FG Should Disband B’Haram Amnesty Panel – Northern Christians

The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory on Sunday asked the Federal Government to disband immediately, the Tanimu Turaki-led Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North.

It said the  committee was deceiving  Nigerians by claiming that the government  had reached  a ceasefire deal  with members of  the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram. It said with the claim of of “no deal” by the leader of the  sect,  Abubakar Shekau, on Saturday, the committee had failed in its duty and therefore had no reason to remain in place.
CAN’s National General Secretary , Dr. Musa Asake, also  flayed the body which is better known as the amnesty committee  and  challenged it to  name the Boko Haram leaders it reached the said ceasefire with.
Turaki, who is also the Minister of Special Duties,   had a week ago   said the committee had “reached an understanding” with the sect that  would result in  a ceasefire.
But the Northern CAN, at a news conference in Kaduna on Sunday by its Public Relations Officer Mr. Sunday Oibe, said  Shekau’s   denial   was a pointer to the fact that the committee   had never met with even an  ordinary member of the  group  much less of its leader or leaders.
He said, “We are  calling for the immediate disbandment of the amnesty committee. All money that would be squandered on the committee should be put into supporting the Joint Task Force and vulnerable communities in affected states. Enough of this jamboree with scarce public fund. We have heard enough of this hypocrisy.
“There can be no amnesty for unrepentant murderers and insurgents without reconciliation with the victims, and then  negotiation. As Christians, forgiveness comes very naturally as taught us by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
“Just as our national  body had warned that   the amnesty committee   was useless, now it has lied to Nigerians for want of any result.
“If you happen to meet some of the committee’s  members,they will confess to you in privacy that they have never met any foot soldier of  Boko Haram.
“The pronouncement by Shekau has come to vindicate CAN and our national leader, Pastor Ayo Oristejiafor. He was criticised when he said that he did not have confidence in the questionable announcement of a ceasefire between the Federal Government and Boko Haram.
“Today,  Boko Haram number one man has come to speak with scorn and contempt against the ceasefire agreement and the said feeling of remorse over their thirst for the blood of Christians and some few Muslims who go against their interest.
“Shekau said that more schools and more people will be killed for learning and teaching Western education in schools in the North. He is the real Boko Haram boss and his threat must be taken seriously.
“We in Northern CAN believe that the amnesty committee is useless and has failed. It lied to Nigerians about this ceasefire just to fool President Goodluck Jonathan to expand its tenure so they can grab more money.
“All those giving  the President  this unwise advice are either doing it for self-serving reasons or are trying to deceive him into a blunder that will not only destroy him politically, but jeopardise the  polity.
In Abuja, General Secretary of CAN, Dr. Musa Asake, told The PUNCH  that with what was going on, “somebody somewhere is trying to mislead Nigerians.”
Asake said, “What is happening between the Federal Government’s committee and the denial by Boko Haram is amazing and we are yet to know the truth about what is going on.
“With this ceasefire agreement which the committee is emphasising on, they should tell Nigerians who they have been talking to  because it seems they are out to mislead us.   Journalists should find out from the committee so that they can  tell  Nigerians the truth.
“We want these Boko Haram people to come out and nobody has been able to come out. So,   this committee  should tell us who they have been dialoguing with.Nigerians will like to know the truth about the activities of this committee.”
Chairman of the  Committee, Alhaji   Turaki,  had  while reacting to the Shekau’s  denial , said he  (Shekau) got it all wrong.
He said  the  committee held discussions with Mohammed Marwana and not Abdulazeez as was alleged by Shekau in his recent video.
The minister  said, “The person referred to was Abdulazeez; I don’t know him (Abdulazeez)  and our committee is certainly not talking to Abdulazeez please. The person we are talking to is Mohammed Marwana.”

BOKO HARAM: Amnesty Committee Under Fire

The Presidential Committee on the Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, came under severe criticisms, yesterday, from across the country following denial by Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau that the sect had entered into a cease-fire agreement with the Federal Government.
The Committee came under attack on a day the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Restore Order II in Borno State, said that it has succeeded in killing a top commander of Boko Haram sect, Bulabulin Nganaram, who was on the wanted list of the JTF with a N10m bounty. The sect commander who was killed in a shootout with the taskforce was said to be responsible for the killing of a teacher and three students of Sanda Karami Secondary School, Ruwan Zafi Maiduguri.
Chairman of the Committee and Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, had on a Hausa service programme of Radio France International monitored in Kano, July 8, that the Federal Government has secured a ceasefire deal with the sect which had claimed responsibility for terrorist attacks that have led to deaths of about 4000 people since 2009. The Presidency corroborated Alhaji Turaki’s announcement which it claimed had Shekau’s consent.
Imam Marwana, a member of the sect said to belong to Shekau’s camp reportedly confirmed the truce deal and begged Nigerians to forgive them “over the number of people killed in the country. I appeal to those who lost their loved ones to our activities to forgive us and on our side, we have forgiven all those who committed atrocities against us.”
Denying the cease-fire, weekend, Shekau, who endorsed the attack and killing of a teacher and 29 secondary school students at Mamudo, Yobe State penultimate week, said: “Let me assure you that we will not enter into any truce with these infidels. We will not enter into any truce with the Nigerian government. We believe in the massacre inflicted on the secondary school in Mamudo and Damaturu and other schools. We earlier warned that we were going to burn all schools. They are schools purposely built to fight Islam.”
Reacting to this alleged denial by Shekau, however, a source in the committee said the authenticity of the statement credited to Shekau was in doubt, since it could not be verified. The source added that the committee had never claimed it spoke with the sect leader himself and that unlike in the past, the sect leader never came out to disown the spokesman, who negotiated on behalf of the group.

SHOCKING DISCOVERY: Weird Church Where Animals Are Offered As Sacrifice

Welcome to a weird church where animals are freely slaughtered for sacrifice. As you step into this place of worship, you are confronted with the sight of a spot on the right that will make you conclude that you may have strayed into a slaughterhouse.

Even though insinuations of a slaughterhouse stick out starkly and grisly, this is by no means an abattoir. There is neither buying nor selling of meat in this worship centre called: As God Said, It Must Done, The Temple of The Most High God.
An evangelist at the church explained that the spot is called the ‘Earth Altar’ and that it’s where different types of sacrifices are offered unto God.
Located on a street named after it, Off Fakunle Street, Oke-Aro in Ogun State, a suburb near Lagos, the church is neither Pentecostal nor orthodox. All the same, both the shepherd and the sheep are strongly convinced that they are serving the living God the right way.
This reporter gathered that the blood splattered all over the ‘Earth Altar’ is that of animals. Similarly, in sharp dissonance, the mode of worship verges on the oddity, just as members cling on to what many people will consider unusual beliefs and teachings of the church.
As your curiosity wanders untrammeled at the multihued sight of the church and the strangeness of its name, you meet Prophet Blessed Dike, the general overseer and self-styled seer.
He tells you with celestial audacity that God revealed the name of the church to him while in a trance. “While I was praying God gave me the name of this church from the Book of Isaiah 46 verse 11”, he said.
A probing by this reporter further revealed that besides the ‘Earth Altar’, the church also has a place called the ‘Holy of Holies.’ A worker in the church, Mr. Isaiah Anyaehie explains that the ‘Holy of Holies’ was put up as a replica of the ark of God built by Moses in the Old Testament.
Like the pool of Bethesda in the Bible, members believe that anytime you are sick and you climb into the ‘Holy of Holies’, you would instantly receive your healing.
Here, members show forth when they also want to receive forgiveness of sins and other requests from God. “We have access to the ‘Holy of Holies’ anytime there is a special programme in the church. When you ascend into the ‘Holy of Holies’, you would be healed of whatever ailment you have and whatever you ask God for, He would do it for you,” another member said.
While you are still wondering why the entire premises is painted in red and white, the self-styled seer tells you that white symbolizes peace while red is totemic as it blots out sins.
“God used the blood to wipe out the sins of Adam and Eve. We offer sacrifices because that is what God commands. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and other great men in the Bible offered sacrifices,” he said.
A female member of the church revealed to this reporter that members of this church are expected to wear red or white attires every first and last Sunday of the month. On the floor of the auditorium, there are straight red lines drawn across the floor. She explained that the red lines are Angels’ pathways. “God revealed to Daddy to make those pathways because angels usually visit the church,” she said.
There are two types of sacrifices that are offered in As God Said It Must Be Done, the Temple of The Most High God, this reporter gathers. There is the sacrifice of atonement, which is offered when seeking forgiveness of sins from God.
In carrying out the sacrifice, the prophet slaughters whatever animal the member provides at the ‘Earth Altar’ and ‘forgiveness’ is obtained from God after the prophet has prayed and blessed the person.
There is also the sacrifice of thanksgiving offered when a member wants to thank God for a favour granted him by God. The type of animal used for this type of sacrifice may vary based on individual needs. “You can bring a cow, a ram, a goat, a chicken or even a dove,” another female member of the church said.
Creepy and funny caveats are never in short supply at As God Said It Must Be Done, the Temple of The Most High God. For instance, a woman who is in her monthly cycle is not allowed to enter into the temple; else, she may be visited by God’s wrath.
Prophet Dike said “It’s a sin for a woman to come into the church while she is observing her menstrual flow. It is a very terrible thing. No woman has the right to come into the presence of God while she is menstruating.”

How Kidnappers Make Fast Money Without Stress

The Lagos State Police Command says criminals in the state have devised a new method of operating and making money without stress.

According to police authorities, criminals now contact their victims on the telephones, threatening to kill or kidnap them. The criminals then send a bank account number with the instruction that their victims credit the account with a specified amount of money to prevent being killed or kidnapped.
The police said Owolabi’s family was one of the victims to such operations.
A housemaid with the Owolabis, identified simply as Rebecca, had committed suicide in May.
Mrs. Abosede Owolabi, a mother of five, said about a month later, specifically on June 6, 2013, she received a telephone call from a stranger who told her that he would implicate her if she did not pay N5m.
She said, “My housemaid, who is from Benin Republic, hanged herself in her room in May and I reported the matter to the Ikotun Police Division. Police did investigation and the courts were also involved. After autopsy, it was determined that there was no foul play and the case ended.
“On June 6, a strange man called me saying that he had evidence that I killed Rebecca and told me that he would inform the media if I did not pay him N5m. I told him to go ahead since I had nothing to hide. He got angry and told me that he had been paid by someone to kill me and my family but he would spare my life if I paid the money.
“The caller seemed to know me well as he mentioned the names of my family including the names of my children living abroad. I negotiated with him after subsequent calls and he told me he would accept N500, 000, So he sent me a First Bank account number.”
The victim said she went to Ikotun Police Station to report the matter and the police told her to play along.
“I told the caller that I had paid the money into his account even though I had not. He told me he had not received the alert and he sent Zenith bank, Guaranty Trust Bank and UBA account numbers asking me to pay into any of those accounts.
“I continued to delay and after some time, I went to report the matter at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba, and then I later reported the matter at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja.”
Owolabi said as she delayed payment, the caller continued to send her threat messages. She said the caller seemed to know where she was and was monitoring her family, causing them to live in fear.
“The caller seemed to be following me everywhere. If I turned on the generator, the caller would call my phone and say I just turned on my generator. The caller would even tell me what my seven-year-old son was doing in school and at some point, I had to withdraw my son because they threatened to kidnap him.
“One day, they came to my street firing bullets and they dropped a note in front of my door, threatening to kill me,” she said.
PUNCH Metro learnt that detectives at SARS were able to get one of the banks to alert the caller that money had been paid into the accounts.
It was learnt that as the owner of the bank account attempted to withdraw the money, he was arrested and he disclosed the identities of his associates.
One of the suspects, Dapo Olowu aka, Junior Pastor, 38, was a neighbour to the Owolabis. He was arrested alongside other suspects such as Olasunkanmi Areago, 20, and Adeniji Ochuko,33. Their gang was led by one Taiwo Akindurodemi, who is currently at large.
Olowu, who claims to be a pastor said, “Akindurodemi is my cousin. He got information regarding my neighbour’s housemaid and told me that the Owolabis were responsible for the death of their housemaid. He deceived me into believing that they indeed killed their housemaid. I did not know that he was lying.”
Areago, who claimed that he was also deceived by Akindurodemi, said, “We asked Akindurodemi whether he had evidence that the woman and he said yes. He said he had the picture to prove that the woman beat up the housemaid till she died and later hanged her to cover up the crime as suicide case.”
Ochuko, who was the owner of the account into which the victim paid the blackmail money, denied being a member of the gang.
He said, “Akindurodemi told me to send my account number, saying his uncle would pay in some money.
“My giving them my bank account name and number was not to assist them commit crime. We are friends and I never knew that they were criminally minded.”
The spokesperson for the state police command, Ngozi Braide, said the new pattern of crime was becoming prevalent and urged members of the public to always report to the police rather than paying criminals.

Kinsmen Hail Ngige Over Anti-Gay Marriage Bill

The Catholic community in Awka, Anambra State praised former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chris Ngige, on Sunday for fighting against same sex marriage in Nigeria.

The church made the commendation at the presentation of the Catholic Laity Manual of the Awka Diocese of the church, where Ngige was a special guest. Ngige represents Anambra Central in the Senate.
Chairman of the council, Dr Raphael Agazie, who conveyed this commendation,  said Ngige had shown a lot of focus in  representing  Anambra State .
Agazie said, Ngige  effectively filled  the gap for Anambra North and Anambra South Senatorial zones in the constituency projects   in 2012 when there was nobody representing the two senatorial districts
He also commended Ngige for being the first Senator to operate with effective constituency offices to interface with his constituents.
Ngige has a constituency office in each of the seven LGAs that make up his senatorial zone, with a central Constituency office in Awka coordinating them.
The council chairman said, “There are so many things that people did not understand before this event which they now do and it helps us to appreciate that the mandate given to you to represent Anambra Central Senatorial  is well-placed.
“What we can say from here is that you should continue with the footstep with which you are going and by which we have always known you. The LCN  knows about some of the issues you have raised here and has also been working on some of them.”
Nigige spoke on his role in the Senate since 2011, noting that he co-sponsored the anti-gay bill, the health bill and had as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, taken steps to ensure  power supply to the people of  the South-East.

10 Ways Women Flirt With Men

Flirting is like a sport, it takes a while to master and properly develop. Men are confusing creatures and sometimes don’t notice all the ways that women flirt.
If you don’t make the opposite sex aware that you are flirting, there is a good chance they’ll have no idea. Here are the top 10 ways women flirt with men that they don’t notice. After all, some men can be a little clueless.

1. Body Language
Body language is difficult for some men to understand. One would think that ‘crossing and uncrossing your legs’ is a pretty obvious flirting method, especially if you’re wearing a pair of really high heels. It’s a very sexy approach, but some men are too insensitive to realize its considered flirting! If you flirt using body language, you should think of a different approach that all men pick up on. Try a method that involves body contact, like brushing his arm if he makes a funny joke.
2. Twisting Your Hair
Men are usually in their own world. If they see a pretty girl, they notice her, but they don’t always pay attention to all the details. Using your hair to be flirtatious is something that men usually aren’t aware of. This can come across as a nervous twitchy habit, instead of something that’s sexy. You don’t need to constantly run your fingers through your hair to get a man’s attention just smile.
3. Freshening up
Not many men notice every little detail about a woman. If they did, we wouldn’t love them as much as we do. If you go to the bathroom to brush your hair halfway into a conversation, they won’t notice. Put as much effort into your appearance as you want before you meet them but it’s better to focus your energy on making great conversations. Save the hair brushing for when you get home.
4. Winking
If you wink at a man, he might think you have a tick. It will get his attention but it won’t leave him thinking you are a sultry seductress. Winking isn’t something that a woman should do. Friends can wink at ladies, but if you want to flirt with a man, don’t wink at him.
5. Laughing At Everything He Says
Laughing can be a great way to flirt – who doesn’t love that ego boost of meeting somebody that finally “gets it.” But if you are speaking to a man and you laugh at everything he says, you’ll only confuse him aside from coming off just plain silly. He’s going to wonder what’s actually so funny.
6. Trying To Make Him Jealous
One terrible way to flirt with someone is to try to make them jealous. Immature men or drama kings may pick up on this, but the mature ones will see right through it. Besides, most guys are too stupid to realize you’re trying to make them jealous. So step up your game and act your age. Using jealousy as a flirting tactic is for children.
7. Keep The Compliments To Yourself
Compliments are like alcohol. They are good in moderation but disastrous in excess. You can compliment a guy on his outfit but you don’t need to tell him how hot he is 10 times. Plus, chances are if you compliment someone as a way of flirting, they will most likely just think you are just being nice. Come up with a more obvious way of flirting that even clueless men will notice.
8. Facebook Flirting
In today’s day and age, Facebook has become a way to meet people. Its a sad fact, but true. If you send someone a flirty message on Facebook, they most likely wont realize that you are flirting with them. Some people don’t check their messages or they don’t always respond. Don’t send flirty messages like you’re scared. Save the flirting for real life.
9. Chomping on Your Gum
Chewing gum isn’t sexy. If you try to be sexual with your gum to pick up a guy, he will most likely think something is wrong with you. Gum chewing should be saved for your guy friends not to impress a man you like.
10. The Goodnight Text
Sending someone you are casually dating a goodnight text isn’t flirting, its just needy. They will view you as a typical girl instead of thinking you are flirting with them. Save your flirting for in person meet-ups, it’ll be much more effective than a text message.
Okay ladies, now you are clued into some techniques that men don’t consider flirting. So, don’t waste your time sending out the wrong signals. Men don’t notice them. Get out there and get your flirt on with that man you admire!

BLOOD SPILLED IN THE HOUSE OF GOD! How Reverend Father Was Brutally Murdered In Church Premises

Who killed Rev. Fr. Francis Chidiebele Okoye, a Catholic priest attached to St Mary’s Catholic Church, in Afikpo, Ebonyi State? And why was he killed?
These are some of the questions agitating the minds of the parishioners and general public, even as the anniversary of the gruesome murder of the priest holds on July 31.

Fr. Okoye was slaughtered like a sacrificial lamb in the premises of the Church on July 31, 2006. The priest, who hailed from Enugwu Ukwu, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State and shared an apartment within the Church premises with a fellow priest, was dragged out of his bedroom by his assailants, who took him to the back of the building and slashed his throat.
A source said he was decapitated. “It was a shocking act of violence. It was a gory sight. There was no doubt that Father Chidiebele’s attackers came with the intention of killing him outright. They butchered an innocent man like an animal. He was almost beheaded. This is the height of wickedness and man’s inhumanity to man,” one of the members of the church stated.
Seven years after, the killers are still walking free, as no arrest had been made in respect of the crime. It was gathered that Fr. Okoye’s murder might not be unconnected with his profound preaching against cultism, political thuggery and corrupt practices, among other social ills.
“He was a thorn in the flesh of evil people in Afikpo. On and off the pulpit, he preached against the unhealthy moral temperature of society. Some politicians, in particular, were unsettled by his ways because he warned them against encouraging young people to be cultists and political thugs. Perhaps, that was why they silenced him permanently,” a parishioner, who simply identified herself as Ugochi said.
It was further gathered that as torrents of tears flowed across the community that day, a heavy downpour washed away the blood of the slain priest. It was one of the heaviest rains ever witnessed in the community.
It was gathered that at the time Father Okoye was being attacked, his neighbour was in the next room. While the former was shouting for help, the later was allegedly praying.
In an exclusive chat in his residence, Mr. Francis Ibe Inyanwachi, head master of St. Mary’s Nursery/Primary School, Afikpo, disclosed that when the reverend father was asked what he did when his colleague was being attacked, he said that he was praying.
“The priest said that he was praying when Father Chidiebele was shouting and calling on him. He said that he knelt down to pray. That was what he told us. Since I was not there, I don’t know what happened but I know that they killed him behind the house because we saw the blood on the ground in the morning,” he said.
Offering insight on the barbarous treatment meted on the priest, Mr. Inyanwachi, who described the deceased as a family friend, said: “After Reverend Father Chidiebele’s ordination, he was posted to Afikpo as assistant priest, to come and help another reverend father. I think normally after one year, they (assistant priests) are usually posted out. So, when his mates were posted out, he was so good I think the reverend father asked the bishop that he (Father Chidiebele) should continue.”
“He was so outspoken that he condemned everything that was bad or evil. I think that day he was killed, he had gone from house to house, cautioning some group of students whom I learnt were cultists. He was trying to tell them to come back, that cultism was not good. They said when he came back, he did not even eat. Then he went to Mgbom (a neighbouring village), where one of them asked him to preach to him. Thereafter, he returned to his apartment at the church. I suspect that his attackers were cultists, who didn’t want their members to be retrieved from cultism.”
Inyanwachi, whose son is also a Catholic priest, added: “The room of the other reverend father was before his own room. I don’t know how they managed to know his room. They came into his room and brought him out from where he was sleeping. He was shouting: Father! Father!! Father!!! They brought him out and cut his throat or so. I think he died while they were rushing him to the hospital.
“That day, I didn’t initially know what happened; it was my daughter who went to Mass at St Patrick’s (at Ndibe) that informed me. They said the Catechist announced that armed robbers attacked Father Chidiebele and that they should be praying for him. On her way to the hospital, she heard that he had died. So, when I was coming back from Mass at St. Patrick’s, I saw the girl, crying. I asked what was wrong and she said they had killed Father Chidiebele. That was all. He was a young man.
“On the day his corpse was buried, it was brought here before being taken to his home town. It was announced that his people said they would retaliate on anybody, coming from Afikpo. I insisted that I must go. It was only the priest, my daughter and I that went there. We had to stay with the family. There were seats kept for the people of Afikpo in the Church but I alone couldn’t have gone to sit there. I went and consoled the mother. In fact, his mother was sitting in the front row and I went and touched her. After the Mass, we took his remains to St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Abakaliki, where he was buried. I’ve gone several times to see his family. He was very fond of coming to my house but he was a priest for the whole parish. He was a special friend of this house.”
Effort to speak with the reverened father, who occupied an apartment next to the late Fr. Chidiebele’s the day he was killed, proved abortive. Our reporter called him several times on telephone but he refused to speak on the matter.
Police sources, which craved anonymity confirmed the incident but said no arrest had been made since it happened on July 31, 2006.
“You know, it is a murder case; so, it remains open. We are still working on it,” said the source at the Ebonyi State Police Command, Abakaliki.

Fulham Win 3-0 Against Cartagines In Costa Rica

Fulham kicked off their pre-season Costa Rica tour with a 3-0 friendly win against FC Cartagines on Sunday night.

Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz enjoyed a goalscoring outing in his homeland as the Cottagers ran out comfortable winners at the National Stadium in San Jose.
Dimitar Berbatov tapped in Pajtim Kasami's cross after 35 minutes and made it 2-0 five minutes before half-time from the penalty spot after John Arne Riise was fouled.
And Ruiz finished from close range after being set up by strike partner Hugo Rodallega in the 73rd minute, with the home fans happy to applaud a goal against their side.
Martin Jol used 22 players in the match, giving as many of his squad a run-out as possible. Fulham return to the same venue on Wednesday to face Ruiz's old club, LD Alajuelense.

Manchester United Legend Ryan Giggs Prepared For Coaching Role

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has suggested this season could be part of his transition into life after football as he looks to adopt a coaching role at Old Trafford.

Giggs, 39, is preparing to enter his 22nd season in the Premier League, which may be his last.
The former Wales international admits his continued passion for football has prevented his retirement thus far, but Giggs appears ready to move on as he continues to study his coaching badges in Europe and take a back seat role under David Moyes.
"Crazy, aren't I?" the 39-year-old said. "I'm enjoying it just as much as I did 20 years ago. It's as simple as that. Every year is a bonus to me. Take last year: winning the league, that feeling you have after the hard work you put in. Winning that trophy makes it all worthwhile.
"I am excited about it [coaching] personally and it has worked well so far. But it is about getting the balancing act right because I am still playing. There is not a big emphasis on coaching at the moment.
"The manager likes to coach and there is Jim Lumsden, Steve Round and Phil Neville. It is more looking behind the scenes and seeing how everything works.
"It is completely different from playing. Even though I have been playing for 20-odd years, I am seeing the other side of it; how you prepare for games. Some things I knew, others I didn't. It has been a real education."
Giggs is currently in Australia for United's pre-season match against the A-League All Stars on Saturday and he insists his team-mates are slowly adjusting to the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
"It is strange for someone like myself, who has known him for so long," he said. "It's different, but you just get on with it. It is important to look forward, not back. This is the start of the journey this season and I hope to be lifting a trophy again at the end of it."

Marriage Has Made Me More Responsible -Tuface

Tuface in a recent interview talks about his music career, marriage and future plans.

How would you describe the success of your last album, ‘Away and Beyond’?
‘Away and Beyond’ has done quite well. A couple of the songs have topped the charts. I just got nominated for the BET Awards. ‘Plenty things don happen’. A lot has come off the ‘Away and Beyond’ rave. I think it has done pretty well.
Compared to your other albums, where do you place ‘Away and Beyond’?
I think I will place Away and Beyond as my second most successful album.
Which is your favourite album?
My favourite album. That’s a hard one. As I speak to you I can’t say which one. Maybe it’s ‘Away and Beyond‘.
When you remember the days when you didn’t have money, food or a roof over your head and all that, what comes to your mind?
Back then, we were on the ground already so there was no fear of losing anything so what we were doing was hoping that it will work out. There was no fear of ‘what if  e no work out. Nothing dey work out already so we no fear whether something no dey work out’. ‘It was ahead-ahead, we go follow this thing up, if e click, fine; if e no click, we go look for another work do’. But for me, I had never ever at any point in my life thought of doing anything else so it was no going back.
This is me, this is my life, this is what I want to do. I never ever dreamt of anything else in my life. So, back then, it was just about doing it to the end.
What inspires your lyrics?
It’s everyday realities of life. It might be fictional, it might have happened to me or somebody that I know but it’s everyday realities of life.
I like to just have a little bit of sense, a little humour inside seriousness and then put it in a way that people will be able to relate to it and they will be like, how e take think to talk this same thing wey I go like to talk but see the way wey e take talk am, people go just laugh. I like to be creative in the way I place my lyrics.
Are you on a new album or just a single?
No, I’m on a new project.
Do you keep in touch with Blackface and Faze?
Yes, once in a while we meet, but we’re not always together the way we used to be before but at least we still dey ‘how you dey, what’s up’.
At the launch of this year’s Star Trek Concert, on stage you said marriage hasn’t changed you. Hasn’t marriage changed 2face?
Actually it’s the aspect of me being a jolly good fellow that I meant by marriage hasn’t changed me but at least it changed me in the way that now I get to be more responsible, because it is a serious business, it’s not when I was a bachelor that I could just decide after a show to just chill in an hotel and sleep. There was one time that I even made up my mind that I wasn’t getting married.
So how often do you keep in touch with your other baby mamas?
As often as necessary.

Wole Soyinka Reveals His Biggest Secret

For decades, Prof. Wole Soyinka has kept a secret to himself, his grade when he left University College, Ibadan. 
But yesterday, the Nobel Laureate disclosed that contrary to insinuations, he graduated with a Second Class Upper and not Third Class as widely believed.
Soyinka broke his silence when he hosted secondary school students from across the country who were in Abeokuta, Ogun State to take part in this year’s “Open Doors Series” project, an international cultural exchange programme to mark his 79th birthday.
According to Soyinka, he had kept silent on the matter over the years, but decided to open up for the sake of the children as mark of respect for them. The event, tagged: “Memoirs of our future,” was organized by a Lagos-based multimedia company, Zmirage and the state government.

How Can Cow Destroy Driver's Life for 10 Years

Mr. Daniel Emori, a former utility van driver who worked for a pharmaceutical company, has been bedridden for 10 years after he was knocked down by a stray cow.
Mr. Emori, who hails from Adadama community in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, said he was forcefully ejected from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu State shortly after the October 10, 2003 incident because he could not afford an emergency deposit of N75, 000 for his treatment.
Since that time, the driver is paralysed because of the incident.
Mr. Emori told the correspondent about this fateful incident. He had gone to supply goods to a customer near the Onitsha head bridge. He explained that immediately he stepped out from the van, a stray cow ran towards him and knocked him down.
“On that fateful day which was October 2003, I went to deliver goods to a customer as directed by our manager.
“As I parked near the customer’s shop, an uncontrolled cow ran from nowhere towards me and knocked me down. I have been paralysed till date.
“When it happened, I was rushed to a nearby clinic but by the next day, I was referred to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu where cervical (neck) injury was detected after a series of medical tests, including scan and x-ray.
“The doctor wanted more medical tests, but after failing to pay for the hospital emergency fee of N75, 000, I was eventually discharged and sent home.
“Since then, I have been critically lying at home helpless and disabled with part of my joint now stiff because I am confined to my bed,” he said.
Mr. Emori said he was in the hospital for four months before his forced discharge, alleging that the manager of the pharmaceutical company (name with held), had told him that the company could not afford to pay the bill.
“The company did not pay the bill. I stayed in the hospital for four months before the manager said the bill was too much,” he said.
He said he believed that he could be on his feet again if he had money for required medical treatment.

QPR Goalkeeper Julio Cesar In Talks On Move To Napoli

Julio Cesar's agent has confirmed that the Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper is closing in on a move to Napoli.

Napoli are keen to sign the Brazil international on loan with QPR resigned to losing the keeper following their relegation from the Premier League.
Cesar enjoyed a successful spell in Italy with Inter Milan between 2005-12 and new Napoli boss Rafa Benitez is keen to lure him back to Serie A.
Arsenal and Villarreal have also been linked with a move for the 33-year-old, but it appears Napoli are set to win the race for his signature.
The player's agent, Josias Cardoso, has admitted Napoli and Arsenal have shown the most concrete interest in Cesar and that only a few details need to be resolved to see the keeper move to the San Paolo.
"It's not all done yet, there are many possibilities (he goes to Napoli), but there are some details to be resolved between the player and Napoli," Cardoso told calciomercato.it.
"When will the signature arrive? I don't know, it could be today, or in a few days.
"The Villarreal interest? There has been some interest from Spain, but nothing concrete.
"The only two concrete tracks are Arsenal and Napoli."

How Can Cow Destroy Driver's Life for 10 Years

Mr. Daniel Emori, a former utility van driver who worked for a pharmaceutical company, has been bedridden for 10 years after he was knocked down by a stray cow.
Mr. Emori, who hails from Adadama community in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, said he was forcefully ejected from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu State shortly after the October 10, 2003 incident because he could not afford an emergency deposit of N75, 000 for his treatment.
Since that time, the driver is paralysed because of the incident.
Mr. Emori told the correspondent about this fateful incident. He had gone to supply goods to a customer near the Onitsha head bridge. He explained that immediately he stepped out from the van, a stray cow ran towards him and knocked him down.
“On that fateful day which was October 2003, I went to deliver goods to a customer as directed by our manager.
“As I parked near the customer’s shop, an uncontrolled cow ran from nowhere towards me and knocked me down. I have been paralysed till date.
“When it happened, I was rushed to a nearby clinic but by the next day, I was referred to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu where cervical (neck) injury was detected after a series of medical tests, including scan and x-ray.
“The doctor wanted more medical tests, but after failing to pay for the hospital emergency fee of N75, 000, I was eventually discharged and sent home.
“Since then, I have been critically lying at home helpless and disabled with part of my joint now stiff because I am confined to my bed,” he said.
Mr. Emori said he was in the hospital for four months before his forced discharge, alleging that the manager of the pharmaceutical company (name with held), had told him that the company could not afford to pay the bill.
“The company did not pay the bill. I stayed in the hospital for four months before the manager said the bill was too much,” he said.
He said he believed that he could be on his feet again if he had money for required medical treatment.

QPR Goalkeeper Julio Cesar In Talks On Move To Napoli

Julio Cesar's agent has confirmed that the Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper is closing in on a move to Napoli.

Napoli are keen to sign the Brazil international on loan with QPR resigned to losing the keeper following their relegation from the Premier League.
Cesar enjoyed a successful spell in Italy with Inter Milan between 2005-12 and new Napoli boss Rafa Benitez is keen to lure him back to Serie A.
Arsenal and Villarreal have also been linked with a move for the 33-year-old, but it appears Napoli are set to win the race for his signature.
The player's agent, Josias Cardoso, has admitted Napoli and Arsenal have shown the most concrete interest in Cesar and that only a few details need to be resolved to see the keeper move to the San Paolo.
"It's not all done yet, there are many possibilities (he goes to Napoli), but there are some details to be resolved between the player and Napoli," Cardoso told calciomercato.it.
"When will the signature arrive? I don't know, it could be today, or in a few days.
"The Villarreal interest? There has been some interest from Spain, but nothing concrete.
"The only two concrete tracks are Arsenal and Napoli."

Armed Robbers Chop Off Ekiti Man's Three Fingers

During a robbery three-man armed gang invaded the residence of a cattle rearer, Ibrahim Umaru, in Ikole Ekiti, Ekiti State, and dispossessed him of N375, 000 after inflicting machete cuts on him.
Some other belongings of the victims were also taken away during the operation before his attackers chopped off three fingers from his left hand.
The Police Public Relations Officer of Ekiti State Police Command, Mr. Victor Babayemi, who said while parading one of the suspected robbers, Musa Adamu, alongside with others, said Adamu, who was also into cattle rearing, invited two other robbers, who were now on the run to attack Umaru.
According to a source, the suspected robbers have been armed with a locally made double barrel gun, machetes and other dangerous weapons for the operation.
Mr. Victor Babayemi stated that while Adamu was arrested, the other two members of the gang fled, but he promised that the police would soon arrest and prosecute them.
“The bandits went to the house of one Ibrahim Umaru at Ikole Ekiti and robbed him of N375, 000 and three telephones. The bandit also inflicted serious machete cut injuries on the victim. Three of his left hand fingers were chopped off during the robbery attack,” he said.
He also stated the command had arrested three other suspects while on a robbery operation. The suspects were arrested along Olokuta Road, Ado Ekiti and one locally made cut-to-size gun, mask, machetes and saws were recovered from them.
The suspects had confessed to the crime and were assisting the police in their investigation.
According to the PPRO, two of the suspects, Ibikunle Ojo and Kingsley Sunday, were ex-convicts recently released from Ado Ekiti prison.
Babayemi also said two suspects, Jimoh Akinbode and Mudashiru Ayodeji, were arrested in Iropora Ekiti for unlawful possession of firearm.
He explained that the police were alerted that some hoodlums were at their hideout in an uncompleted building in Iropora.
He said, “The swift reaction of the police to the call led to the arrest of the two suspects . A locally made pistol with 15 life cartridges and 10 expended cartridges were recovered from them.”

QPR Goalkeeper Julio Cesar In Talks On Move To Napoli

Julio Cesar's agent has confirmed that the Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper is closing in on a move to Napoli.

Napoli are keen to sign the Brazil international on loan with QPR resigned to losing the keeper following their relegation from the Premier League.
Cesar enjoyed a successful spell in Italy with Inter Milan between 2005-12 and new Napoli boss Rafa Benitez is keen to lure him back to Serie A.
Arsenal and Villarreal have also been linked with a move for the 33-year-old, but it appears Napoli are set to win the race for his signature.
The player's agent, Josias Cardoso, has admitted Napoli and Arsenal have shown the most concrete interest in Cesar and that only a few details need to be resolved to see the keeper move to the San Paolo.
"It's not all done yet, there are many possibilities (he goes to Napoli), but there are some details to be resolved between the player and Napoli," Cardoso told calciomercato.it.
"When will the signature arrive? I don't know, it could be today, or in a few days.
"The Villarreal interest? There has been some interest from Spain, but nothing concrete.
"The only two concrete tracks are Arsenal and Napoli."

Armed Robbers Chop Off Ekiti Man's Three Fingers

During a robbery three-man armed gang invaded the residence of a cattle rearer, Ibrahim Umaru, in Ikole Ekiti, Ekiti State, and dispossessed him of N375, 000 after inflicting machete cuts on him.
Some other belongings of the victims were also taken away during the operation before his attackers chopped off three fingers from his left hand.
The Police Public Relations Officer of Ekiti State Police Command, Mr. Victor Babayemi, who said while parading one of the suspected robbers, Musa Adamu, alongside with others, said Adamu, who was also into cattle rearing, invited two other robbers, who were now on the run to attack Umaru.
According to a source, the suspected robbers have been armed with a locally made double barrel gun, machetes and other dangerous weapons for the operation.
Mr. Victor Babayemi stated that while Adamu was arrested, the other two members of the gang fled, but he promised that the police would soon arrest and prosecute them.
“The bandits went to the house of one Ibrahim Umaru at Ikole Ekiti and robbed him of N375, 000 and three telephones. The bandit also inflicted serious machete cut injuries on the victim. Three of his left hand fingers were chopped off during the robbery attack,” he said.
He also stated the command had arrested three other suspects while on a robbery operation. The suspects were arrested along Olokuta Road, Ado Ekiti and one locally made cut-to-size gun, mask, machetes and saws were recovered from them.
The suspects had confessed to the crime and were assisting the police in their investigation.
According to the PPRO, two of the suspects, Ibikunle Ojo and Kingsley Sunday, were ex-convicts recently released from Ado Ekiti prison.
Babayemi also said two suspects, Jimoh Akinbode and Mudashiru Ayodeji, were arrested in Iropora Ekiti for unlawful possession of firearm.
He explained that the police were alerted that some hoodlums were at their hideout in an uncompleted building in Iropora.
He said, “The swift reaction of the police to the call led to the arrest of the two suspects . A locally made pistol with 15 life cartridges and 10 expended cartridges were recovered from them.”

PHOTO: Timaya & Daughter

Timaya shared a photo of himself and his daughter, Emmanuella.

Another photo of Timaya and Mercy Johnson's baby, Purity below

Teenage Forward Jordon Ibe Says, He's Hoping To Make Impact At Liverpool

Liverpool teenager Jordon Ibe says he is eagerly awaiting more first-team chances as he continues to learn his trade.

The 17-year-old made his full Reds debut in the final match of last season's Premier League campaign, at home to QPR in May.
Ibe was also included from the start in the Reds' first pre-season friendly against Preston on Saturday and netted their second goal - a low strike from the edge of the penalty area - in a 4-0 win at Deepdale.
"I'm just learning from the first-team players and trying to show that until the season starts. Hopefully I can do well," said Ibe.
"I'm learning a lot, especially with defending. The gaffer is helping me a lot with when I haven't got the ball, coming to tuck in and watching the full-back and centre-back; knowing what to do when I haven't got the ball.
"Hopefully I can be consistent and play well, so hopefully I can get a chance again in the first team.
"When I play, hopefully I can get a goal and help the squad do well this season."
Liverpool head off on their tour in the coming week with matches in Jakarta, Melbourne and Bangkok.
"It's very important for a club like Liverpool to travel worldwide and see our supporters," said manager Brendan Rodgers.
"It's going to be an exhausting trip but we've had a couple of weeks here to get some work in.
"So we're looking forward to bringing the club and the team over to Asia and the players and staff are all looking forward to it."

Toddler Found in Primary School Toilet

A young boy from Salvation Primary School, Kube, behind New Castle Hotel in Ibadan found a toddler crying in a public toilet in the area.
Residents of Atenda community are still in shock. According to a source, the mother of the baby had yet to be identified.
The boy (name not disclosed) said he heard the crying of the baby in the pit at the time he got to the toilet.
“I heard the crying of the baby. I could not understand what was happening. The baby was crying at the time I got there. I cried for help and the people came around to see what went wrong,” he stated.
The correspondent gathered that some members of the landlord association in the community rescued the baby girl.
The incident has since been reported at the Yemetu Police Station, Ibadan.
A resident, who gave his name as Odeyale, said, “We broke the pit and brought her out. The baby is still alive; we took her to University College Hospital where the doctors confirmed that he was alright.
“The baby has been taken to the Child Care Unit of Juvenile Correctional Institute.”
A Social Welfare officer at the centre, who simply gave his name as Kolajo, said the centre would help reduce cases of abandoned babies in the state.

PHOTOS: Joseph Yobo & Family On Vacation

Joseph Yobo & wife, Adaeze shared photos of their family vacation in Dubai.

US, Emeje Hail Ondo State On Health Care Services

The Governor of the State of Maryland in the United States, Mr. Martin O'Malley, has lauded the health care system of the Ondo state government, saying it was a worthy thing for other states in the federation to emulate.
The governor who was recently speaking at a reception for the African and Caribbean Affairs held at his mansion in the State of Maryland said that maternal death would reduce to a zero level in Nigeria and Africa as a whole if only other leaders in the country and in the continent could emulate Governor Mimiko's style of taking maternal care to the doorsteps of the people in Ondo state
He commended the Ondo state government for the actualization of a programme of free health care for all pregnant women and children between 0 and 5 years of age across the state, noting that the Scheme had ensured affordable and qualitative health care for all citizens of the state.
Governor Martin O'Malley cited the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ondo State Government and Maryland State in the U.S as an idea that would strengthen relations between the two states, stressing that it would also establish links between Local Governments in the two states and empower all sectors of participating communities to participate in the global arena for development.
Speaking on power earlier, a member of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Nassarawa state, Ambassador (Dr) Aisha Audu-Emeje, noted that plans were ongoing for Aiba Vortex LLC, a US-based power company together with some of its counterparts to deliver 1,000 Megawatt to Nigeria. Ambassador Emeje pressed further that a formidable team of investors had been put together by the participating companies in the power project in order to make the delivery of the required 1,000 Megawatt in Nigeria achievable within the stipulated period. She stressed that this would further create an enabling business environment in the counrty.
According to Aisha who is also a Special Adviser to the government of Kogi state on International Relations and Investment, the need for a stable power supply in Nigeria was enormous, saying that uninterrupted power supply in Nigeria would make life meaningful to the citizens of the country as they will be able to do their businesses without any risk. "There are lots of investors, not just Nigerians, that are interested, not only in making profit from this but realizing dreams that will take the country to a greater height" she stressed.
"The federal government has shown commitment by its Power Reform policies, and by organizing Power Reform Summit all over the world where investors had been called upon. Having realized some seriousness in the government over this crucial matter, we now have the duty as a primary business company from Nigeria and being in the US, to take advantage of this call and bring the dream to fruition.
Power has crippled a lot of infrastructural and developmental projects that would have made Nigeria greater than most of the developing countries" said Emeje. Finally, she lauded the administration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko for his supports for maternal care, stressing that the scheme had helped to reduce maternal deaths in the state and Nigeria.

Aston Villa Star Ashley Westwood Is Close To Signing A New Deal

Aston Villa midfielder Ashley Westwood is poised to sign a new deal at Villa Park, Sky Sports understands.

Westwood has established himself as a key member of Paul Lambert's side since arriving from Crewe last summer.
The 23-year-old was a stand-out performer for Villa despite their struggles at the wrong end of the table and he is tipped for a big future.
Westwood made 31 appearances in all competitions for Villa last season and Lambert is a huge admirer of the player.
Villa are keen to reward Westwood with a new improved contract to ward off potential suitors in the classy midfielder.
Lambert has already tied down the likes of Andreas Weimann, Nathan Baker and Brad Guzan to new deals and Westwood is expected to follow suit later this month.

Amuneke Academy Lift Iber Cup

Emmanuel Amuneke

Emmanuel Amuneke Soccer Academy have won the 2013 IBER Cup in Portugal.
The Nigerian team beat Portuguese side Estoril 4-2 in a penalty shootout to win the Under-16 tournament. The encounter ended goalless in regulation time.
Spanish and French teams also featured in youth tournament, which took place from July 1 to 6, at Estadio Estoril.
The Nigerians defeated ASL Robertsau of France 3-0, Ullern IF of Norway 4-0 and Club Brexo-Lema SD of Spain 7-0 in their group games.
Nigerian Ambassador to Portugal Mrs. Ijeoma Bristol led the Nigerian community that cheered the team to victory in the final.
The youngest member of the squad Samuel Chukwueze was the top scorer of the competition with 12 goals while Kelechi Nwakali was adjudged the MVP for the event.

Popular 'Glee' Actor, Cory Monteith Dies At 31

Popular Glee actor, Cory Monteith was on Saturday 13th July, found dead in his hotel room at Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel in Vancouver at the age of 31.

The Canadian actor - who played Finn Hudson checked into the hotel July 6, and was due to check out Saturday but when he missed his checkout time at noon, hotel staff went to his room and discovered his body. 

 

Police believe he was alone when he died. No cause of death was given and no foul play is suspected.

 

An autopsy is scheduled for today Monday 15th of July 2013.

Until his death, he dated fellow glee star Lea Michele, 26.

Mercy Aigbe Sexy Outfit To The City People Awards

Popular actress and Fashonisata, Mercy Aigbe rocked a purple armless dress to the City PeopleEntertainment awards that took place yesterday, at The Haven, Ikeja, Lagos.
The dress was made by designer, House of luminee.
The mother of two won the award for Best Actress 2013 (Yoruba), while Femi Adebayo won the award for Best Actor 2013 (Yoruba).

UNBELIEVABLE: Baby Born With Rosary Round Her Neck In Niger (PHOTO)

Thousands of people trooped to a private maternity home in Kotaworo area of Bida, in Niger state on Sunday to catch a glimpse of a baby girl said to have been delivered with a Muslim prayer Rosary (Tasabih)  on her  neck.

The middle aged mother of the baby,  Adijat was said to have been rushed to a local midwife home near the residence of Pa Mohammed Bello Masaba, the  Polygamist at about 2 pm on Sunday and after minutes of labour, she was delivered of the baby.
According the owner of the local maternity home, Alhaji Abubakar Baiwa Shasha who took delivery of the baby, “I was shocked  when in the course of the delivery the baby came with a Chisbih on her neck. The baby was born with a black rosary at delivery point.”
“But I was surprised  when after a while the rosary turned to white to the amazement of the few people around.”
As soon as the news spread round the town, thousands trooped to the the maternity home shouting “Allahu Akibar; Allahu Akibar (God is Great) as they scrambled to see and touch the baby. ”
Efforts to get the father of the baby, Isah, a native of Loma in Kwara State were fruitless as he refused to talk to our Correspondent.
An Islamic scholar, Malam Idiris Ndajiwo said the delivery of the baby with the mysterious rosary “showed the greatness of Allah. The delivery of the baby today, in this town and this area (Kutaworo) is a big thing to us Muslims. This actually goes to show that Allah is in control of what happens to any one and in the whole world.”
Another well wisher and the Personal Assistant to popular Islamic scholar, Pa Mohammed Bello Masaba, the octogenarian super polygamist, Alhaji Muktari Salau Bello said, “we have never witnessed such kind of miracle before in this town, but we thanked Allah for what He has done. In fact what happened is a miracle and we are very happy about it”.
The baby was later taken to the Etsu Nupe’s palace where they were received and blessed by the royal father , Alhaji Yahaya Abubukar.
Confirming the delivery of the mysterious girl when contacted on phone, the Emirate Secretary Alhaji Abdulmalik Usman said, “it is true. The baby was brought to the Palace and she was received and blessed by His royal highness, the Etsu Nupe and they have since left for their home. “

Manchester City Defender Maicon Arrives In Italy Ahead of Roma Move

Brazil defender Maicon is on the brink of a move to Roma from Manchester City after arriving in Italy for a medical.

The 31-year-old moved to the Etihad Stadium from Inter Milan last summer but started just four Premier League games under previous boss Roberto Mancini.
Mancini's successor, Manuel Pellegrini, has since told the former Cruzeiro star that he has no future at the club and left him out of the squad for their pre-season tour of South Africa.
Roma have moved quickly to try and land the experienced full-back and reportedly agreed a fee with City late on Sunday.
Maicon flew to Rome early on Monday to undergo a medical with the Giallorossi and a deal is expected to be completed within 24 hours.

PHOTOS: Bloodbath As Fuel Tanker Crushed 10 People To Death In Abuja

At least ten people lost their lives on Saturday night in Abuja as a fuel tanker rammed into passenger vehicles killing several people on the spot.

The accident which occurred at Zuba and outskirt of Abuja was caused by the brake failure of a fuel tanker coming from Kaduna axis.  According to an eye witness who craved anonymity said that the driver of the tanker lost control as a result of the brake failure and rammed into the BRT bus and commercial motorcycles who were loading passengers beside the road.
“Many vehicles were involved; BRT bus popularly known as (El-Rufai), Toyota Sienna, 18-seater Passenger bus and a Toyota Carina. The tanker hit all the vehicles at the same time and many people died on the spot.
Those who sustained injuries were taken to undisclosed hospitals in Gwagwalada. As at the time of this report the wreckage of all vehicles that were involved were still trapped under the tanker.
But the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has put the number of the dead at 6 while those who sustained injuries at 16.

HOW ROMANTIC: Jim Iyke Publicly Declares His Love For Nadia Buari (Photo)

... At least that's what it looks like in a recent photo.
The pair was spotted hanging out and Jim Iyke was rocking an outfit with hearts on it. Nadia Buari sure looks happy and in love too.

What do you think about the couple?

The Luxurious Life Of Nigerian Musicians

Living one’s life to the fullest and living one’s life extravagantly is a different ball game altogether. Extravagance is something that one’s spirit ‘thinks’ is a necessity, but this could be wrong. OLUSOLA OLUJIDE AYODELE x-rays the luxurious lifestyle of Nigerian actors
It is opined that extravagance is the luxury of the rich; penury is the luxury of the poor. This statement is apt in the lives of several Nigerian artistes who tend to show off their ‘wealth’ in a bid to constantly remain on the public eye for as long as possible. It has also been said that all decent people live beyond their incomes nowadays, and those who aren’t respectable live beyond other people. A few gifted individuals manage to do both.
It is a good thing obviously to enjoy the works of your hand, however with moderation. Recently, the media, blogs, websites, etc. have been eroded with stories, articles, news centered on some activities of some artistes, though in different dimensions. We had D’banj ‘suit of money’; Wizkid purchasing a new Porsche; Don Jazzy feeling cool with the most expensive wine ever; OJB having kidney issues, etc.
It’s a good thing to enjoy your money especially after working so hard to earn them but there is certainly what is called simplicity. But just as Coco Chanel opined “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
International superstar, entertainer and Oliver Twist crooner, Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj is never far away from making huge statements and breaking new grounds in terms of how he appears. He is a disciple of the popular saying that “you are addressed the way you are dressed”. He takes particular interest in how he looks and this obviously was an important factor in his decision to dress expensively.
In a recent newspaper interview, he confirmed he wears the same wristwatch as American rapper Jay-Z, valued at $50,000. D’banj has continued to rise in stardom despite his split from erstwhile partner and friend, Don Jazzy. He has continued to command huge sums of money in endorsements, appearances and performances thus still making him the highest earning Nigerian artiste of all time. D’banj is by no mean standard a classy entertainer, always on point, dapper and smoking hot! His sense of fashion in the Nigeria entertainment industry is almost second to none and doesn’t disappoint.\
His much talked about DKM concert held recently at the Eko Hotel & Suites was the perfect avenue to show the world his latest fashion sense. He showed off his much talked about “Suit of Money“. It was designed by the famous Okunoren Twins. It was made of actual $100 bills and cost a whopping $25,000. You can convert that on your own!
It was entirely sewn by hand in London but was then taken to Italy for the specialised Milanese buttonholes to be done at the same factory used by Tom Ford. His new song titled, “Blame it on the Money”, featuring Snoop Lion and fellow Good Music act Big Sean goes further to emphasise his wealth where he states he is unapologetic for being rich.
In the words of a world renowned economist, John Maynard Keynes “There is no subtler, no surer means of overturning the existing basis of society than to debauch the currency. The process engages all the hidden forces of economic law on the side of destruction, and does it in a manner which no single person in a million can diagnose.” D’banj has simply debased the American dollar. He should have used the Naira instead but must have felt that the Naira won’t project his image well.
The thinking is that, it’s not proper to debase a currency the way Eja Nla did with the dollar notes, even with a Nigerian Naira. Agreed, he can spend his money the way he wants, he worked hard for it, but by being simple and modest, the dressing will be well appreciated.
The world most powerful president, Barack Obama, in all his presidential elegance would never ridicule the dollar note the way D’banj did. D’banj should be more objective, do good music, and leave all the idle propaganda for the less successful artistes in the industry. Nice suit, anyway!
Wizkid is a talented young artiste and he is the golden boy of the music industry alongside Davido. He recently crashed his N15million Porsche Panamera and within two weeks, replaced the car with another Porsche Panamera. He said he had no means of transportation except with cabs and of course, it is his money and he can do as he wished. No doubt about that but he should show modesty and simplicity. He is still very young and has a very bright future ahead of him. He should use this golden opportunity he has right now to invest in profitable business to secure his future. He probably won’t sing for life and will have to fall back on something for survival. A miser grows rich by seeming poor; an extravagant man grows poor by seeming rich.
It’s no longer news that the most expensive champagne ‘Goût de Diamants’ in the entire universe was created by a Nigerian, a luxury designer, Alexander Amosu. It’s worth a whopping N248m. Commenting on the design, Alexander Amosu said, “The bottle already has a distinctive look with its natural design; all I had to do is bring it to the next level of ultimate luxury.” The Goût de Diamants (Taste of Diamonds) everyday bottles are hand-finished by a single craftsman with over 40 years’ experience. The Bottles for each of the four vintages come with a hand-applied pure pewter engraved label set with a brilliant cut Swarovski Crystal (The Rosé crystal is appropriately pink and the Brut, blue). It was designed to create a masterpiece for private wealthy clients. Maybe, Don Jazzy has been a ‘coded’ client over the years.
Mr Amosu hand crafted the packaging from 18ct solid white gold weighing approximately 48gsm of solid gold centered by a single flawless deep cut white diamond weighing 19cts. The label is also handmade in 18ct solid gold and weighs approximately 36gsm, handcrafted and engraved with the client’s name. The question on most people’s lips is whether the wine will wash away years of sins of the drinker. Will the drinker ever thirst again?
There are millions of hungry children out there in the wilderness looking for succour. With the grace of God who has made these artistes very successful, should learn to plough back to the society that made them. Sponsoring indigent students in schools; empowering the youths will go a very long way to eradicate the poverty in Nigeria. The amount spent on these luxuries is more than enough to cater for so many helpless children. It could be recalled that the social media was eroded with the calls for OJB kidney transplant. Fans were shocked at the nonchalant attitude of music stars that were expected to rise up in unison and help raise cash. Some did after so much pressure from fans while a host of them didn’t. This is not to say OJB didn’t plan for himself. He had spent so much on treating himself while his musical career suffered.
If it were to buy the latest cars, clothes, travel around the world, party heavily, they wouldn’t hesitate to spend money, but to assist a fellow in need always takes time. There is the need for our stars to have a change of mind and always be willing to help people genuinely. Yes, they are making the money now, are they planning for the dry seasons? Many people believe that the life of a famous musician is all champagne, Lear jets and a steady flow of royalty payments to pay for it all.
This is certainly true for some, but there are also those who have reached the upper echelons of mega stardom, only to lose it all in the blink of an eye. Some managed their money badly. Some lost everything to the managers and promoters who were supposed to be looking after their affairs. And some spent all their money on lavish mansions, expensive cars and various addictions. They can learn from the world’s richest men who dedicate a percentage of their wealth to the needy. They aren’t getting poorer.

How Jonathan Stopped Egyptian Style Revolution In Nigeria – Masari

Hon Aminu Bello Masari was former Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007.

In a recent interview, he responds to issues of insecurity in the North and assertions of ambivalence by northern leaders, the preparedness of the All Progressives Congress, APC for the political battle ahead and the crisis that has recently enveloped the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF.
Excerpts:
It is alleged that majority of Northern leaders are ambivalent on the Boko Haram insurgency. Why?
If you want to exploit people, deny them education. And in the North education is being denied to the public because public schools there have collapsed.
The only schools functioning are private schools but how many parents can afford it? Secondly, the public health system has also collapsed. So now people have to provide water, security, education, health care system and every other thing for themselves.
Today, the North is known for its agriculture business and over 80 per cent of northerners rely on agriculture and agriculture today cannot thrive without the input of government, which includes supply of fertilizers, good quality seeds.
All these things have disappeared. As I am talking to you today, a 50 kg bag of fertilizer costs about N5,000. How many people can afford it? And some state governments like the state where I come from, for the last 30 days or more, people have planted and up till now government has not distributed fertilizer, when will they distribute it?
The type of people that we put in office is not reflective of the reality on ground and my belief is that for you to provide responsible leadership there must be good, free and fair election.
In Nigeria, people who won election were denied and leadership was given to those who did not win. How do you expect those who did not win to have respect for ordinary the person when they know at the end of the day it was not ordinary people that put them in power and it is not ordinary people that will put them in power again?
So unless we address these fundamental issues of justice and fairness, we will know no peace because there is no peace without justice.
Do you foresee anything like the Arab Spring happening here?
Do you think that was not going to happen if the fuel subsidy protest was not discontinued? You can see people all over Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Kano and Kaduna rose up to the occasion and if they had not rescinded their decision and the rally in Lagos and other places were allowed to continue, it could have developed into something. So for anybody to think it cannot happen in Nigeria, such person is deceiving himself and it is a huge joke. It can happen if certain decisions taken by government are not favourable to people.
This Arab spring is not only limited to Arabian nations, bad governance and bad election can lead to such uprising.
It will happen here except certain things are done and we are moving towards that because the alienation and deprivation are growing and when they grow to certain level, surely something must give way.
In Nigeria today, there is no justice and fairness. So, no man can control what is happening unless we address the fundamentals and provide leadership at state and local government levels that are truly elected by the people and which will be held accountable by the people.
Really, the attitude of leaders here in the North will have to change and our lifestyle will have to reflect the reality on ground.
Governors and local government chairmen today behave like emperors, doing whatever they like with the wealth of the people because they depend on Federation Account and not Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
This issue is not about religion, sectionalism and hostility it is about leaders short-changing their people. It is happening all over the country but worse in the North because we have denied our people education.
Can you imagine a governor that has not provided basic requirement of primary education, but was going to spend billions in feeding people during Ramadan?
This is a contradiction. Give them good education and they will find their level. How can we stop this insecurity when a local government chairman with his appointees is patronising private institutions? So, they have no confidence in what they are supposed to be doing.
There is no responsibility in leadership and it is a failure for governors, local government chairmen, councilors and other political appointees to send their children to private schools, when they refuse to send their children to public institutions, it means those schools are bad.
For me, this is an indictment on them to provide good and quality service to the people they govern and that is why there is no accountability.
We can overcome this insecurity situation but if we do not lay a sustainable foundation, it will recur and maybe this time, it may not be on religion but between the rich and the poor and the rich will be determined by the type of clothes he wears, house he lives, car he drives and the area he lives.

The Chaos In Rivers State Must Stop

The nation and the world at large got a shocker on Tuesday, 9th July 2013 when the simmering crisis in the state’s chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Rivers State House of Assembly resulted in a free-for-all in the House chamber.
Members of the Assembly were seen attacking one another with dangerous objects which left some of them seriously injured and hospitalised.
The faction of five members of the House opposed to Governor Chibuike Amaechi, threw caution to the winds and assembled early that day and announced they had impeached the Speaker, Hon Otelemabala Amachree. In his place, Hon Evans Bipi presented himself as the new Speaker.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 stipulates that for the impeachment of any elected official to be valid, not less than two-thirds of the members of the House must vote in its favour. This clearly did not happen.
The most regrettable part of it was that the Police, having been intimated of the possibility of trouble, drafted scores of their men to the Assembly.
And yet, it did not stop the grievous assault on members from taking place. The Police simply watched while the law was being broken with impunity. In fact, some uniformed officers were seen helping to perpetrate evil as reminiscent of the horrific scenes seen on NTA in 2003 following the Governor Chris Ngige kidnap saga in Anambra State.
We are at a loss how people described in many media reports as “thugs” were able to find their ways into the Assembly grounds and even the public gallery when security men reportedly screened people getting into the arena.
One would have thought that with crisis forewarned, strict steps would be taken by the law enforcement agencies to keep out non-members and to arrest anyone who abandoned their legitimate duties as legislators and opted to foment trouble.
We condemn what happened in Rivers State last Tuesday in the strongest terms. This was a day that decorum was thrown to the winds, while the monster of lawlessness reigned supreme. It smacks of political madness for a handful of five legislators to purport to impeach a Speaker in total contravention of the constitution.
We must find a way to severely sanction politicians and public office holders who perpetrate such constitutional iniquities. Otherwise, our democracy will continue to be mired in political backwardness. Perhaps, it is time for us to consider the long suggested establishment of constitution courts to deal with matters such as these.
We commend the House of Representatives for quickly intervening and taking over the legislative functions of the House until tempers cool and members come back to their senses.
The House and the Senate should conduct a joint inquiry into the roles played by the law enforcement agents, particularly the Police, on that day. Those who failed in their assigned duties to enforce the law must be made to face the music.
The crisis in Rivers State is beginning to acquire a more dangerous turn, with the supporters of both sides now confronting each other in the streets.
We are living witnesses to the horrors the nation went through as a result of the activities of political thugs and cult groups who later became militants and went into the creeks to disrupt the peace and economic wellbeing of the country.
The nation has paid dearly to pacify and stabilise the Niger Delta. We must not allow ugly recent history to repeat itself. The political combatants must sheathe their swords and allow the people of the state to live peacefully with one another.
There is no substitute to politics without bitterness.

"Prove You Are Not Involved In Rivers Crisis" -Ansarudeen Society Of Nigeria Urges Jonathan

The Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to show that he has no hand in Rivers State’s crisis.

The National Missioner of the society, Sheikh Abdul-Rahman Ahmad, said such revelation would calm frayed nerves and restore confidence in the Presidency.
 Ahmad, who spoke at a news conference on the commencement of Ramadan on Friday in Lagos, said the ongoing saga in Rivers State was shameful.
He said, “It is a great embarrassment to the nation. We know the governor of Rivers State is having problems with the President and the Peoples Democratic Party.
“So, the President will have to convince Nigerians that he is not involved in the crisis at the Rivers House of Assembly.”
The cleric, who noted that bad governance was a threat to national security, lamented that it was unfortunate that some people resorted to violence to put their views across.
He said the nation’s leaders must be careful not to breed criminals and terrorists under the guise of settling political scores.
The missioner argued that Nigeria’s system promoted corruption. He said issues like plea bargain had made corruption more appealing.
Ahmed said, “We have not had many successful prosecutions against corrupt people. Corruption is one of the greatest sins against God.
“Corruption is responsible for crime, terrorism, road accidents, avoidable deaths and many others.”
The cleric, who urged political leaders to show stronger will in tackling corruption, called on Nigerians and leaders across all sectors to use Ramadan period to justify God’s favours in terms of natural resources.
He added that the leaders must ensure that the people enjoyed dividends of democracy.

Toyin Aimakhu Replies Fans Who Accused Her Of Throwing A Cheap Wedding

Toyin Aimakhu Johnson recently went after critics on popular social media Twitter who said her wedding was cheap, lacklustre and lacked the vibe attributed to celebrity weddings in present day Nollywood.
She lost her cool and said “To all the people abusing us for the records,mysef and my adorable, charming, world best husband did wat we can afford n pls to all my fans stop buying pirated copy so we can have enuff money for party nxt time.. I love u all and pls dnt insult my huge fan cos the LV cake was a gift from a fan which I reali apreciate..tnx to all my fans u guys rock my world,” pregnant Toyin Aimakhu tweeted on Saturday morning.
Going ahead, she praised her supportive fans who stood beside her and gave greetings to her colleagues who were present at her wedding ceremony.
Toyin Aimakhu tweeted: “Sis Fathia tnx for sharing dat mini blender,sis iyabo ojo tnx for ur support n cash,sindodo iya mi,dayo Amusa,lara,doris, sis mercy aigbe n hubby,aunty foluke n hubby,tnx a lot..uncle desmond elliot I love u."
“Hmmm to all my fans tnx a lot, idowu tnx for the cake,wumi tnx for the Z10…I can’t tank my fans enuff and my friends fadeke tnx a lot and oyin tnx for the drinks and DJ…U guys rock,” Mrs Johnson, as she wants to be referred to, tweeted.

ALARMING TREND: Teenage Pregnancy Rates Keep Growing In Nigeria

The National Population Commission (NPC) reported that occurrence of teenage pregnancy in Nigeria may soar to over 60 million by 2015.
At the 2013 World Population Day in Lokoja this weekend, the Federal Commissioner of the NPC in Kogi State, Mohammed Akubo Aikoye disclosed that according to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), adolescent fertility rate in Nigeria in 2008 was 121 live births per 1,000 births, which was the highest rate in Africa.
He also disclosed that teenage pregnancy rates varied greatly between the northern and southern geo-political zones and rural areas: in the north, one in every three teenage girls, whereas in the south - one out of 10.
Talking about teenage girls between 15 and 19 years old, Mr Aikoye, urged the Federel Government to take measures at preventing teenage pregnancy.
Mr Aikoye pointed to teenage pregnancy health, social and economic implications, also stessing that this is the major cause of teenage girls death in the world. Among other dangers are pregnancy complications, unsafe abortion, poor ante-natal care, weak pelvic bones, high fertility rate, curtailment of education attainment, and unstable marital life. The numerous causes of the problems are poverty, sexual abuse, cultural and religious beliefs, as well as ignorance, Mr Aikoye explained.
Experts blame early marriage for adolescent pregnancies. According to the National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey, some 73 percent of girls between 13 to 19 years old are married in northeastern Nigeria. Moreover, married adolescents in the northeast and northwest constitute 42 percent of total married adolescents aged under 19, and they contribute 71 percent of annual births.
Facts and Figures Worldwide:
About 16 million girls under age 18 give birth each year globally.
An estimated 3.2 million of them undergo safe abortions and are exposed to complications in pregnancy.
Most are faced with complications as obstetric fistula, illness, injury and death.

Uganda On Boiling Point As Rebels Threats Increase

Uganda is increasinly getting restless following a huge stream of refugees entering its borders from neigbouring eastern Congo with the Ugandan military saying it could give easy passage for rebels to launch attacks in the country.
The Red Cross Society based in Uganda revealed that about 66,000 refugees from Congo has so far crossed into the east African Country since the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) started attacking the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo town of Kamangu on Thursday.
Paddy Ankunda, spokesperson for the Ugandan state military said the large Congolese influx had negative security implications in the country's western region should rebels sneak in as refugees.
"You can't be sure of the identity of each and every individual refugee and also the increasing volatility of the security situation right across the border worries us. Kamangu is only about 10 km (six miles) from the border," he said.
"No doubt we've stepped up our security deployments along the border because we certainly can't pretend that everything is okay, but for now we're only monitoring events across the border. We haven't sent a single soldier into Congo."
The Ugandan military said Congo troops had retaken Kamangu since it was attacked by the ADF, and that there had been no fighting since Saturday but the situation remained volatile.
Uganda has said the build-up of the ADF, which was active against Kampala in the 1990s, could threaten its Lake Albert region, where oil reserves estimated at 3.5 billion barrels have been discovered, with production expected to commence soon.
The military is concerned that the al Qaeda-linked ADF could have gained guerrilla skills from al Shabaab, the al Qaeda-linked militant group operating in Somalia, which could be used in Uganda. For this reason, Ugandan troops are screening the refugees to flush out any possible ADF militia.
The ADF waged an insurgency against Kampala in the late 1990s from its bases in the Ruwenzori Mountains and across the frontier in the eastern Congo jungle.
A government offensive that ended in 2001 quelled the uprising and pushed its remnants deeper into eastern Congo. The group had since kept largely silent since.
Catherine Ntabadde, spokeswoman for the Uganda Red Cross, said the number of refugees was still growing.
"They‘re camped at four primary schools and WFP (the United Nations World Food Programme) has provided some food and (we) have also provided household items," she said.

NLC Criticizes FG’s “Incessant” Review of electricity charges

NLC President Mr. Abdulwahed Omar blasted the Federal Government's “incessant and exorbitant’ review of electricity tariff. This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Abdulwahed Omar, the NLC President, in Abuja.
NLC recalled that in 2012, the charge that was 225 Naira was increased to over N700. “This review whether done suddenly or in advance is without justification or rationale and stand condemned as it will negate whatever gains expected to be recorded by the much vaunted reform in the power sector,’’ it said.
The statement revealed that the multi-year tariff structure by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) only protected the interest of investors in the power sector. According to the statement, the tariff has little or no consideration for consumers, most of whom are poor and incapable of paying. It stated that the tariff was exploitative and saddening, noting that the reviews were not accompanied by commensurate improved services.
“If anything, electricity service delivery has plummeted over the years with consumers compelled to pay exorbitant tariff rates for incompetence, poor service and fraud. “Judging from the yearly percentage increase, it is predictable that less than 10 per cent of the present consumers will be able to pay these outrageous tariffs in the next few years,” the statement said.
“The consequences of structuring electricity tariffs that are unreasonable and not affordable have grave implications for the economy and the people.” The NLC stated that a viable power sector was key to revamping and repositioning the economy.
It, therefore, called on the Federal Government to direct NERC, to as a matter of urgency, retrace its steps and review downward the entire multi-year tariff structure in the interest of the people.

"Jonathan Is Not Eligible To Contest In 2015 Presidential Election" - PDP Chieftain

Umar Ardo, a gubernatorial aspirant in Adamawa State under the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said President Goodluck Jonathan’s is not eligible to contest the presidency in the 2015.
“The president himself promised not to contest in 2015 during his 2011 electioneering campaigns. Now a leader’s word must be his bond,” he said.
Q: There have been calls from some persons for President Jonathan to re-contest in 2015. Do you support such calls?
A: No, I don’t support such calls because of many reasons. Firstly, because I distrust the motives of those leading these calls: Chiefs Edwin Clark and Tony Anenih, among many others.
There is a moral angle to it. The president himself promised not to contest in 2015 during his 2011 electioneering campaigns. Now a leader’s word must be his bond. All through history, the most essential ingredient for leadership has always been character. Although other ingredients such as capacity, empathy, humility, toughness and intelligence are often mentioned, these traits are all too often really subordinate aspects of character. Without character, no man is fit to lead others. Because leaders hold not just the lives of the people but even determine the destiny of society, it is extremely important that people trust those who lead them. Unless the President comes out and tells why he said he was not contesting during his campaign and why he will now want to shift position to contest he will likely fall under this category.
There is also the legal angle. It is my contention that based on the implication of the Supreme Court judgment of INEC versus the 5 PDP Governors (Nyako, Sylva, Imoke, Wamako and Idris) the president is unarguably ineligible to contest; and any judgment of a High Court Judge is to me clearly directly in contrast with the logic and conclusions of that Supreme Court judgment, where the apex court adopted two basic principles in its interpretation of the constitution in calculating the 4-year tenure system. Firstly, that Governors – and the President – are elected for four years and eligible to re-election for another four years and no more. On the basis of that the Supreme Court declared: “The 1999 Constitution has no room for self –succession for A COMMULATIVE TENURE EXCEEDING EIGHT YEARS. …. It is very clear from the relevant provisions that NO PERSON elected under the 1999 constitution can remain in office A DAY LONGER than provided, otherwise the intention of the framers of the constitution would be defeated”. It added that “the constitution does not support an interpretation of unbroken term of four years or a term in perpetuity”. Impliedly, this means in computing President Jonathan’s maximum of 8 years tenure, the 1 year 23 days he held as president between May 6, 2010 and May 29, 2011 will be counted. Secondly, the Supreme Court adopts the principle that so long as “the acts performed during the period in office remain valid and subsisting”, then the oath taken empowering them to take those valid and subsisting acts also remains valid and becomes the starting point in calculating their four years tenure of office.
Therefore, given that our laws have yet to provide for fractional term in office, President Jonathan is definitely not qualified to contest for president in 2015 for another 4-year term without an amendment of the constitution.
Q: Do you have political ambition in 2015?
A: I have since 2011 declared my intention to contest the governorship of my state, Adamawa. I am still at it as the issue of the last gubernatorial election is not yet determined. We are currently at the Supreme Court for the determination of the gubernatorial candidacy of the PDP in the state. So I am not waiting for 2015 – I am waiting for the Supreme Court.