FIFA rankings: Eagles remain static

The Super Eagles of Nigeria remained static in the latest FIFA rankings published yesterday in Zurich, Switzerland.
The African champions remained the 30 best national football in the world but fourth in Africa behind Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Mali.

Although the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire who were eliminated in the quarter final stage of the last Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa lost one place, the Didier Drogba-led team remains Africa’s highest ranked team 13th in the world from their previous 12th position.
The Black Stars of Ghana also slipped one place down from 19 to 20th in the world but remain Africa’s second best national team.

I insist, Jonathan signed for one tenure – Aliyu

Goodluck Jonathan and Babangida Aliyu

Minna — Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has insisted that President Goodluck Jonathan signed a single term pact with some governors of the Northern part of the country ahead of the 2011 presidential election.

Speaking at the Minna National Discourse on Corruption, jointly organised by Niger State government and the National Planning Commission in Minna, yesterday, the governor said what he said was correct and that he could not change what was the truth.
“If to be truthful is to be literate, I stand by what I said. I am happy with what some people have said about the PDP.  I see them as somebody holding something and you are telling him hold it better or it will fall down.
“So we should look at the on-going problems as issues we must confront, issues that we must correct and that agreement made in secret both at the same  fora is same as the one made in public,” the governor remarked.

We’re the real APC – Acting Chairman

ABUJA—The battle for ascendancy among the political opposition got messier, Thursday, after the brains behind the controversial African Peoples Congress, APC, emerged to unfold their logo, constitution and emblem.
The new group whose aspiration for registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has thrown confusion into merger plans by the country’s leading opposition political parties said, yesterday, that it was not doing a hatchet job on behalf of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
The assertion, nonetheless, leaders of the fledgling All Progressive Congress, comprising Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN; Congress for Progressive Change, CPC; All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP and elements of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, nevertheless vowed to pursue their merger.
At a press conference late, yesterday, the joint merger committee said its plans would not be derailed by the “mischief” of the African Peoples Congress and their sponsors.

Crime: US laments poor security response

The prison van ambushed by suspected kidnappers in Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday, killing three warders.

ABUJA— The United States of America, USA, has expressed concern at the rate crime is spreading in Nigeria.
The American government lamented the worsening crime rate in coastal areas and the free movement of Islamic extremists between Mali and Nigeria.
The US ambassador to Nigeria,  Terence McCulley, and his  Consul-General,Mr Jeffrey Hawkins, spoke at different fora.
The US ambassador said  Islamic extremists have continued to move freely between Nigeria and northern Mali, despite the ongoing French military operation there against them.

Tuface, Wife Collect Promised Suv From Akpabio

Earlier the recent celebrity couple Innocent and Annie Idibia had not made up their mind to collect the wedding gift donated to them by the Akwa Ibom state governor, Godswill Akpabio.
Innocent Idibia popularly known as Tuface has accepted the Prado SUV gift promised by the governor, the state government released a picture on Thursday showing Mr. Idibia looking as the commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah presented the car keys to Annie Macauley–Idibia in the presence of her husband and a friend, Jackson Udom.
The governor will further support the relatives of Mrs Idibia who can’t afford to go for the white wedding in Dubai.

Source

Extravagant Governor Akpabio defends controversial wedding gifts to Tuface, wife

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State on Thursday rose in stout defence of his controversial wedding gifts to hip pop musician, Tuface Idibia, saying the gesture was to reward the musician’s wife for standing by her husband in the face of difficulties.
The governor had come under heavy criticism after he, on Friday, announced a gift of two brand new Toyota Prado SUVs to Tuface and his wife. He also reportedly promised to bankroll an all-expense paid trip for 29 delegates from the state to attend the white wedding of the couple fixed for Dubai, the United Arab Emirate on March 23.
Besides, he also hosted a lavish state dinner in honour of the couples and promised to rehabilitate the Eket-Ibeno Road ahead of the child dedication of Tuface and Annie.

Photos from Monalisa Chinda's daughter's birthday party

Actress Monalisa Chinda's daughter, Tamar -Lily, turned 5 recently and celebrated her birthday with family, friends and celebrities. Genevieve Nnaji, Desmond Elliot, Ramsey Noah, Ini Edo, Julius Agwu, Segun Arinze, Oge Okoye, Ibinabo Fiberesima and many others came out to celebrate with her. See more photos after the cut...

Amsterdam’s Oldest Prostitute Twins Retire After Bedding 355,000 Men

Twin sisters who claim to be Amsterdam’s oldest prostitutes have hung their boots after more than 50 years in the business.

Louise and Martine Fokkens, 70, have decided they are too old after bedding a total of 355,000 men, the Mirror reported.

Mum-of-four Louise, said that arthritis now makes some intimate positions “too painful.”

And Martine, who has three children, admits that she finds it hard to attract punters – though one elderly man still has his weekly sadomasochism session.

“I couldn’t give him up. It’s like going to church on a Sunday for him,” she said.

The pair were the subject last year of a documentary ‘Meet The Fokkens’ and they have written a book called ‘The Ladies Of Amsterdam’.

Both, who dress in identical red clothes, became prostitutes before the age of 20 to survive financially after escaping violent relationships.

They now look back on the “golden years” before Holland legalised prostitution in 2000.

5 things to know about the new Pope

Catholics celebrate Argentine pope

(CNN) -- From the Vatican to Buenos Aires, Catholics worldwide rejoiced when Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio became the new pope.

He's the first Jesuit and the first Latin American in modern times to lead the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.

But in some ways, he's just a normal guy.

Here are five things to know about Pope Francis:

1. His name says a lot about him

Unlike other recent pontiffs -- John Paul II, Benedict XVI -- Pope Francis doesn't have a numeral after his name. That's because he's the first to take the name Francis.

Why Francis?

The pope wanted to honor St. Francis of Assisi, an admirer of nature and a servant to the poor and destitute.

Pope Francis' path to the papacy

St. Francis of Assisi was born the son of a rich cloth merchant. But he lived in rags among beggars at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

Those close to Pope Francis see similarities between the two men.

Actress Monalisa Chinda finally finds love

This one is not rumour o...I speak fact! :-) Monalisa and popular Lagos businessman, Lanre Nzeribe have been dating quietly since early last year. Off and on sha! I wasn't going to write about it before because I thought it was one of 'those things' but these two have obviously been bitten by the love bug. Lanre is not only personally involved in all Monalisa's projects, but he tells everyone who cares to listen that he's found the woman of his dreams. Plus the lovers have been stepping out a lot lately.

Lanre Nzeribe famously dated actress Liz Benson and socialite Grace Egbagbe many years back.

Source: Lindaikeji

The new pope's first day: Mass with the cardinals

 
Vatican City (CNN) -- A man of many firsts, Pope Francis will spend part of his first full day celebrating Mass with the cardinals who elected him.

When Jorge Bergoglio stepped onto the balcony at the Vatican on Wednesday evening to reveal himself as the new leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics, he made history as the first non-European pope of the modern era, the first from Latin America, the first Jesuit and the first to assume the name Francis.

Thursday will be low-key.

Francis began the day by praying at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a place of special significance for the Jesuits. The Mass with the cardinals will take place at the Sistine Chapel.

Governor Akpabio Purchases Million-Dollar Bullet Proof Luxury Vans [PICTURES]

The Texas Armoring Company has displayed the luxurious interior of Mr. Akpabio’s latest toy on its Facebook page.
The Akwa Ibom governor, who intends to run for the Senate when his second term ends, has emerged as one of Nigeria’s hardest-spending governors, with a taste for the finest things, while most of his State remains undeveloped.

Why we pardoned Alams, Diya, others – FG

THE Presidency on Wednesday shed light on the state pardon granted by the Council of States to eight personalities, including a former Chief of General Staff [CGS], General Oladipo Diya and a former governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
The clarification, made by the Senior Special Assistant for Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan, Doyin Okupe in a statement issued in Abuja, followed scathing remarks by some individuals and groups on the government action .
Other beneficiaries of the amnesty included a former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, late Major-general Shehu Musa Yar’Adua,; Major Bello Magaji, Mohammed Lima Biu, Shettima Bulama, late Major General Abdulkareem Adisa and Major Segun Fadipe.
Okupe said it was it was disrespectful to query a pardon granted the beneficiaries, saying, “It’s about time we began to respect constituted authority.”

Abortion: Father, Mom Charged Over Daughter’s Death

A 15-year old  girl Deborah Adegboyega has died as a result of complications from unsafe abortion allegedly procured by her lover and parents in Lagos State, southwest Nigeria.
The incident happened at 7, Oriokuta Street, Imota, Ikorodu area Lagos state.
Her parents, Mr Segun Adegboyega and Mrs Adeola Adegboyega, Sodiq Sulaimon, the boyfriend of the girl have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the abortion.
P.M.NEWS gathered that the little girl was taken to a quack doctor who gave her some concotions to drink and thereafter inserted an object into her womb through her private part to destroy the pregnancy.
After undergoing the  abortion  she had complications and started bleeding profusely until she died.
This angered their neighbours who reported the matter to the police at Ikorodu division.

Catholic faithful in Enugu hail emergence of Pope Francis 1

Enugu – Many catholic faithful in Enugu city have expressed satisfaction with Wednesday’s election of Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
Some of those who spoke on Wednesday praised God for granting their prayers on the successful choice of the new pontiff.
Mrs Flora Chibuzo who worships at Carmelite Church, GRA in Enugu, expressed optimism that the new pontiff would bring peace and unity to the world.
“He looks like a humble person and I hope and pray that peace and unity will come to the world through him. We should all pray for him to succeed as he requested,’’ she said.

I Was Never Confined To A Wheelchair - Gospel Singer, Atorise Cries

Gospel artiste, Lanre Teriba better known as Atorise, who was reportedly shot in the leg in South Africa, has debunked rumour going round that he was confined on a wheelchair after he was shot.

After returning to Nigeria, Atorise went on Facebook to put the records straight. Atorise said he was never on a wheelchair as being speculated by some people.

His post reads, "I want to thank my dear fans,friends and everyone who has been praying for me. I went to tour South Africa and after my first show I was shot in the leg and robbed.

I Condemn It, I Condemn It And I Condemn It – Keyamo Short Of Words To Describe State Pardon

Human rights activist, Festus Keyamo has condemned in very strong terms the state pardon granted by President Goodluck Jonathan to convicted Ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreiye Alamieyeseigha and convicted Ex-Banker Shettima Bulama.
Through a press statement, Keyamo described the pardon, purportedly on the advice of the Council of State, as typifying the height of insensitivity of the Jonathan government to the feelings of Nigerians about the war against corruption.

Formation of APC will strengthen democracy —Atiku

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday said the formation of the All Progressives Congress would help to strengthen democracy in the country.

Atiku spoke on Wednesday while delivering a lecture entitled, ‘Thoughts on internal democracy in Nigerian political parties: challenges and strategies’, at the Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan.

The former VP, who described two-party system as a veritable platform for nurturing democracy, said,  “I am pleased that progress is being made in that regard with the recent emergence of the All Progressive Congress.

FG loses bid to stop N37.6bn Odi compensation

Attorney-General of the Federation

A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Wednesday dismissed the Federal Government’s bid to stop the execution of a judgment ordering it to pay N37.6bn as compensation to Odi community in Bayelsa State.

The Federal High Court on February 19, 2013 had ordered the Federal Government to pay the money as damages for the invasion of the community.

Not satisfied with the ruling, the Federal Government applied for stay of execution on the judgment, pending the determination of its appeal at the appellate court.

But Justice Lambo Akanbi of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on Wednesday struck out the Federal Government’s suit, insisting that government must pay the sum.

Akanbi, in his ruling, also described the Federal Government’s application as frivolous and lacking merit.

Counsel for the government, Mr. Michael Nomeh, had urged the court to grant his client’s request for a stay of execution on the payment pending the outcome of his client’s appeal.

'Our love story' - Newly married Jimmy & Kemi Odukoya open up

Jimmy Odukoya is the first son of late Fountain of Life pastor, Bimbo Odukoya. He married Kemi Sade Banjoko this past Saturday in the UK...

"I went to the same secondary school with Kemi's cousin and she came for her cousin's introduction. I hadn't seen her cousin for a while so we agreed to hook up and catch up at Ooh la la in GRA Ikeja. I got out of my car and she got out of hers and I was like, 'who's that?' My friend said that's my cousin. This was in 2011. We started chatting and she said she has been single for four years and hasn't found what she's looking for. We exchanged numbers and started talking. She's very beautiful inside and outside. She's adventurous, daring and outgoing. Her willingness to learn and her love for God endeared me. The women I dated in the past, I tell them: 'Listen, I am a pastor. There are certain things you can't wear, certain places you can't go, certain things you can't say. It's never easy dating a pastor, especially where they are watching you to see how they can disqualify you. So when we talked about it and she said she is taking it seriously and putting all effort to make it work. I decided then to marry her. I proposed to her in March 2012. Kemi checks. If I have a list of she surpasses the list of women I have seen. She doesn't hold on to things. If she's wrong, she's quick to apologize. I love her heart for people. With her, you're not worried about infidelity, she's not that kind of a person. I'm really lucky!

What Kemi has to say about Jimmy Odukoya when you continue...

Youth corper asked to leave NYSC camp for refusing to wear trousers

Read this report from Vanguard and tell us what you think.

Reactions have started trailing the decamping of 2013 Batch A, female corps member, Ms Tolu Ekundayo, by the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Ogun State for wearing skirt at the Shagamu orientation camp.

In a press conference organised by Ekundayo’s church, Faith Revival Apostolic Church, FRAC, in Lagos, the expelled corps member  said she was asked to leave the camp at about 11.00pm on March 8, 2013 by the Ogun State NYSC Co-ordinator, for her refusal to put on trousers.

She explained that her refusal to wear trousers was not in disobedience to NYSC authorities but in line with her belief and faith in God.

Pope Francis elected as 266th Roman Catholic pontiff

Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio takes name of Francis after accepting his election as 266th head of Roman Catholic church
The cardinals of the Roman Catholic church on Wednesday chose as their new pope a man from almost “the end of the world” – the first non-European to be elected for almost 1,300 years and the first-ever member of the Jesuit order.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the archbishop of Buenos Aires, becomes Pope Francis – the first pontiff to take that name – an early indication perhaps of a reign he hopes will be marked by inspirational preaching and evangelisation.

Marriage Survival Guide for Tough Times

Along with Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Phil outlines a strategy to help couples navigate difficult times.

1) Acknowledge and work the problem.
When the heat is on, don't take your anger out on your spouse. "You get in trouble, you get pressure on you, and what you do is called reflexive biting. You start snapping at the person around you, and you begin to feel isolated and alone," Dr. Phil says. "You've got to turn to your partner and say, 'Look, we're in a bad spot here, and we're going to deal with this together.'"

Security officer killed in IMT students’ election

A security officer attached to the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Mr. Festus Eze, has died after being hit on the head during a student election of the Department of Science Laboratory Technology in the institute.
PUNCH Metro learnt from IMT’s management that the late Eze was among those deployed to forestall violence during the election on Tuesday.
Activities in most departments were paralysed when our correspondent visited the school on Wednesday.
A student (name withheld) of the affected department disclosed that trouble started when some students who felt the election was not going in their favour came in to disrupt it.

Michelle Obama covers Vogue Magazine

Michelle Obama on the cover of Vogue Magazine. Photo: Vouge/Annie Leibovitz

Us First Lady Michelle Obama has covered the April 2013 issue of Vogue.
This cover image released by Vogue was shot by popular American portrait photographer Anna-Lou ‘Annie’ Leibovitz.
An earlier version which shows the First Lady in a lilac dress had leaked on the internet with rumours Obama was to be the cover lady for the month of March.
The March edition was however covered by US Pop singer Beyonce.
The issue is available on newsstands on March 26.

Source: NET

Why I’m Taking Davido, Funke Akindele To Ibadan-Gbenga Adeyinka 1st

Gbenga Adeyinka 1st (GCON) has become known for his Laffmattazz brand since his incursion into the world of humour several years back. Recently, the city of Ibadan has been agog with the staging of his Laffmattazz show with Davido and Funke Akindele as headliners. The humour merchant spoke to Bayo Adeoye on his mission and reason for taking 28 top entertainers to Ibadan among other issues.

You are one of those who changed the face of comedy in Nigeria, how would you compare when you started and now?
When I started, it wasn’t as easy as it is now but thanks to AliBaba, who had paved way for all of us because he was able to make a way for us and began the revolution of a sector that is now recruiting several Nigerian youths and providing jobs for several others. Things weren’t as easy as they are now, not many people would give you a chance let alone pay you well and when they do, it’s out of pity. But now, you see a young comedian charging N100,000 for his first job, so things have changed and the industry has sincerely grown big and is still growing.

Amazing Wealth And Lifestyle of Victorious SUPER EAGLES

 
Despite being written off by many, the Super Eagles of Nigeria went to the 29^th edition of African Cup of Nations and shocked many when they defeated tournament’s favourite, Ivory Coast in the quarter final en route the final before thrashing Mali by 4 goals to 1 and later tamed Burkina Faso 1-0 to cart home the trophy after 19 years. The success of the team has been ascribed to lots of things, among which is, sheer determination from the team to prove Nigerians wrong, technical depth of Coach Stephen Keshi and some say luck also played a part in the victory. Whichever attribute given to the success of the team, one thing is sure at this joyous moment in Nigeria football history, it’s a new dawn in Nigerian football after several years of decadence which the administrator of our football must use to channel a new era especially in developing our domestic League which at the tournament produced six members against what it used to be in the past. However, as the celebration continues for the victorious team across the country, we take a look at all the members of the team vis-à-vis what you don’t know about them.

‘100,000 Nigerian babies born annually are HIV positive’

Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu

A recent report has shown that between 50,000 and 100,000 of babies born in the country yearly are carriers of HIV.

The report was released on Tuesday in Abuja, when the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, hosted the National Steering Group of the Global Plan towards the Elimination of New HIV Infections among Children by 2015 and Keeping their Mothers Alive.

The group was constituted by President Goodluck Jonathan in April 2012 to help mobilise national leadership for global plan on eliminating mother-to-child transmission, implementation and keeping their mothers alive.

Facebook scammer using my name – Pastor Odukoya

Senior Pastor, Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, has urged the members of the public to be wary of Facebook fraudster using his name.
He said the impersonator had been using his name to demand money on social media sites, particularly Facebook.
In a statement on Tuesday, the church said the fraudster created a page on Facebookwith the name, ‘Pastor Taiwo Odukoya’, soliciting for money from unsuspecting members of the public.

Courts shut as judiciary workers strike continues

Federal High Court, Abuja gate during the strike action

The indefinite strike embarked on by members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria entered its second day on Tuesday with all courts in the Federal Capital Territory remaining shut.

Officials of JUSUN were seen at the courts’ gates, which were  firmly locked by their leaders.

Unlike the situation on Monday when some judges of the Federal High Court were allowed into the court premises because of a seminar organised for them by the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, nobody  had  access into any of the courts on Tuesday.

A JUSUN official, who spoke  with one our correspondents at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, said the strike would continue until the union’s demands  were  met.

JUSUN embarked on the strike over the non-implementation of the Consolidated Salary Structure for judiciary workers.

Senate rejects immunity for legislators

The Senate has rejected calls for immunity for members of the National Assembly, saying it will not pass through the chambers of the Senate.

It also confirmed that it had received bound copies of the 2013 Appropriation Act, saying it would begin to go through it to ensure that what was signed into law tallied with what was passed by the National Assembly.

Briefing journalists after plenary on Tuesday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said there was no need for immunity for legislators.

According to him, the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act already guarantees immunity for lawmakers with regards to their conduct within the precinct of the National Assembly.

However, he said the Senate was not certain when the Executive would be presenting the bill to amend the budget to the National Assembly.

Outrage over presidential pardon for VIP ex-convicts

Chief Dipreye Alamieyeisegha.

There were indications on Tuesday that the National Council of State presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan might have approved a presidential pardon for a former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Dipreye Alamieyeisegha.

Alamieyeseigha, who Jonathan recently described as his political benefactor, was convicted of corruption.

His removal from office by the state House of Assembly led to his arrest, prosecution and conviction.

Alamieyeseigha’s exit led to the emergence of Jonathan who was his deputy, as the Bayelsa State governor.

At the end of the meeting of the NCS in Abuja on Tuesday, State House correspondents were not briefed on its outcome but sources at the meeting confirmed that the former governor was granted presidential pardon among some others whose names were presented to the council.

When not to eat fruit

Whether we are healthy or somehow indisposed, we’ve learnt from the kindergarten that to maintain good health, we must eat daily portions of fruits and vegetables. Indeed, “Eat your fruits and vegetables” is one of the nursery rhymes the average child learns once he starts school, and rightly so.

This is because regular consumption of fruits and vegetables leads to superior health.

Nutritionists also say diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancers, stroke and other chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes and, perhaps, heart disease.

Fruits and vegetables also provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other substances that are important for good health. Better still, most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories and are filling. As such, it is virtually impossible to get fat on a diet of fruits and vegetables.

Consultant endocrinologist and diabetologist, Dr.  Afokoghene Isiavwe, recommends that half of your plate during each meal should be fruits and vegetables. She also says your age, sex and activity level will determine how many calories you need each day, while your calorie needs determine how many fruits and vegetables you should eat.

PHOTOS: Terry G, Samklef, Slizzy E turn ‘Cele pastors’

The eccentric singer-producer shot the video for his latest single ‘Jump am pass’a few weeks back.

The video which has a religious theme will feature cameos from another popular singer-producer Samklef and long time Edo rapper Slizzy E.

Check out some more photos below…

Enugu State Governor's son Nnamdi Chime set to wed

Enugu State governor Sullivan Chime's son, Nnamdi, is getting ready to quit bachelorhood. He will marry his heartthrob Nneoma Atueyi next month, April 2013.

Their traditional wedding will hold on Friday April 12th at the bride's hometown of Nnewi, in Anambra State while their white wedding will hold on Saturday April 13th in Enugu. Congrats to them!

Source: Lindaikeji

Customers lament as banks introduce new charges

CBN Governor

Although the Central Bank of Nigeria has abolished some charges to lessen their burden,  bank customers have, however, cried out against fresh charges introduced by Deposit Money Banks.

The customers, who had envisaged low cost of running accounts following the various cost-cutting measures carried out by the banks and the reforms initiated by the CBN, have complained about fresh and arbitrary charges.

Although only few banks have announced publicly their plans to introduce new charges, investigation by our correspondent revealed that some banks had introduced the charges secretly.

For instance, First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Keystone Bank Limited recently introduced monthly maintenance fee on Automated Teller Machine cards, a move customers said was an indirect replacement of the scrapped N100 charge on ATM withdrawals from bank other than the account holder’s.

APC dares INEC, says '"we won’t change name"

INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega

The All Progressives Congress on Tuesday dared the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying it would not change its name as suggested by the electoral umpire.

The yet-to-be registered party also said there was no iota of truth in the claim by  INEC that a group with the same acronym had approached it for registration as a political party.

The Chief Press Secretary to the commission’s  Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu,  was reported by a national daily (not The PUNCH)   to have urged  opposition parties in the APC to consider a new name and abbreviation to facilitate the registration of their group as a political party.

“We don’t encourage political parties with similar names, manifestoes, logos and acronyms and this is aimed at avoiding confusion between registered political parties with similar names and acronyms,” the newspaper quoted Idowu to have said.

Obasanjo decries excessive ports charges

Lagos — FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, decried the excessive local shipping charges and cumbersome clearing of goods at the nation’s ports despite the concessioning of the ports, saying this development has militated against trade facilitation.
Speaking at the 3rd edition of the Nigerian Maritime Exhibition and Conference tagged NIMAREX 2013, Obasanjo noted that stakeholders must institute measures that would bring about trade facilitation with a view to reducing time and cost.

Next Pope: Cardinals hold ”Pro Eligendo Pontifice” mass

The work to choose a successor to retired Benedict XVI begins in earnest Tuesday, as the cardinals charged with the task prepare to be locked away in a secret election, or conclave, in Vatican City.

One of their number will almost certainly emerge from the process as the new spiritual leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics.

Members of the public waited in long lines Tuesday morning to join the Mass, which was open to all. As the service began, the morning’s brilliant sunshine came to an abrupt end, with the skies letting loose a torrential downpour.

Applause echoed round St. Peter’s as Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, offered thanks for the “brilliant pontificate” of Benedict XVI, whose shock resignation precipitated the selection of a new pope.

We will track down Asadu’s killers —IG

Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar on Monday said the Police  were working hard towards tracking down the killers of Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chinweike Asadu.
Abubakar said finding the killers was the only way the family of  the late Asadu and the police could be comforted.
The IG  stated this when   he paid a condolence visit  to the  Asadu family  in  Amorji-Nike, Enugu  State.
He said,  “CP Asadu was an officer and a gentleman. We have worked together. He did his best in rendering service to this country. It is a hard one for us; something we can’t comprehend up till now.

Beyonce Rocks African 'Ankara' Prints (PHOTO)

Benny Hinn remarries former wife

Televangelist Benny Hinn has remarried his former wife and mother of his four children, Suzanne Harthern. Hinn married Suzanne in 1979 and divorced her 31 years later in 2010. He claimed at the time that the split came about because of Suzanne's addiction to prescription drugs. In 2012, Hinn announced that he and Suzanne have begun reconciliation and the couple remarried on Sunday March 3, 2013 in Orlando, Florida. Inspiring!