Saturday, 9 March 2013
Photos-Genevieve,Omotola,Karen & others @the AMVCA Awards pre-party
Jonathan fires Maina, but silent on pension boss’ prosecution
The Senate had asked the president to fire Mr. Maina and order his prosecution for his alleged role in a N195 billion pension fraud. The lawmakers also accused Mr. Maina, an assistant director in the ministry of interior, of snubbing its repeated summons.
In a statement on Friday, the Customs, Immigration and Prison Pension Office, CIPPO, said Mr. Maina was removed as the Director of CIPPO.
Mr. Maina, who headed the office, will be replaced by Olabisi Jaji, while Elizabeth Zenetimi, will serve as the deputy director. The directive took effect March 4, the statement said.
Mrs. Jaji was the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics in the Federal Ministry of Environment, while Mrs. Zenetimi, worked as a former Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
The president had earlier ordered the Head of Civil Service of the federation, Isa Sali, to sanction Mr. Maina.
Friday’s decision closed one chapter of a controversy that raged for months between the senate and Mr. Maina. But the government has yet to respond to the call for Mr. Maina’s prosecution.
I won’t tolerate killing of security agents anymore –Jonathan
President
Goodluck Jonathan on Friday warned that his administration would no
longer tolerate wilful killing of security operatives in any part of the
country.
He also vowed not to withdraw soldiers
attached to the Joint Task Force deployed in troubled parts of the
country until normalcy returns to the affected areas.
Jonathan spoke at a town hall meeting
in Maiduguri as he concluded his working visit to Borno State, which has
remained the centre of activities of members of the fundamental Islamic
sect, Boko Haram, that have been responsible for bombings in northern
part of the country.
My highest paying customer is a Nigerian –Queen Elizabeth’s tailor
 |
| Karl Dunkley |
Shirt
maker and owner of Grosvenor Shirts Limited, Karl Dunkley, was recently
awarded the Royal Warrant by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. This
makes him the Queen’s official tailor. In this interview with JULIET BUMAH, he talks about his art
What’s the process of shirt making at Grosvenor?
We start with a range of classic shirts
but increasingly we become more uptown, more interesting and more
unique. We first of all start about a year ahead with designing of the
clothes. Then we make a whole range of a collection – very limited
edition. So there would only be 10 to 12 shirts designed for only one
store and potentially they could be the only 12 in the world because
they could just be uniquely made for that store.
How long have you been in this business?
I have always been in the clothing
industry; I started working at Harrods when I was 16 and I worked my way
through different things before ending up in the clothing business.
How did you break into the Nigerian fashion industry?
Nigeria came about because of my factory
in the UK. We have our own boutique in Mayfair, just off New Bond
Street. Before then, we were in Selfridges, we always had a lot of
Nigerian customers. I think the shirts are more appreciated by Nigerians
than other nationals.
Mikel, Moses’ best yet to come – Garba Lawal
Atlanta ’96 gold medallist Garba Lawal says Nigerians have yet to see the best of the Chelsea duo of Mikel Obi and Victor Moses.
The former international, who hailed the
winning performances of the players at the South Africa 2013 Africa Cup
of Nations, believes they could explode to a higher standing at future
competitions.
Lawal, a versatile player in his heyday,
urged the Eagles to take every match of their Brazil 2014 World Cup
qualifiers seriously, saying bagging a ticket to play at the
championship could present Mikel and Moses as well as other players who
distinguished themselves in South Africa an opportunity to showcase
their talents.
Panic grips PDP over govs’ threat to join APC
:
The
Peoples Democratic Party has begun desperate moves to prevent governors
elected on its platform as well as its members from carrying out their
threat to defect to the newly formed All Progressives Congress.
This follows indications that no fewer
than 12 PDP governors as well as many of the party’s members in the
national and state assemblies and its 36 state chapters were being wooed
by APC chieftains.
Some of the governors had told PDP
leaders last week that they would leave the fold in protest at the
disdain which President Goodluck Jonathan and the party leadership had
shown for them.
Saturday PUNCH learnt that the
PDP had moved to stop a mass defection by embarking on a sudden
reconciliation drive, to stop estranged members from defecting to the
APC.
The three major political parties that
merged to form the APC are the Action Congress of Nigeria, All Nigeria
Peoples Party and the Congress for Progressive Change.
Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, is also involved in APC.
The panic within the ruling party was
responsible for the hurried formation of the PDP Governors Forum, which
came few days after the opposition governors announced the formation of
the Progressive Governors Forum.
Momentum Gathers As AMVCA Holds Today In Lagos
Though in its maiden edition, the awards, going by the feelers around, may finally be the Africa's Oscar Awards many have been waiting for as it is in Hollywood.
What seems to make this awards special might be the 'Africa Magic' in it. It is a known fact that the DSTV's Africa Magic channel is dedicated to Nollywood movies, a favourite station of most housewives and movie lovers who are addicted to Nigerian films.
Also, the idea of the viewers being the decider of the awards' winner might also make it special, making it a truly 'viewers' choice awards'.
Later today, the event would be beamed live to viewers as heavyweights in Nollywood step out to grace the occasion. What are your expectations?
Babcock University Undergraduate Set To Launch TV Station
Eneanya Chukwuemeka Nnamdi is a 400l Babcock
University Student and CEO Pen Point Review
Media.
The 21 year old entrepreneur is set to unveil
his television Station called CMS9ja TV.
He revealed this in a recent interview with
Solid Fm and Neptune Magazine.
According to Chukwuemeka, There are a lot of
Nigerians in different parts of the world who
desire their Nations Entertainment TV and
the Nigerian Entertainment industry is One
that is interesting and fun.
The Television Station will be launched in
April 2013 in Lagos,Nigeria.Real or not! Pregnant mum has baby's face on her pregnant belly
“I was in the staff room on a break. We were actually having a laugh at my belly button sticking out and checking for baby movement. Then Karen who owns the salon came in and said, ‘Oh my God, I can see a face.’ She took a picture and we’ve been showing it to folk ever since.”Looks like a face to me but doctors say it's an illusion we are looking at and not the face of Karen's unborn child.
Actress Halima Abubakar - 'The men I date don't look at other women when they are with me'
On if she has ever fought over a man: I have never fought over any man. Men are just too many. I cannot fight over any man. Why will a girl fight me over a man? The kind of men I have dated (they are not many though) don’t have eyes for other women when they are with me. If you are in a relationship with me, you are really in a relationship with me. There will be nothing like another girl by the side. I have never been in such situation.
Actress Halima Abubakar - 'The men I date don't look at other women when they are with me'
On if she has ever fought over a man: I have never fought over any man. Men are just too many. I cannot fight over any man. Why will a girl fight me over a man? The kind of men I have dated (they are not many though) don’t have eyes for other women when they are with me. If you are in a relationship with me, you are really in a relationship with me. There will be nothing like another girl by the side. I have never been in such situation.
Conclave 2013: Sex abuse victims’ network names Dirty Dozen would-be popes
 |
Who will be next Pope?—Cardinals likely to succeed Pope Benedict XVI. Top row from left: Argentine Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio; Mexican Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera; Brazilian Joao Braz de Aviz; Philippines’ Luis Antonio Tagle; Ghanaian Peter Turkson. Bottom row from left: Italian Angelo Scola; Canadian Marc Ouellet; Nigerian Francis Arinze; Nigerian John Onaiyekan, and USA’s Timothy Dolan. AFP PHOTO. |
The list, compiled by Survivors’ Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) and based on each individual’s actions and statements re-child abuse and a Church cover-up in the church, includes some frontrunners for the position.
The cardinals on the list have not responded to it. Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said: “It is not up to SNAP to decide who comes to conclave and who is chosen.” SNAP’s executive director, David Clohessy, said the group had focused on candidates who had the best chances of being nominated pope.
Governor Akpabio Splashes Prado SUV On 2Face, Annie
Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa-Ibom State has given the newly married celebrity couple, 2Face Idibia and Annie Macaulay a wedding gift.
The governor, who was present at the pre-wedding party held in honour of the couple on Thursday in the state, gave a Prado SUV gift to them on their traditional wedding held yesterday.
He also promised to send a 30-man delegate to Dubai for an exclusive white wedding to be held later in the month for the couple.
The governor has not hidden his affection for 2Face Idibia and his wife, Annie Macaulay, who hails from Akwa-Ibom.
The couple’s wedding is presently one of the most talk about weddings in town.
Establish proof on 83% oil blocs, ACF tells FG
This was contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Mr Anthony Sani.
The Senate heard on Wednesday that contrary to the principles of Federal Character, the majority of the oil blocs in the country, even as President Godluck Jonathan was asked to revoke the licences and re-award all the blocs already allocated to Nigerians in an equitable manner.However, sources said that majority of northerners were infuriated over the allegations in the Senate, as according to them, there were more Southerners whose names were not mentioned as among owners of oil blocs.
Gov Amosun swears in first female Attorney General
Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday swore
in the first female Attorney General (AG) since the creation of the
state in 1976. She is Barrister Mrs Abimbola Ibironke Akeredolu.The Governor also swore in Barrister Mrs Patricia Funmilola Oduniyi as Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony attended by the Chief Judge of
Ogun State, Justice Mrs Olatokunbo Olopade and immediate past Attorney
General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Wemimo Ogunde (SAN), at the
Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, Amosun recalled that this was the first
time the entire top echelons of the justice system in the state would be
manned by women.He told the two women to see their inauguration on “the day the world is celebrating International Women’s Day” as a call to service.
”We must ensure that the confidence reposed in us by the electorate is not misplaced,” he said.
The state helmsman praised the immediate past AG, noting that “he worked diligently well.”
The Oath of Allegiance, Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy were administered on the new officials by 9.15am.
The new Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mrs Abimbola Akeredolu, was born in 1964 and secured degrees and certificates at the University of Lagos as well as institutions in France and Italy.
Her appointment brings the number of women in the Cabinet of Ogun State to 12, thus making the state the most gender-friendly in the country.
Mrs Patricia Funmilola Oduniyi graduated from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1983 and was until now the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Ministry of Justice.
Govt should help Nigerians build cheap houses –Ogunniran
In your opinion, do you believe that there can be affordable housing for all in Nigeria?
Well I would say that in countries where they have been successful in affordable housing, there have been critical drivers of their success. The first thing is that such governments have created the right environment for affordable housing. Creating the right environment involves easing the process of acquiring the size of land that you can use for affordable housing, and creating a separate window for players to network. It is a network of participants; governments, banks, development institutions and others. As it is here, as a developer, if I have to buy land from the open market, I have to apply for approval in the other manner, I have to source funds from the bank to do my development, I have to pay all that I need to pay, and that will make it impossible to deliver houses at prices which are affordable. So, what government needs to do is to create the right environment, understand that there is no affordable housing in the social context, and put in a social context and create that window.
In Chad, interestingly, it is a Nigerian company that is working with the government to provide affordable housing. The government of Chad provided land for the company and the funds that it required from multinational institutions were guaranteed by the government of Chad. They also created the right environment. And so for it to be affordable housing, as a developer, government must understand that you must be interested in both the demand and supply. So, if you ask me to come and build, you have to create an avenue for me to sell those products. Affordable housing means that the total costs that goes to housing, that is rent, electricity and others on a monthly basis, is not more than 30-35 per cent of a household’s gross domestic income for the month.
Friday, 8 March 2013
Nigerian Idol 3 Eviction Party for Amara & Joe Emmal
Etisalat hosted the second set of evictees from the Top 10 contestants, Friday night (1st March), at POP Club on Saka Tinubu in Victoria
Island.
The evictees, Amara and Joe Emmal, spent their final hours on NI3 with fun and laughter.
Surprisingly, Immaculate Victoria, who was evicted a week earlier, showed up to party with the evictees & contestants.
The evictees, Amara and Joe Emmal, spent their final hours on NI3 with fun and laughter.
Surprisingly, Immaculate Victoria, who was evicted a week earlier, showed up to party with the evictees & contestants.
Two teenagers rape 6 year old step sister to death in Delta state
A 19-year-old boy, Felix Inia and his 16-year-old brother, Stanley are now cooling their heels at the headquarters of the Delta State Police Command, Asaba, for allegedly defiling their six-year-old stepsister, Precious Kankamor. The incident, which eventually led to the death of the victim, occurred at Ogbe-Ijoh community, Warri South Local Government Area of the state. The suspects were said to have had carnal knowledge of the minor by forcefully penetrating her, which led to severe injuries in the victim’s private part.
Faces at Nollywood @20 presidential dinner
FIFA queries Nigeria over ban on lesbian players
A FIFA spokesman confirmed the letter but emphasised it was a preliminary inquiry,Reuters says.
Media reports have widely quoted Nigeria Women’s Football League boss, Dilichukwu Onyedinma, as saying lesbian players would not be allowed to compete.
It is a tricky issue for FIFA, however, because homosexuality is illegal under Nigerian law.
The Nigeria’s National Assembly recently passed a bill prohibiting same-sex marriage, and it only needs the approval of President Goodluck Jonathan to become law in the country.
Debe not known to us as Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s son, family tells court
Lotanna, in a 22-paragraph affidavit deposed to before a Federal High Court in Lagos stated that Debe was never a grandson of Sir Lious Ojukwu. “The applicant, to the best of my knowledge, as well as to the Ojukwu family, is not and has never been a grandchild of the late Sir L.P.O. Ojukwu”, he swore, stressing that all the respondents did know him as a son of Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Father Who Killed His 3 Months Old Baby Through Oral Sex Gets Just 2 Life Sentences!
A 28 year old father Steven Deuman Jr has been sentenced to 2 life terms in prison for causing the death of his 3 months old daughter while he was oral raping her. In August 2011, Deuman's infant daughter, Evelynne Deuman, was found dead with a condom in her mouth. Deuman said he had stepped outside to smoke only to return and find their daughter on the floor bleeding from the nose, unconscious and not breathing with the discarded condom in her mouth.
Atiku Seeks Implementation Of Uwais’ Electoral Report
Atiku stressed that Nigeria should be among the countries that would record one of the best electoral process in Africa and the world by the year 2015.
The former VP stated this in Abuja yesterday at the book presentation in honour of the former CJN. He also emphasised that the Uwais’ Committee report remains the most comprehensive one, which if implemented, could improve significantly Nigeria’s electoral system.
He therefore urged the National Assembly to take advantage of the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution to inculcate those recommendations of Uwais’ report that could strengthen our electoral system.
Atiku also said that both members of the National assembly and officials of Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC) present at the book presentation should take it upon them as a challenge in ensuring that they make Uwais’ report an issue of national importance.
It Is Better For APC To Contest Against Jonathan – Masari
The former speak who spoke with Leadership pointed out that it will be easier for APC to contest against President Jonathan than any other candidate as President Jonathan has no achievement to show in his six years in office.
Women Beware Of Where You Drop Your Sanitary Pads!
Terrible things are happening all over the place. Last week, a man who pretended to be a Mad man was caught around Lomalinda Estate, Independence Layout Enugu near the Brick house Estate Refuse Bin, picking used Sanitary Pads.
Initially, young guys around there thought he was actually mad but one of the guys said the guy had hung around too long near the refuse bin and so he got suspicious.
The guys kept on drinking and gisting amongst themselves and the so-called mad man laid down and started sleeping.
...
Around 9:30pm when the shops started closing for the day, the man woke from his evil sleep and went over the refuse bin and started picking used sanitary pads again.
The guy who had earlier on suspected that the mad man was there for some funny mission went over to see why the mad man had suddenly become very active and lo and behold, he had already picked up a bag-ful and was filling the second bag. The guys gathered around and beat him black and blue until he confessed that a politician asked him to get them and pays N400k for a bag.
When he was searched, he had a Blackberry phone on him. He managed to escape being lynched by the young men. So please Guys, kindly advise your wives, sisters, girlfriends, relations and loved ones to always BURN their USED Sanitary Pads before disposing. Evil people are all over the place......
Source: Alabamauncut
Thursday, 7 March 2013
"Pray For Me To Get Up And Walk With My Legs" - Lanre Teriba
The singer recently said
"The doctors have put me on wheelchair for now. Steve Biko hospital in Pretoria South Africa. I don't want to send the pictures because I don't want to remain on the seat. I just want people to pray for me to get up and walk with my legs."May the good Lord heal you Lanre.
Source
Maina insists on N1.5bn compensation for ‘psychological trauma’
The
embattled former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Mr.
Abdulrasheed Maina, has pressed his case before a Federal High Court,
Abuja, to order the Senate and the Inspector General of Police to pay
him N1.5bn as compensation for the “trauma and psychological pain” they
allegedly caused him and his family.
Maina, who is reportedly on the run, had
dragged the Senate, the Senate President, the Clerk of the Senate, the
Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, the Senate
Committee State and Local Government Administration, the Inspector
General of Police, Senator Aloysius Etuk (The Senate Committee on
Establishment and Public Service), and Senator Kabiru Gaya (of Senate
Committee on State and Local Government Administration), before the
Abuja FHC presided by Justice Adamu Bello to enforce his fundamental
human rights and also set aside the warrant of arrest issued against him
by the Senate on February 2, 2013.
Presidency insulting Nigerians on APC govs’ visit –ACN
Action
Congress of Nigeria has described as “uncouth, uncharitable and
insulting to Nigerians,” Presidency’s reaction to last week’s visit of
the All Progressive Congress governors to Borno State.
The ACN wondered when it became an offence for Nigerians to visit any other part of their country.
In a statement on Wednesday by its
National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the
Presidency’s reaction could only be “likened to the antics of a
punch-drunk boxer who, having been knocked out by his opponent, suddenly
got up and started punching the referee whom he mistook for the guy,
who knocked him out”.
Army uncovers bomb-making factory in Kaduna, arrests nine
 |
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday said it had uncovered a bomb-making factory at Sabon-Birni, Kawo in Kaduna State.
Curiously, the factory is just a few
meters away from the Kaduna Army headquarters, which was bombed last
year by suspected Boko Haram members.
The Army said it arrested nine persons, including five children in connection with the bomb-making factory.
Addressing reporters at the Headquarters
of the One Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, on Wednesday, its Internal
Security Commander, Brig.-Gen Tagbo Ude, said the building housing the
factory belonged to a former All Nigerian Peoples Party Chairmanship
aspirant in the Federal Capital Territory, Husseni Dei Dei.
Ude, who said officers of the division
uncovered the factory following a tip-off, also confirmed that the
house, where the factory is located, was just some few meters away from
the Division headquarters.
Emulate Chavez, NLC urges Nigerian leaders
 |
Nigeria
Labour Congress has urged Nigerian leaders and others in Third World
countries to emulate the late Venezuelan leader, Hugo Chavez, who the
congress said exploited the resources of his country to promote the
interest of the people.
President of the Nigerian Labour
Congress, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar, urged leaders in the country to defend
the interest of the people rather than big business and Western
interests.
Omar, whose comments were contained in a
statement on Wednesday, said Chavez would be missed by millions of
Venezuelans who benefitted from his populists progammes and their
friends all over the world who admired his policies.
PHCN abandons surveillance helicopters at Lagos airport
 |
Minister of State for Power, Mrs. Zainab Kuchi |
Indications
emerged on Wednesday that the Power Holding Company of Nigeria had
abandoned four helicopters worth millions of dollars at the Murtala
Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
Investigations by our correspondent
revealed that the German-made Bolkow 105 helicopters had not flown in
the last one year following internal disagreements among some key PHCN
officials on how they should be run.
The helicopters are used for
surveillance of PHCN installations across the country, including
detection of faults arising from bad or disjointed cables, especially in
remote locations that are difficult to access by road.
Further findings revealed that the
helicopters were being maintained for PHCN by Pan African Airlines,
which is based at theLagos airport.
Nigeria finally receives Sydney 2000 gold medal
The
International Olympic Committee has sent the gold medal won by
Nigeria’s 4×400 metres relay quartet at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games
following the disqualification for doping violation of Team USA squad,
the original winners.
The IOC letter covering the dispatch of
the medal and signed by the IOC President Dr. Jacques Rogge was
addressed to the Nigeria Olympic Committee.
It reads, “I am pleased to send you this
Olympic Gold for Mr Enefiok Udo-Obong, who was part of your men’s
4x400m now placed first in the athletics men’s 4×400 metres relay event
at the Games of the XXV11 Olympiad, Sydney 2000.
A copy of letter, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, was silent on the medals for the other members of the team.
Chelsea reserve Moses for Old Trafford
Nigerian
striker Victor Moses did not make the trip to Bucharest for Thursday’s
Europa League clash with Steaua Bucharest as expected. The Super Eagles
attacker and Brazilian Ramires were left behind as the others boarded
the flight to Bulgaria on Wednesday.
It was learnt that Rafa Benitez chose to
rest the pair ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final match against
Manchester United at Old Trafford. Striker Demba Ba also missed the trip
but in his own case he is cup-tied after playing for Newcastle in the
competition before crossing over to Chelsea.
Interim manager Benitez has placed high
premium on the FA Cup as that is one of the two trophies still available
to the English club. Chelsea set unenviable record this season as the
first defending champions to drop out at the group stage. Having lost
out of the Premier League chase, the FA Cup is the only domestic trophy
still within reach.
The African Nations Cup star rallied his
team mates last week to work harder after they defeated Middlesbrough
2-0 to book a date with United.
Northerners hold 83 per cent of oil blocks – Senator
 |
| Senator Ita Enang |
AMID
a raging debate on the Petroleum Industry Bill, Chairman of the Senate
Committee on Business and Rules, Senator Ita Enang, on Wednesday, said
that 83 per cent of oil blocks in the country are owned by Northerners.
“There should be equity and federal
character in the allocation of oil blocks in this country. Eighty-three
per cent of all present oil blocks are held by northerners,” Enang said
on the floor of the Senate, without any of the senior lawmakers
contradicting him.
Enang, representing Akwa Ibom North-East
(Uyo) Senatorial District, therefore demanded a review of oil block
licences in the country even as other senators from the South urged him
on.
Celebrity Birthday: Pete Edochie
Pete Edochie is one of the most respected and accomplished Nigerian actors. Blessed with a deep voice and commanding presence, he is one of Africa’s most formidable actors. He shot into prominence when he took the lead role in the NTA TV series, Things Fall Apart (1987). After retiring from broadcasting he went fully into acting, and he has featured in over 200 movies, some of which are Throne of the Gods, My Beloved Son, Secret Pain, Passage of Kings, Return of the Princess, and Egg of Life.
Source
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
I’ve Not Experienced Sexual Harassment In Nollywood -Benita Nzeribe
Benita Nzeribe, a Nollywood star actress can be described as one of the luckiest actresses in the country, having started as a teenager in the industry in the late 90s. And at the age of 28, she became a veteran.
The Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State-born actress who just got a multi-million naira deal as the Ambassador and Face of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has appeared in many movies. Without mincing words; she is a talented actress based on her blockbuster performance in a TV drama series “Beyond Our Dreams” and several other hit movies.
The Nollywood star actress, despite her shyness is a reporter’s delight any day. The beautiful and sexy actress spoke with showbiz last week after signing the multi-million naira deal that confirmed her global rating as one of the emerging stars in Nollywood.
When did you join the industry?
I have always been there. Remember, I started early. I became a star as a teenager, and I grew up in the industry.
Rivers’ Governor Amaechi Plans Alliance With Aggrieved PDP Leaders Against President Goodluck
The crisis that has characterized the leadership and unity of the national ruling party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), is really eating deep into the party structure and may adversely affect the performance of the party come 2015.
The recent moves by some governors sponsored to remove the Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi as Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, to elect the governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio using the platform of PDP as the umbrella of its own body, have really not helped the situation.
As we learnt, that move was initiated by the President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who has been very uncomfortable with the leadership style of Amaechi. Amaechi has been alleged by the presidency to have been using the NGF platform to threaten the president’s position each time there was a decision taken on behalf of the party.
It is on note that President Jonathan is nursing the ambition to return to office in 2015. At the same time, Amaechi is being speculated to be nursing a secret ambition of vice-president seat to a northern governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido of Jigawa State.
Meanwhile, putting in mind the capacity of the presidency to win battles in its favour, Governor Amaechi was said not to be taking chances, as he is said to be currently aligning himself with other aggrieved party chiefs and governors who are opposed to Jonathan’s second term bid, to spring a surprise in the war of his political life.
Source
"As far as I'm concerned, this is my first real marriage' Kefee gushes
Okikijesu Olawuyi: the baby born without a skull
Okiki was born in May 11 2010 without more than half of her skull. A rare medical condition called Congenital Cranial Deficiency.
All of the hospitals visited by their organisation home and abroad could not offer a cure or lacked the facilities and man power except for the John Hopkins hospital in Maryland, Baltimore USA where the director of Paediatrics Dr Ben Carson is the first doctor to handle an issue like this ever, only then it was on a conjoined twins joined at their heads (the Binder twins).
I’ll defend Nigeria with my last blood – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, said he would use the last drop of his blood to defend the unity and progress of Nigeria.
This came as President Goodluck Jonathan described Obasanjo as “a true nationalist and promoter of national unity.”Obasanjo spoke during his 76th birthday celebration, at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
The birthday celebration also featured a public presentation of a book titled “Olusegun Obasanjo- the Presidential Legacy-1999-2003.”
Obasanjo said: “Even if it remains the last breadth in me, I will work, preserve and promote the unity and progress of Nigeria, work for Africa development and indeed promote humanity.
Reps move to criminalise late, non-payment of salaries
The bill passed second reading on
Tuesday, getting the support of the majority of lawmakers at a session
presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal.
It also proposes that underpayment of workers’ wages; pension and emolument will attract sanctions.
According to the sponsor of the bill and
House Minority Leader, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, the penalties will
include the loss of 10 to 20 per cent of the value of the delayed
salary.
He explained that after a salary delay
of one week, the employer would begin to lose percentages of the salary,
which would be added to the employee’s pay.
Shell declares force majeure on Bonny Light
The
Shell Petroleum Development Company has declared force majeure on the
Bonny Light off take programme effective Tuesday following the shutdown
of the Nembe Creek Trunkline after a leak was observed on Sunday.
The cause of the leak would be
determined by a joint investigation visit, which would be scheduled once
the leak point had been excavated, the firm said in a statement on
Tuesday.
SPDC said it was mobilising a team to repair the line after the investigation. Thereafter, the NCTL will reopen for operations.
According to Shell, there has been a
recent upsurge in crude theft activities on the NCTL, resulting in
frequent production shutdowns and massive oil spills blighting the
environment.
“Between February 22 and 25, 12 flow
stations producing into the pipeline were shut down by safety systems
three times due to oil theft. The leak on Sunday occurred directly on
the NCTL and necessitated its immediate shutdown for repairs,” Shell
added.
Accounting for assets seized by EFCC
