in the country. We have reorganized the Nigerian Police Force and appointed a more dynamic leadership to oversee its affairs. We have also improved its manpower levels as well as funding, training and logistical support. We have also increased the surveillance capabilities of the Police and provided its air- wing with thrice the number of helicopters it had before the inception of the present administration. The National Civil Defence and Security Corps has been armed to make it a much more effective ally of the police and other security agencies in the war against violent crime. At both domestic and international levels, we are doing everything possible to curb the proliferation of the small arms and light weapons with which armed robberies, kidnappings and piracy are perpetrated.
We have also enhanced security at our borders to curb cross-border crimes. We are aggressively addressing the challenge of crude oil theft in collaboration with the state Governors. In addition, the Federal Government has engaged the British and US governments for their support in the tracking of the proceeds from the purchase of stolen crude. Similarly, a regional Gulf of Guinea security strategy has been initiated to curb crude oil theft and piracy. Perhaps the most invidious accusation in your letter is the allegation that I have placed over one thousand Nigerians on a political watch list, and that I am training snipers and other militia to assassinate people.
Baba, I don’t know where you got that from but you do me grave injustice in not only lending credence to such baseless rumours, but also publicizing it. You mentioned God seventeen times in your letter. Can you as a Christian hold the Bible and say that you truly believe this allegation? The allegation of training snipers to assassinate political opponents is particularly incomprehensible to me. Since I started my political career as a Deputy Governor, I have never been associated with any form of political violence. I have been a President for over three years now, with a lot of challenges and opposition mainly from the high and mighty. There have certainly been cases of political assassination since the advent of our Fourth Republic, but as you well know, none of them occurred under my leadership. Regarding the over one thousand people you say are on a political watch list, I urge you to kindly tell Nigerians who they are and what agencies of government are “watching” them.
Your allegation that I am using security operatives to harass people is also baseless. Nigerians are waiting for your evidence of proof. That was an accusation made against previous administrations, including yours, but it is certainly not my style and will never be. Again, if you insist on the spurious claim that some of your relatives and friends are being harassed, I urge you to name them and tell Nigerians what agencies of my administration are harassing them. I also find it difficult to believe that you will accuse me of assisting murderers, or assigning a presidential delegation to welcome a murderer. This is a most unconscionable and untrue allegation. It is incumbent on me to remind you that I am fully conscious of the dictates of my responsibilities to God and our dear nation. It is my hope that devious elements will not take advantage of your baseless allegation to engage in brazen and wanton assassination of high profile politicians as before, hiding under the alibi your “open letter ” has provided for them.
Nevertheless, I have directed the security agencies and requested the National Human Rights Commission to carry out a thorough investigation of these criminal allegations and make their findings public. That corruption is an issue in Nigeria is indisputable. It has been with us for many years. You will recall that your kinsman, the renowned afro-beat maestro, Fela Anikulapo- Kuti famously sang about it during your first stint as Head of State. Sonny Okosun also sang about corruption. And as you may recall, a number of Army Generals were to be retired because of corruption before the Dimka coup. Also, the late General Murtala Mohammed himself wanted to retire some top people in his cabinet on corruption-related issues before he was assassinated. Even in this Fourth Republic, the Siemens and Halliburton scandals are well known. The seed of corruption in this country was planted a long time ago, but we are doing all that we can to drastically reduce its debilitating effects on national development and progress. I have been strengthening the institutions established to fight corruption. I will not shield any government official or private individual involved in corruption, but I must follow due process in all that I do. And whenever clear cases of corruption or fraud have been established, my administration has always taken prompt action in keeping with the dictates of extant laws and procedures. You cannot claim to be unaware of the fact that several highly placed persons in our country, including sons of some of our party leaders are currently facing trial for their involvement in the celebrated subsidy scam affair. I can hardly be blamed if the wheels of justice still grind very slowly in our country, but we are doing our best to support and encourage the judiciary to quicken the pace of adjudication in cases of corruption.
Baba, I am amazed that with all the knowledge garnered from your many years at the highest level of governance in our country, you could still believe the spurious allegation contained in a letter written to me by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and surreptitiously obtained by you, alleging that USD49.8 billion, a sum equal to our entire national budget for two years, is “unaccounted for” by the NNPC. Since, as President, you also served for many years as Minister of Petroleum Resources, you very well know the workings of the corporation. It is therefore intriguing that you have made such an assertion. You made a lot of insinuations about oil theft, shady dealings at the NNPC and the NNPC not remitting the full proceeds of oil sales to the of CBN. Now that the main source of the allegations which you rehashed has publicly stated that he was “misconstrued ”, perhaps you will find it in your heart to apologize for misleading unwary Nigerians and impugning the integrity of my administration on that score. Your claim of “Atlantic Oil loading about 130, 000 barrels sold by Shell and managed on behalf of NPDC with no sale proceeds paid into the NPDC account ” is also disjointed and baseless because no such arrangement as you described exists between Atlantic Oil and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company. NPDC currently produces about 138, 000 barrels of oil per day from over 7 producing assets. The Crude Oil Marketing Division (COMD) of the NNPC markets all of this production on behalf of NPDC with proceeds paid into NPDC account. I am really shocked that with all avenues open to you as a former Head of State for the verification of any information you have received about state affairs, you chose to go public with allegations of “ high corruption” without offering a shred of supporting evidence.
One of your political “ sons” similarly alleged recently that he told me of a minister who received a bribe of $250 Million from an oil company and I did nothing about it. He may have been playing from a shared script, but we have not heard from him again since he was challenged to name the minister involved and provide the evidence to back his claim. I urge you, in the same vein, to furnish me with the names, facts and figures of a single verifiable case of the “high corruption” which you say stinks all around my administration and see whether the corrective action you advocate does not follow promptly. And while you are at it, you may also wish to tell Nigerians the true story of questionable waivers of signature bonuses between 2000 and 2007.
While, by the Grace of God Almighty, I am the first President from a minority group, I am never unmindful of the fact that I was elected leader of the whole of Nigeria and I have always acted in the best interest of all Nigerians. You referred to the divisive actions and inflammatory utterances of some individuals from the South-South and asserted that I have done nothing to call them to order or distance myself from their ethnic chauvinism. Again that is very untrue.
I am as committed to the unity of this country as any patriot can be and I have publicly declared on many occasions that no person who threatens other Nigerians or parts of the country is acting on my behalf. It is very regrettable that in your letter, you seem to place sole responsibility for the ongoing intrigues and tensions in the PDP at my doorstep, and going on from that position, you direct all your appeals for a resolution at me. Baba, let us all be truthful to ourselves, God and posterity. At the heart of all the current troubles in our party and the larger polity is the unbridled jostling and positioning for personal or group advantage ahead of the 2015 general elections. The “bitterness, anger, mistrust, fear and deep suspicion ” you wrote about all flow from this singular factor. It is indeed very unfortunate that the seeming crisis in the party was instigated by a few senior members of the party, including you.
But, as leader of the party, I will continue to do my best to unite it so that we can move forward with strength and unity of purpose. The PDP has always recovered from previous crises with renewed vigour and vitality. I am very optimistic that that will be the case again this time. The PDP will overcome any temporary setback, remain a strong party and even grow stronger. Instigating people to cause problems and disaffection within the party is something that you are certainly familiar with. You will recall that founding fathers of the Party were frustrated out of the Party at a time. Late Chief Sunday Awoniyi was pushed out, Late Chief Solomon Lar left and later came back, Chief Audu Ogbeh and Chief Tom Ikimi also left. Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo left and later came back. In 2005/2006, link-men were sent to take over party structures from PDP Governors in an unveiled attempt to undermine the state governors. In spite of that, the Governors did not leave the Party because nobody instigated and encouraged them to do so.
The charge that I was involved in anti-party activities in governorship elections in Edo, Ondo, Lagos, and Anambra States is also very unfortunate. I relate with all Governors irrespective of political party affiliation but I have not worked against the interest of the PDP. What I have not done is to influence the electoral process to favour our Party. You were definitely never so inclined, since you openly boasted in your letter of how you supported Alhaji Shehu Shagari against Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe and others in the 1979 presidential elections while serving as a military Head of State. You and I clearly differ in this regard, because as the President of Nigeria, I believe it is my duty and responsibility to create a level playing field for all parties and all candidates. Recalling how the PDP lost in states where we were very strong in 2003 and 2007 such as Edo, Ondo, Imo, Bauchi, Anambra, and Borno, longstanding members of our great party with good memory will also consider the charge of anti-party activities you made against me as misdirected and hugely hypocritical. It certainly was not Goodluck Jonathan’s “personal ambition or selfish interest” that caused the PDP to lose the governorship of Ogun State and all its senatorial seats in the last general elections.
You quoted me as saying that I have not told anybody that I will seek another term in office in 2015. You and your ambitious acolytes within the party have clearly decided to act on your conclusion that “only a fool will believe that statement ” and embark on a virulent campaign to harass me out of an undeclared candidature for the 2015 presidential elections so as to pave the way for a successor anointed by you. You will recall that you serially advised me that we should refrain from discussing the 2015 general elections for now so as not to distract elected public officials from urgent task of governance. While you have apparently moved away from that position, I am still of the considered opinion that it would have been best for us to do all that is necessary to refrain from heating up the polity at this time. Accordingly, I have already informed Nigerians that I will only speak on whether or not I will seek a second term when it is time for such declarations. Your claims about discussions I had with you, Governor Gabriel Suswam and others are wrong, but in keeping with my declared stance, I will reserve further comments until the appropriate time. Your allegation that I asked half a dozen African Presidents to speak to you about my alleged ambition for 2015, is also untrue.
I have never requested any African President to discuss with you on my behalf. In our discussion, I mentioned to you that four Presidents told me that they were concerned about the political situation in Nigeria and intended to talk to you about it. So far, only three of them have confirmed to me that they have had any discussion with you. If I made such a request, why would I deny it? The issue of Buruji Kashamu is one of those lies that should not be associated with a former President.
The allegation that I am imposing Kashamu on the South-West is most unfortunate and regrettable. I do not even impose Party officials in my home state of Bayelsa and there is no zone in this country where I have imposed officials. So why would I do so in the South West? Baba, in the light of Buruji’s detailed public response to your “open letter”, it will be charitable for you to render an apology to Nigerians and I.
On the issue of investors being scared to come to Nigeria, economic dormancy, and stagnation, I will just refer you to FDI statistics from 2000 to 2013. Within the last three years, Nigeria has emerged as the preferred destination for investments in Africa, driven by successful government policies to attract foreign investors. For the second year running, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Investments (UNCTAD) has ranked Nigeria as the number one destination for investments in Africa, and as having the fourth highest returns in the world. Today, Nigeria is holding 18 percent of all foreign investments in Africa and 60 percent of all foreign investments in the ECOWAS Sub- Region. Kindly note also that in the seven years between 2000 and 2007 when you were President, Nigeria attracted a total of $24.9 Billion in FDI. As a result of our efforts which you disparage, the country has seen an FDI inflow of $25.7 Billion in just three years which is more than double the FDI that has gone to the second highest African destination. We have also maintained an annual national economic growth rate of close to seven per cent since the inception of this administration. What then, is the justification for your allegation of scared investors and economic dormancy? Although it was not emphasized in your letter of December 2, 2013, you also conveyed, in previous correspondence, the impression that you were ignorant of the very notable achievements of my administration in the area of foreign relations. It is on record that under my leadership, Nigeria has played a key role in resolving the conflicts in Niger, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Guinea Bissau and others. The unproductive rivalry that existed between Nigeria and some ECOWAS countries has also been ended under my watch and Nigeria now has better relations with all the ECOWAS countries. At the African Union, we now have a Commissioner at the AU Commission after being without one for so long. We were in the United Nations Security Council for the 2010/2011 Session and we have been voted in again for the 2014/2015 Session. From independence to 2010, we were in the U.N. Security Council only three times but from 2010 to 2015, we will be there two times. This did not happen by chance. My Administration worked hard for it and we continue to maintain the best possible relations with all centres of global political and economic power. I find it hard therefore, to believe your assertions of untoward concern in the international community over the state of governance in Nigeria With respect to the Brass and Olokola LNG projects, you may have forgotten that though you started these projects, Final Investment Decisions were never reached. For your information, NNPC has not withdrawn from either the Olokola or the Brass LNG projects. On the Rivers State Water Project, you were misled by your informant. The Federal Government under my watch has never directed or instructed the Africa Development Bank to put on hold any project to be executed in Rivers state or any other State within the Federation. The Rivers Water Project was not originally in the borrowing plan but it was included in April 2013 and appraised in May. Negotiations are ongoing with the AfDB. I have no doubt that you are familiar with the entire process that prefaces the signing of a Subsidiary Loan Agreement as in this instance. Let me assure you and all Nigerians that I do not engage in negative political actions and will never, as President, oppress the people of a State or deprive them of much needed public services as a result of political disagreement I have noted your comments on the proposed National Conference. Contrary to the insinuation in your letter, the proposed conference is aimed at bringing Nigerians together to resolve contentious national issues in a formal setting. This is a sure way of promoting greater national consensus and unity, and not a recipe for “ disunity, confusion and chaos” as you alleged in your letter. Having twice held the high office of President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I trust that you will understand that I cannot possibly find the time to offer a line-by-line response to all the accusations and allegations made in your letter while dealing with other pressing demands of office and more urgent affairs of state. I have tried, however, to respond to only the most serious of the charges which question my sincerity, personal honour, and commitment to the oath which I have sworn, to always uphold and protect the interests of all Nigerians, and promote their well-being. In closing, let me state that you have done me grave injustice with your public letter in which you wrongfully accused me of deceit, deception, dishonesty, incompetence, clannishness, divisiveness and insincerity, amongst other ills. I have not, myself, ever claimed to be all- knowing or infallible, but I have never taken Nigeria or Nigerians for granted as you implied, and I will continue to do my utmost to steer our ship of state towards the brighter future to which we all aspire. Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration and warm regards. GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN
The ‘X-Factor’ judge caught up with HollywoodLife about her upcoming wedding to Tim Witherspoon, and she revealed that she wants a very small wedding. You’ll never believe why! Kelly Rowland is planning her wedding but it doesn’t sound like it will be a star-studded event.
The singer told HollywoodLife.com that she and Tim Witherspoon want a low-key ceremony, with just their pastor! Kelly Rowland Not Inviting Beyonce To Her Wedding? The former Destiny’s Child star doesn’t have a date set but it sounds like it might just be a three person event! It’s all good, no date, you know I think we just really want it to be us and our pastor. That’s it. I mean we are the only two that’s going to be in the marriage. You have to pay for food for everyone and I’, mot down with that (Laughs). Everyone is there just to be nosy and see who I’m wearing, you know, I’m okay.
HollywoodLife.com broke the explosive news on VH1′s The Gossip Table. Kelly didn’t come right out and say she’s not having Beyonce attend the big day but it definitely sounds like a lot of people won’t be coming!
Hmmmm this people sha
Newly engaged Kelly Rowland attended X Factor Season 3 wrap party in Los Angeles on Thursday wearing this daring plunging strapless dress with a thigh high split. Like Joan River's would ask; Gotta have it or make it stop? What's your take? Lols
The winners of the 2013 Future Awards Africa are:
Young Person of the Year: Ashish J. Thakkar, age 24
Prize in Advocacy and Activism: Orode Uduaghan-Okpu, age 24
Prize in Community Action: Ife Adebayo, age 30
Prize in New Media: Kingsley Ezeani, age 23 Prize in Journalism: Toyosi Ogunsey, age 29 years
Prize in Business: Saeed Jumah, age 28
Prize in Professional Service: Kayode Temenu, age 29
Prize in Agriculture: Precious Peter Nweke, age 31 Prize in Fashion & Style: Aisha Bello, age 24 Continue...
Prize in Arts & Culture: Kenneth Gyang age 27
Prize in Enterprise Support: Ayodeji Adewunnmi, Opeyemi Awoyemi and Olalekan Olude, ages 29, 25 and 29
Prize in Education: Ottoh Oroondam, age 26
Young Media Entrepreneur of the Year: Uche Pedro, age 32
Prize in Entertainment and Talent: O.C Ukeje age 32
Hmmmmm
HER NAME MAY NOT READILY RING A BELL, BUT ENE MILTEX HAS BEEN IN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY FOR A DECADE. SHE HAS FEATURED IN QUITE A NUMBER OF NIGERIAN MOVIES AND EFFORTLESSLY CLINCHED LEAD ROLES IN MANY AS WELL. SHE RECENTLY RELEASED HER OWN MOVIE, TITLED KAHANI. THIS CHARMING ACTRESS TALKS TO LANRE ODUKOYA ABOUT HER CAREER AND MORE
MY RECENT WORKS... Well for now, I am in and out of Abuja, but it is for a personal reason. I am doing some works and I will let you know what it is all about later. That does not mean that I have been out of circulation. I am still working on sets.
ABOUT MY MOVIE, KAHANI... The movie is an innovation. We did it in a different way; it is a deviation from the typical way of making movies in Nigeria. First, we made sure that the viewing experience is subtle and captivating by using state of the art equipment. Even from the story line, we made sure it is something everyone can watch. The story itself is about a village girl who came to the city to look for the man who impregnated her. The name of the movie is the name of a character in it, Kahani. I acted as Kahani and there are other top names that played co-leads as well.
WHO KAHANI REFLECTS... The character was a very kind and emotional person and so am I. In the other aspects, we do not have anything in common. She is so laid back and crude. I wrote the script as well and it was difficult bringing her to life. Even the English she spoke, I made it sound different. It was more like the Liberian English. It was a big task writing the movie and also acting that character.
IN THE FACE OF PIRACY... What can we do? I am a church girl and I believe in God a lot. I don't care what pirates are doing with our movies; what I know is that by the grace of God, Kahani will make its mark. It is selling fast already so I leave the pirates to God. I don't even want to think about them. We should all just move on with our lives.
WHAT FANS SHOULD EXPECT FROM ME... My fans should expect a lot. I have been on various sets in the past months and the movies are not yet out. There is one I can't wait to see. I have not done anything with Chioma Chukwuka before till some months ago. She is such a likable person. We did a royal movie together but it is up to the producers to determine when it will come out. Jibola Daboh and Chika Ike were also in the movie. There are some scripts also waiting for me, but I am taking my time. There are some functions I am very involved with. Some of my friends are getting married and I am helping in the whole planning process.
WHEN MY BELL RINGS... Hmm, that caught me unawares. Before they say, actresses are loose people and they do not get married. Now, we are getting married and people are still complaining. What we do in the movies are just our job and not what we do in real life. Many people are getting to understand that concept now. For me, well, I will say that I am not in any relationship at the moment. But when I was in a relationship, my man was very supportive. He understood the job and knew the person on set was different from the real me. I hope to get married very soon though. When it is about to happen, I will personally let you know.
HOW I GOT INTO NOLLYWOOD... I came to Lagos in 2002. I was in Benue State Polytechnic for a while studying public administration, so, the school went on strike for a while and I did not go back to join them. There was an audition for a talent hunt called 'Who wants to be a Star?' I went for it. It was from there I met names like Chico Ejiro, Obi Osotule, and instantly I got my first job in the movie dubbed, Pastor's Wife. Then my first major hit was 'Love Medicine' with Paul Obazele, Shan George and Kate Henshaw. That was the movie that shot me into limelight.
ABOUT MY CAREER LULL... I went off the scene for personal reasons, but I decided to come back and thank God, the roles are coming.
GROWING UP WAS DIFFERENT I used to be a very tall and skinny. And I had a very distinctive bow leg. I mean you can pass someone through my legs even when they are together. I was troublesome. I also remember something funny about myself. I liked coins a lot. If you gave me paper currency, I would reject it, until you gave me coins. They used to laugh at me then. I was always getting into trouble. No one messed with me. But I was also a sweet kid as a child. I was mummy's pet.
ABOUT MY FOUNDATION... Actually it is my project. I do not like to reveal or talk much about it. Firstly, I am yet to launch it. Secondly, I don't really like the attitude of saying I did this and I did that. It is between me and the beneficiaries. But we will start major works from next year.
DIRECTING MOVIES IS OUT OF MY WILL POWER... Directing no; but I produce. I call my company a movie production consultancy. I am also a script writer and a musician. I want to work more on gospel movies. My music definitely is gospel. I am not in a hurry to release it. Trust Nigerians, when they hear that an actress is releasing an album, they are always critical. I don't want to fall into that category. I am trying to bring out quality music that will glorify the Lord and not just any mediocre job. That is why I am taking my time on that project.
HOW I WARD OFF SCANDALS... That is why I like being on my own. Though I am a lively person, I am very private. I have been keeping to myself all this while. I hardly grant interviews. I think this will be the second or third that I have done this year. So, when less of me is seen except in the movies, what will they write? By the way, I am not saying that I am a saint, but when you do not catch me doing anything, will you say that I have done it? Besides, I don't think I am a bad person. Like I said earlier, I am a church person. I try to be a good Christian. So, I try to leave no room for rumours. It will not bug me if they write negative things about me. Some actresses even go as far as bribing journalists to write bad about them so as to gain popularity. I am far gone beyond that.
I have paid my dues. I may not be the richest or the highest paid actress in Nollywood, but I will not stoop that low. It is a shame what many people do for fame. I am where God wants me to be. Even if I do wrong and they write about it, I will adjust and apologise to my fans, simple. If you are not relevant people will not talk about you. So, I know, tongues will wag, but I am ready for all that. God is by my side. The people they talked about before I became an actress are still there today; they are doing well for themselves.
Hmmmm may her heart request be met, and single guys!!!
Culled from thisday
US-based Nigerian soft-porn star, Judith Opara Mazagwu, a.k.a AfroCandy has bounced back weeks after she was restricted from posting nude pictures on her facebook page by the administrators of the social network.
The mother of two announced her comeback on her facebook page during the week, saying “I was gone for a minute now I am back again…I won’t be posting anymore sexy stuffs here because of the censorship imposed on me by facebook. Even though I am not as explicit as the Hollywood stars are..on the social network.
She also announced launching her own social network site.”For that reason I have created my own socialnetwork; www.afrocandysnetwork.com where I can post whatever I want and feel like,”she said.
Meanwhile, Afrocandy posted some x-rated pictures to show what the website is all about.
Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj is gearing up to celebrate his 10th year in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry come 2014.
The world has watched D’banj grow in his career and it is no doubt that in 2014, the biggest celebration as well as the biggest project is expected to stem out of DMK Media.
Details of the celebration are yet to be disclosed, but insiders say, it is going to be one of the biggest things that will happen to the nation’s entertainment industry in 2014.
This development is coming just a week after the Kokomaster stepped out with Nollywood actress, Genevieve in grand style. They were spotted at the Gulder Club Ultimate party, which held last Saturday, at Oceanview, in Victoria Island, Lagos. Looking dapper in a white shirt, straight cut black jeans and a black waist coat, D’banj drove into the event in a Black Bentley, seconds after Genevieve came in her G-Wagon.
The second season of GCU, which hosted some of the biggest names in the Nigerian entertainment and media industry had the two celebrities partying and enjoying each others’ company throughout their stay at the event.
Meanwhile, in the past 9 years, as a musician, songwriter, actor and businessman, D’banj has written his name in gold, receiving a lot of accolades for his accomplishments.
His name has opened doors for the entertainment industry in the country.
English Premiership hot-shot, Luis Suarez has signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract with Liverpool.
The striker, 26, joined the Reds in January 2011 and has scored 17 goals in 11 Premier League starts this season.
Suarez, whose original deal was set to expire in 2016, will earn around £160,000 until the end of this season and then £200,000 per week over the final four years of the contract. “I am delighted to have agreed a new deal with Liverpool and have my future secured for the long term,” he said.
“I believe I can achieve the ambitions of winning trophies and playing at the very highest level with Liverpool. My aim is to help get us there as quickly as possible.” Suarez’s relationship with leading figures at Anfield has improved significantly since he attempted to force a move to Arsenal in the summer.
The Suarez saga
2011: January – Liverpool agree a deal worth up to £22.8m with Ajax for Suarez
February – Scores on his Liverpool debut as the Reds beat Stoke 2-0
December – The Football Association bans Suarez for eight matches and fine him £40,000 after he was charged for racially abusing Manchester United Patrice Evra
2012: February – Suarez appears to refuse to shake Evra’s hand on his return to Liverpool’s first XI. He goes on to score in the Reds’ 2-1 loss to Manchester United.
August – Agrees a news long-term deal at Liverpool 2013:
April – Receives a 10-game ban by an independent regulatory commission for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in amatch on 21 April
September: Returns from his 10-match ban in a League Cup tie at Manchester United
December: Score twice against Tottenham to take his tally to 17 goals in 12 games for the season.
Lols can't help but laugh at his career line...
Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel believes that his country will do well at the World Cup by riding on the confidence of being reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions.
The Super Eagles won their third African title in February and will go to Brazil 2014 as the first reigning African champions since 2002 when Cameroon held the title and also played at the World Cup.
Nigeria are drawn in Group F alongside perennial foes Argentina, Asian high flyers Iran and debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina. “I think being African champions has given us a huge lift. I think the mentality of the team has changed in the past couple of years, we believe now that we can go into every game and win,” Mikel told Goal while receiving the 2013 Goal Nigeria Player of the Year award.
The Super Eagles already have a foretaste of what to expect next year after this summer’s campaign in the Confederations Cup saw them win against Tahiti and lose against Uruguay and Spain. “If you look at the games we played in the Confederations Cup, we put on a very good performance in all the games. We were unlucky in the game against Uruguay, I think we should have beaten them by four or five. If you look at the game against Spain, we played really well but they just had that little bit of quality to get the goals,” he said.
With Ghana’s quarter final finish at South Africa 2010, the Super Eagles are being touted by their fans to go a place better than their neighbours in Brazil. “I think the Africa Cup of Nations has given us a lot of belief to go into the World Cup - I know we can do well,” Mikel said.
Commenting on the return of manager Jose Mourinho to Chelsea, Mikel said that with time the Blues will begin to win every game. “It’s been good, he’s back,” said Mikel. “We haven’t hit the heights that everyone wants us to hit but there have been changes, he’s come in with a different philosophy but still the mentality that we want to win every game and he is putting that into all the players.
“It’s going to take a bit of time but it’s something we’re working towards. Hopefully we will start to hit our heights soon and be playing consistently well but right now I think we’re in a very good position in the Premier League and the Champions League so if we can pick the standard up even higher I think it will be a very successful year,” he said.Confederation Cup.
The crises currently rocking the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has taken a new turn as the National Alumni Association of the school has accused the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike of unilaterally suspending the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council, Dr. Emeka Enejere without recourse to President Goodluck Jonathan who is the visitor to the institution.
The association also alleged that Wike just a few days after suspending Enejere on December 16, 2013 appointed his (Wike) personal lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Emmanuel Ukala as the Pro-Chancellor of the institution without the knowledge of the President. Addressing newsmen in Abuja Friday, the National President of the Alumni Association, Chief Andrew Oru disclosed that on December 15, Enejere had delivered the report of the council indicting the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barth Okolo of embezzlement of monies estimated between N2 and N3billion.
He said the removal of Enejere happened just a day before council was to meet and adopt the said report adding that no reason was provided.
This he said negates the University Act which says
“...If it appears to the Visitor that the Chancellor should be removed from his office on the grounds of misconduct or of inability to perform the functions of his office, the visitor may by notice in the Federal Gazette remove the Chancellor from office... The Pro- Chancellor shall be appointed or removed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister.”
“A copy of the report now in our possession reveals monumental fraud on the part of the Vice Chancellor. Same investigation has revealed to us that the President of Nigeria who is the Visitor was not aware of the said pronouncement and did not and could not have authorised it.
Further investigations have also revealed that this is not the first time a report on the activities of the said Vice Chancellor by Council or its organs have indicted him of monumental profligacy,” Oru said.
Oru alleged that the VC had been indicted for awarding contracts worth millions of naira without recourse to the tender boards or even councils. The University management, he again alleged had awarded several contracts and paid almost of the contract fees without commensurate performance by the contractors, most of who have passed the stipulated time for the projects’ completion.
The administration, he added, also awarded multiple contracts to some contractors at the same time, which could impede performance and work quality.
He listed several examples and noted that the monies which have been embezzled hover in between N2 and N3 billion.
While past Councils may have kept quiet about the alleged fraud, even though the immediate past council also indicted Okolo, Oru explained that the present council choose not to engage in any cover up after its appointment in April, 2013.
The Association expressed its readiness to seek the reinstatement of Enejere by legal and other means. It appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately order the suspension of the Vice Chancellor to allow for unhindered investigation into the fraud and embezzlement allegations.
Oru disclosed that as at the time of the press conference, Enejere was yet to be formally notified of his removal from office.
For robbing a woman of N50,000 at gun point, the trio of Kayode Babarinde, Akeem Haruna and Yusuf Nurudeen must die by hanging so held yesterday by the Supreme Court.
In a unanimous judgment five justices of the court upheld the concurrent judgment of both the Kwara State High Court and the Ilorin Division of the Court of Appeal. The three convicts were charged before the Kwara state High Court in Ilorin on a two- count charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery contrary to section 97 of the Penal Code and Section 1(2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap. R 11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
They were alleged to have robbed one Mrs Ruth Alabi of the sum of N50,000 while armed with a locally made pistol on 18/8/2007 at Baba Oloya Street, Jebba. Each of the accused persons pleaded not guilty to each count of the charge.
The prosecution called three witnesses and tendered exhibits while the appellants each testified on their own behalf and called no witness. At the conclusion of trial, the high court on 26/9/09 found each of the accused persons guilty as charged on each of the counts. They were sentenced to two years of imprisonment on the count of conspiracy and death by hanging on the count of armed robbery. However, they were dissatisfied with their conviction and sentence and appealed to the Court of Appeal in Ilorin.
The Court of Appeal also dismissed their appeal. Still dissatisfied, they appealed to the Supreme Court. In a lead judgment delivered by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, she dismissed the appeal after finding it to be unmeritorous. She said: "I find no reason to disturb the said finding and conclusions of the lower court. In effect the appeal lacks merit and is hereby dismissed."
So what happens to the big billion thieves who are not even jailed but put on house arrest till case is forgoten?
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