Thursday, October 29, 2015

Jonathan Would’ve Been Reelected If He Were From North Or S’West -Osuntokun


FORMER Political Adviser to for­mer president Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr. Akin Osuntokun believes the country must be restructured if it is to move forward. He also spoke on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, former President Goodluck Jonathan and what the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must do.
The screening of ministerial nominees have been going on with some controversies, are you satisfied with the way it has gone?
I can’t find any conspicuous flaw in the process of screening the nominees, but in any case, you know that time is of essence, the nation has waited long enough for the formation of the federal execu­tive council . I don’t think there are contentious issues as such for any of the nominees except for the former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo Visits New Ooni Of Ife, Pays Homage


 


Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday visited the new Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi at Ile-Ife. Mr. Obasanjo went by and homage pretty much as the new king was presented to his the people.  A aide of the previous president revealed to us that Mr. Obasanjo had to visit Mr. Ogunwusi on Wednesday in light of the fact that he had an abroad excursion booked for Thursday.  Amid the visit, Mr. Obasanjo congratulated the new Ooni of Ife, and wished him well as he mounted the throne of his ancestors.



#NaijaGistSpecial

Gowon: Jonathan, Jega Saved Nigeria From Collapse

Former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has stated that the duo of President Goodluck Jonathan and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, through their actions during and after the last general election saved the country from imminent collapse.

Treating Minor Ailments Abroad Shameful – Jega


A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has described as ‘shameful,’ the travelling of Nigerians to foreign countries to receive treatment for ailments that should have been handled in the country.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Kano: Emir Sanusi Strips Bayero’s Eldest Son Of Chiroma Title


The emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sunusi II, has stripped the eldest child of the late Emir Ado Bayero, Lamido Bayero, of his traditional title of Ciroman Kano and District Head of Gwale.


PREMIUM TIMES gathered that a few months after ascending the throne, the new emir wrote to Mr. Bayero, seeking him to return to his duty as Ciroman Kano and District Head of Gwale.


Palace sources told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr. Bayero’s refusal to either reply the letter or report to the palace, angered the emir.

The issue however died down when Mr. Bayero was appointed managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

But when Mr. Bayero was recently relieved of his duty as managing director of the NPA by President Muhammadu Buhari, the emir directed the Emirate Council to write to Mr. Bayero again.


“When a letter was written to him again, he neither responded nor appeared in person to explain his reasons.

“His Highness first reasoned that the local government of Gwale was too important to be left vacant, and so he elevated the son of Emir Inuwa to be the district head.

“And now the title of Ciroma is also stripped,” a top palace source said.


Perhaps in order to douse tension in the palace, sources said, the emir however appointed Mr. Bayero’s younger brother, Nasiru Bayero, to replace him as the new Ciroman Kano.

A statement by Galadiman Kano, Abbas Sunusi, said the removal and the subsequent replacement were with immediate effect.


Mr. Bayero was touted to as the heir apparent of the Kano emirship throne but lost to the current emir, who was then holding a mid-cadre title of Dan Majen Kano.

Since losing the coveted seat to Mr. Sanusi, Mr. Lamido banished himself to Abuja and refused to pledge allegiance to the new emir as provided by the tradition.

Despite concerted efforts by some notable personalities in the state to convince Mr. Bayero to pay homage to the new emir, Mr. Bayero stoutly rejected.



#EMir

DV: Wife Bathes Hubby With Boiled Water For Sleeping With Her Mother (Is she justified?)


DV–> Domestic Violence

The truism that damnation has no fierceness as a lady despised ran its course again when a wedded lady poured a pot of Boiled water on her spouse, scalding him, particularly his back.


As indicated by veteran writer, Mike Effiong, who posted the photograph on his Facebook page, the man was nabbed in the act laying down with his mother-in-law, his wife’s mom and the lady couldn’t take such selling out and needed to deal with him thusly.


Is it accurate to say that she is justified?


This is not the first men at the receiving end of domestic violence  in the hands of their wives.


In November 2014, an Abuja based man endured the same destiny when his wife bathed him with scalding water during a disagreement, scalding him seriously.


In March this year, wedded man, Owolati Tajudeen, who thought he was playing super mario with his wife by covertly wedding five other ladies in the face of her good faith, got a stun when the wife, Laide Owolati, deliberately arranged and at the perfect time, washed him with Boiled water.



#NewsFromNigeria

Latin America SITREP October 28th, 2015 by Jack


1) Latin American Left: the Pink Tide: 1999-present?

Two recent pieces on the status and prospects of the progressive governments, social movements and multilateral institutions collectively known as the ‘Pink Tide’.

Raúl Zibechi: Taking stock of ‘Progresismo’ in Latin America [source]
Immanuel Wallerstein: The Latin American Left Moves Rightward [source]

(NB I have the utmost respect for both these writers, but the optimist in me has to say that it is surely too early to mark the high water of the ‘Pink Tide’.)


2) Upcoming elections:


Argentina: Presidential, Second Round.

The Kirchners have been in power 12 years and have left a legacy of “trade protectionism, social welfare and defence of the working class”.

Pre first round introduction to candidates:

Argentina: The End or a New Path for Kirchernismo? [source]

Post-first round analysis of the 2 candidates to contest the second round in November:
Argentine presidential run-off in November but with completely different scenario [source]


Venezuela: Mid Term.

First and foremost of the ‘Pink Tide’, Venezuelan Bolivarianism, in alliance with the Cuban Revolution, is the trail blazer of the Latin American progressive project. The transition to a ‘post-Chavez Chavismo’ under Nicolas Maduro has been marked by a wide variety of destabilization from foreign-backed opposition forces:

This article high-lights the historic high level of female and youth candidates but also warns of the threat of opposition violence in the upcoming midterm elections:

Peace at Stake in Venezuela’s Upcoming Assembly Elections [source]

This article quotes polls showing the PSUV, of the Chavista President Maduro, ahead in voting intentions:
Maduro Makes Moves toward Economic Reform as New Poll Predicts PSUV Win [source]


3) Developments and Context:


Brazil:

Since 2003 Brazil has seen a remarkable transformation due to good economic growth and political leadership within Latin America and on the World stage through organizations such MERCOSUR and BRICS. This has been achieved with progressives at the helm, firstly Lula da Silva, but also his successor Dilma Rousseff. Presidents can serve only 2 terms in Brazil, and Rousseff won her second before a corruption scandal decimated her authority.


This article gives evidence that Rousseff has moved to the right in order to head off impeachment attempts:
The United States Wins In Brazil, Raul Zibechi [source]


Mexico
The disappearance of the 43 students one year ago lead to a marked increase in protest to the ongoing drug fuelled violence in Mexico, which began under the previous President Felipe Calderon and continues under Enrique Peña Nieto. This article assesses the dramatic repercussions of the event a year on.
Ayotzinapa, State Violence and Terror By Laura Carlsen [source]


Nicaragua
Russia joins China in the construction of an alternative to the US dominated Panama canal in Nicaragua, a member of the radical progressive block ALBA.
Russia Interested in Joining the Nicaragua Canal Project (Sputnik – Russian news agency)


Guatemala

Political new-comer wins Guatemalan Presidential elections in the aftermath of wide spread protests that brought down the previous government in the most populous Central American state:
Comedian cowboy who wanted to become president, finally makes it in Guatemala [source]


Cuba:

The US isolated on World Stage:

World Discusses the Blockade on Cuba at the UN [source]


Peru:

Ollanta Humala, who defeated right-wing candidate to win the 6-year Presidency in 2011 on a progressive ticket, has seen his approval drop to 12% and faces increasing protest, presumably due to him quickly tacking to the right after his election victory.
Act of Treason: Secret US Sites in Peru Nil NIKANDROV | 13.10.2015 | [source]


Bolivia:

Evo Morales, first indigenous President of in the Americas, marks 10 years in power. Bolivia is a key member of the radical progressive alliance ALBA.
10 Years of Evo Morales, Telesur. [source]



#LatinAmerica

Abacha Loot Is Too Huge For Us To Handle, Says World Bank.


The World Bank has said it needs additional time to provide comprehensive information on the funds looted by the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.


The World Bank told a human civil society group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) seeking information on the loot that for now, it is compiling information on the spending.



According to the World Bank: “In response to your request, we would like to inform you that we are still considering your request and we will need additional time because the money involved is too huge for us to handle.”


The World Bank said that although it takes just 20 working days to respond to such requests, under special cases, it could take much longer time.


The loot stolen by the former military ruler from 1993 to 1998 is estimated to be about $11.3 billion.


The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) had written to the World Bank demanding information on the spending of the loot recovered from the late military dictator.


Tribune.




#AbachaLoot

Senate screens Mallam Adamu Adamu


The senate has screened ministerial nominee, Adamu Adamu from Bauchi state. He is a trained Accountant and a veteran columnist. He guaranteed to make National interest his direction. In the wake of answering a couple of questions, he was asked  to take a bow and go.



#Adamu

Ugwuanyi Is Prayer Answered For The People Of Enugu —Rev Father Mbaka


CHARISMATIC Catholic priest and director of the popular Adoration Ministry, Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), Reverend Fr. Ejike Mbaka, said that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State is a prayer answered for the people of the state.

Speaking in Enugu yesterday to a huge crowd of his congregation during a mass attended by the governor and top government functionaries, the priest told the governor that “you need the protection of God to execute the good plans you have for the people of Enugu.
“Enugu made a lot of noise when you won your governorship election. You are a prayer answered for the people of Enugu,” he told the governor.

Gridlock: We’ll Soon Recruit Young Graduates Into LASTMA — Ambode


Selfless young graduates are to be recruited into Lagos Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) soon, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said.
The new recruits are to boost the current 2,100 persons-strong personnel of the traffic managers, a number described by the governor as inadequate.
He also said that his administration had concluded plans to procure three helicopters next month to enable security agencies tackle criminal activities from the air as well assist in monitoring traffic gridlock to ease movement across Lagos metropolis.

Akwa Ibom Tribunal Verdict, Triumph Of Integrity Over Impunity – Attah


Former Akwa Ibom State governor and elder statesman, Obong Victor Attah, has described the verdict of the Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which nullified the April 11,2015 governorship polls in 18 Local Government Areas of the state as the triumph of truth over falsehood; of right over wrong and integrity over impunity.
The former governor said this at a press conference in Uyo. The briefing had elder statesmen and senior citizens of the state in attendance.

I Didn’t Get Contract, Oil Block, Anything From Jonathan— Edwin Clark


ELDER statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has dismissed insinuations that he betrayed former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, by reportedly saying that the ex-President lacked the political will to fight corruption, noting that he was maliciously misconstrued.
Clark, who was criticised by some associates of the former President over the statement, also denounced claims that his decision to quit partisan politics was provoked by the ex-President’s defeat at the polls.

You Can’t Stop Tribunal, S-Court Tells Wike


ABUJA — Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, yesterday, lost his bid to use the Supreme Court to oust the judgment of the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that sacked him from office last week Saturday.
This happened as 20 members of Rivers State House of Assembly whose election was nullified by the state legislative election petition tribunal, appealed against the judgment.
Wike had gone before the apex court to challenge the jurisdiction and competence of the tribunal to conduct hearing on the petition filed against his election by the All Progressives Congress, APC, and its governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, outside Rivers State where the said election held.

U.S. Lawmaker Seeks Obama’s Plan Against Boko Haram


•State Department condemns attacks by insurgents
A bill has been sent by a United States Congressman demanding President Barack Obama’s comprehensive plan to assist Nigeria to battle Boko Haram.
Rep. Frederica Wilson (Democrat-Fla.), a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, last Monday, introduced legislation that would require the Departments of Defence and State to submit a five-year plan to Congress to help Nigeria fight the Islamic extremist group.

Reps Begin Probe Of EFCC Over N1tr Assets


EFCC Chaiman Ibrahim Larmorde
The House of Representatives has commenced fresh investigation into the alleged non-remittance of over N1 trillion generated from seized assets by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Federation Account.

The House consequently mandated its committee on financial crimes to investigate the matter.
The resolution was reached after adopting a motion by Minority Leader Leo Ogor (PDP, Delta), asking that the alleged non-remittance be investigated to ascertain its authenticity.

Leave Buhari, Judiciary Out Of Your Woes, Group Tells PDP


An umbrella support group for the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government, the Buhari Media Support Group (BMSG), has asked the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop chastising the president, members of the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies over their current predicaments.
The group said based on some observable indices, including activities in the forex and banking sectors, there are strong indications that the country’s economy was on a rebound.

Check out 6 Money Management Tips for Spendthrift Travellers



There is rarely anything you can do without money. It is like the air you breathe on a daily basis. With money, you can plan a fantastic and out-of-this-world vacation with friends, families and your significant other in Calabar or in any other part of the globe.



traveller


However, what is abhorred by many is extravagance. In other words, the indiscriminate spending of money that may prompt you to start making emergency calls to friends and family to send you some monies. They may not always come to your rescue if getting stranded becomes your habit. To help you handle money better anytime you are on a vacation., Jovago.com, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal some shares money management tips for spendthrift travellers.


money pix




  • Have a budget


A budget restricts your expenditure to a specific amount. Therefore, it is important to have a list of all your itinerary along with the estimated prices of hotel rooms, goods and services in the region. This will breed a culture of discipline, thus curtailing excessive spending.




  • Carry little Cash


With cash in your pocket or bag, the possibility of buying on impulse is very high. To prevent you from falling into this trap, carry as little cash around while ensuring that you do not use your ATM card to withdraw beyond the stipulated limit legally permitted daily.




  • Track your Expenses


Despite the existence of a budget, some people may find it difficult to adhere to the budget. To prevent your expenses from piling up, you should track your expenses to ensure that you can afford whatever you order for or any fun activities you engage in. You can do this every night before going to bed.




  • Use online banking


Online banking is not only for instant cash transfer. You can have the details of your daily expenditure at your fingertips. This is another reliable method of tracking your expenditure. If you are interested in online banking, visit your bank to get a token and username.




  • Haggle


Haggling is not restricted to women alone. Men also haggle for the best prices possible on any deal. This is important if it appears that the seller is trying to swindle you. So, you have to respectfully beat down the price. Do not accept to pay the price that the seller utters if you want to save money. However, do not make the haggling pathological habit. If the price is not acceptable to you, you can always shop around.




  • Know the Exchange Rate


The Dollar is the universally accepted mode of payment in international transactions. Hence, always ensure that you make your estimates based on the trending exchange rate. This is relevant if you are booking or buying anything online. Importantly, consider the exchange rate of the country you are visiting on vacation.


 


Ogunfowoke AdeniyiTravel/Technology

WriterMobile: +2348090747241   Skype: Sleeksavvy



#Money

FG says it needs N233bn to rehabilitate Boko Haram ravaged states


Speaking at the opening ceremony of the North-East Humanitarian Multi-Stakeholders Engagement on Tuesday in Maiduguri, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on North-East Intervention, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, said N233bn was needed for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the communities ravaged by the Boko Haram sect.

The chairman of PCNI, who was represented by a member of the committee, Mohammed Danjuma, said the rebuilding of the ravaged states needed proper coordination to alleviate the sufferings of the Internally Displaced Persons.

4 houses razed by fire on Aiyeleto street, Surulere last night (photos)


There was a fire outbreak yesterday evening at Aiyeleto street. Four houses got totally razed by the inferno but thankfully, residents were able to evacuate so no serious injuries but properties worth millions of naira were destroyed. The cause of the fire is yet unknown. More photos after the jump

Lagos CP says he receives four traffic robbery alerts daily

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, at a press briefing at the Lagos command headquarters, on Tuesday said he receives about four robbery alerts on his Twitter handle every day and that the police have arrested 144 suspects as a result of constant raids of bridges and other hideouts of the hoodlums.


According to Punch The CP said the robbers mainly disguise as street traders, adding that motorists shouldn't patronise hawkers at night.

Graphic pics: Troops kill 30 Boko Haram members, rescue captives in Sambisa


Troops of 28 Task Force Brigade Nigerian Army deployed at Bitta and Pridang yesterday October 27th, carried out a successful raid on suspected Boko Haram terrorists camps at Bulajilin and Manawashe villages along Bita and Damboa road at the fringes of Sambisa forest. The troops were able to kill 30 Boko Haram terrorists. See the photos after the jump

There's a judicial gang-up against Governor Wike- media aide alleges


The Special Adviser to the governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike on media and publicity, Opunabo Nko-Tariah says the nullification of Wike's April 11th election and the Supreme courts dismissal of Wike's suit against the relocation of the state election tribunal, can best be described as a judicial gang up against Wike. Nko-Tariah said this in a statement he released yesterday


Tuesday, October 27, 2015

King of the Skies: None of NATO’s Members Could Match Russia in the Sky - Brookings Institution


The Russian Air Force in Syria left many Western military experts surprised, as they didn’t expect that Russia had the capacity to carry out military operations with such efficiency, the Washington-based Brookings Institution said.


 In the past, many experts called the Russian military weak, especially when it came to air and naval forces. But the Russian airstrikes in Syria have proved them wrong.


The assessments of the Russian military were inaccurate, as often Western analysts seek to discredit Russia’s military capabilities. However, with its effective campaign in Syria, Moscow has once again proved these experts wrong, the Brookings Institution said.


The New York Times even pointed out that the Russian Air Force conducts as many airstrikes in a typical day as the US-led coalition did in a month.


“Almost none of our NATO allies could match what Russia has done so far in the skies,” the Brookings Institution said in their article.



The Su-34 Strike Fighter




By firing missiles at ISIL-targets in Syria from ships docked in the Caspian Sea, the Russian military showed an unprecedented ability to launch long-range cruise missiles from corvettes and frigates.






“Using small-sized, inexpensive, technologically simple, and easily-produced ships, the Russian navy is displaying a unique capability and is highlighting the results of its naval modernization efforts, much of which are unknown,” the Brookings Institution report said.


The launch of cruise missiles isn’t that big of a deal by itself, but it’s the combination of this type of guided rocket and small-size armed corvette warships that fired them makes military experts stand in awe. The fact that surprised many US experts was that Russia armed its Buyan-M class ships, which displace only 950 tons, with firepower comparable to the much larger US Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Ticonderoga-class missile cruisers.


On September 30, Russia launched a multinational aerial campaign aimed at assisting Damascus-led forces in their fight against terrorist groups, which are trying to oust President Bashar al-Assad. The operation was authorized by legitimate Syrian authorities.




#NATO

Former NSA Dasuki Objects To Secret Trial


Justice Ademola Adeniyi of the Federal High Court Six, sitting in Abuja on Monday expressed surprise at the decision of prosecution counsel to bring additional charges against immediate past National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) on a day set aside for definite hearing on the one count charge preferred against him.
On September 1 this year, prosecution counsel, Mohammed Diri, had told the court that Dasuki was charged with the unlawful possession of firearms, which Dasuki pleaded not guilty.
Justice Ademola then granted Mr. Dasuki bail on self-recognition but ordered that his passport and other travel documents be deposited with the deputy court registrar while the case was adjourned to October 26 and 27 for the hearing.