African first ladies begin summit amidst controversy, drama

Nigeria’s First Lady and President, African First Ladies Peace Mission, Patience Jonathan (3rd left), with other country’s first ladies during the inauguration of the interim secretariat of the mission in Abuja ... on Wednesday.

Hello Friends!

It is expected to be an edifice for peace and conflict resolution in 12 months when it is projected to be completed.

However, the foundation for the African First Ladies Peace Centre was laid in the midst of intense security measures and controversy in Abuja on Wednesday by President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife, Patience.

The atmosphere was enlivened by songs in praise of the President’s wife by scores of women dressed in resplendent white as well as traditional dancers from different parts of the country.

The venue of the foundation laying ceremony was the prime land situated between the Federal Secretariat and Izon Wari, the Bayelsa State House, which had originally been allocated to non-governmental organisation, the Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation, belonging to former First Lady, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua.

The Board of Trustees of WYEF had approached an Abuja court to challenge the revocation of the 18,000 square metre land and reallocation of the same to African First Ladies Peace Mission chaired by Mrs. Jonathan.

Although, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice had requested for out-of-court settlement of the dispute, the conflict was yet to be settled before the foundation for the seven-storey edifice was laid on Wednesday.

As the first ladies approached the venue of the programme, Abuja Market Women led by Chief Felicia Sani, burst into Igbo songs in praise of the First Lady: Ahia oma n’ere onwe ya; Mama Patience, Ahia oma n’ere onwe ya; Anaghi ekwe ya onu (meaning: Good product that sells itself; Mother Patience, good product that sells itself; The price is not subject to negotiation).

As Patience made her way to the podium, the market women greeted her with two more songs: Patience, na you we know; Patience, na you we know; any other president, na them sabi; any other president, na them sabi.

In her short speech, the Nigeria’s First Lady said African ladies received with shock and sadness the death of the President of Ghana and the husband of one of their colleagues (Mrs. Ernestina Mills), Mr. John Mills.

She thanked the government and people of Nigeria for their generosity in allocating the land for the construction of the headquarters of the African First Ladies Peace Mission.

She said, “This foundation laying ceremony is a follow up to our commitment to lay solid foundation for our organisation.

“We have demonstrated that we are committed to achieving lasting peace in our continent. We shall build a befitting structure for our mission.”

Culled from The Punch Nigeria.

xoxo

Simply Cheska....

2Face Pays Surprise Visit To BBA Stargame Housemates, Calls Them Celebs

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Music ace, Innocent Idibia otherwise known as 2Face Idibia yesterday paid a surprise visit to housemates in the Big Brother Africa Star game show. 

2Face was welcomed with a warm but long hug from one of the housemates, Janettes, who was overwhelmed seeing the 'African Queen' crooner in the BBA House. 

2Face was then taken to the House' garden by the housemates where they have vegetables. This was after they all welcomed him. They later talked on his music and also how they would love to have a taste of the music industry.

While responding, 2Face told the housemates that they were already Africa's celebrities. He also told them that they needed to fight poverty in the continent.

The TV show gets into day 80 today. The game is expected to last 90 days. 

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Simply Cheska...

Passport of pastor accused of sexual abuse seized

P.S. Photo does not represent Story...

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The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has seized the passport of a pastor accused of sexually molesting young female members of his church.

The suspect, Pastor Basil Princewill, is the General Overseer of the Mountain Movers Fire Ministries International, Nyanya, a satellite town located between Abuja and Nasarawa State.

The pastor is facing trial for the alleged offence before Shuaibu Usman of the Abuja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Karu.

Hearing in the trial was scheduled to commence on Wednesday, but the prosecution counsel, Sgt. Bulus Samuel, applied for a short adjournment to enable the police amend the charges brought against the pastor.

Samuel informed the court that he was unable to proceed as scheduled because he lost his father shortly after the matter was brought to court.

The defence counsel, Mr. Uchenna Anayo, did not oppose the prosecution’s request for a short adjournment, but moved an oral application for the release of the Pastor’s passport.

He told the court that the police had continued to withhold, despite the fact that it should be released according to the terms of the bail granted the accused person.

“It has come to our attention that the police are still in possession of the first accused person’s passport. We are applying to the court so they can release it,” Anayo said.

The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that the cleric’s passport was seized in line with investigations into the charges against him.

Samuel noted that the said passport would affect the case.

He said, “Section 344 of the constitution gives us the power to seize anything when investigation is going on, if such will affect the case.”

But the court on Wednesday, noted that the prosecution might need the said passport to prove its case. It, therefore, advised the defence counsel to file a written application for the release of the document.

He thereafter adjourned the matter to August 20, 2012, for hearing.

The pastor and his co-accused, Ms Paulyn Ode, were arraigned by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command on charges of conspiracy, criminal impersonation, criminal intimidation, and criminal force and assault.

Princewill was accused of having carnal knowledge of two 14-year-old female members of the church.

He was also said to have aborted the pregnancy of one the girls, after telling doctors he was her father.

Culled from The Punch Nigeria.

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Simply Cheska...

PDP speaks on Jonathan’s impeachment move today

National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Bamanga Tukur.

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The Peoples Democratic Party is to speak on the move by the House of Representatives to impeach President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday (today).

The party took the decision after the meeting of its National Working Committee, which was held at the party’s secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday.

It was learnt that the party’s position would be stated by its Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Sam Jaja.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, stated this after the NWC meeting, which lasted for about five hours.

He did not give any reason why Jaja would be the one to address the journalists on the issue instead of the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Bamanga Tukur.

However, investigations by our correspondent showed that the party might have decided not to put Tukur on the hot spot because of the involvement of Tukur’s son among subsidy suspects to be arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission.

It was learnt that the party felt that Tukur could be embarrassed with questions about the involvement of his son in the subsidy scam.

Culled from The Punch Nigeria.

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Simply Cheska...

Kristen Stewart & Rupert Sanders’ Alleged Public Make-Outs — All The Details

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My Thoughts: The facts below seem too good to be true...I never saw Kristen as the cheating type(is there a cheating type?) But doing this to Robert is so so bad...Wonder what my sister (Cassey: their favorite fan) would say to this story...


K-Stew and her married ‘SWATH’ director, Rupert Sanders, allegedly spent a very steamy afternoon together! From holding hands to several hot makeout sessions in Kristen Stewart’s car, these two reportedly couldn’t keep their hands off each other on July 17.
Kristen Stewart reportedly has eyes for another man: married Snow White and the Huntsman director, Rupert Sanders. And these two had alleged secret meetings that Robert Pattinson, 26, and Liberty Ross, 33, won’t want to read about.


During the afternoon of July 17, Kristen was on her way home from the gym when she received a phone call. The 22-year-old quickly turned her black Mini Cooper around, according to Us Weekly, and ended up in a deserted parking lot where a curious photographer waited to see WHO the Twilight star was waiting for. Low and behold, her 41-year-old SWATHdirector, Rupert Sanders, reportedly appeared.
“Kristen was sitting with her back up against the driver’s-side window, and this guy was kissing her entire body,” a witness tells Us Weekly. At one point Rupert reportedly looked startled and pulled away, but the two went back to smooching quickly. Eventually, according to the report, Rupert looked nervous again and the two left the parking lot.


But it didn’t end there. After making out in an abandoned parking lot, the two allegedly drove off to a new location.
“He was all over her,” at every stop, the witness tells the mag.
The pair ended up in a secluded trail in LA, called Pacific View Trail, which provides a view of the Hollywood sign. The two reportedly stayed in Kristen’s car – slouching and kissing — until it appeared to be safe to leave. When the two stepped out, according to the report, Kristen leaned against the rail with the Hollywood sign in the background while he allegedly caressed her hand and the side of her body.


“She was swept up by the moment,” a witness tells the mag.
However, the two kept their guard up when people walked by.
“A few people would walk by, and as soon as they heard a voice, they would split up and walk in other directions,” a witness tells the mag.
At one point, when a group of people walked by with a dog, Kristen and Rupert reportedly went back to her car — but then continued kissing!
About 20 minutes later, Kristen allegedly dropped Rupert off three blocks away from his house where he lives with his wife, Liberty Ross, and their two kids. Kristen and Rupert reportedly kissed one last time and he walked the rest of the way home.


It definitely sounds like Kristen and Rupert are having a fling.


Culled from HollyWoodLife.


xoxo
Simply Cheska.....

Woman Lures Virgin For Rapist

Hello Friends!

My Thoughts: I cannot just seem to stomach this "evil" at all! If only the teenage girl knew that people you usually tag as friends, are devils in sheep's clothing... Why would another woman do this to a younger woman (obviously one with a better plan for her sexual life)...

A woman, Ukamaka Oluche, who allegedly lured her teenage friend (names withheld) to a suspected rapist, Tunde Mesanga, has landed herself and the man in serious trouble. 

An Apapa Magistrate’s Court in Lagos where they are standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and rape, has ordered that they be remanded at Kirikiri prisons, Apapa.

P.M.NEWS gathered that Ukamaka was a friend to the 18-year old teenage girl for some years. The victim confided in Ukamaka that she was a virgin and would like to remain so until after her university education and marriage. The teenager did not know that her friend, Ukamaka, was not happy at such a revelation.

Ukamaka therefore lured the victim to suspected rapist’s house somewhere in Agric area of Lagos-Badagry expressway, where she was allegedly raped by Mesanga. Both of them reportedly stripped the victim while Tunde raped her.

The incident was later reported to the police and the lady and Mesanga were arrested and charged to court.

The police prosecutor told the court that the two suspects contravened sections 409 and 263 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos state of Nigeria, 2011. When the charge was read to them, Ukamaka and Mesanga pleaded not guilty. The presiding magistrate, Mr. E.O. Ogundare admitted each of them to bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety each in the like sum.

The matter was adjourned till 19 October, 2012 for mention. But because they did not meet the bail condition on time, they were remanded in Kirikiri prisons, Apapa, pending when their sureties will perfect their bail conditions.

Culled from PM News Nigeria.

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Simply Cheska...

“I have slept with women” – Juanita Bynum makes shocking radio confessions

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My Thoughts: Please, Let's not get this twisted...My sincere guess is she once lived a life as described in this story...This does not make her that person who lived a wild life! She is a changed woman and is only making reference to her past to encourage others who feel they are not worthy to be changed by God Himself....Whatever your views, Let God be that Ultimate Judge...

The last time she was in the news was when she revealed she had been a victim of domestic violence at the hands of her now ex-husband, Bishop Thomas Weeks III, Dr. Juanita Bynum is out with another shocking revelation.

While answering question on V-103’s “Frank and Wanda in the morning” show, the preacher admitted to have been with all kinds of men, sleeping with women, doing drugs, and having a wild life generally.

Many had expected Bynum, the author of the best-selling sermon and book “No More Sheets: The Truth About Sex”, to give an interview worth remembering but this was surprising considering that many look up to her on issues of sexual purity and spiritual uprightness.

Bynum said: “I’ve been there and I’ve done it all. I did the drugs, I’ve been with men, I’ve been with women. All of it.”

To clear all doubts, she confirmed her words saying, “It’s not a line, it’s my life!”

The prophetess, singer, actor, pastor, and author, however, explained that she makes these confessions to take responsibility for her choices.

I took full responsibility in every area because every choice that I made, nobody put a gun to my head,” she said.

“These were my choices and I made these choices due to a lack of wisdom”.

Bynum’s revelation underscores the belief that no one is perfect; never mind the surprise it might have generated among her followers.

Culled from Yahoo News.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Bishop Oyedepo Abandons Muslim Sister, Says 'Convert Or Die Poor'

Pastor David Oyedepo

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My Thoughts:  Now, this is where I would not support our dear "Man of God". Racism of any kind is totally against all what God Almighty represents....God represents: Peace, Divine Life, Hope, Love/Acceptance, Tolerance, Giving, Forgiveness...The List Is Endless...

The presiding bishop and founder of the Living Faith Christian Church International, better known as Winners’ Chapel, Bishop David Eniola Oyedepo is not new to controversy. He was recently dragged to court for slapping a young lady who claimed to be a witch. The bishop was at a time said to have drafted his younger brother to the church security and many more of such incidents and he is the type that will not hide his dislike for Islamic religion.

Though he is seen as a man that can tolerate others which is obvious in his teachings and doctrine that we should not discriminate against one another as it is against the Bible which wants us to love our neighbors as ourselves, it is surprising that the man cannot hide his disdain for the Islamic religion which was evident when little Abdul-Gafar Ayomide Salami, a young Nigerian student seeking admission to Oyedepo church owned Covenant University was denied admission despite having all required qualifications, just because he is a Muslim.

If what he did to little Abdul-Gafar is thought to be anything serious, his disposition towards his half-sister, Alhaja Saratu Bello who refuses to become a Christian after every method implored by Oyedepo to convert her failed, the man called Papa by his congregation swore not to have anything to do with her until she changes her religion to Christianity, the sister in question we learnt is being treated like the black sheep of the family and the bishop has forbidden everybody from helping her.

The sister who lives in Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos is living in abject poverty and finds it difficult to feed while her other siblings are living in affluence. Those who know her doubt her story of being related to the man who can be said to be the richest pastor even in Africa.

The man of God who is the surviving one of a set of twins after a prolonged delay in having a fruit of the womb by the late mother was born into a Muslim family of Pa Oyedepo in Omu-Aran. David Oyedepo was instrumental in the conversion of his father to becoming a Christian, a thing the father agreed to when he was very old after which he was baptized by his own son before death.

David Oyedapo has successfully influenced the lives of everyone in his family on both sides to become Christians, holding high positions in churches even outside his own Living Faith Church worldwide, but what baffles most is his stiff stance against the sister’s decision to practice her religion.

To many outside his fold, the prosperity preacher, who owns homes in London and the United States, and has been owner of four private jets so far, is seen as a role model to other pastors. In 2011, Forbes, the respected American business magazine which keeps a tab on the world’s rich, listed Oyedepo as Nigeria’s wealthiest pastor, with an estimated net worth of $150 million (about N23 billion). With all this wealth it will be hard to believe the man of God can be so cruel to his own blood as he is presently doing to Alhaja Saratu Bello.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Beware of fake transport operators, travellers advised

P.S. Picture Does Not Represent AIT Company Limited.

Hello Friends!

The management of Akwa Ibom Transport Company Limited, Lagos office, has warned intending travellers about the activities of fake transport operators masquerading as its officials.

It said the impostors had painted their buses with the same colour as the organisation and with the inscription of Government of Akwa Ibom State in the front.

It said the illegal operators had been causing confusion, problems and embarrassment to AKTC, the original and licensed operator.

The Manager, Lagos office, Mr. Anietie Essien, told PUNCH Metro on Saturday that he was shocked to see another set of AKTC buses at different locations in Lagos loading.

He described the development as an abuse, assault and intrusion by the touts to transport industry.Essien called on the relevant authorities in the state to bring the impostors to justice.

He also advised intending travellers, who desired to travel by AKTC, to always board buses at the park to avoid being robbed or duped.

Essien said, “If we are not known, well-organised and licensed by the Akwa Ibom Government, I do not know what could have happened. Right now, I am talking to you, I do not know what is the impression of the members of the public on this matter.

“But be that as it may, we would stand and keep to our professional standards, ethics and policy.”

He added that since the coming of the fake AKTC buses to Lagos a few weeks ago, there had been a series of complaints from members of the public, especially travellers.

He stated, “On return to Lagos, a lot of passengers came to lodge complaints on a series of negative attitudes by operators of the fake buses to us.

“We demanded their tickets for checks. But they presented something different from the ones we issued. We showed them our original tickets. It was then they realised that it was not the original AKTC bus.” On measures so far taken, Essien said he had reported the development to the organisation’s headquarters in Uyo.

He called on the Akwa Ibom State Government and other relevant agencies in charge of transportation in Lagos State to step in to avoid the breakdown of law and order.

Findings by PUNCH Metro showed that the fake transport operators usually operated from under the bridges, particularly under Ojuelegba Bridge near AKTC Park early in the morning.

It was further learnt that some of the operators were allegedly former employees of AKTC whose appointments had been terminated for wrongdoings.

One of the operators, who declined to give his name, is assisting the company with useful information on the illegal operators.

Culled from Punch Metro Nigeria.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

BRT lane: Colonel, sergeant to pay N25,000 fine each

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My Thoughts: I cannot seem to help myself! I love to rejoice and broadcast, whenever I observe that certain issues/matters of the government that relates to the people's trust, are working!

The General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Minimah, has said Colonel K.I Yusuf and Staff Sergeant Adeomi, who were accosted by Governor Babatunde Fashola for taking the designated Bus Rapid Transit lane on July 17, 2012, will pay the mandatory fine.

The fine for taking BRT lane is N25, 000.

This is just as the Nigerian Army began the court martial of 11 soldiers for various offences in Lagos on Tuesday.

Minimah said at a press briefing that the Nigerian Army was not above the law.

“They passed the BRT lane and it’s a traffic offence and they’ll pay the fine. The fact that he has apologised to the governor does not mean that he won’t face the law. He will pay the fine,” he said.

The GOC seized the opportunity to warn all army personnel to obey the laws of the state and avoid taking the BTR lane.

He said, “They (army personnel) should avoid the BRT lane because they are designated for the BRT buses which are for the good of Lagosians. We all reside in Lagos and we have the responsibility of obeying the laws of the state. If we get it right, it’s for our common good and if we get it wrong, it’s bad for all of us.

“The law was made for Lagosians and we are part of Lagos and the Nigerian Army and the military as a whole are law-abiding and enforcers of the laws, not outlaws. We’ll conform to the laws and obey the law and also aid civil authority in enforcing the laws and we’ll continue to help the state government in this regard.”

Meanwhile, the president of the court martial, Brigadier- General Edward Nze, said the crimes the army personnel were being tried for ranged from alleged murder to financial misappropriation.

Nze said court martial was an instrument used by the Nigerian Army to instil discipline in its men.

“The offences we are handling presently range from murder to misappropriation of funds to being absent without leave. They’ll be charged according to the Armed Forces Act,” he said.

Culled from Punch Metro Nigeria.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Husband refused to take wife to hospital during pregnancy scare until she made him LUNCH....

Hello Friends!

A man whose wife suffered a pregnancy scare the day after he viciously beat her in a row over money refused to take her to hospital until she had made him lunch.

Riasaf Ahmed, 25, who would attack Ruqayyah Ghani on the orders of his 'controlling' mother, frequently left his wife covered in bruises and in fear of her life.

And on Christmas Day 2010, Ahmed, from Middlesbrough, launched an horrific hour-long attack on his pregnant wife, punching her in the face and grabbing her wrists to get her to hand over money as a crisis loan.

The following day he even refused to take Miss Ghani to hospital for treatment for stomach pains unless she made him a meal.

She was then led to fear for her life when he told her: 'If I’ve got to go to jail, I might as well do things properly.'

But he has avoided jail, in a decision that has angered domestic abuse charities.

The court was told how Miss Ghani was effectively kept prisoner in the family home in Middlesbrough for four years.

She was not allowed a house key and Ahmed and his family took all of her money away from her.

A lock on the telephone meant she could not contact her family in West Yorkshire.

Miss Ghani's family had taken her back to West Yorkshire in August 2010 after finding her bruised when they became seriously concerned by their daughter's silence.

She had returned to her husband after discovering she was pregnant to try to make the marriage work, but nothing changed.

The court heard how pregnant Miss Ghani experienced stomach pains after the attack, but Ahmed would not take her from their Middlesbrough home to seek hospital treatment nearby. (Pictured: James Cook University Hospital, part of South Tees NHS Foundation Trust).

His own defence barrister branded the former call centre worker a bully as a Teesside Crown Court judge handed out a suspended sentence for common assault and an assault causing actual bodily harm.

Judge Tony Briggs said Ahmed's campaign of brutality and humiliation was disgraceful, but gave Ahmed the suspended jail term after hearing he has a serious medical condition.

Jonathan Walker, mitigating, said Ahmed had struggled after losing his job and was suffering from ulcerative colitis. 

He said: 'He is not a teenager, but he is a fairly vulnerable, fairly immature young man who seeks to blame others for his failings.'

Domestic violence campaigners said that Ahmed's sentence did not reflect the nature of the 'horrific' assault.

Sandra Horley, chief executive of domestic violence charity Refuge, said: 'It takes a huge amount of courage to testify against a violent partner or ex-partner. 

'It is crucial that victims feel protected by having the full weight of the law behind them.

'It is very disappointing that the severity of this horrific assault does not seem to have been reflected in the sentence.'

Culled from The Daily Mail UK.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

GOLDIE TENDERS APOLOGIES TO FANS

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My Thoughts: A desperate attempt to save her ''damaged career'', courtesy of her presence/behavior in the BBA7 Star Game if you ask me...Anyway, I do appreciate her boldness to realize her short comings and apologize.

Also, if she had listened and associated with her fellow Housemates, she could have easily realized that Prezzo was indeed playing her inside out!

Goldie? Nigerians are also forgiven people...We forgive you, we love you and we still believe in your talent...

Adebimpe Suzan Harvey the recently evicted from the Season Seven Big Brother Africa Stargame seems to have realised her mistakes in the BBA and has tendered her unreserved apologies to her fans in Nigeria and beyond.

“I want to tell Nigerians that I am so sorry. I am human just like everyone. I am an extremely emotional person. Everybody has two sides.

What we entertainers represent on stage is different from who we are off stage.

And I didn’t go into the Big Brother Star Game with any strategy. I went in there as an individual and just to be my real self. And that’s

what Africa saw. I didn’t go into that house as Goldie, the performer; I was in there as Susan. Fortunately, my teeming fans got to see the

human side of me and not the woman they see on stage,”

“I wear my heart on my sleeve. I am brought up to be loyal and be truthful to everyone. I am not the type that plot or play schism. So, when I.K. showed me the nomination last Sunday, the discovery was shocking and my knees went weak. Every other guy had like 8, 6 and 5

nominations, but I had just two. And I was the one to leave. I felt betrayed when I discovered one of the persons that nominated me for

eviction,”

“Nigerians are loving, caring and religious people. We have high moral standards. And all these qualities I tried to exhibit while in the Big

Brother house,”

“You had about 50 cameras to watch you but I had only two eyes and two ears and I believed in what I saw. But when I heard everything he had said, I was sad, but I realized that he went into the house to play a game. I have learnt my lesson and I am stronger for it,” she said.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

I don’t have official car – Jonathan’s aide

Mrs Sarah Jibril

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The Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Ethics and Values, Mrs. Sarah Jibril, lamented in Akure on Monday that she had been having difficulties in travelling outside Abuja for her official engagements as she no longer has an official vehicle.

Jubril said, “No new vehicle was provided for my office since the one given to me on my appointment had an accident sometimes ago.”

Jibril, a presidential aspirant of the People Democratic Party in 2011, stated this while explaining reasons for her lateness to a lecture she delivered during the 2012 Week of the National Association of Women Journalists, Ondo State chapter, on Monday evening.

The Special Adviser said she had to compel NAWOJ to provide a vehicle that would take her to the NUJ Press Centre, venue of the lecture since she had no official vehicle.

Our correspondent learnt that the condition given by Jibril forced the NAWOJ to pay a car hire firm N100,00 for a Toyota Avalon car to bring her to Akure on Sunday and return her to Abuja on Monday immediately after the programme.

It was learnt that the vehicle had an accident on the Okene-Lokoja Road and the company had to send another car from Akure.

The special adviser said she had been using her old Toyota SUV which she said could not withstand long distance journey.

Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Olukemi Mimiko, who was the Special Guest on the occasion, made arrangement for a vehicle to take her back to Abuja on Tuesday.

Jubril delivered her lecture titled ‘Peaceful Political Co-Existence, Ingredient for Sustainable Democracy: The Role of Women’, at the event.

She noted that women, as mothers and carriers of life, could help change various challenging situation in the country with fasting and ardent prayers for restoration of peace and harmony in our nation.

Culled from The Punch Nigeria.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

So Jonathan won’t create jobs again?????

President Goodluck Jonathan.

Hello Friends!

President Goodluck Jonathan said recently that he would no longer focus attention on creating jobs in the country because of security challenges confronting Nigeria. The President was at the 60th National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party when he made the pronouncement. One would have to check the books to find out what else presidents create, if they don’t create jobs. Actually, there were two things he said at the meeting: Nigerians should not expect him to fulfil his election promises, as well as implement his party manifesto on job creation and power supply. Two, he compared the performance of the current administration and that of his party with the worst case possible, not the best, and scored himself a pass mark. One could take a closer look at the latter, for starters.

“We know what is happening in other African countries,” the President had said. “If the ruling party over-intimidates and over-imposes, using the weight of the Federal Government and the citizens revolt, it will weaken the political system and create confusion and instability. But the PDP, even though, we control the Federal Government, we operate a system that even the opposition, fly higher than us. They abuse us more, but we allow it. 

And it is the way the PDP is handling the affairs of the country that is stabilising democracy in the country.” Good. But placing that side by side with other African countries is not. One would assume a look at advanced democracies is where to draw comparisons, and thus aim for the best for Nigeria. The President went on to lament the loss by his party in some states during the general elections. And he realised everyone could be swept away if his party exerts itself, and he therefore made a promise: 

The party would not use its federal might against other political parties because “we witnessed what happened in the first republic.” It is good politicians are proclaiming that they have learnt from the past. But then, even all of that amounts to veiled threats, a reason Nigerians would want to be more on their guard. It is only here leaders say they choose not to rig elections and expect anyone to shower them with praises. Surely, Nigerians were not among those that must have clapped that time at the meeting where their President renewed his vow never to rig elections, only his party members were. 

Court orders forfeiture of Ibori’s $15m bribe money

Former Delta State Governor: Chief James Ibori.

Hello Friends!

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday granted an interim order forfeiting to the Federal Government $15m said to have been received by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from an undisclosed agent of former Delta State Governor James Ibori in 2007 as a bribe to compromise its investigation.

The money has been kept in the strong room of the Central Bank of Nigeria as an unclaimed property since August 2007.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole upheld the FG’s claim that the said sum, “if left untouched and unspent in the state it was kept in the strong room since April 2007, may eventually be destroyed, defaced, mutilated and become useless.”

Kolawole gave the order after listening to an exparte motion brought by the applicants – the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation and the EFCC.

He fixed September 17, 2012, to hear the motion on notice for the final forfeiture of the $15m.

He said the money would be finally forfeited to the FG as proceed of fraud if nobody laid claim to the money. While granting the application, Kolawole noted that “Ibori had denied the onwership of the money in question during the Kaduna case.”

He therefore granted the EFCC’s request for “an interim order forfeiting the $15m being an unclaimed property in possession of the CBN to the Federal Government, pending the publication and hearing of the motion on notice for the final forfeiture order of the said property.”

Kolawole also ordered that the interim order should be published in national daily “for anyone who is interested in the property to appear before the court to show cause within 14 days why the final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

He added, “The commission on 26th April, 2007 deposited the said cash of USD15, 000, 000 into the strong room of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“James Ibori has since denied giving the said cash of USD15, 000, 000 to the commission or any of its officers.” The CBN was listed as the respondent in the motion, which was filed on behalf of the applicants by EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN.

In the motion, the EFCC applied for “an order of forfeiture of an unclaimed property without conviction pursuant to Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud And Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006.”

The EFCC, in the motion filed by Jacobs and dated July 5, 2012, explained the grounds upon which it asked the court to forfeit the money to the Federal Government.

Culled from The Punch Nigeria.

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Simply Cheska...

Mills, Ghanaian President, dies of throat cancer

Hello Friends!

Ghanaian President, John Mills, died on Tuesday, few hours after announcing to Parliament that he was leaving for Nigeria.

The British Broadcasting Corporationreports that 68-year-old Mills, who had been suffering from throat cancer, died in the capital, Accra a few hours after being taken ill.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden and untimely death of the President of the Republic of Ghana,” a statement from the Presidency said.

Chief of Staff John Newman, who addressed the nation on state-run GTV and TV3, said Mills died at the 37th Military Hospital in Accra. Newman gave no details about the cause of Mills’ death.

Information Minister Baffour also declined to elaborate. “Yes, I can confirm (his death), but I can’t say more,” he told The Associated Press.

The BBC reports that Mill’s voice had been degenerating in the last few months.

A presidential aide said the leader had complained of suffering pains on Monday evening. He had returned to Ghana after visiting the US for medical checks, Reuters reports.

The late President celebrated his 68th birthday on Saturday on a low-key with orphans in Accra.

He was a former law professor and served as Ghana’s vice president to President Jerry Rawlings from 1997 to 2000. He ran for president unsuccessfully in 2000 and 2004 before winning the election in 2009.He was to run for a second term in December and Mills was to be the ruling party’s candidate.

He spent much of his career teaching at the University of Ghana. He earned a doctorate from London’s School of Oriental and African Studies before becoming a Fulbright scholar at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.

Vice-President John Mahama was sworn in as President on Tuesday.

The Ghanaian election commission said December’s presidential and parliamentary elections would go ahead as planned.

“The election calendar remains unchanged – it’s purely a party matter,” election chief Kwadwo Afari-Gyan toldReuters, explaining that it was up to the ruling National Democratic Congress to find a candidate to replace Mills.

In March, US President Barack Obama received Mills in the Oval Office and praised him and his country as “a good-news story” in Africa.

May His Soul Rest In Peace....

Culled from The Punch Nigeria.

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Simply Cheska...

'You're not such a tough guy now': Colorado victims' families face 'killer Joker' as he makes disturbing first appearance at court...PART 2

Mourning: The father of six-year old Veronica Moser, the youngest victim, arrives at court for the hearing.

Hello Friends!

My Thoughts: I always wonder what the world would truly look like, if we all react to the movies we watch and live out in real life, all what we see in movies...Crazy I swear! Parents, please watch over your children and wards and even yourselves... This is a clear, crazy and evil reaction to The Dark Knight...

Painful: Families and friends of the victims descended on the courtroom on Monday morning to face the man suspected of murdering their loved ones.

Emotional: Scores of relatives and friends attended the hearing, with some saying they did not believe Holmes's sad face - and felt he had no right to have one.

'If in fact he is sane, it's a hopeless case for the defense,' legal analyst, Scott Robinson, said. 'They caught him literally gunpowder-handed with his weapons, with his tactical gear.'

David Lane, a lawyer who has represented 25 people charged with death-penalty offenses, added: 'There are some crimes, the nature of which just scream out 'crazy.' This is one of those cases.'

He has been held at the Arapahoe Detention Center since his arrest in the cinema parking lot just moments after the shooting spree on Friday morning.

Jailors at the facility told the New York Daily News the suspect has not shown any remorse for the killings. He has been acting bizarrely ever since arriving and 'thinks he's acting in a movie', they said.

'He was spitting at the door and spitting at the guards,' a released inmate added outside the jail. 'He’s spitting at everything. Dude was acting crazy.'

It comes as new details shed light on a possible motive for the massacre. It is believed Holmes was due to be kicked out of his flat and may have recently broken up with a girlfriend, while one friend said his addiction to video games meant he had lost touch with reality.

But it could take months to figure out the cause behind the killings; as he waited for his first court appearance, authorities disclosed Holmes is refusing to cooperate.

Before being moved to the courtroom for the hearing, he was held in solitary confinement at an Arapahoe County detention facility.

He was assigned a public defender and Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates said that the suspect has 'lawyered up' since his arrest in the early hours of Friday in the cinema parking lot.

'He's not talking to us,' Oates added.

In regards to a possible motice, Aurora police chief Daniel Oates had hinted that Holmes had recently gone through a break up and that authorities were investigating the claim.

'I’ve heard one morsel of information about a relationship that may or may not be true,' he told CBS' Face the Nation. 

'That’s why we have all our investigators working on this. That’s why we brought in the FBI behavioral analysts. They’re going to figure all that stuff out.'

It is also believed that Holmes was due to be evicted from his flat. The 24-year-old, who is now in police custody, pulled out of the university weeks before the deadly attack.

Neighbours told TMZ anyone living in the block had to be enrolled at the university otherwise you had 30 days to evacuate.

It is not known exactly when Holmes stopped going to classes but it is thought he was nearing the end of the 30-day grace period.

A former classmate from the University of Colorado suggested another cause for the killings, saying Holmes had lost touch with reality after becoming 'obsessed' with video games.

The classmate told the Daily Mail: 'James was obsessed with computer games and was always playing role-playing games. 

'I can’t remember which one but it was something like World of Warcraft, one of those where you compete against people on the internet.

WHO IS HOLMES' LAWYER?

It will undoubtedly become a household names in coming weeks: James O'Connor has been appointed as the public defender for James Holmes. 

Mr O'Connor is the head of the public defender's office that covers the sprawling 18th Judicial District from suburban Denver to the eastern Colorado plains. 

He specializes in criminal defense for felony cases - a good fit considering Holmes is the lone suspect in a shooting that left 12 dead and 58 injured and will likely be charged with multiple felonies. 

Mr O'Connor appears to be a true Coloradoan as he attended Regis University for his undergraduate degree in Denver and then went on to law school at the University of Colorado in Boulder. 

Though Holmes was seen in court on Monday morning, he was not seen next to Mr O'Connor. 

Instead, he was seen sitting next to Tamara Brady, who is also a public defender in the Colorado State's office.

Sentence: Arapahoe County District Attorney Carol Chambers talks to the media after the appearance. She said the prosecutor's office would talk with relatives on whether to pursue the death penalty.

Speaking out: Chambers speaks in the middle of a crowd of reporters with the Arapahoe County Court flags flying at half staff.

Fighting on: Relatives and friends of the victims leave court. Some have called for the death penalty.

Battle: Friends and family arrive at the courthouse on Monday morning in Centennial, around 13 miles from where the massacre took place.

'He did not have much of a life apart from that and doing his work. James seemed like he wanted to be in the game and be one of the characters.

DARK KNIGHT IS A BOX-OFFICE HIT

Despite the tragedy, The Dark Knight Rises has broken box office records.

The film was on track to earn more than $160million in the U.S. and Canada in its opening weekend, which would be a record for a non-3D movie.

‘This tragedy did not seem to impact the box office in amajor way,’ said Paul Dergarabedian,
an analyst for Hollywood.com.

He added: ‘For this film to still be in the rarified air of the top-three openings of all time
is phenomenal, given the unfortunate circumstancessurrounding the release of
this film.  

'It seemed that being online was more important to him than real life. He must have lost his sense of reality, how else can you shoot dozens of people you don’t know?'

Other acquaintances, who had worked with Holmes at a children's summer camp in 2008, noted he was an outsider who was 'shy and reserved'.

'The entire staff was really close, considering we lived together - except for James,' the counselor told NBC News. 

'He really kept to himself and hardly ever went on any trips with the rest of the staff. He was very shy and reserved. It is sickening knowing that he killed kids the same age that he once cared for.'

Holmes worked at the California camp during the summer of 2008, and supervised around 10 underprivileged children between the ages of seven and 14, a spokesperson said.

Amid the continuing investigation into Holmes and his character, memorial services were held in Aurora on Sunday, with the community holding a prayer vigil.

President Barack Obama also arrived to visit victims' families at the University of Colorado Hospital and said he told the families that 'all of America and much of the world is thinking about them'.

Several thousand gathered for healing at the vigil Sunday night, while well-wishers left notes, soft toys, pictures and flowers at crosses for each of the victims opposite the cinema in Aurora.

Waiting for justice: Surviving victims of the shooting and their relatives and friends arrive at the courthouse.

Scrum: Members of the media crowd around the courthouse ahead of Holmes's appearance.

Struggle: A mourner is grief stricken near the crosses representing the 12 people killed at the movie theater.

Remembering: Merri Brown of Aurora places a rose near the crosses representing the victims.

On Friday, the family of James Holmes also spoke out for the first time, through their lawyer Lisa Damiani in San Diego, California.

Damiani stressed that Holmes's mother, who had previously indicated her son was the man who had carried out the massacre, had been wrongly portrayed by the media. When she said, 'You have the right person', she meant herself, not her son, Damiani said.

The lawyer added: 'It is important that a case of this significance is tried in the courthouse, not in the media.'

Trail of blood: Police investigate Holmes's car outside the movie theatre on Friday morning'.

Victims: Six-year-old Veronica Moser, left, was the youngest victim shot dead in the massacre. Aspiring sportscaster Jessica Ghawi, right, also died.

Anguish: Mourners pray in front of a makeshift memorial after a prayer vigil at the Aurora Municipal Center.

Remembered: People visit a memorial for the victims across the street from the movie theater.

Support: People gather in prayer during a memorial outside the Aurora Municipal Center on Sunday.

May Their Souls Rest In Peace and May Justice Be Served.

Culled from The Daily Mail UK.

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Simply Cheska...

'You're not such a tough guy now': Colorado victims' families face 'killer Joker' as he makes disturbing first appearance at court. ..PART 1

Mugshot: James Holmes, 24, appeared in court for the first time, on Monday suspected with going on a shooting spree at a Colorado cinema on Friday.

Hello Friends!

The father of a 24-year-old man gunned down during a late-night screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado last week has described the moment he came face-to-face with his son's killer and how he said to himself: 'You're not such a tough guy now.'

Tom Teves, whose son Alex Teves died saving the life of his girlfriend after gunfire erupted in the cinema, sat in the front row in Arapahoe County Courthouse as suspected gunman James Holmes, 24, made a bleary-eyed court appearance and shocked the court with his dyed red hair.

Mr Teves was among scores of relatives and friends who descended on the courthouse to face the man suspected of murdering their loved ones, with some demanding Holmes should face the death penalty for his heinous crime.

Fighting back tears outside the court, Tom Teves said: 'I saw the coward in court today, and Alex could have floored him without breaking a sweat.'

He went on: 'Seeing him in court I said to myself: 'You're not such a tough guy now', or something to that effect'.'I didn't say it to him, they wouldn't let me near him. I was here today for my son, I honoured my son, he would have done it for me.

'Somebody had to be in the courtroom to say: "You know what, you went in with ballistic protection and guns and shot, you shot a six-year-old!" I mean give me a break.

'And when the cops came he gave up? You've got the ballistic protection on, take on some people who know how to use guns. That didn't happen.'

Alex Teves was among the 12 victims shot dead in the Aurora cinema shortly after midnight on Friday morning.

Holmes, pictured in court and in his newly-released mugshot with bright orange hair after he claimed he dyed it to look like The Joker, is accused of buying a ticket to the movie before donning ballistic gear and firing indiscriminately at the crowd, also injuring 58 people. 

On Friday, he made his first court appearance looking disheveled, wide-eyed and as if he could not concentrate.

Holmes, wearing a dark red prison issue top with ‘Arapahoe County Jail’ written on its back, was brought into the court by two security guards with six more standing in the room.

In court: James Holmes, who is suspected of killing 12 and wounding 58 in a shooting spree, looked disheveled and despondent during his first court appearance on Friday. Holmes, who sat next to his public defender Tamara Brady, was watched by families of his victims.

Anger: Tom Teves and his wife Caren, the parents of a man gunned down in the Dark Knight massacre last week, speak outside the court after the alleged gunman made his first court appearance. Their son Alex, right, was one of the 12 victims during the gunfire at the Aurora, Colorado cinema.

Pain: Tom Teves and his wife Caren answer questions alongside Amanda Lindgren, their son's girlfriend, after the preliminary hearing. they branded Holmes a 'coward'.

Hurt: McKayla Hicks, left, who was shot in the face during the movie theatre rampage, attends court with friends.

‘Good Samaritan’ docked for stealing from victims

Hello Friends!

LAGOS— Police in Lagos, yesterday, arraigned a 32-year-old unemployed man, Bartholomew Mbatuonu, before an Apapa Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing the property of an accident victim, who later died.

The prosecutor, John Iberedem, told the court that Mbatuonu stole three bags containing various women clothes, shoes and cash totalling N200,000 belonging to Mrs Georgina Chijioke , who was involved in a bus accident around Maza- Maza on Lagos-Badagry expressway on July 2.

Iberedem said the accused pretended as if he was helping the accident victims and in the process stole the bags.He said Mbatuonu, of no fixed address, was facing a one-count charge of stealing.

The prosecutor said that the accused was caught with the three bags, by a ‘Good Samaritan‘ who was also helping the victims.

Mbatuonu pleaded not guilty to the charge.Chief Magistrate, E.A. Ogundare, granted him bail in the sum of N50, 000, with one surety in like sum.

He also ordered the surety to show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government, as part of the bail conditions.

Ogundare adjourned the case to October 12 for further hearing.

Culled from The Vanguard Nigeria.

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Simply Cheska...

Davido Commits Ramadan Sacrilege At Show: Strippers & Other Muslims Watch In Shock!

Hello Friends!


My Thoughts: Abeg, wetin dem dey expect for Davido Show? Sit don look? He is young, talented and good looking...What happened at the show, comes with that territory in the entertainment industry... What were the so called Muslims doing in such a place (show) while fasting? Sin begins with the thought of it jare...


Alhaji Aliko Dangote was said to have been present at the event. Also were Davido's uncle, Isiaka Adeleke, who was a former Osun state governor; first class Obas; children who came with their parents; celebrities and many others: It may have been a messy day for some Muslim faithfuls who trooped out to support music sensation, Davido at his O.B.O album launch last Sunday. Going by some eyewitnesses accounts, the Expo Center Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos was filled up. This feat has only been achieved by comedian, Ayo Makun known as AY.


Though, the event fell under the holy month of Ramadan when Muslim fast to God for purity and other purposes, but Davido still got the support from his Muslim, Christian and other religious believers' lovers. 
But alas! what did the his Muslim fans and supporters get in return from Davido? A sacrilege and a gift that had the ability of causing a strain to their prayers in the holy month and render their fast for that day unacceptable before Allah.


This was because Davido reportedly stormed the stage with some strippers knowing that there were children and Muslims including Aliko Dangote, who were observing Ramadan, present at his album launch.
As if that was not enough, the strippers were said to have done some erotic dance moves before the watching audience, including children. Some of the fans present at the show, said that some parents had to take their children out from seeing the X-rated erotic dance moves by the strippers. 


Others fumed that it was wrong for a teenager like Davido to come on stage with strippers while Muslims were still observing Ramadan. One of the eyewitnesses asked what was the rationale behind the choice of Davido as MTN Pulse brand ambassador. 




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Simply Cheska...

Is D'Banj "Out" From Kanye West's G.O.O.D Music?

Hello Friends!

My Thoughts: Let's not get too excited about this "presumption" just yet...Maybe the Kokomaster, has something up his sleeves...Fingers Crossed here...

If the latest development at Kanye West's G.O.O.D Music label could be read different meanings to, then, it might be a fresh trouble for D'Banj. This is because the Kokomaster's name, who was reportedly signed on the label in 2011, was missing in the latest Complex Magazine cover that featured the label's artistes.

In the August-September 2012 issue of the magazine, G.O.O.D Music artistes; Kanye West, John Legend, Pusha T, Kid Cudi, Q-Tip, Common, Big Sean and 2 Chainz were featured but D'Banj's name or picture was no where to be found.

Some have already started asking questions about the true status of the Nigerian music star in G.O.O.D Music label. Others have asked if D'Banj has now been dumped by Kanye West? For some time now, D'Banj has frequented Nigeria unlike when it was believed that he would spend most of his G.O.O.D Music time in America, where the label is based. 

But in a twist, he became a regular in London after his reported Mercury label deal. 

In 2012, D'Banj and Don Jazzy parted ways after it was reportedly that both stars were signed by Kanye West into his label.

Some have opined that time will unravel the truth soon.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Marketers beg NNPC to make kerosene available at official price of N49.50.

Hello Friends!

Lagos – Some filling stations operators in Lagos have decried non-availability of kerosene to consumers, urging the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to supply it at official price.The operators on Monday in Lagos said major marketers had not received supply of the product since the beginning of 2012.

The Federal Government in 2011 embarked on direct sale of kerosene to consumers through a collaborative effort with the Capital Oil and Gas.

The Kero-Direct Scheme was aimed at ensuring that the product is made available to vast majority of Nigerians and to generate additional direct employment for Nigerians.

Mr John Olagunju, the Manager of Total Filling Station at Fadeyi, said that major marketers could not get the product from the depot at official price of N49.50.

He said that instead, they got the product through third parties at high rates, which made it difficult for them to sell at N50 per litre as directed by the government.

“We find it difficult to comply with the directive that we should sell the product at N50 per litre when the product is not even available at the official price.

“We use to buy kerosene from the third parties and this was why most marketers were selling it above N50 per litre,’’ he said.

Another operator, Mr Tayo Adeleke, the Manager of Mobil Filling Station along Itire road, Ojuelegba, said that the product was not available at N50 per litre at the depot.

He advised the Federal Government to make kerosene available at the official price for the major marketers to sell at N50 per litre to the consumers.

Adeleke said that if the product was available, it would alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians that depended on it for their domestic cooking.

Mr Segun Olusesan, the Manager, Total Filling Station, Ijora, said that government had not made the product available to the masses.

He said that no marketer got the products for sale in their stations since January at the official price of N49.50. “Kerosene is being sold to independent marketers, who now sell at higher price.

“The major marketers cannot sell at the official price and that is why they do not supply us with the product,’’ he said.

Mr Akeem Balogun, the Manager of MRS Filling Station, Lawanson, said that the station sold its last stock of kerosene in 2011.

When contacted, Mr Fidelis Peple, the NNPC acting Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, said he could not comment on the development. NAN.

Culled from The Vanguard Nigeria.

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Simply Cheska...

NLC deplores deadly bombings

Hello Friends!

LAGOS (AFP) – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday condemned “incessant” bombings killings in the country, saying that the atmosphere of insecurity was inimical to growth and development. “These incessant violence and general insecurity, which are engendering fear and restlessness in the citizenry is taking a negative dimension and is inimical to growth and development,” NLC president Abdulwahed Ibrahim Omar said.

“No nation can grow in a chaotic and anarchical situation,” he said in a speech at a forum for training of young labour unionists in Uyo, capital of southern Akwa Ibom State.

Omar particularly cited recent killings in central Plateau state and urged government and the security agencies to rise up to the occasion by defending the lives and property of Nigerians and foreigners. Members of the livestock-herding Fulani ethnic group were blamed for July 7 raids on Christian villages that killed more than 80 people.

Another 22 people, including two senior politicians, were killed the following day in an attack on the victims’ funeral, also blamed on the Fulani.

The labour leader also reiterated the NLC call on government to expedite action on the implementation of the reports of committees set up to probe oil subsidy scam “in order to bring those found guilty to justice.”

In April, a parliamentary report alleged Nigeria had lost $6.8 billion from 2009 to 2011 through a fuel subsidy programme rife with corruption.

Culled from The Vanguard Nigeria.

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Simply Cheska...

Impeachment threat not over Lawan, contracts – Reps

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THE House of Representatives on Monday said the ultimatum given to President Goodluck Jonathan to either achieve 100 per cent budget performance by September or face impeachment procedures, was borne out of genuine desire to move the country forward.

The lawmakers condemned insinuations that the impeachment threat had to do with their desire for contracts and the fight to protect Farouk Lawan, a Rep currently involved a $620,000 bribery scandal.

Spokesman for the House, Zakari Mohammed, on Monday said such insinuations were wicked and a ploy to intimidate the lawmakers out of their genuine concern for the nation’s economy.

Mohammed said, “The 7th Assembly has distanced itself from the Hon. Farouk (Lawan) and (Femi) Otedola case as evident in the bold steps we took in suspending him (Lawan) as chairman of both the committees on fuel subsidy and education in addition to encouraging the law enforcement agencies to do their work according to the dictates of the law.

“To now conclude that our resolution for Thursday is borne out of selfish motives is terribly out of place.” Otedola, a billionaire oil marketer, had recently blown the lid over an alleged $3m bribery deal between himself and Lawan. He said the deal was made in order to remove the name of his firm, Zenon Oil and Gas Limited, from the list of firms indicted in the N1.7tn short-changing of government during the fuel subsidy regime.

He confessed to have given Lawan $620,000 as part-payment but refused to pay the balance because, according to him, the lawmaker forced him into the deal. After initial denials, Lawan had also confessed that he collected the money but not as a bribe but as evidence that Otedola had tried to influence him unduly.

Mohammed said any attempt to connect the ultimatum given to Jonathan to the Lawan/Otedola case already under investigation would fail. He said the lawmakers would refuse to be intimidated.

Robber’s brother called me –Lagos-Ibadan Expressway robbery victim

Hello Friends!

Plying the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway at night is like walking through the valley of the shadow of death. A lot of people have been attacked on the long bridge along the expressway by hoodlums many people believed to be herdsmen residing in Kara area, at the Ogun State end of the bridge.

On July 6, Brig. Gen. Sylvester Iruh (retd.) was stabbed to death by some hoodlums who swooped on him and others when they attempted to change a flat tyre on the bridge around 6:30pm.

Penultimate Sunday in the same area, some passengers travelling in a 14-seater bus from Ile-Ife, Osun State, were attacked when their bus broke down on the bridge around 7:30pm.

One of the victims is a pharmacist with one of the Federal Medical Centres in the northern part of the country. The pharmacist, who was on official duty at FMC, Lagos, did not want his identity to be revealed for security reasons.

He said as soon as the passengers alighted from the bus, some men numbering about 10 emerged from the bush near the bridge and swooped on them.

The victim said, “Immediately, all passengers took to their heels and ran in different directions. But unfortunately I could not run because I have a health challenge. They concentrated on me and beat me thoroughly.

“They robbed me of all my belongings, including valuable documents. Thereafter, they stabbed me and I was bleeding profusely. After they left me, I walked to a filling station on the expressway where I met some riot policemen guarding the station.

“I told them about my ordeal but they said they could not leave the station because they were asked to guard the place. They directed me to Ibafo Police Division. At the station, the policemen on duty said there was nothing they could do either.

“They said they had killed quite a number of the hoodlums but they kept regrouping and unleashing mayhem on those plying the road. The policemen took me to a private hospital in the area where I was treated.