5 days away from u feels like eternity. 'oh Romeo how art thou'?
Thursday, October 31, 2013
BBA Dillish Strikes Killer Pose With Boyfriend Stephen
5 days away from u feels like eternity. 'oh Romeo how art thou'?
ASUU Strike: Police teargas protesting Uniabuja lecturers, disrupt peaceful rally
Clement Chuks, ASUU Chairman, Uniabuja chapter, said the rally was organised to sensitize the public to the level of decay of infrastructure in Nigerian universities.
The heavily armed policemen fired teargas on the demonstrating lecturers, barricaded all entrances leading to the university and prevented other members from joining the rally.
One of the lecturers was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital for treatment after he inhaled the teargas.
Some of the lecturers carried placards with inscriptions "ASUU is fighting for the good future of Nigerian children and the nation,'' "Support ASUU to save university education in Nigeria''.
"Implement 2009 agreement, we do not want to teach under trees again,'' "2009 agreement is the key for producing quality graduates'' among others.
According to Mr. Chuks, the rally is also to draw the attention of the public to the Federal Government's inability to address critical issues surrounding the education sector.
Mr. Chuks stressed the need for the Federal Government to inform Nigerians on the true position of things regarding the strike.
"The essence of the protest is to sensitize the public on government's inability to honour the 2009 agreement; we will continue the struggle until the government says yes to us, stopping our salaries will not solve the problem.
"Our demand is that our universities should be made to compete with others in the world,'' he said.
Mr. Chuks decried the action of the police in the protest.
Commenting on the rally, the Divisional Police Officer, Gwagwalada, Tony Okon, said the presence of policemen at the campus, was to protect innocent citizen against hoodlums.
"Shooting of teargas was to prevent hoodlums from joining the protest so that they do not take advantage of the situation and cause any damage,'' Mr. Okon said.
(NAN)
Things not to do in the office - READ
1. Sound
- Keep your voice low when talking to others.
- Ensure your mobile phone is on silent or on low volume.
- Avoid irritating ring tones e.g. a baby crying
- Don't use the speaker phone/speaker dial when you have others around you.
- If you want to listen to music-use headphones-don't hum to the tune.
- Be aware of distracting noises such as popping your chewing gum, slurping your coffee,
chomping on food, constant clicking of a pen.
- Stop spreading gossip or even listening to it.
- Don't discuss your break-up with your boyfriend or awful mother-in-law for all to hear.
2. Space
- When entering a colleague's work area-announce yourself and ask if you may "come in".
- "Prairie Dogging" or peeking over the divider to chat to your colleague is unprofessional and a
distraction to others around you. Don't hang a tie, jacket, bag over the cubicle wall.
- Ensure your desk is respectfully decorated. Don't display potentially offensive pictures/slogans/coffee mugs. Keep family pics to a minimum and leave the fluffy toys at home.
- Maintain your workspace neat and tidy-its an extension of your personal brand. The excuse of "I know where everything is"-does not cut it any more.
3. Smell
- Keep fragrances to a minimum. Don't be known as the "Aramis" guy or the "Red Door girl".
- Practise great personal hygiene-especially if you are a smoker or suffer from excessive sweating.
- Avoid eating smelly foods at your desk e.g. chips, curry, garlic bread.
Always keep breath mints on you.
- Beware of taking your shoes off under your desk-even though you may think that nobody can see you, those around you will definitely smell sweaty feet.
At all times remember that when working in an open plan area you need to create a balance between being accessible to your colleagues and maintaining boundaries when you need to focus on work. It's about treating others with the same respect and consideration you'd like to be treated with – this is a sure way to maintain a harmonious workspace.
Culled from News24
Mike Adenuga to chair Peter Okoye and Lola Omotayo’s wedding
According to NET, Mike Adenuga has confirmed that he would be the chairman of the event.
It has also been reported that comedian Gbenga Adeyinka 1st and TV host Helen Paul have been selected to anchor the event.
Arrangements are said to be in top gear as Peter is leaving no stone unturned to make the day an unforgettable one. It is also indicated that only a few celebs will be invited for the wedding.
On August 6, 2013, Peter proposed to Lola in a grand style, presenting her with a brand new Range Rover Evoque, a bouquet of flowers, a hand written sign and a stunning diamond ring.
The couple have two children together – four year old Cameron and nine months old Aliona.
Culled from DailyStar
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Nollywood Actress, Janet Atayero Oluseye Is Dead
Janet, who got married just a year ago, to Olalekan Oluseye, died at the age of 32 on Wednesday 23th of October, 2013.
The member of Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioner (ANTP), Ibadan chapter was with the Ojopagogo movie caucus in Ibadan until her death.
She was said to have complained of pains on her foot and couldn't walk with it for months and subsequently her condition deteriorated even though she was treated in the hospital and with some spiritual measures.
However, Janet Atayero Oluseye didn't survive and was buried in Lagos, the same day she died.
Jonathan writes Reps, presents 2014 budget Nov 12
In the letter read by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, the President sought to be allowed to present the estimates on November 12.
Part of the letter read, "I write to crave your kind indulgence to grant me the slot of 12:00 noon on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 to enable me to formally address a Joint Session of the National Assembly on the 2014 Budget.
"While thanking the Honourable Members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the constancy of their support, please accept, Rt. Hon Speaker, the assurances of my highest consideration."
However, Ihedioha, who presided over Tuesday's sitting, also read the riots act to standing committees of the House over their slow pace of work.
He directed them to submit their oversight reports on the 2013 budget to the House on Thursday.
The House had adjourned twice since September to give the committees enough time to conclude their oversight visits to ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
Lawmakers had said that they would use the reports of the oversight as a guide in considering the 2014 budget.
Members only reconvened on October 22.
But, on Tuesday, Ihedioha disclosed that only 10 out of over 90 standing committees had submitted the reports of their findings on budget performance.
He warned that the leadership would be forced to name any committee that failed to produce its report by Thursday.
In a related matter, a member from Edo State, Mr. Rasaq Bello-Osagie, complained that the House was being portrayed in bad light by committees that failed to execute assignments referred to them.
Punchng
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
ASUU Strike: Beg government not lecturers, ASUU tells Nigerians
Nasir Fagge, National President, Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has urged Nigerians to prevail on the Federal Government to honour the agreement it signed with the union, to bring the union's four-month-old strike to an end.
Mr Fagge told the News Agency of Nigeria, that Nigerians should stop appealing to the union to call off its strike.
Mr Fagge stressed that rather than prevailing on ASUU to call off the strike, Nigerians should look at its demands and see their relevance to national development.
"Why is it that when issues like this come up, Nigerians will start begging ASUU to call off strike in the interest of the children and the country in general, rather than prevailing on government.
"I want to state here that we have a lot of respect and appreciate the concern of all Nigerians who have prevailed on ASUU to reconsider its stand and call off the strike.
"But sincerely, I think if people really care about this country and want to move it forward, they should refocus their thinking to government and prevail on them to implement the agreement and then we can start from there.
"The National Assembly had in the time past appealed to us to bend over and we did in the interest of the country– while negotiations lasted– but look at what is happening now", he said.
The ASUU president noted that when the union embarked on strike in 2011 over the same demands, the same appeal came from concerned Nigerians, with the assurance that the matter would be looked into urgently and its demands met.
He said that because of the need to respect the views of these Nigerians and to keep the system going, the union called off the strike and that, unfortunately, nothing was done about it.
"We shall no longer be coerced into calling off the strike and returning to classes because the last time we had such a strike was in 2011– when I was the Vice-President– and two years after, we have embarked on another strike over the same issue.
"I think as a nation, there is need for us to try and do the right thing by way of extracting commitment from our leaders because we cannot continue this way".
"Our system is getting bad every day to the extent that when we go out with our certificates, it no longer commands the respect it ought to, and that is why we must do all we could to re-engineer the system".
"You know that if products from our universities continue to study with little or non-existent infrastructure in place, as it is obtained today, they will fail to deliver and the entire responsibility falls back on our shoulders", Mr Fagge said.
According to him, ASUU is committed to delivering on its mandate in order to produce students who are well-equipped.
He noted that it was on this premise that Nigerians must prevail on government to do the right thing once and for all.
"Everyone knows that our universities cannot compete, even with universities within Africa, let alone those in the larger world".
"Today, we witness brain drain from the system on the part of lecturers, thereby exporting values to other countries' economy".
"We should ask ourselves why Nigerians before now did so well abroad in different fields of endeavour and these are products from the same system that currently produces graduates who are largely seen as unemployable".
"We must show commitment and be proactive in addressing the rot in our university system, so that at the end of the day, our products will be able to compete favourably with their counterparts in other climes", he said.
The ASUU boss then appealed to the Federal Government to implement the agreement in order for the country to move forward.
The union embarked on what it described as "total, comprehensive and indefinite strike" on June 30, shutting down all public universities across the country.
(NAN)
Monday, October 28, 2013
See Mercy Johnson in Action - PHOTO
APC Tells Jonathan To Stop Protecting Oduah
While stating that the scandal and how it was handled was a test case for the Jonathan Presidency, the APC said it was appalled by the manner the President has handled the matter thus far.
"It has now emerged that the money spent on the cars was not appropriated, which is a violation of the Nigerian constitution; that due process was not followed in buying the cars, as the Bureau of Public Procurement has testified, and that the minister, who was said to have approved the purchase , violated the law by approving an expenditure over the N100m limit", the APC statement signed by interim National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, read.
"These revelations make the Oduahgate a straightforward case that should have been summarily dealt with by the President. Instead, he has engaged himself in rigmarole by setting up a diversionary administrative panel in what is now looking like an orchestrated ploy to buy time, hoping this issue will die down and the minister will escape being sanctioned.
"Unfortunately for Mr. President, Oduahgate is not just another scandal, but a referendum on his administration's fight against corruption, and on the legacy he intends to leave in this critical area."
The APC said the President showed disdain to the Nigerian people by flying to Israel with the Minister in the first place.
"The egregious act of putting the minister on his(Jonathan) entourage, at a time she is at the centre of a terrible scandal, calls to question the President's sense of propriety and his commitment to the war against corruption."
"We now understand why corruption has grown wings under the Jonathan Presidency, and why the administration may well go down as the most corrupt in the country's history," the APC said.
"My Stature Created So Many Opportunities For Me" Paw-Paw
See excerpts below:
You are one of the favourite faces in the Nollywood, but recently, it seems you have diverted a title bit or kept a low profile. What really prompted this?
No, I don't think so. What do you mean by I kept a low profile? That shows you have not fully been following the movie. Have you been to Alaba for a while now? (…laughs) Maybe you have not been watching some movies lately.
Do you ever query your mum why you have this stature?
Why should I do that, my parents are not God. I don't have to worry her over that. I believe if she knows, she might have tried to do something about it. I know she must have been furious about it when she discovered that I am of small stature, but I feel good because what is supposed to be a burden to her and the entire family is now a blessing. I am happy and my family is happy as well.
How has this name and stature brought you fame?
I thank God in every situation and place I found myself. The moment I discovered that this is the way I am, I asked myself what was the next thing to do, but the spirit in me said I should remain focused. The secret is that I don't see myself as short until when people draw my attention to it. I have come to realise that it is not by size and it requires that I will definitely get my own portion. It is always good to know who you are and where you are coming from. Some people don't really know who they are and it is good to communicate with God to discover yourself. If you don't have a close relationship with Him, you won't be able to identify who you really are. You need to see yourself as an important personality. Being a peculiar person attracts people to me and I have never looked inferior due to my stature, it has rather turned my disability into 'This ability' and it has helped me a lot. I give thanks to God for giving me this wisdom that enabled me to think on what to do at the right time. Opportunity is like a boy without a parent or guardian; it means you can jam it anywhere, especially when you come out from your comfort zone. My look or stature created so many opportunities for me.
The emergence of Aki and Pawpaw gave the movie industry a new face, both of you usually command attention, it even got to a stage movie is not complete without showcasing Aki and Pawpaw. What do you feel with this development?
No doubt, Aki and Pawpaw gave the Nollywood another name because of the peculiar nature of the actors coming together in the movie world. Our coming together in the industry created another perception of how people view and relate with people with a small stature. We came to break the barrier and correct the wrong impression and stigma placed on us. We were able to state clear that no matter your disability, you can still make it in your life time. You have the right to do what you wish irrespective of your environment or discriminations. And with the grace of God, we did it and through this, we have been able to educate a lot of people.
But it seems the intimacy is not what it used to be, considering the rumour doing the rounds that Aki had dumped you for his wife. What do you see to this?
Getting married is not a big deal. It is a good move for a man to wake up one morning and say he wants to get married. I don't think we will have any barrier in our closeness or relationship. I don't know why the rumour is doing the rounds that we have parted ways. You know people like to make news out of what is not. If we were not in good terms, would I be his best man?
But you guys no longer live together as before?
Yes. We were living together before, but we had to re-adjust our bachelor life since he is married. As a matter of fact, we visit each other.
How did you feel when that woman suddenly came to snatch him away from you?
A bachelor must have it at the back of his mind that one day a woman will come in and take charge of the house.
Considering the intimacy, people thought you guys would also make a record by knotting the tie same day?
(…Laughs) God has a way of doing things and since God wants it that way it will definitely happen.
It seems you are enjoying your bachelor life?
I am enjoying my life. You know everyone has the right to enjoy life, either bachelor or not, that is why we are here.
People, especially your fans, can't wait to see you get married?
It is a good thing. I am inviting all and sundry for a day like that and I know they will all come.
When exactly should they look to?
Is that what we are talking about now? We are talking about political issues in the country; you have to secure your life first before you can talk about all these things. We are talking about the way forward. When you get the way forward then you will now build future for the children.
What is your take on the emerging nude films being produced?
That is what I was saying. A lot of people came into the industry to do all sorts with the mindset of making waves by all means. It is after one gives them a hand that you see them going naked all in an attempt to become a star. To me, it is uncalled for. You don't have to show the size of your boobs before people know that you have penchant for acting. We are warning them, especially those girls and the directors that want to use the industry as a medium to flaunt their bodies. We are taking necessary steps to stop whoever wants to tarnish the image of the association.
You are speaking authoritatively; have you also dreamt to become the next president of the association?
No. I have not thought of that, but if tomorrow comes, I can go. For me, I always nurture the idea to lead my people. It might not be Nollywood.
Are you comfortable with the governance of President Jonathan?
Fine; I am comfortable with it, but you know when you are in governance, there are lots of challenges and oppositions I think so far, President Goodluck Jonathan has been doing well. Take a look at the power sector. He is making sure that Nigerians enjoy electricity and other things. At the same time, he still faces other political issues on the new and the old but all these lies on the aspiration of the Nigerian youths. The problem is that the new generations are no more asking questions and it is until we begin to ask questions that our leaders will begin to think right. The Nigerian dream we are talking about is the youths.
How is the experience like with your being close to the president?
He is the president and we are the subjects. I don't think it is a bad idea to be closed to my President.
Even your intimacy with his children?
If you are closer to a president's child, that means you are close to the president too. His children are still in their tender age. If you are close to me now you will be close to my family as well. To me, it is a great privilege to be close to the commander in chief of the most popular black nation. It is an honour and I feel very proud to have such opportunity. The experience has been awesome and interesting because it is a big open family.
Nigeria's 5 Worst Dressed Celebrities?
A best dressed person is someone who is perfectly styled, decently dressed, someone who has charisma, captivating look, has a very good combination and most importantly the dressed most fits you.. Even if you are wearing cheap material you still make the dress look expensive..
Best dressed is totally different from being fashionable… Being fashionable is the combination of good or bad or crazy or weird materials together just to make you unique. You can be fashionable by looking crazy or weird but can't be best dressed looking crazy or awkward..
So here are the list of worst dressed celebrities in no particular order:
1. Rukky Sanda : She's an actress, I'm sure you know her right.. She's got the best body but she doesn't dress spectacular but always careless with her dressing.. Do you guys still remember the nip slip and also the tight leggings showing her crotch?
2. Modenine: As long as I am concerned, the rapper still remains the worst dressed Nigerian rapper. He's a very good and talented artiste but being talented doesn't necessarily transcend into your dressing.. Modenine is one artiste that wears big blazers to an award show in a hot weather.
3. Denrele: Denrele is one of the most fashionable people… He's not best dressed he's just got the taste and eyes for fashion.. The Crazy looking guy is far from being best dressed but he's got a fashion statement that makes him standout and unique.. Looking like Denrele does not make you a best dressed but a worst dressed.. No parent would allow his or her child to grow up and look like Denrele *lol*
4. Mercy Johnson: She still remains the sexiest nollywood actress, but in terms of dressing; it is a no no. She's one actress that don't know how to put it together despite her hourglass shape..
Mercy Johnson is one of worst dressed actress but one of the most talented actress ever..
5. Charly Boy: Area father still remains worst dressed celebrity of all time, he's a legend and he started this weird and scary look even before we know who is Denrele.. Charly boy is totally
fashionable but still remains the scariest worst dressed celebrity of all time.. At some point I thought he was gonna change his dress sense cos he's a grandfather, he has grown up kids oooo. We love area father but not his dressing..
Source: Tosinsilverdam
Sunday, October 27, 2013
"Why I Beat My 14-Year-Old Daughter To Death" - Nigerian Soldier Tells His Side Of The Story
Unless by divine intervention, John Udin, a retired soldier may likely spend the rest of his life in jail if he doesn't go to the gallows for clubbing his 14- year old daughter, Glory to death.
John 72, from Jesse, Warri in Delta State was discharged from the Nigeria Army in 1999 as a corporal. He has 11 children from three wives. Two of the wives and seven children are in Jesse, while he resides at 28 Adewale Street, Iba New Site, Ojo, Lagos with the youngest wife, Comfort and four children in a two-room apartment.
Last Tuesday, what started as minor family quarrel turned fatal. On that fateful evening, while Comfort, Glory and the three other children were preparing for evening church service, it was alleged that John came to the front of their compound and sat down. As his family members wanted to leave for church, it was further alleged that he blocked the entrance and said they won't go because they lack the character of good Christians.
According to John, his daughter Glory, a secondary school student didn't have an iota of respect for him. "Whenever I tried to counsel or advise her as a beloved father, she would make ignoble and despicable signs to show an extreme disdain and contempt she has for me. These are the things she copied from her mother.
"Some times she would go to another family's house to sleep or she did something not of good report, when I tried to caution her, she would talk to me or demonstrate with a sign that shows an utter contempt."
As John prevented them from going to church, he accused Glory of making the same derogatory sign to show her contempt for him. This was said to have provoked the ex-soldier who dragged Glory to their bedroom where he allegedly beat her with a nail-studded plank.
According to Comfort, her husband didn't allow their daughter any medical assistance.
"I went and called a nurse who came and started treating her. When she was not improving, my husband took her to a hospital where she died" Comfort said.
Glory died last Sunday five days after the incident.
In an interview< John in a sober mood, wondered why he should kill his own daughter and heaped the blame on Satan.
"I am not crazy to give birth to a child and at the same time kill the child. I don't have mother or father, my children are everything to me. So why should I kill her? My intention was to hit the plank on her back for her just to receive the pain and nothing more but it landed on her forehead.
"When my wife went and reported the matter at the police station, I didn't wait for the police to come and arrest me. I went to the police and submitted myself to them. That will show that I didn't have the intention of killing my dear daughter. If I meant to kill her as my wife is accusing me of, I would probably run away or went into hiding."
On what that type of dangerous weapon was doing in his bedroom, John said that he is a security man and that was one of his tools to defend himself and attack robbers. He accused his wife of encouraging Glory the way she was misbehaving.
His wife, who by her name, should be providing comfort for him is now calling for the full weight of the law to be visited on him.
"He deliberately killed my daughter and so he should also be killed the same way", she declared. On how he met Comfort, John said that Comfort's father though late was his friend and also a retired soldier.
According to him, after his disengagement from the military, he took his two wives and seven children to his village, Jesse. After staying at home for a while, he said life at the village didn't suit him and so opted to come back to Lagos, but his wives and children said they were not going with him and preferred to stay in the village.
" It was when I came to Lagos and started visiting Comfort's father, my friend by then he was still around and I started going closer to Comfort and one thing led to another and she became pregnant.
REVEALED: President Jonathan Working Hard To Protect Aviation Minister, As Both Share Same Hotel In Jerusalem
Investigations show that Mrs. Oduah was listed as one of the 54 officials that traveled within the inner circle of the President to Israel. President Jonathan however gave her the permission to travel ahead of the delegation 24 hours early under the guise that she would be signing the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Israel. As it turns out, the BASA agreement is not due for signing until October 29, following which Mr. Jonathan will depart for Nigeria.
Mrs. Oduah is also one of the ministers listed to follow the President to a meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas in the Occupied Palestinian territory, also on October 29.
Since arriving in Israel, Mr. Jonathan and several officials, including Mrs. Oduah, have occupied the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, and she has had direct access and regular meetings with the President.
Our reporters have seen her many times at meetings. An attempt by a student journalist to interview her was rebuffed as Mrs. Oduah claimed the student was a SaharaReporters journalist seeking to put her into more trouble.
Since arriving Israel, President Goodluck Jonathan has employed the services of Senator Emmanuel Paulker from his home state of Bayelsa to reach out to lawmakers to chill the ongoing investigations.
The Nigerian Senate is reportedly in alignment but the House of Representatives is seen to be a bit more aggressive, which was the reason Mr. Jonathan decided to set up a "probe panel" that would slow down the situation so that Mrs. Oduah can keep her job.
A Presidency source also revealed that President Jonathan has little regard for the probe going on at the House of Representatives, calling them "hungry people." The implication is that they can easily be bought with money. The source said Mrs. Oduah would most likely ignore the House aviation committee subpoena for Tuesday next week
In all, the Nigeria delegation in Israel is said to be over 800 officials, which means it is considerably larger than the delegates that travelled with Mr. Jonathan to the 68th United Nations General Assembly last month, as was reported by SaharaReporters.
Among them our reporters stated that there are at least 11 governors, 8 deputy governors and 14 Ministers.
The governors include Gabriel Suswam of Benue state, Godswill Akapbio of Akwa Ibom, Liyel Imoke of Cross Rivers, Martin Elechi of Ebonyi, Theodore Orji of Abia State, Peter Obi of Anambra, Jonah Jang of Plateau and Emmanuel uduaghan of Delta State. The Bayelsa State governor whose whereabouts has been mystery is expected to join the train later tonight.
In addition to Mrs. Oduah, the Ministers are Jumoke Akinjide, (minister of state for FCT), Godsday Orube (Niger Delta), Olubolade (Police Affairs), Nyeson Wike (Education), Labaran Maku (Minister of information), the minister of Trade and investment and Fiancnae minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala are also expected to join later.
It would be recalled that the presidency announcement of the visit by spokesman Reuben Abati last Tuesday listed only Senator Paulker; the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Akinwunmi Adesina; the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe; the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen; the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Prof Viola Onwuliri; and the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki as the officials accompanying President Jonathan.
Punch
Army arrests ex-colonel who led Yobe Boko Haram attacks
A retired lieutenant colonel, who was said to have led the Boko Haram attacks on Damaturu, Yobe State, on Thursday was arrested by security forces during the encounter.
The retired army officer is being detained at a military facility.
It could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report if he has been moved to Abuja for interrogation or not.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim, had put the casualty figure on the part of the insurgents at 70 in a statement that was silent on the number of soldiers killed in the attack.
It was however, learnt that nine soldiers including a lieutenant and four policemen lost their lives in the attack.
"The retired lieutenant colonel was properly discharged from the Army and it was a big surprise when he was arrested and identified by those who knew him as a former officer," an Army source said.
It was further learnt that the attack on security formations in Damaturu was to avenge the seizure of a truck containing military uniforms and arms by security forces.
The truck was seized last week when the driver objected to a search of the vehicle and he tendered a memo purportedly from the Defence Headquarters directing that the truck should not be searched.
The driver and other passengers were detained and the truck was impounded and parked at the Police Area Command, Guija Road, Damaturu, when the army camouflage and weapons were found inside it.
Reports have it that members of the sect are holding a medical doctor who was abducted while on duty at the Sani Abacha Hospital during the Thursday attack.
They also carted away drugs that were in the pharmacy of the medical facility and took away two ambulances belonging to the Damaturu General Hospital.
Security operatives are said to be looking for the doctor who is feared to have been taken to one of the enclaves of the sect in the North-East.
A security source said on Saturday that the Boko Haram members might have taken away the drugs for the purpose of giving medication to injured fighters of the group while the medical doctor might have been seized for the purpose of rendering medication to their injured members.
Meanwhile, the military on Saturday relaxed the 24 hours curfew imposed on Yobe State to nine hours.
Culled from Punch
Comedian AY shoots first movie featuring Vivica Fox and Ramsey Nouah
The movie which was shot in two countries â€" Atlanta US and Nigeria also features Richard Mofe Damijo, Desmond Elliot, Ramesy Noah, Rachael Oniga, Omoni Oboli, Ada Ameh as well as Ghollywood actors Juliet Ibrahim and Majid Michael.
According to the comedian-turned-producer, he plans to conclude shooting at the end of October 2013.
Culled from NET
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Power Shift To North Not Negotiable In 2015 - Northern Leaders.
Northern Elders are not prepared to back down on the North's demand for the presidency in 2015,spokesman for the group, Professor Ango Abdullahi has said.
"There is no going back on the presidency returning to the North in 2015, and that has remained our position," he told The Nation on the outcome of the last weekend meeting of the Northern Elders Forum.
Professor Abdullahi accused the President of playing politics with the proposed national conference.
"As far as we are concerned, all this talk about national conference is political and geared towards 2015. It is also becoming clear that the only card on the table of Mr. President is ethnicity or religion. We are waiting to see how this will work in his favour," he said.
But he explained that the North is not in any way against the conference.
His words: "The Northern Elders' Forum met last weekend and we generally agreed with the direction of the North on the National Conference. And we said why not? The point we tried to make is what kind of conference?
"This is because we have had all sorts of conferences in the past from 1914 to date. All the reports of these conferences are there in the Government House. The Northern Elders' Forum wondered what kind of conversation, dialogue, or conference that would be different from the ones we have had before.
"We agreed that the only thing that will make the proposed conference significantly different is when it is sovereign. What needs to be done is to suspend the current 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly to pave the way for a peoples' conference. The National Assembly should vacate itself to enable the sovereign conference to take place.
"I am particularly surprised that those who have always wanted a sovereign conference are now backing out and for whatever reason, I cannot say. While the Northern Elders' Forum may be at home with the proposed conference, as we have always maintained that we are ready for any kind of conference, I still maintain that we either have a sovereign conference or nothing else. Without that, we had better manage the system as it is. Otherwise, the proposed conference will be a mere talk shop and a jamboree."
Two planes collide at Lagos airport
Saturday PUNCH learnt that the Turkish Airplane had landed safely but was taxiing to stop at the airport's apron when its wing collided with that of Max Air.
The collision resulted in minor damages to both airplanes and sources said they had been taken away for repairs.
An online newspaper said the Spokesman, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Fan Ndubuoke, confirmed the incident. He however said damages to the aircraft belonging to both airlines were minor and that both planes had been taken away for repairs.
A similar incident occurred last year in Jos, Plateau State, when an Arik plane wings brushed an Airforce jet parked at the apron when the plane was taxiing to stop. There was also no casualty in the incident but only damages to both planes.
Punchng
I feel bad my dad didn’t send me to school – Salawa Abeni
Was it because of your health issues that you titled your latest album 'Recovery'?
Oh yes. It was basically because of it. Thank God I am very okay now.
We learnt you had stroke. How true is that?
I don't know where people got the stroke story from. My father didn't die of stroke. My mother is still alive even at 96 years. People are just peddling rumours.
But what was the problem with you, what were you diagnosed with?
My blood pressure was very high. I think it started when I lost my son 13 years ago. He wasn't my only son. But then, no matter what, if you have 10 fingers and you lose one, you will feel the pain.
Were you not aware that your blood pressure was rising?
No. I wasn't aware. It was five years ago that I found out. But this particular sickness that got me down, I wouldn't know where it came from because I performed that Friday. I went to meet colleagues at Fantasy Land (Lagos). We wanted to do a collaboration for (Barrack) Obama's inauguration. I was dressing up for the show. I was about to tie my gele (headgear). The person that ties my headgear was doing it. I wanted to tell her that the scarf was too tight for me. I raised my hand and suddenly, I found out that I couldn't make use of my right hand again.
Did it get better?
No. So I had go to my mother's place. She called a local masseur to massage the hand for me. They used candle to rub on the hand. Thereafter, I still went back for the show.
Oh, you did? Even with the hand like that?
Oh yes. In order to exercise the hand, I told my driver to sit beside me so that I could drive. I drove from Ijebu Ode to Lagos. Eventually, I went to the hospital. My doctor checked my BP and said it was a little bit high. He told me I needed to rest. The late Dr. Ayinde Barrister, my dad (that was what I used to call him), came to my house. But that was after I had called him. I saw him and I started crying.
Why did you start crying when you saw him?
It was simply because I couldn't stand to welcome him. He spent so many hours with me. He told me I shouldn't worry that I would be fine. I knew I wasn't feeling fine. From my neck down to my legs were dead. My brain was functioning very well. I didn't sound sick on the phone.
Why didn't you travel abroad?
I did. But before then, my aunt took me to a hospital in Lagos. They couldn't find out what was wrong with me. I did so many tests. But I wasn't getting better. That was when I had to go to London with my daughter.
Did you get any better in London?
Not really. I left London for Paris.
Were you able to pay for your hospital bills on your own or did you get help from the public?
I had a lot of money in my account. But I spent all my money. I got the phone numbers of some high personalities in the country. They were able to render their assistance. The Lagos State government helped me as well. Some people started dodging my calls. Some people said I was lying concerning my ill health. Some would give you excuses. Some would say they gave me money the other day so I shouldn't expect another. I know when I get my career back, I would be okay.
Are you fully recovered now?
I am okay. But I really want my career to bounce back. That will make me happy.
But don't you think you should leave your career and rest for a while?
I am okay. Even my doctor in Paris still told me that I needed to rest. The last time I saw him, he asked me, 'Salawa, you are still singing?' I told him that my country is not like his country. If you don't work, you won't feed. Who will I call again? Some people will give me once, then will give me the second time reluctantly and then, the third time, they would tell you in black and white that they are not giving you again.
Kollington Ayinla is the father of your kids. Did you reach out to him when you were ill?
He heard. Our son told him. He called me immediately and asked me why I was sick.
Did he eventually come to see you?
Four months later, during Ramadan, I was in my aunty's house, he called. He said he just saw it in the papers. I asked him why he couldn't even call his son to ask how I was. Two months after, he came. He also called a couple of times.
But did he render any form of financial assistance?
Hmmmm. No comment.
You always say you trained your kids all the while you were separated from him. Was it your choice to train them or he didn't bother helping out?
That is the way God wanted it. It is difficult to train one child let alone four of them. Then, I could wear one particular attire to perform at 10 or more events. I never owed their school fees.
Would you say you have lived a happy life?
Life is about ups and downs. At times, people will be happy and at times, they will be sad. I only thank God for my life. I am happy with my kids and fans. I am happy that I was sick and I came out of it. If you had seen me then, I am sure you would also thank God for my life. I love singing. That is my talent. Nobody taught me to sing. This is all I know how to do.
You started singing in 1974…
Yes. I released my first album in 1977. I titled it In Memoriam. It was in memory of our head of state, Murtala Muhammed, who was killed. I didn't grow up with my mother. I grew up with my guardian. My mother was seriously sick for 15 years. My dad didn't want me to sing. He noticed that I was different from all his other children. Later on, he gave his consent.
Was it because of music that made you not to go higher than primary education or was it financial constraints?
During my own time, my dad didn't believe in women going to school. It was my guardian and my headmaster that made sure I schooled up to Primary Six. They wanted me to at least get to that level so that I could be able to write my name in future. But what I cannot do, my children can do now. I cherish education. At times, I feel bad that my father didn't allow me to further my education but then again, I also remind myself that you might read all the 'Cambridge' and you would still be nothing.
Were you able to get your master tapes from the family of the late Lati Adepoju, the music promoter you had a son for?
No. Lati died in January 2000 while my son died in October 2000. Demola (Lati's second son) told me that his daddy said that anytime I asked for my master tapes, he should give them to me because they are my property. Before Lanre died, they brought five tapes.
Were they just five?
No. they brought five out of 15. I travelled to Canada and I saw Demola. I asked him about my master tapes. He told me that I should open an account.
For what?
He said their father left a flat for Lanre. He said he would be paying in the rent of Lanre's flat into the account. I told him I didn't need it and it was my master tapes that I needed most. He said I would need the money. He told me I could give the money to the motherless.
Did you eventually open the account?
When I wanted to open the account, he said the tenants weren't paying the rents. The more I remember Lanre's death, the more I feel so pained.
How did he die?
He died in a motor accident. He wasn't the one driving. I had a driver who had been driving me for seven years. They went to Ilorin. The accident happened on their way back from Ilorin.
How was Lanre's relationship with his step siblings?
The remaining children are Kollington's. I didn't give any room for division. They loved one another. There was never a problem. The other three saw Lanre as their brother.
Was it your fault that you broke up with Kollington?
If I open up the chapter of my relationship with him, I am not sure it would take less than three pages.
Why didn't you remarry after you broke up with Kollington?
I tried but it didn't work out. I wanted to. I love children. I had the intention of having more children.
Did you encourage them to have cordial relationship with their fathers?
I never turned the children against their fathers. Anytime they had to go to Kollington's house, four of them would go there. When they had to go to Lanre's father's house, all of them would go as well.
How easy was it while you were married?
I came from a polygamous family and God took me to a polygamous family. Where would I start from? Is it the day we ate or the days we didn't eat? I would use my iro and buba to make the clothes for them and tell them not to let their step siblings know that the clothes weren't new. But in all, I thank God.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Mary J Blige and Tiwa Savage Reunite
Mary J Blige stopped mid-way through her performance to acknowledge Tiwa's presence in the audience then recounted the tale of how they met and worked together, before inviting the "Eminado" singer onstage to join her. The reunion of the talented songbirds was one of the highlights of the successful concert…
Keshi laments non-payment of seven-month salary
The 51-year-old tactician who recently clocked two years in charge of the country's senior football team claimed that he is facing this ill-treatment for the first time since he took up coaching as a professional career several years back.
"The lowest point of my career is working and not being paid for seven to eight months, I have never had this kind of experience before. In Mali, they will never owe you; your salary will hit your account before the end of every month. It was the same thing in Togo," he told newsmen in Abuja.
"Owing me up to seven months makes me feel I am not being appreciated, it is like they think I am being favoured in what I am doing. I am not being favoured. Whatever I am doing here, I am doing it with everything I have and I need to be respected to be given my pay.
"I don't like discussing about money issues and if there is any NFF member who said we can work for free, then I will want to speak with him face to face. If they say we can work for free and that they are not going to pay, so be it. I can't have my family abroad and I will be in debts because I have not been paid for seven months and somebody is saying we should not complain," concluded Keshi.
Culled from Goal.com
Two American sailors kidnapped by pirates in Bayelsa
A US-flagged C-Retriever owned by American oil servicing company Edison Chouest Offshore was attacked on Wednesday off the city of Brass, said AKE, a London-headquartered private security firm.
US defence officials in Washington, who requested anonymity, confirmed the details.
The US Navy and the Marine Corps had not yet received orders to intervene, two US defense officials told AFP.
An official at AKE's Lagos office said this was the first reported kidnapping of US nationals around the oil-producing Niger Delta region in at least two years.
The official, who requested anonymity, said the same area was attacked by pirates earlier this week, but that there appeared to have been no increase in naval patrols operating in the area.
Police spokesman Alex Akhigbe in Bayelsa state, where Brass is located, told AFP he had no details on the raid.
Nigeria's Navy was not available to comment.
The kidnapping of foreigners working in the oil sector was once a common occurence in the delta.
Abductions declined dramatically after a 2009 amnesty deal with rebels in the region, but they have spiked again in recent months.
Oil servicing ships have repeatedly been hit around the Gulf of Guinea, which includes the waters off Nigeria, Togo, Benin and parts of Ghana.
Sailors of varying nationalities have been taken hostage, but typically released days or weeks later. Most analysts say that ransoms are paid in such cases, but the companies involved and Nigerian officials rarely comment on payments to kidnappers.
In a report released last month, the Risk Intelligence security firm said pirates in the gulf have increasingly sought to rob international vessels over the last two years.
There are signs that the region's pirates have become bolder and developed more sophisticated attack methods, the report said.
The Lagos-based AKE official, citing recent attack patterns, said the raid on the American-owned C-Retriever was likely carried out by gunmen on board two or three speed boats, with four attackers on board each boat.
The US navy, along with forces from Britain, Spain and The Netherlands last week conducted a joint training exercise with Nigeria's navy to curb piracy in the region.
Nigeria is Africa's top oil producer, generating some two million barrels per day from onshore and deepwater fields in the Niger Delta, which falls along the Gulf of Guinea.
Culled from Information Nigeria
National Assembly set to intervene in FG-ASUU face-off
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, gave indications that the National Assembly would be disposed to approving budgetary intervention in order to resolve the face-off between Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Nigeria Universities, ASUU.
ASUU has been on strike since July 1, following the failure of the government to meet their demands as enunciated in an agreement both parties entered into in 2009.
Receiving a brief from the House Committee on Education, led by its Chairman, Aminu Suleiman, the Speaker appealed to both government and the Union to sheathe their swords and resolve their differences in the interest of the nation and students.
Mr. Tambuwal said the National Assembly was prepared to offer budgetary intervention should the need arise in order to resolve the problems, which he said had lingered for too long.
"Let me use this opportunity to appeal to both the Executive arm and the authorities of ASUU to, please, quickly resolve the problem. And if there is need for any appropriation, the House will expeditiously assent to it in the interest of our students and the nation," the Speaker said.
Also on Thursday, the House mandated its Committees on Police Affairs, Federal Road Safety, and Justice to jointly investigate the desirability of the Biometric Central Motor Registration, BCMR, by the Nigeria Police Force, NPF.
This was sequel to a motion brought by a lawmaker, Hassan Saleh and 26 others, asking the lower legislative chamber to stop the police from introducing the BCMR.
The police had announced, recently, that it would introduce BCMR, which, according to it, would help in containing terrorism, kidnapping and car theft.
By its takeoff, all motorists, tricycle and motorcycle owners would be required to pay N3, 500 to the force.
Leading the debate on the motion, Mr. Saleh said that measures that would enhance security of lives and property ought to be welcomed, but noted that the police's latest venture was unnecessary.
He added that government owed Nigerians the sacred duty to protect them from any form of exploitation.
"While Nigerians are grappling with how to come to terms with the high cost of obtaining the new drivers licence and renew their old number plates whose cost is on the high side, the Nigerian Police pretends to be unaware that the FRSC is presently collating biometrics details of all motorists in the country," he said.
Adopting the motion, the lower legislative chamber expressed concern that the police were only seeking to duplicate what the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) was already doing.
Though it noted that the new policy was laudable, especially in the area of crime fighting, the House concluded that the police could not jæåustify its plan to commence the scheme.
Happy 28th Birthday To Wayne Rooney! [@WayneRooney]
We wish you LLnP...!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Three confirmed dead in Lagos Cholera outbreak
Three people have been confirmed dead in an unusual wave of cholera outbreak that has hit Lagos State, the Health Commissioner, Jide Idris, has said.
Mr. Idris said that the worst affected areas in the state include Apapa, Ajegunle, Surulere, Oshodi, and Lagos Island.
Of the 13 reported cases, three deaths have been confirmed, Mr. Idris added.
Details later…
Update: Oduah jets off to Israel as Jonathan sets up panel to investigate N255 million car scandal
President Goodluck Jonathan has set up a three-member administrative panel to investigate the armoured car scandal involving aviation minister, Stella Oduah.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, stated this while briefing journalists after the weekly meeting of the Executive Council of the Federation.
The three-man panel is to be chaired by the immediate past Head of Service, Sali Bello. Other members include the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, and Dik Iruenebere, an Air Vice Marshall.
Mr. Abati also confirmed PREMIUM TIMES' earlier report that the president has queried Mrs. Oduah and asked her to provide explanations on the controversial purchase.
He said the new panel of enquiry is to investigate whether the procurement of the vehicles for about N255 million followed due process or not. The panel is also to look into the main reasons for procuring the vehicles.
PREMIUM TIMES had reported how the two armoured BMW exotic cars were bought outside budget provisions, and in violation of procurement processes.
The spokesman said the panel has two weeks to conclude its task and would give the President the necessary advise on the matter.
Mr. Abati did not state if the minister would step aside while she is being investigated, although Mrs. Oduah was conspicuously absent at Wednesday's FEC meeting.
"President Goodluck Jonathan has taken the initial step of asking the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah for explanations and that is in public domain.
"But also President Jonathan has also today taken a step further … by setting up a three-man administrative panel of inquiry.
"This panel has the assignment to investigate whether the procurement process with regards to this armoured vehicles follow due process," he said.
Mr. Abati said the three-man panel is also to find out the purpose for which the vehicles were procured and to "inquire into any other instrumental matter".
He added that "the secretariat of the panel which is expected to submit its reports within two weeks will be provided by the office of the NSA."
No sacred cows
Mr. Abati also said nobody would be exempted from the panel's enquiry.
"Let me assure you that President Jonathan will like to assure the general public that nobody no matter how highly placed will be shielded or exempted from this inquiry that he has directed and that appropriate action will be taken against any person or persons who maybe found guilty of misconduct or misappropriation of public funds either in this respect or in any other respect," he said.
"Indeed Mr. President considers this very a weighty matter and that is not true as some people have been alleging that no action has been taken."
When asked whether the minister would step aside while the panel carries out her investigation, Mr. Abati said, "well, I have just announced to you what I was asked to announce that a panel of inquiry has been set up, this panel will address all the relevant questions and advise Mr. President accordingly within two weeks".
He said there was still good news in the aviation sector following Nigeria's very good outing at the 38th General Assembly of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and how Nigeria was unanimously chosen as a sole candidate for the presidency of ICAO coming up in November.
"When the election is conducted, the candidature of Dr. Olumuyiwa Babatunde Aliyu is rectified, he will become the first African, first Nigerian President of ICAO which is a major positive for Nigeria," he said.
The Israel trip
While Mrs. Oduah is expected to submit her response to the query before President Jonathan returns from his Wednesday evening trip to Israel, PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the aviation minister is already in Israel.
Mr. Jonathan is travelling to Israel on a Christian pilgrimage and a state visit; and Mrs. Oduah is not officially listed on the President's team that includes other ministers like those of agriculture and foreign affairs.
We learnt that Mrs. Oduah was scheduled to be on the delegation but was dropped because of the car scandal. Her initial membership of the delegation was because aviation issues would be some of the most important topics of discussion between the Nigerian delegation and its Israeli counterpart. Mr. Jonathan is also expected to sign a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with the Israeli government as part of his state visit.
Mrs. Oduah's spokesperson, Joe Obi, did not pick calls or respond to text messages on the reason for the minister's trip to Israel.
ASUU Strike Will Be Over In Few Months - WIKE
The Minister of Education, Mr Nyesom Wike stated this at the anniversary lecture of National Universities Commission, NUC, in Abuja.
The minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Macjohn Nwaobiala, reiterated Federal Government commitment in resolving the ongoing strike of ASUU.
According to Wike, "The Federal Government is very concerned about the state of public tertiary institutions in the country. The Federal Government is really worried about the ongoing strike of ASUU and the strike would be resolved in a few months."
Professor John Daniel in his paper presentation titled, 'Turbulent and Testing Times for Global Higher Education: Lessons for Nigeria', said "online teaching and learning is now part of the future of most universities. Nigeria should be very good at this because without embarrassing you by pressing the point, I note that your country, through 419 scams, is a world leader in the use of the internet for less desirable purposes."
He said higher education all over the world is facing lot of challenges that included youth unemployment and the current changes in the university system.
"These are indeed turbulent times, not only for United States of America but also for much of higher education globally", he said.
A former Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Jubril Munzali, in his goodwill message, said the education sector for 21 years have been under funded and the significant increase in the funding of tertiary institutions were done through the struggle of ASUU.
He blamed the Federal Government lingering crisis rocking the nation's university system.
He said it is time Federal Government listened to its agencies and allow NUC perform its statutory role and fund universities based on the advice of its agencies like NUC.
"Successive administrations in the country never paid adequate attention to university education". He said the Federal Government process of direct funding of universities, have over the years resulted in mismanagement of the funds allocated to the institutions.
Source: Vanguardngr
Atiku, Others Sign Petition To End ASUU Strike
The petition launched on change.org, a go-to site for web protests, is asking President Goodluck Jonathan and the National President of ASUU, Dr. Nassir Faggae, to reach an "amicable consensus."
In the petition entitled, "Mr. President and the Academic Staff Union of Universities: Please End the ASUU Strike now," the petitioners said the Presidency should stop playing politics with education of the Nigerian youth.
The petition read in part, "Since the ASUU strike began, it has been over half a semester, a lot in the life of students waiting at home, not knowing when the strike will be over. The future of Nigeria is at stake. Stop playing politics with education.
"It is urgent we send a message that it is long past time for the FG and ASUU to reach consensus and get students back to school by ending this strike."
A majority of non-students who appended their signature to the petition noted that they joined the online protest with a view to crying out to ASUU and the FG to consider poor students whose parents cannot afford the luxury of sending them overseas to study like the sons and daughters of political office holders.
Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, joined other students and concerned Nigerians clamouring for a speedy end to the crisis rocking the higher education sector.
Atiku, who featured the link to the petition signing website on his Twitter handle, wrote, "We should never play politics with education. Our future depends on it. It is time for the FG and ASUU to reach a consensus and get students back to school by ending this strike."
An Abuja-based post-graduate student in one of the public universities in the country, Mubarak Jubrin, expressing his dissatisfaction, wrote: "I am stuck with a semester to finish my Master's programme. The FG should be doing everything possible to rescue the one institution left that is working towards producing better human beings who will shape the future of our dear country."
Noting that prolonged shutting down of public universities is a dangerous omen for the society and development of the nation, a Kaduna-based student, Tarik Abubakar, also said Nigerians students were being denied their rights to education.
"Students in other countries are enjoying their rights to education. I am pleading with the FG and ASUU to settle their issue and call off the strike," Abubakar stated.
A Nigerian student studying at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, Godspower Onwudiwe, lamented that the industrial action paints a bad picture of Nigeria on the international scene.
Onwudiwe stated, I feel so sorry for my beloved country because these incessant strikes are a barrier to her general development. Also, as a student in the Diaspora, it paints a very pitiful and shameful picture on our international identity.
"I cannot wait to not only see this strike end but also the end of future strikes to the detriment of the future of this generation and our country at large."
Jemima Gana, who was moved to sign the petition because she believes that the status quo needs to change as the prosperous future of Nigeria depends on quality education, which is being threatened by the strike.
Gana, who according to the information she provided on the site, is based in Lagos, said Nigerian students need a stable learning environment devoid of strikes for them to be able to compete globally.
"It is so important to me because it is high time the FG took the value of education seriously and in high regard. Students in Nigeria need a stable environment to acquire knowledge and graduate on time in order to contribute their skills to the growth and development of this great nation," she wrote.
Source: Punchng
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
BREAKING: Jonathan sets up three-member panel to probe Oduah’s N255 million car scandal
President Goodluck Jonathan has set up a three-man administrative panel to investigate the armoured car scandal involving aviation minister, Stella Oduah.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, stated this while briefing journalists after the weekly meeting of the Executive Council of the Federation.
The three-man panel is to be chaired by the immediate past Head of Service, Sali Bello. Other members include the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, and Air Vice Marshal Dik Iruenebere.
Mr. Abati also confirmed PREMIUM TIMES earlier exclusive report that the president had queried Mrs. Oduah asking her to provide explanations on the controversial purchase.
He said the new panel of enquiry is to investigate whether the procurement of the vehicles for about N255 million followed due process or not. The panel is also to look into the main reasons for procuring the vehicles.
Mr. Abati did not state if the minister would step aside while she is being investigated. Mrs. Oduah was conspicuously absent at Wednesday's FEC meeting.
The spokesman said the panel has two weeks to conclude its task and would give the President the necessary advise on the matter.
More details later…
Bad governance behind poverty in Nigeria – Ezekwesili
Ezekwesili described the country as an African paradox with the land rich in natural resources but a large percentage of her citizens poor.
The former World Bank Vice President for Africa said bad governance, which had manifested through corruption, was responsible for the poor economic performance of the country.
Ezekwesili, who spoke on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 2013 Port Harcourt Book Festival in the Rivers State capital, observed that Nigeria had been unable to translate the huge natural resources at her disposal to the improvement of her citizens' living standard.
She said that 69 percent of over 100 million Nigerians were living within the poverty bracket
She said, "Nigeria is perhaps the best known example of the African paradox. It is a country which has struggled with the development process over the last 53 years of her independence.
"As the 6th largest producer of oil in the world, it has earned more than half a trillion dollars in oil export since the discovery of that commodity in the South-South region of this country where we are gathered today.
"Unfortunately, the massive revenue from oil has been a source of enormous sorrow to citizens due to poor government by our political elite over the many decades since its discovery."
The ex-minister added, "Nigeria has therefore tragically failed to translate her rich resource endowment to improvement in the standard of living of her citizens hence we today have 69 percent of over 100 million of our citizens in the poverty bracket, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics.
"The poor governance or its more virulent manifestation, public corruption, is of course the fundamental reason for Nigeria's poor economic performance despite our globally acknowledged economic potentials to have become not just one of the largest economies of the world, but in fact, one of the most prosperous of those countries.
"There is no better saying of the governance failure in our nation than the relatively unchanged structure of the economy of Nigeria since our independence; and it is the rapid change of the structure of an economy that determines the level of economic growth, development and prosperity that would happen. In our case, it has remained relatively unchanged."
Ezekwesili lamented that while Asian economies had experienced significant growth in economic prosperity, countries in Africa had failed to develop economically.
She expressed the need for African countries to search for other sources of development in order to improve the poor.
"At 48 percent of the continent's population surviving on a mere $1.25 a meal, it is urgent that the economies of Africa should find new sources of growth to the present crop of the poor," Ezekwesili added.
Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi said his administration would soon construct a N3bn administrative village.
"We are building a Creative Village at present and it is going to cost N3bn. In the village, there will be a public library, a theatre and a cafe, among other facilities," he said.
Amaechi said the public library was part of the government's effort to promote the reading culture in Rivers State, adding that Shell has promised to contribute to the funding of the project.
Reasons you should start eating cucumber
Rehydrates body
If you are too busy to drink enough water, eat the cool cucumber, which is 90 per cent water. It will cheerfully compensate your water loss.
Fights heat inside and out
Eating cucumber will get your body relief from heartburn. Apply cucumber on your skin and you will get relief from sunburn.
Eliminates toxins
All that water in cucumber acts as a virtual broom, sweeping waste products out of your body. With regular eating, cucumber is known to dissolve kidney stones.
Replenishes daily vitamins
Cucumbers have most of the vitamins the body needs in a single day. Vitamins A, B and C, which boost your immune system, also keep you radiant and give you energy. Make it more powerful by juicing cucumber with spinach and carrot. Don't forget to leave the skin on because it contains a good amount of vitamin C, which is about 12 per cent of the daily recommended allowance.
Supplies skin friendly minerals
Cucumber is high in potassium, magnesium and silicon. That is why spas abound cucumber based treatments.
Aids digestion and weight loss
Due to its high water and low calorie content, cucumber is an ideal source for people who are looking for weight loss. Use cucumbers in your soups and salads. If it is not your favourite snack, you can eat crunchy cucumber sticks with creamy low fat yogurt dip. Chewing cucumber gives your jaws a good workout and the fibre in it is great for digestion. Daily consumption of cucumbers can be regarded as an aid for chronic constipation.
Revives the eyes
Placing a chilled slice of cucumber over puffy eyes is a clichéd beauty visual, but it really can help reduce under-eye bags and puffiness due to its anti inflammatory properties.
Fights cancers
Cucumber is known to contain secoisolariciresinol, lariciresinol and pinoresinol. The three lignans have a strong connection with reduced risk of several cancer types, including ovarian, breast, prostate and uterine cancer.
Cures diabetes, reduces cholesterol and controls blood pressure
Cucumber juice contains a hormone which is needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin, which is widely spread to be beneficial to diabetic patients. Researchers have found that a compound called sterols in cucumbers can help decrease levels of cholesterol. Cucumbers contain a lot of fibre, potassium and magnesium. These nutrients work effectively for regulating blood pressure. That is why cucumber is good for treating both high blood pressure and low blood pressure.
Refreshes the mouth
Cucumber juice heals and refreshes diseased gums. Get a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for a half minute. The phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing unpleasant breath.
Smoothes hair and nails
The wonder mineral, silica, in cucumber makes your hair and nails shinier and stronger. The sulfur and silica in cucumbers help to stimulate your hair growth.
Promotes joint health, relieves arthritis and gout pain
As cucumber is an excellent source of silica, it promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissues. When mixed with carrot juice, cucumber can relieve gout and arthritis pain by lowering levels of the uric acid.
Cures hangover
To avoid a morning headache or hangover, you can eat a few cucumber slices before going to sleep. Cucumbers contain enough B vitamins, sugar and electrolytes to replenish many essential nutrients and reduce the severity of both hangover and headache.
Keeps kidneys in shape
Cucumber lowers uric acid levels in your body and is thought to keep the kidneys healthy.
Punchng
TRAGEDY: Ailing Actor, Pa Kasumu Is Losing His Voice And Sight
It was revealed a few weeks back that he is seriously ill and now it has been disclosed that his health is gradually deteriorating.
According to reports by Encomium Magazine, he now has a high level of hypertension and has also developed an advanced cerebrovascular disease, a medical condition that is related to brain dysfunction which affects the blood vessels that transports blood to the brain. This new development not only see him losing his left eye, but his memory and speech are gradually being affected.
Niece to the veteran actor and coordinator of the Save Pa Kasumu Group, Mrs Idowu Olajide, spoke on the recent development and Governor Fashola's promise. She said:
"As it is now, the situation is very disturbing. He has lost his voice but we believe with God, all things are possible. Governor Fashola directed him to First Cardiologist Hospital Ikoyi and the result from the test has been sent to him.
We really appreciate the governor's step, it's in the right direction. But he hasn't said he would give Pa Kasumu N12million as been peddled and we have not received any money from him. So, we are still appealing to all the good-hearted Nigerians to come to the aid of Pa Kasumu because whether or not he is flown abroad, the ailment needs serious maintenance which will cost a lot of money".
EXCLUSIVE: Jonathan queries Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, over N255m armoured cars
President Goodluck Jonathan has queried the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, demanding a detailed explanation from her concerning the allegation that she arm-twisted an agency under her supervision, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, to buy her two armoured cars for N255 million, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report today.
In a memo marked "Restricted", and written on a State House letterhead, Mr. Jonathan directed the embattled minister to provide him a detailed report on the procurement of the controversial bullet-proof cars, especially the cost, procurement processes and other issues relating to the transaction that have been raised by the media.
"The president is really angry at the disgrace that this shameful episode has brought upon his administration that is already hated by millions of Nigeria," said a presidency source who has seen the memo sent to Mrs Oduah by the president. "The president has queried her as a way of following due process. He wants her to state her own side of the story in black and white.
"The president hardly feels this angry over an issue. I can tell you that except he has a change of mind, Oduah is a goner already."
We gathered that the president asked the minister to respond to the query, dated October 21, before his arrival from Israel, where he and some governors and ministers are expected to perform this year's pilgrimage.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media, Reuben Abati, was not available to comment for this story. Repeated calls to his mobile telephone did not connect Tuesday night. An aide said he had been busy preparing for the trip to Israel with the President.
The spokesperson for Minister Oduah, Joe Obi, could also not be reached. He did not answer or return calls. So also was Yakubu Dati, the coordinating General Manager for Public Affairs for the aviation agencies, who has been defending the minister since the scandal broke.
However, an aide of the minister confirmed Mrs Oduah received the query on Monday and has been scrambling to put together a convincing explanation for the president.
"I can tell you that they have been cooking up explanations they believe will assuage the President," said an aide who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak on the matter.
"They are trying to destroy evidence as well. The sensible thing would have been for the president to suspend her before launching an enquiry. Now she is still in charge and at liberty to destroy evidence."
The key issues the President wants the minister to explain are the allegations she inflated the cost of the cars while also violating the 2013 Appropriation Act and the Public Procurement Act in the acquisition of the controversial cars.
She also has to convince the president that she did not by her action violate a number of Nigeria's anti-corruption laws.
We had authoritatively reported that the multimillion contract was never listed or approved in any government budget as required by law, neither was it openly advertised or bided for.
The contract was also not listed in the budget of the NCAA, the agency compelled by the minister to make the purchase; and was not listed by the Federal Airport Authority, FAAN or Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA.
The ministry's own budget too, had no plan to purchase any car for the minister, or other officials this year.
Spending public funds on unbudgeted projects attracts three years in jail and a fine of N100, 000 the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences law stipulates.
Also, contracts involving public funds without due procurement processes- basically open advertising and bidding- draws a minimum of five years, and a maximum of 10 years in jail, the Public Procurement law says.
Mrs Oduah had reportedly compelled the NCAA, to buy the two BMW 760LI armoured cars for her.
Her media assistant, Joe Obi, confirmed the procurement of the cars, claiming the agency bought the vehicles to protect the minister from "imminent threats" to her life.
The confirmation attracted outrage from Nigerians, especially anti-corruption crusaders and opposition politicians, who did not only demand her sack, but also called for an immediate investigation into the matter by the nation's anti-graft agencies.
According to them, the transaction did not go through the procurement process neither were the vehicles budgeted for. They also claim that the cost of the vehicles might have been massively inflated.
Lagos lawyer and activist, Femi Falana, wrote the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, last Friday, demanding the minister's resignation and an immediate investigation by the commission, failing which he would head for court to compel the Commission to do so.
Another anti-corruption group, Anti-Corruption Network, ACN, headed by a former member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, also gave Mrs Oduah 72 hours to refund the N255 million used to purchase the cars. The group also threatened to sue her.
Other groups that called for the minister's head include the Conference for Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, Say No Campaign Nigeria, SNCN, and Centre for Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC.
Mrs Oduah had reportedly made desperate moves to suppress the matter since it blew open by reaching out to some influential individuals and socio-cultural groups, including Aka Ikenga to mount a campaign that she was being victimised for stepping on the toes of some influential forces in the aviation sector.
She was reported to have also reached out to some media organisations to help checkmate the attacks on her.
Besides, she tried unsuccessfully to seek audience with Mr. Jonathan.
On Tuesday, a day after the president's query was issued, the NCAA made further attempts to save the minister.
Mr. Dati insisted in a statement Tuesday that due process was followed in the purchase of the vehicles for the minister.
He also claimed that those calling for Mrs Oduah's head were doing so with the aim of preventing Mr. Jonathan from contesting the 2015 presidential election.
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