Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Independence Day Bombing: Nigerian Govt. Asks Court To Chain Okah During Trial

The Nigerian Government on Tuesday asked Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court in Abuja, to put the alleged mastermind of the 2010 Independence Day bombing, Charles Okah, in chains. Mr. Okah, who is standing trial on charges of terrorism alongside Obi Nwabueze, had on October 6 attempted to jump out of the court located at the third floor of a five-storey building.
At the resumed hearing, the prosecution, Alex Iziyon, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, made an oral application requesting Mr. Okah to be chained to avoid a possible abortion of justice.

Code of Conduct tribunal adjourns Saraki's case to Nov 5th and 6th

The code of conduct tribunal has adjourned hearing on the false asset declaration case against Senate President Bukola Saraki to November 5th and 6th. Counsels to Saraki pleaded for adjournment to wait for the outcome of Court of Appeal ruling.

Man who killed 5 relatives with meat cleaver, including 4 children, gets 125 years


A man who pleaded guilty to the October 2013 murder of five relatives, including four children was sentenced to 125 years to life in prison on Tuesday October 20th. Mindong Chen, 27, butchered his cousin’s wife, Qiao Zhen Li, 37 and her four children aged 9, 7, 5 and 18 months with a meat cleaver during a frenzied attack at their home.



We Are Waiting For Buhari’s Cabinet, New Policies – US


United States, US Government has said it is waiting for President Muhammadu Buhari to inaugurate his cabinet and introduce policies that would drive Nigeria in the next four years.
Meantime, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has commended the efforts of the US government in ensuring peaceful democratic transition in the last general elections in Nigeria.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle disclosed this when he led some foreign investors on a courtesy visit to the Lagos House, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

Man defrauds his in-law of over N9.1M

The Lagos State police have arraigned a 38-year-old man, Olumide Ogunbolude, for allegedly defrauding his in-law, Taiwo Elegbede, of N9, 105,000 which was meant for the purchase of a Range Rover. It was learnt that Mrs Elegbede introduced her husband to Ogunbolude as a dealer, when her Husband wanted to buy a car in 2013. According to Punch Metro, The suspect was reportedly paid an initial sum of $39,500, before being given an additional N1.6m. However after over a year later, the suspect has neither produced the car, nor refunded the money.

Police killed Lekki Free Trade zone boss Disu- Community members

Leaders of Okunraye community, one of the villages hosting the Lekki Free Trade Zone, in the Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos State told a Lagos State High Court in Igbosere on Tuesday that the police were responsible for the killing of the Managing Director of the free trade zone, Alhaji Tajudeen Disu
This claim was in an affidavit in support of a Fundamental rights suit filed before a Lagos High Court against the Police, Directorate of State Security (DSS) and Dangote group.

GEJ advises Tanzanians on peaceful, transparent elections


Former President Jonathan, who is the chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) to Tanzania arrived the country yesterday and during a press conference, advised the country's National Electoral Commission and political parties to ensure a peaceful and transparent election..
The success of these elections depends on every stakeholder playing their part in a peaceful, inclusive and transparent manner. The Commonwealth has every confidence in the people of Tanzania to achieve that. During our time in Tanzania, we will seek to assess the pre-election environment, polling day activities and the post-election period, against the backdrop of Tanzania’s national legislation, regional and international commitments.

Journalists barred from covering Saraki's Code of Conduct trial today


Journalists have been barred from covering the resumed hearing of the 13-count charge false asset declaration case against Senate President Bukola Saraki happening today October 21st. Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar, gave instructions to security personnel at the court to ensure that no camera is allowed into the court. Saraki is expected to be present at the hearing which is to commence by 10am. 

Buhari replaces Head of Service, Kifasi with Winifred Oyo-Ita

President Buhari has replaced the immediate past Head of Service, with Winifred Oyo-Ita. Oyo-Ita, a native of Cross River, is currently the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology. She is 51 years old and a trained chartered accountant.

EFCC Never Arrested Me,Says Akpabio


ABUJA – FORMER governor of Akwa Ibom State and senator representing Akwa Ibom North West, Godswill Akpabio,yesterday,explained that his visit last week to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was voluntary.
Akpabio, who is representing his constituency, on the platform of the Opposition Peoples Democratic Party,PDP,however, said he was earlier invited by the commission,but said the invitation was a long time ago.
Speaking with newsmen, in Abuja, the Senate Minority Leader said: “I was invited by the EFCC but that was a long time ago, just before my accident and I said okay, that when I am fit, I Will go to see them to respond to the allegation that they said a young lawyer wrote against me.”

Stop Marrying Teenage Girls, BBOG Spokesperson Tells Nigerian Leaders


Nigerian leaders have been tasked to stop marrying teenage girls, far younger than themselves if the nation must actualize its dream of protecting the girl child.
Aisha Yesufu, a representative of the Bring Back Our Girls group, made the charge at a two-day national conference on the social protection of the girl child, in Abuja.
She noted that it was pointless for leaders to pose as protectors of the girl child if their action tells the opposite.

President Buhari Names INEC Chairman, Five Commissioners


President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday named Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.


The appointment was consequently approved at the first meeting of the Council of State presided over by Buhari.



Five new national commissioners were also named for the commission.


The national commissioners are Mrs. Amina Zakari (North-West); Dr. Anthonia Okoosi-Simbine (North Central); Alhaji Baba Shettima Arfo (North-East); Dr. Mohammed Mustafa Lecky (South-South) and Mr. Soyebi Adedeji Solomon (South-West).


The South-East is said to still have a sitting national commissioner.


Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State briefed State House correspondents at the end of the meeting.


Details later…


Punch.




#Buhari

I'll Never Disrespect Saraki, Says Rotimi Amaechi


Rotimi Amaechi, ex-governor of Rivers state and ministerial candidate, says he holds Senate President Bukola Saraki in high regard and would never affront him.


Amaechi, who said there was an intentional endeavor to make ill will in the middle of him and Saraki, depicted as untrue, reports that he protested over the postponement of his screening.




“There was a report that Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi was incensed over the deferment of his screening last week and stormed Saraki’s house to register his protest. It is absolutely not true,” David Iyofor, Amaechi’s spokesman, said in a statement.
“There is a deliberate and carefully calibrated attempt to characterise Amaechi with a very bad and demeaning mannerism.
“We must clarify that Amaechi did not visit and was not at the residence of the Senate President on Thursday of last week.
“Since he did not go to the residence of the Senate President on Thursday of last week, there is absolutely no way what the newspaper sources claimed to have transpired, happened.


“We must emphasise that former governor Amaechi holds the office of the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in very high esteem and will never disrespect or act in any way that would put the office in disrepute.
“However, in this case, the incident reported never occurred either on Thursday or any other day.
“While we understand the constraints and pressures journalists face in doing their jobs, we would advise them to be thorough and double-check or even triple-check their sources of information.
“There seems to exist an axis of fifth columnists, masquerading as ‘sources’ to journalists, but fabricate events, incidences and stories that never happened to malign and destroy the character and reputation of others, while fomenting acrimony and bad blood in the polity.”




#Amaechi

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Federal Government Begins Trial Of Ex-Imo Governor, Ohakim, Over Money Laundering


The Federal Government, on Tuesday, commenced the prosecution of a former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, on charges bordering on money laundering when he held sway as the state governor.


The Federal Government, through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, began Okakim’s trial before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of a Federal High Court in Abuja by calling its first witness.



Ohakim, who was Imo State governor between 2007 and 2011, is facing three counts of money laundering, arising from his alleged purchase of a house at Asokoro District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with cash payment of dollar equivalent of N270 million in November 2008.


The first prosecution witness, Mr. Dauda Ishaya, a Senior Detective Superintendent with the EFCC, appeared before Justice Ademola when the matter came up, giving his report of investigation on the charges against the former governor.


Dauda, who was led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Mr. Festus Keyamo, accused Ohakim of initially lying to be a tenant in the property until he was confronted with the statements of those who were involved in the purchase of the property at 60, Kwame Nkrumah Street, Plot No 1098, Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, Abuja.


He said: “Intelligence report revealed that there was no bank transfer on purchase for that property – that was against the provisions of the Money Laundering Act.


“We took the accused person to the said property and we returned to the office. He was questioned on the same property and he said he was just a tenant in that property.


“He said he rented the house from a company called Tweenex Consciates through the Managing Director of the company called Abu Sule.”


The witness said Sule was invited by the EFCC but denied ownership of the property but went on to tell ‘the real story of what transpired.’


The case was adjourned till November 12 and 13 for continuation of trial.


Tribune.




#Local

3 Ways Sports Tourism can Boost Nigeria's Hospitality Industry


Travelling for sports events is an opportunity that Nigerians are yet to leverage on despite playing host to several tournaments over the years.


Some notable games include the 1973 and 2003-Lagos-All African Games, African Nations Cup, 1980 & 2000, Under 17 championships, 2009 and throngs of other sports events which have had little or no impact on the hospitality industry.


Considering the returns from sports tourism in other climes, Nigeria has a monumental advantage in exploring and exploiting sports tourism to boost her hospitality industry.


eagles


For example, Brazil which hosted the 2014 World Cup added 7.5 billion Brazilian Real (BRL) to the economy with tourism being a key contributor, an estimated 1 million foreigners visited the country and 95% of them said they will love to return for holidays.


The attributed reasons for this include Brazil’s scenic beaches, vibrant musical culture and its vast amazon rainforest according to the Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile for previous world cups, South Africa welcomed 310,000 tourists and Germany accommodated 2 million.


These figures simply reveal how massive the contribution of sports can multiply the growth of Nigeria’s hospitality industry and the economy. With this platform, states likeEkiti, Jos, and  Kwara, with tourism endowments will possibly achieve a certain degree of financial autonomy


To encourage the government to host international sports tourneys and ensure it takes advantage of it, Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares 3 ways sports tourism can boost the hospitality industry in Nigeria.


zuma rock (1)


Development of tourist destination


The near dilapidated state of Nigeria’s tourism sites have headlined stakeholder’s meetings and tourism seminars. They have called on the government at both the Federal and state level to revamp these amazing sites which cut across Nigeria. With Nigeria hosting a sports events, monies will be budgeted to develop these destinations to attract tourists and the ripple effect will be felt in the hospitality sector.


Revenue Generator


The question Nigerians should ask is why nations battle, banter and clog one another to win bids so as to host international tourney despite the global economic crises?


Simple-the economic returns is massive. The Hospitality sector contributes a large chunk of the returns during a sports tourney. It follows that if the government develops these destinations, tourists will visit and be willing to part with their naira, dollars and pounds. Included in this is the production of souvenirs and other marketing cum promotional items leading to a geometric rise in hotel bookings and revenues.


Publicity


These sports tourneys are opportunities for hotels and hospitality companies to put their brand in the face of their target audience. They can produce jingles, commercials and other public relations tools which oftentimes go a long way in impacting perception and patronage.



Ogunfowoke Adeniyi

Travel/Technology Writer


Mobile: +2348090747241   Skype: Sleeksavvy




#Sport

Top 3 Awesome Ways to Avoid the Fastfood Trap


In a city like Lagos where everyone wakes up as early as 4 am, there is a high possibility to get addicted to fast food as people barely have time to prepare a proper meal.


Despite the affordability and convenience of fast-foods, the health hazards are enormous. Some of these hazards are high-fat content, reduced nutritional values, obesity and cardiovascular diseases.


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As a traveller exploring different destinations, the allure of fast food is high and if you are not careful, paying a visit to these outlets will become  a habit.


Fried-chicken-012


Stop over at the grocery store


Cooking is fun and there are grocery stores littered all over major cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja. You can easily drive into one of them to purchase any foodstuffs you want. With your pantry properly stocked with the right meals, you cut down the tendency to consume snacks outside your home.


The up-side to this is that it makes you  a better manager as you create and stick to cooking plans for your meals. This may be easier for married individuals rather than singles but making home-cooked meals a habit saves you money and keeps you healthy.


Plan your meal schedule


Planning your meal schedule for the week will go a long way in helping you avoid the fast food trap. Create a flexible routine and ensure you religiously stick to it. With this schedule, visiting the food shops will not feature on your daily agenda.


Patronize healthy online food stores


The internet has opened up quantum of online services for many Nigerians. Except you are addicted to fast foods, online food delivery companies are available to order proper foods. If you would rather have your meals prepared for you, then try ordering your food online from the long list of healthy options available. It is a good alternative to fast food.



Ogunfowoke Adeniyi

Travel/Technology Writer


Mobile: +2348090747241   Skype: Sleeksavvy


Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal shares tips on how to avoid the fast food trap.




#NigerianFoods

Why Amaechi Was Not Included In Tuesday’s Ministerial Screening – Dino Melaye

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Senator Dino Melaye has revealed why the erstwhile Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Chibuike Ameachi was omitted from the Tuesday ministerial screening.
It would be recalled that Dino had informed Nigerians on Monday that Amaechi will be among the ministerial nominees to be screened today by the upper chambers of the National Assembly.

APC Not Prepared To Rule Nigeria -Adebanjo

Chairman of a Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo said yesterday that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not ready for power when it won the presidential election on March 28.
He said the party only planned to oust former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan from office.
Adebanjo said this during the public presentation of a book written by former minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran: Serving My Fatherland Volumes One and Two, in commemoration of his 70th birthday in Ibadan yesterday.

President Obama of Uncle Sam is the 21st century Roman Nero ?


There is no doubting the fact that President Obama of Uncle Sam is the 21st century Roman Nero. Over the years, his indifferent attitude in respect of the numerous war crimes he has committed across the globe has continued to marvel many. In relations to the order of Obama, several mass killings, involving children have been recorded in vulnerable countries under his administration. Bombing of children was and still pronounce in Libya, Syria, Iran, Iraq, to mention a few, under the charged of Obama!!!


Obama who is an high priest in the temple of White supremacy, have no qualms in expanding and at the same time worsening the crimes of George W. Bush. This delusional in fact extended the drone program to Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali, Libya, and Somalia. Tens of thousands of children died in the Somali from “Obama Drones Attack”. Obama’s apologists and the corporate media have done so well in parading one of the most despicable men of this century as a saint. Obama’s hypocritical talks all the time have revealed his own worst limitations!!!


Obama in his so called fight against mean violators of human rights, in his absurdity, have ignored the most tyrannical regimes in the Middle East; Israel and Saudi Arabia. Since war is a product of hate, oppressed nations in the globe will be within their god-given rights to defend their territories with all sense of responsibility by giving back the hate-tit for tat. It will forever be a wishful thinking to wait for the day that the International Criminal Court will trial these war mongers with crimes against humanity. Thus oppressed nations must seek for justice by forming alliance against a common foe!!!


~Ifágúnwà Tèmítópé-



#Obama

Constitution Review: How Adoke Scuttled Amendments –Ekweremadu

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has revealed how former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, scuttled the last constitutional amendment process.

Adesina, Metuh Spat Over Anti-Graft War


National Publicity Secretary of the main opposition party, Olisa Metuh yesterday sustained his verbal spat with presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, when he accused him of being ignorant of politics and governance. Adesina quickly replied Metuh that he’s a broken record, which he (Adesina) has thrown away.

We Are Surprised How Boko Haram Is Able To Recruit Many Followers, Says FG


THE Federal Government is baffled that despite the warped nature of Boko Haram's ideology, the group is still able to recruit followers.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who expressed this concern in Abuja, on Tuesday, revealed that the Federal Government would therefore set up a crisis communication centre that would provide information countering violent extremist ideology, especially in the North-East.

He was speaking when he received the the United States Special Envoy on Counter Terrorism Communication, Rashad Hussain, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Photos: Man with the biggest feet in the world wants them cut off.


 biggest feet biggest feet


The man with the  biggest feet

26 year old Jeffrey Ortega wants his size 16 foot removed after it swelled because of a hereditary condition which leaves him in consistent agony and not able to walk. Jeffery, who relies on a wheelchair to move around, was conceived with Proteus Syndrome, an uncommon condition that causes bones, skin and tissue overgrowth. The condition has additionally influenced his hands, hips and legs.


Jeffrey is currently asking specialists to cut away his left foot to relieve pain and stop the development. His left foot is 17inches in circumference and 14inches long   while his right foot is 14.5 inches  circumference  and 12 inches long. See more photographs bellow.



 biggest feet
 biggest feet





#Health

Buhari Fighting Corruption Like Obasanjo – Adebanjo


Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of fighting corruption the same way former President Olusegun Obasanjo did.
Adebanjo told our correspondent during an interview that Obasanjo only fought corruption when he wanted to crush his political opponents.

He said Obasanjo used the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to harass all his political opponents under the guise of fighting corruption.

Nigerian Politicians Perceived As Rogues – Mimiko


The Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, has lamented the tag ascribed to Nigerian politicians, saying that while Nigerians see them as rogues and vagabond, there are intellectual politicians in the country who offered selfless service to their fatherland.

Mimiko spoke at the public presentation of a book, ‘Serving my fatherland,’ which was written by a former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, on Monday.
Also present at the event were a former Senate President, Ken Nnamani; a former military governor of Oyo State, Gen. Oladayo Popoola; a former Ekiti State governor, Segun Oni, and many other dignitaries.