Abuja not designed for common man –Bala

THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Bala Mohammed, at the weekend stunned his audience when he disclosed that the Abuja Master Plan was not envisaged to accommodate the needs of the common man.
Mohammed spoke at the formal signing of the agreement for an Addendum of Variation of Scope Contract with the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) to facilitate the completion of the multi-billion naira Abuja Light Rail  Project, which commenced in 2006 but had been comatose since then due to lack of funds.
His words: “With all regrets,  Abuja initially did not capture the needs and aspiration of the common people and the middle level manpower that we have in terms of affordable housing.”
According to the minister, Abuja, the nation’s capital was designed to accommodate only a million people, but   that the territory now has a population of about four to five million people living in the area thereby putting pressure on available infrastructural facilities.
“Abuja has more than four to five million people living in a place where it is supposed to be inhabited with only about a million people at the moment,” he said.
The FCT minister, however, disclosed that the government was  poised  to provide infrastructural facilities at the satellite towns of the territory to give comfort to the middle class workforce that lives outside the city centre, and whose earnings may not afford them the  luxury of private and chauffeur-driven vehicles.
 Source

Babangida threatens to expose Buhari

A few hours after President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari took a swipe at former  leaders, ex-Military President Ibrahim Babangida fired back.
He asked Dr. Jonathan to learn to accept criticisms and threatened to expose the “holier-than thou-attitude” of Gen. Buhari.
Gen. Babangida, who spoke through Prince Kassim Afegbua, his media adviser, reminded Gen. Buhari that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
He also advised Dr. Jonathan to look elsewhere, not him, if he is blaming past leaders that are criticising him.
Kassim said: “On President Jonathan, there is nothing wrong in criticism if it is constructive and in the interest of the country. Gen. Babangida is one unique former President who does not criticise a sitting President as a matter of courtesy.
“If President Jonathan is blaming past leaders, he should look elsewhere, certainly not IBB.
“On Gen. Buhari, it is not in IBB’s tradition to take up issues with his colleague former President. But for the purpose of record, we are conversant with Gen. Buhari’s so-called holier-than-thou attitude.
“He is a one-time Minister of Petroleum and we have good records of his tenure as minister.
“Secondly, he also presided over the Petroleum Trust Fund ( PTF) which records we also have.
“We challenge him to come out with clean hands in those two portfolios he headed. Or, we will help him to expose his. “records of performance during those periods.”
“Those who live in glass houses do not throw stones. Gen. Buhari should be properly guided.”
Culled: The Nation

PDP to kick out failed govs, others in 2015

AS part of plans to ginger its governors and other elected officials of the party to step up efforts towards delivering democracy dividend, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has threatened to deny those with poor performance records ticket in 2015.
A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Olisa Metuh, in Abuja yesterday to mark the 14th anniversary of the party said the new direction in which the PDP is heading is that only performers could seek re-election.
“As the PDP turns 14 on Friday, August 31, 2012, the party said all its members in public offices must go the extra mile in ensuring the faithful and accelerated translation of its manifesto so as to meet up with the burgeoning expectations of the people.
“The party also said the 2015 re-election ticket for its members would be anchored strongly on credible performance while non–performing appointed officials would be shown the way out.  This is the dominant operative principle and preoccupation of the current leadership of our great Party under Dr. Bamanga Tukur,’’ it said.

Cynthia Udoka Osokogu To Be Buried September 7: See The Faces Of Her Murderers (Photos)

Miss Cynthia Udoka Osokogu's family announced that she will be buried on the 7th of September at Bebe, Ovia Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State. They made this known yesterday in Jos while speaking to journalists.

Meanwhile see the faces of her murderers below ...

Celebrity Birthday: Mercy Adds Another Year Today

Popular sexy Nollywood Actress, Mercy Johnson Ozioma is today, Tuesday, August 28, a year older. The talented script-interpreter has come a while in the play-acting world in Nigeria. She has also survived many negative stories written about her from some sections of the Nigerian media.

Her August 27, 2011 wedding would pass as one of Nigerian celeb's most controversial marriages in recent times.

Few weeks ago, it was reported that she is pregnant and was also reported to have chosen the US as the country for her child delivery.

Wish her many happy returns of the day, hearty cheers!!!

Happy birthday to Dr. Linus Idahosa

Nollywood sweetheart Stephanie Okereke's husband, Dr. Linus Idahosa added another year on Saturday ... The beautiful talk dark skinned star actress announced it on her blog. Here's wishing Dr. Linus a happy birthday and many more years ahead.

"Today is my husband’s birthday!Kiss

Here’s wishing my dearest, Dr. Linus Idahosa, a wonderful day perfected with God’s grace, favour and love.

My Hero. My Love. You Rock!" - Stephanie Okereke

Toyin Aimakhu loses Honda Element car to armed robbers

Actress Toyin Aimakhu's Honda Element SUV with registration number KJA 885AJ has been reported snatched by armed robbers. The car was snatched yesterday from her cousin who was running some errands for her. Please report to the nearest police station if found.

Culled: Lindaikeji