Woman Gets 9 Years for Sex With Son

Posted by 9jabook.com webmadam on July 13, 2010 at 1:30am

In a story that has garnered national attention, Aimee L. Sword was sentenced Monday to serve 9-30 years in prison for sexual misconduct with a boy she had given up for adoption as an infant.

In 2008, Sword tracked the boy down through Facebook, after she failed to receive an annual report from the Grand Rapids couple that adopted and raised him. Unfortunately, seeing the boy, then 14, triggered instincts in the biological mother that were not maternal. As her lawyer Mitchell Ribitwer told the New York Daily News: "When she saw the boy, something just touched off in her, and it wasn't a mother-son relationship..."

Unaware that Sword's sexual interest was piqued, the adoptive family permitted the boy to visit her. It seemed safe enough, since Sword was married with five children.

But the artful and insistant Sword seduced the boy, ignoring the maternal link and the fact that the boy had not reached the age of consent, not to mention the 20 year age difference.

According to the boy's testimony at Sword's preliminary examination, Sword had sex with him at a motel, and the Waterford Twp home of one of Sword's relatives. Finally, the boy reported the incidents to a counselor.

Sword ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of first degree criminal sexual conduct in exchange for dismissal of other charges. At Monday's sentencing, she apologized for her actions.

The prosecutor was less than forgiving, characterizing Sword's sexual contact with her biological son, now 16, as a "selfish, cowardly, dispicable act."..

Facebook assets frozen as man claims majority ownership

Posted by 9jabook.com on July 13, 2010 at 1:51am

A New York man has filed a lawsuit claiming he owns 84 percent of Facebook and the money it's made since 2004.

Paul D Ceglia says he signed a deal with Mark Zuckerberg in April 2003 to design and develop the website that ultimately turned into Facebook. The contract, he says, gave him $1,000 and a 50 percent stake in the company.

And he claims that this stake was increased through a provision in one clause, so that it now gives him a majority share.

"Under Paragraph 3 of the contract, the Seller and Purchaser agreed that for each day after January 1, 2004, the Purchaser would acquire an additional 1% interest, per day, until the website was completed," the lawsuit reads.

This would mean Ceglia receiving a further 34 percent stake in the company.

Ceglia filed his suit in the Supreme Court of New York's Allegany County on June 30, and has won a state court order temporarily restricting Facebook from disposing of its assets...

Facebook has had the case transferred to federal court in Buffalo. It's arguing that the suit is frivolous, and that in any case the deal was signed so long ago that it's almost certainly barred by the Statute of Limitations - which runs for six years in New York.

The timing of the alleged contract is also doubtful. While the suit refers to the website as 'The Page Book' or 'The Face Book', Zuckerberg has been pretty widely profiled in both books and a film, and is generally depicted as having started work on the site in September 2003. The domain thefacebook.com wasn't registered until January 2004.

Ceglia is no stranger to the courts. Last year he was accused of having defrauded customers of his wood fuel pellet company in a case which is still ongoing.

Footballer's Wives Glad to have Hubbys Back from World Cup !

Posted by 9jabook.com webmadam on July 12, 2010 at 8:39pm

As the 2010 World Cup draws to a close this weekend in South Africa, women across the globe, especially wives of players from participating countries, are eagerly awaiting the return of their husbands back home.

While millions of football fans have been enjoying the thrills of the World Cup since last month, women, who were denied access to their husbands say they can’t wait for their heartthrobs to return home after Sunday’s final at the Soccer City stadium.

As flowers without water wither away, Menaye Donkor, wife of Ghana’s Sulley Muntari said 2010 World Cup has been great in South Africa but she is happy now that her hubby, who scored a fantastic goal against Uruguay, is due home.

•Sunley Muntari (left) and Menaye.

Speaking on South Africa Broadcasting Corporation, SABC Fashion Show, Menaye praised Ghana’s squad for doing Africa proud. “Ghana made all of us proud and I think my lonely nights are over now. Sulley will soon come home and then we’ll talk about the games as a family”.

•Muntari’s Menaye. Photos: Tunde Oyedele.

Worst hit are the ladies who escorted their husbands to South Africa. They have been coping alone in the hotels as coaches of participating teams do not want them near their husbands to avoid distraction in camp

Caroline Celico, wife of Brazil’s star, Kaka said: “I missed him a lot but I’m not the only one. Some women are used to this because the players travel all the time. But’s it’s hectic in South Africa. I’m, however, happy that the World Cup is over and my man will see me once again,” Caroline said.

•Kaka’s wife, Caroline.

If the women have a choice, may be they would have protested but the wealth from football gives them their daily bread and limelight.

Amaia Salamanca says she can’t wait for the sweet whisper of Spanish star, Ramos, but she must wait until after Sunday’s final against Netherlands to welcome her Real Madrid husband back home.

•Didier Drogba (right) and Lalla.

“I miss Ramos, especially when I see some couples hugging around. I’m happy Spain are playing well, but I have told him the rooms are getting too big for me,” Amaia jokingly said

From the parting statement made by Super Eagles skipper, Nwankwo Kanu immediately after Nigeria crashed out of South Africa 2010 World Cup, it was evident his wife, Amarachi, would be glad he was heading home.

•Nwankwo Kanu (right) and Amarachi.

Kanu, who played just a match for Nigeria at the tournament, was answering questions from international journalists when his wife called to ask when he would join them.

His response was so funny that the journalists at the Mixed Zone of Durban Stadium burst into rounds of laughter. “Oh, you want to know what next I plan to do for the Eagles now that Nigeria has crashed out of the World Cup? Okay, I’m going to meet my wife and kids, who are here in South Africa. They are missing me and I need to go and give them a treat to enjoy the rest of the tournament,” Kanu said as he parried the question.

A close friend of Kanu said Amarachi called her husband to be sure he was not attacked after the last game in which Nigeria drew 2-2 with South Korea.

Amarachi, P.M.Sports gathered, has been a good mother caring for their kids while Kanu was in camp. But, the Igbo lady was quoted as saying she could not wait to welcome her hubby back, especially with the chilly weather of the host country.

Also, Didier Drogba’s wife Lalla, Soma, wife of Matthew Booth of Bafana, say they would hold tight to their husbands immediately after the tournaments before they travel for club assignments again.

•Didier Drogba (right) and Lalla.

“The only language I will like to listen to is: ‘I love you’. That’s what Drogba tells me and I’ve missed that, Lalla said of his Chelsea of England and Cote d’Ivoire hubby....

Emir of Kano Escapes Assassination Allafin of Oyo says Governor Alao-Akala wants me dead

Posted by Jane Okinedo on July 12, 2010 at 4:55am

•Suspects arrested •governor Alao-Akala wants to kill me, Alaafin alleges
From Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano and Zachaeus Somorin in Lagos, 07.12.2010
Photos Emir of kano,Alaafin of Oyo & Governor Alao aKala

But for providence, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, would have been killed over the weekend.

The traditional ruler escaped assassination last Friday by a lone gunman who attempted to kill him during the Muslim Juma’at prayer in Kano.

The suspect, 19 year-old Usman Abubakar, who lives in the Doraji Quarters in Kano Metropolis, was however, apprehended by the Police before carrying out the act.

Also arrested is one Alhaji Abubakar Batakaye who allegedly asked Abubakar to carry out the act.
Abubakar told THISDAY at the Kano Police Command headquarters yesterday that he was sent by a Mallam (marabout) with a specific instruction to kill the emir.

“I arrived the mosque as early as 9 am that day. I was sent to the place of worship by a 65 year-old Mallam Abubakar Batakaye, a marabout with a specific instruction to kill the emir,” he told the newspaper.
He said Batakaye allegedly asked him to recite one of the verses in the Holy Quran, Qurisiyu, 12,000 times before the congregational prayers to ensure the success of the deadly assignment.

Abubakar also stated that the marabout gave him a small amulet to conceal inside his mouth in order for him to garner courage in executing the task and to mysteriously disappear after.
He said: “I regret this attempt to kill the emir; I seek for his forgiveness and pardon. I am under the influence of the mallam who directed me to commit this ugly act.

“I was influenced by the mallam who told me to commit the act. For over ten years, I have been an ally of the mallam and his order or directive for me is like a blessing.”
Spokesman of Kano Police Command, SP Baba Mohammed Azare, confirmed the story and the arrest of the duo, saying “the state commissioner of police has ordered immediate investigation of the matter and the investigating team will be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Lawal Tanko.

Also speaking with THISDAY, Batakaye denied ordering Abubakar to engage in the Emir’s murder.
“I have been attending that particular mosque for more 20 years without failing; I have a place reserved for me inside the mosque. I cannot think of attacking a monarch because our religion teaches us to regard them as the father of all,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, has alleged that Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala is planning to kill him.

The paramount ruler in a petition to President Goodluck Jonathan and the Inspector-General of Police alleged that the governor in collaboration with a prominent businessman in the ancient city of Oyo and a commander of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the state hatched the plot to kill him in his palace.

He, however, said the plot failed because the collaborating senior police officer buckled at the last minute and reported the plot to him.

But reacting to the development, the governor denied the allegation, saying it should be discountenanced.
The governor’s Special Adviser, Media and Publicity Dotun Oyelade said: “Governor Akala discountenanced the so-called allegation as not only unfounded but a cooked up story much in line with the serial misinformation that the opposition has always engaged in

where there is no motive or serious disagreement, it is spurious to concoct this kind of story.

Alaafin remains the father of the governor from whom he draws profound wisdom.”
Police sources confirmed Alaafin’s petition to THISDAY, saying the Inspector-General of Police Ogbonna Onovo has ordered a high-level investigation into the alleged murder plot.

According to THISDAY checks, the directive to investigate the plot was complied with at the weekend as a team of investigators drawn from the cream of the intelligence community swung into action, visiting the SARS in Oyo and interrogating officers implicated by the petition.

In his petition, the monarch gave details of the alleged plot, claiming the governor and a businessman conspired with the senior police officer based in the town to invade his palace under the guise of seeking the arrest of suspects in the murder of the late Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo, Alhaji Azeez Adegbile, on April 4 this year.
He further alleged that the plan was to have him and other palace residents shot in the melee that was to ensue during the invasion.

Alaafin alleged that the senior SARS officer was recruited into the plot by the businessman, who provided him with logistics for the operation, including a brand new Toyota Hilux Jeep and N2million cash reward.
The officer, the monarch alleged, initially declined to participate in the plot but agreed to play along when the governor came into the picture and offered to raise the cash reward to N10million.

Oba Adeyemi stated that rather than carry out the plot, the police officer reported the murder plot to him, and that after his (the monarch’s) personal investigation showed that the plot was real, he decided to write the petition to the President.
The monarch further stated that when the plotters found that their plan had leaked to him and eventually failed, they enlisted the intervention of some prominent South-west traditional rulers and leaders of thought to pacify him.

The paramount ruler said that much as he respected his colleagues that sought to intervene, he could not accede to their overture because of the grave implication of the plot.
Oba Adeyemi, therefore, called on the President to investigate the murder plot and ensure that the plotters are brought to book.

Robbers Pluck Catholic Priest’s Eye

Posted by 9jabook.com webmadam on July 12, 2010 at 7:47pm

Nigeria’s dare-devil robbers, showing utter disrespect to even men of God, have attacked a Roman Catholic priest, plucking one of his eyes.

.Their victim is Reverend Father M.O. Fayomi, one of the most senior priests in the Ekiti Diocese.

He was travelling 4 July on the road that links Ibokun in Osun State with nearby Ekiti State, when he was attacked by the bandits.

Sources close to Fr. Fayomi in the diocese said that the criminals stopped his car and asked him for money or any valuables.

The cleric’s plea that he was a man of God who had neither money nor earthly possessions did not move the robbers who brought out a sharp iron object and thrust it deep down his eye, leaving the man of God in pains and in blood.

The affected eye was almost out of the socket following the attack.

The bishop of the diocese, His Lordship, Rt. Reverend Felix Ajakaye, who was immediately informed about the attack, ordered that Fr. Fayomi be rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention.

Doctors at the hospital where he was taken decided to remove the dangling priest’s eye from its socket so that the other eye may not be affected.

The priest is currently recuperating in a hospital outside Ekiti State.

A native of Ikoro-Ekiti town, Fr. Fayomi was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in February 1982, and he became one of the seven most senior priests in his diocese.

He was ordained along with Rev. Fr. P.O. Olawunmi by the former bishop of the diocese, Rt. Reverend Michael Fagun.

Fagun, consecrated bishop in October 1971, retired this year after attaining the mandatory age of 75.

Best looking actresses in Nollywood

Posted by NollywoodMohits on July 11, 2010 at 11:36pm

There are over 100 actresses in the movie industry but some of them are extremely desired by men because of their outstanding beauty. Irrespective of the fact that they are good professionally and some of them are married, their shapes and beauty have made them noticeable by everyone. Below are some of the sexiest Nollywood actresses that men will do anything to have a date with.

Chika Nancy Ike: At 5ft 10in, Chika Ike stands tall. Her black hair and her sexy brown eyes can make any man go wild. She was crowned as the most beautiful girl in secondary school. The shapely beauty started acting at the age of six in her local church and she watched a lot of movies then, and this increased her passion for acting.

The African beauty’s first major role did so well in the market, resulting in directors and producers recommending her for major and minor roles in movies. She was nominated for the best upcoming actress in the African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) in 2005 and a recognition award. Between 2004 and 2006, she did over 20 movies.

The beautiful actress got married in 2006 and presently has a lovely child. She was born on 8 November and grew up with her family in Lagos. This astonishing beauty’s movie, Mirror of Beauty, was shown in seven cinemas in London where it was premiered.
Nancy is hot, flaming and extremely sexy.

Kate Henshaw Nuttal: It’s impossible for one to list sexy gems in the movie industry and not mention the gorgeous Henshaw. The beautiful star hails from Cross River State in Nigeria and she is married to a white man.

The award winning actress won the African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for best actress in leading roles in 2008. She is the oldest of four children. She had her primary and secondary education in Lagos and Calabar.

The gorgeous actress, who is presently the Face of Onga, has starred in over 40 movies. She made her debut with the movie When The Sun Sets.

Her beauty and profession has taken her far and wide and she is always recognised and noticed because of her glowing complexion. This icon is indeed sexy in every aspect and naturally endowed with so much.

Mercy Johnson Ozioma: Mercy Johnson is indeed one of the sexiest actresses in Nollywood. Her boobs and hips are enough to make a man exclaim and according to her, those are the most beautiful parts of her body. She says she cherishes them most and if she has her way, she will insure them.

Although her parents hail from Okene, Kogi State, Mercy was born in Satellite Town, Lagos. She is from a family of seven.

The dark skinned beauty is one of the fastest rising actresses in the movie industry. Her unbeatable shape makes her fit into any role. Though she is known by most of her fans to always take emotional and romantic roles, this beauty queen can interpret any role.
Some of the movies in which she has featured include Last Contact, Last Kiss, My Heart Your Home, Secret Game, Kill the Bride and House Party, to name a few.

Mercy intends to keep her naturally endowed shape by continuous exercise. This glowing actress is indeed a hot and flaming babe for guys in the movie industry and her fans too.

Genevieve Nnaji: Genevieve is the most prominent actress. The fans of this beauty, who was the Face of Lux, said that her beauty renews daily. She was born on 3 May 1979 and started acting at the age of eight.

Her astonishing beauty has made her feature in so many commercials. Her very popular movie Sharon Stone made her image to transcend beyond Nigeria.

The highest paid actress has featured in films like Most Wanted, My First Love and Games Women Play, among others.

The dark slim damsel enjoys acting and she sees it as a natural endowment that won her so many awards, both at home and abroad. She is a mother of one child, and according to her, it is great being a mother .

Ini Edo: Ini is another actress whose beauty gave her a quick rise in the movie industry.

Ini Edo is obviously one of the prominentNollywood stars, her carriage and the way she interprets her roles make her stand out in the industry.

She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Calabar. She got into the movie industry in 2003 and today she has received awards both home and abroad.

Ini’s height, hips and sexy lips have made her a beauty icon and paved the way for her in the industry, as she can fit into any role she’s given. She hails from Akwa Ibom State and is married to an Edo man. The actress, with her radiant skin is indeed one of the sexiest Nollywood actresses.

Omotola J. Ekeinde: She is married and has four children, yet she is still a looker.

The beautiful actress, who is married to Capt. Matthew Ekeinde, is one of the oldest Nollywood stars and her fame has continued to soar. She has also featured in many commercials, like Hollandia Milk.

She started acting in 1995 and her first movie is Venon of Justice. She is born into a family of five and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Shola, are deceased.

She attended Chris and Nursery Schools, Opebi, and had her secondary education in Kaduna.

The beautiful, award winning, actress is referred to as a screen goddess.

Stella Damascus: Stella is an epitome of beauty. She joined the movie industry in 1992 and her first movie is titled Abused. The damsel was nominated for best actress in leading roles in 2009. She has starred in over 50 movies which include Betrayed by Love, Face of a Liar, Real love, Passions, Halimat and Four Sisters.

This sexy rare gem hails from Asaba in Delta State and was born on 24 April, 1978..

Stella is tremendously loved by her fans, not only because of her beauty and talent, but because of the love she has for theless-privileged.

Never Give Up Life inmate of Kirikiri Maximum Prison gets outstanding SSCE result

Posted by 9jabook.com webmadam on July 11, 2010 at 11:28pm

Life inmate of Kirikiri Maximum Prison gets outstanding SSCE result

by Adeola Balogun

The zeal with which Adeniyi Ayinla does his job as the head teacher of the prison school at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison, Apapa, Lagos, is amazing. He does it in a way that one can not but think that he earns a salary for taking care of the school and teaching the inmates that attend it. As a prisoner, Ayinla had taken his O' level SSCE exams in the school and had passed all the subjects he entered for in 2007. Thereafter, he proceeded to the National Open University (NOUN) where he is undergoing a diploma programme in Financial Management. Simultaneously, he is pursuing a degree in Theology at the Missions University, USA through correspondence.

Photo:Adeniyi Ayinla

Educational pursuit is usually an exercise reserved for free men and women who set their eyes on certain life accomplishments. But that is not the case with Ayinla who until December 2008, when his death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, was awaiting the hangman's noose. As a matter of fact, he was on death row for ten years, five months before his death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. Ayinla had been sentenced to death in 1998 after he was found to have been involved in a robbery operation that took place in Mushin, Lagos sometime in 1997.

Speaking with our correspondent, who had accompanied a non-governmental organisation on a visit to the prison, Ayinla, who seemed to have grown deep in the Christian faith, waxed philosophical and spiced every sentence with quotes from the bible as he chatted with our correspondent. He said he had never lost the hope of regaining his freedom one day, and that hope had fired his desire for education, which he said would guarantee his independence and ability to reintegrate himself into the society as soon as he is set free. Fortunately for him, his sense of purpose has attracted help and support from the various religious organisations that throng the prison on a daily basis.

He told our correspondent that he was getting himself educated so that he would not constitute a liability on anyone whenever he walks out of the prison gates. He said, "I have never lost hope of getting a reprieve one day. My hope of survival became strong because I was lucky to become one of those that were moved out of the condemned cell in Abeokuta prison in 2005 as a result of congestion in the prison. In Abeokuta, the condition was so hard because we were clamped in a dingy cell as people on the death row. But when we arrived here, we became freer. We could even walk about, and this, to me, is the green light that I might one day breathe the air of freedom.

"I did not waste time to make good use of the temporary relief. I dusted my books. Before I was arrested in 1997, I already had my O' level certificate, which was not 100 per cent okay. So, in 2006, a year after we arrived here, I took the SSCE and because of my very long years in confinement, I only made three papers, including Mathematics, Economics and Commerce. In 2007, I sat for it again. This time around, I had seven papers while my English was withheld. I was not satisfied because I wanted to have everything at one sitting. I applied for SSCE again, but miraculously, the English which had been withheld was released. Thank God for the study centre of NOUN here. I wanted to start a degree course in Economics, but because the course is not available here, I opted for a diploma. But by the special grace of God, I will still pursue it."

According to the transcript of his 2007 SSCE result with examination number 5250826006, Ayinla had the following result: Commerce A1, Financial Account A1, Economics B3, Government B2, Islamic Studies B3, Literature in English B3, Mathematics B3, Agric Science F9 and English Language C4. Ayinla said he was proud to be a NOUN student pursuing a diploma in Financial Management with matriculation number NOU070292850.

Seeing the way he bubbled with life, one could not but ask how he managed to look so cheerful in a prison environment. To this, he said, "The prison is not supposed to kill your spirit. Rather, it is supposed to reform you. If I had been aware of the consequence of my behaviour, I would never have gone into crime. You see, all those cautions by the elders do not make any meaning to a young man who does not understand the meaning of freedom. In my own case, I got influenced by friends and the company that I kept. I was implicated in the robbery case even though I was not directly involved. But I knew about it and I have since regretted my action. How many young men do you want to tell to stop following friends on the streets? It is not easy. But I am wiser now."

Explaining the positive change in his life, Ayinla said he had been lucky to have people around him, particularly his family and visitors to the prison.

He said, "My mother died exactly three weeks after I was sentenced to death in 1998. I regret that incident a lot, and I don't know how I can forget that for the rest of my life. My fiancÃ©e has been so wonderful. While I was in Abeokuta, we lost contact. But when I arrived Lagos, she got to know about it and has been very supportive. She has really surprised me. I don't know how many ladies can be so faithful. I must confess that her case has been giving me so much concern because I don't want to lose such a dedicated lady. And the only way to achieve that is to get my freedom which I fervently pray and fast for.

"Nigerians are wonderful people. I can not quantify the love and support I have enjoyed from those who have come across me in prison. The case of one Captain Salami shocked me. He was the person that paid my first school fees at NOUN, which was N48,000. He met me during one of his visitations to the prison and after finding out about me, he paid the money. There are so many of them that I can not begin to tell you now. So, if you see me keeping hope alive, the reason is that so many people have shown their belief in me that I would one day become a personality in the society.

"I pray that Nigerian authorities, especially the government of Ogun State would have mercy on me and commute my life imprisonment to total freedom."

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Prison Service, Mr Ope Fatinikun, was delighted at the progress Ayinla had made in his educational pursuit in spite of his situation. He told our correspondent on the phone that the NPS encourages inmates to get themselves busy and prepare for possible re-integration into the society whenever they walk out free.

"We discovered that about 80 per cent of the inmates, when they come in, they don't have education, and we guess that is why they went into crime. So we ask them to tell us their areas of interest; whether they want to go to school or train in vocational skills. We have adult education centres in the prisons where inmates can go to primary school and secondary school. In fact, we have WAEC and JAMB centres in Ikoyi and Apapa maximum prisons. We have NOUN centres in both Ikoyi and Apapa where inmates can go further in their education. We train those who prefer to go for vocational skills of their choice," he said.

64 killed in Uganda During World Cup final

Posted by 9jabook.com on July 11, 2010 at 10:44pm

64 killed as bombers target World Cup viewers

Al-Qaida-linked group eyed after blasts; U.S. aid worker among the victims

KAMPALA, Uganda — Simultaneous explosions tore through crowds watching the World Cup final at a rugby club and a restaurant in Uganda's capital, killing at least 64 people including one American, officials said. Police feared an al-Qaida-linked Somali militant group was behind the attacks.

The blasts went off as people watched the game between Spain and the Netherlands late Sunday. The attack on the rugby club, where crowds sat outside watching a large-screen TV, left 49 dead, police said. Fifteen others were killed in the restaurant explosion.

"We were watching soccer here and then when there were three minutes to the end of the match an explosion came ... and it was so loud," witness Juma Seiko told Reuters.

Several Americans from a Pennsylvania church group were wounded in the restaurant attack including Kris Sledge, 18, of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.

"I remember blacking out, hearing people screaming and running," Sledge said from the hospital. His right leg was wrapped and he had burns on his face. "I love the place here but I'm wondering why this happened and who did this ... At this point we're just glad to be alive."

Joann Lockard, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in Kampala, confirmed one American was killed.

San Diego-based group Invisible Children, which helps child soldiers, identified the dead American as aid worker Nate Henn.
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Kampala's police chief said he believed Somalia's most feared militant group, al-Shabab, could be responsible for the attack. Al-Shabab is known to have links with al-Qaida, and it counts militant veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan conflicts among its ranks. Simultaneous attacks are also one of al-Qaida's hallmarks.

If those suspicions prove true, it would be the first time that al-Shabab has carried out attacks outside of Somalia.

The explosions came just two days after an al-Shabab commander, Sheik Muktar Robow, called for militants to attack sites in Uganda and Burundi — two nations that contribute troops to the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia.

Police Chief Kale Kaihura said he suspected al-Shabab had carried out the attack. The group's fighters, including two recruited from the Somali communities in the United States, have carried out multiple suicide bombings in Somalia.

'Whatever makes them cry, makes us happy'
In Mogadishu, Somalia, Sheik Yusuf Sheik Issa, an al-Shabab commander, told The Associated Press early Monday that he was happy with the attacks in Uganda. Issa refused to confirm or deny that al-Shabab was responsible for the bombings.

"Uganda is one of our enemies. Whatever makes them cry, makes us happy. May Allah's anger be upon those who are against us," Sheik said.

In addition to Uganda's troops in Mogadishu, Uganda also hosts Somali soldiers trained in U.S. and European-backed programs.

White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said the U.S. was prepared to provide any necessary assistance to the Ugandan government.
President Barack Obama was "deeply saddened by the loss of life resulting from these deplorable and cowardly attacks," Vietor said.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton joined Obama in offering condolences and added, "The United States stands with Uganda. We have a long-standing, close friendship with the people and government of Uganda and will work with them to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice."

Kenya's foreign minister, Moses M. Wetangula, told The Associated Press last week that enough veteran militants from the Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan conflicts have relocated to Somalia to spark worry inside the international community..

International militants have flocked to Somalia because the country's government controls only a few square miles of the capital, Mogadishu, leaving most of the rest of the country as lawless territory where insurgents can train and plan attacks unimpeded.

Kaduna: Islamic Militant Attack Christians kill Seven

Posted by 9jabook.com on July 11, 2010 at 10:05pm

New attacks on Christians in Kaduna state

At least seven people, including a mother of six, have been killed by Islamic militants in Nigeria's Kaduna state just four months after attacks left more than 500 dead in neighbouring Plateau.

The charity Release International, which serves persecuted Christians around the world, is calling on the new Nigerian president to ensure greater protection for vulnerable Christians of all denominations in the country.

Partners of Release say that armed men in military uniform shot dead seven Christians in Kizachi Dawai Chawai, Kaduna state, on July 3.

The gunmen surrounded the village at about 8.30pm and began shooting indiscriminately. The dead included a primary school teacher and a mother of six. Five others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds..

The following day, assailants wielding guns and machetes attacked Ganawuri, a village near Jos, in neighbouring Plateau state. The Jos area was the scene of brutal violence against Christians in March which left 520 people dead, including many women and children.

Release sources say that the gunmen in both these latest raids were suspected Fulani militants from Kaduna.

These same sources now accuse the Nigerian military of not doing enough to protect vulnerable Christian communities. One source reports that police had withdrawn from Kizachi Dawai Chawai the day before the attack, because the government had allegedly failed to pay their salaries.

Release CEO Andy Dipper, who is currently on a fact-finding trip in Nigeria, said: "We're appalled to hear of yet more violence against Christians, who have been warning for some time now that they feared further attacks.

"We appeal to President Goodluck Jonathan and his administration to take firm action now to ensure that the military and police carry out their full responsibilities and protect Christians properly. We acknowledge it is a huge task - but enough is enough."

President Jonathan, who is from the mainly Christian south of Nigeria, was officially sworn into office in May, after the death of the previous incumbent, Umaru Yar'Adua.

Plateau is located in the centre of the country between the largely Muslim north and the south. Along with religious tensions, tribal and political differences have seen an increasing polarisation between different ethnic groups there.

Kaduna, just north of Plateau, has also been a flashpoint for conflict between Christians and Muslims, most notably during the 'Miss World riots' in 2002 when a newspaper's alleged blasphemy against Islam's prophet Mohammed sparked widespread violence against Christians.

Release's Andy Dipper urged Christians in the UK and Ireland to stand with the church in central and northern Nigeria. "Christians in Plateau and Kaduna are standing firm despite intolerable persecution - but they desperately need our prayers.

"And let's pray too for strength and wisdom for those in authority, including President Jonathan, so they can find a lasting solution to end this cycle of violence."

Octopus Paul For $38,000 ? Spanish Businessmen Want To Buy the oracle octopus

Posted by 9jabook.com on July 11, 2010 at 9:30pm

Eight picks, eight correct, eight tentacles. Paul the Oracle Octopus is clearly the biggest winner of the World Cup after recording a perfect prognostication record whether he knows it or not (he probably doesn't).

The big question was whether Paul's predictive superpowers would translate to the final - the first match he was asked to predict that did not involve his native Germany. But such piddly concerns did not bother Paul. Mostly because he's an octopus. Just as he predicted, the European champions Spain became world champions for the first time with an Andres Iniesta goal in extra time. And as the Spanish celebrated, Paul floated in his tank, sure of his genius and probably craving a fresh clam..

Since Paul is an international celebrity of the highest order now, everyone wants a piece of him - both literally and figuratively. Italy is trying to claim that he was caught in Italian waters, Spanish businessmen are trying to buy him for €30,000 ($38,000), and Dutch priests tried to dismiss him.

But in Spain, Paul is an icon. The Spanish prime minister has already spoken of his desire to protect "Pulpo Paul" and the mock up of a new version of Spain's flag could be dangerously close to becoming real.

So what becomes of Paul now? Well, he'll probably continue to live out the remainder of his days at the Sea Life aquarium in Oberhausen, Germany, no longer forced to pick his food out of flag-covered boxes while surrounded by an obscene number of media types. He will swim at his leisure and continue to be oblivious to the existence of sports. He will retire a winner and a global sensation - what every other octopus (and even a few pundits) wishes they could be.

All hail Paul.

Sunday Sermon: Providence for Nomads or Pilgrims

Posted by frank adeche Mr Netchurch on July 10, 2010 at 8:12pm

THE DEFINITION OF PROVIDENCE

A. THE WORD...

1. The word "provide" (from Latin providere) means etymologically

"to foresee" - ISBE

2. The corresponding Greek word, pronoia, means "forethought"

- ibid.

3. The Greek word is actually found only twice in the Scriptures

a. Translated "foresight" (providence, KJV), and applied to

Felix - Ac 24:2

b. Translated "provision" in Ro 13:14

Photo:City of Providence USA.

B. THE CONCEPT...

1. Forethought and foresight imply a future end, a goal and a

definite purpose and plan for attaining that end - ISBE

2. The word "providence" has come to be used...to signify that

preparation, care, and supervision which are necessary to

secure a desired future result - ibid.

3. Literally means foresight, but is generally used to denote

God's preserving and governing all things by means of second

causes - Easton

4. While miraculous acts of God can be described as providential,

the concept of providence is generally used to describe His

care through natural means

Nomads or Pilgrims ?.

To be on a pilgrimage means that we are not just going anywhere in life. We are not just looking for the place where the grass is greener, but that

we realize there is a destination that is actually beyond life that God is calling us to and part of this pilgrimage means that God is our companion

along the way.

If you are a Nomad you just pick out wherever the next place seems right. Most Fulani Cattle Herdsmen do this they wander around the country in

search of Good grass and water .They also take care to avoid places where disease and predators abound.

. If you are a pilgrim you might have to go through some places that you don't want to go because the destination is beyond. And so we looked at

that and the fact that there is a big choice, a choice of repentance that has to come into our lives.

The primary difference between a nomad and pilgrim, is that you have decided not to listen to the lies around us the quareels,strifes and domestic

attritions we face at home and at work pale in comparison to the singular commandment of God.We should love our neighbour as ourselves, but

instead as we hear God's voice and respond to that by turning from the old ways and turning to His way.There is a saying "It is my way or the

highway" but The law of God says "it is God's way or the Highway to HELL ! "

Now this week we are looking at this issue of providence. This idea of providence is that God has created and controls the world so; therefore, God is

involved in the everyday life to provide and to protect. And so, that is what providence means, is that God is the one who protects in creation, God is

the one who provides for us in creation.

Now Psalm 121 is an amazing Psalm that talks about this issue of providence, of God being involved to watch over us and keep us. So I would like to

look at that verse together, but I would like us to read it together. So if you would pull it up on the screen, I would like us to stand and read the

scripture this morning together.

"I lift my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot

slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you- the

Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch

over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

People might tell you that you are going nowhere because they hear about your dreams and aspirations and this is mostly out of thier ignorance as

they have no idea where you are coming from.

John 3:8 says clearly,The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is

with everyone born of the Spirit."

Let's pray: Lord we thank you for this your word and pray that you will open our eyes to whatever we need to know and hear, for we ask it in Jesus'

name. Amen

Referee system to change for next Cup, says FIFA

Posted by Choochoo Sports Book on July 9, 2010 at 9:36pm

jpeg&STREAMOID=0vhlk7nEKthz8thlsAlw3y6SYeqqxXXqBcOgKOfTXxSfvYaZska_i$dn3ib_5z_knW_PgxgftuECOcfJwS6Jtlp$r8Fy$6AAZ9zyPuHJ25T7a9GKDSxsGxtpmxP0VAUyHL6IDcZHtmM2t7xO$FHdJG95dFi6y2Uma3vSsvPpVyo- The refereeing system will change for the next World Cup with goalline technology and extra officials being considered, FIFA said on Thursday.

“I would say that it is the final World Cup with the current refereeing system,” Jerome Valcke, general secretary of world soccer’s governing body, told the BBC.

FIFA’s past resistance to change appears to be shifting after some wrong calls in the World Cup, most notably Frank Lampard’s disallowed effort for England against Germany that crossed the goalline, and Carlos Tevez’s offside goal for Argentina versus Mexico.

Tevez’s goal was replayed on stadium big screens, heightening fury among Mexican players and fans.

Valcke said the failure to award Lampard’s effort was a “bad day” for organisers.

“We are talking about a single goal not seen by the referee which is why we are talking about new technology,” he said in an interview with the British broadcaster...

“But again let’s see if this system will help or whether giving the referee an additional four eyes will give him the comfort and make duty easier to perform, then why not?” The use of two extra linesmen to check the goalline and penalty area was trialled in the Europa League last season and is to be used in the upcoming Champions League, from the final qualifying round, and Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Blatter’s Apology

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has apologised for the mistakes in South Africa and said it would be a “nonsense” not to look again at the merits of goalline technology such as the Hawk-Eye system used in tennis and cricket.

Valcke said the increased speed of modern soccer had hastened the need for reform.

“The game is different and the referees are older than all the players,” he said.

“The game is so fast, the ball is flying so quickly, we have to help them and we have to do something and that’s why I say it is the last World Cup under the current system.” The FIFA official said soccer’s lawmaking body, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), was unlikely to hold serious discussions on the matter at their next meeting later this month, but rather when they sit again in October.

UK court jails three Nigerians, Dutch national over sham marriage

Posted by Paul "EFCC" Hawk Adams on July 10, 2010 at 1:39am

A British crown court has sentenced three Nigerians and a Dutch national to a combined jail term of more than six years for their roles in a sham marriage scam..

Trouble started for the four convicts when the United Kingdom Border Agency officers identified suspicious travel patterns of passengers flying in and out of Luton and Stansted Airports on tickets purchased by a 29-year-old Nigerian, Mr. Adeolu Eletu, according to a statement on the agency's website.

Consequently, officers from the agency's Immigration Crime Team (East) on February 10, 2010 arrested Ms. Daniloush Solano, a 21-year-old Dutch woman, at Luton Airport as she attempted to board a flight to Amsterdam.

Investigations later revealed that earlier that day Solano had married Eletu at a church in Wood Green, London after being paid 1,500 euros.

Eletu was subsequently arrested on February 27 at his home in Falcon Brae, Livingston. His Nigerian girlfriend, Helen Omoboye, 33, was also arrested. She had been due to participate her own sham marriage at the same Wood Green venue on February 11.

A 36-year-old Nigerian, Mr. Sylvernus Ogungbade was also arrested on February 10 after officers established that Solano had boarded a taxi to Luton Airport from his home in Goldbeater's Grove, Edgware. Immigration checks revealed that Ogungbade, who was living alone, had recently applied for a visa on the back of his marriage to a Dutch woman who was still wanted by the UK Border Agency.

Last week Thursday at Luton Crown Court, Eletu, Ogungbade and Omoboye pleaded guilty to conspiring to breach the UK's immigration laws. Eletu and Omoboye also pleaded guilty to perjury charges.

Eletu was sentenced to two years and eight months, Omoboye was sentenced to 18 months and Ogungbade was sentenced to a year and eight months. Solano had pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to breach the UK's immigration laws and perjury at an earlier hearing on June 10. She was sentenced to 12 months.

Sam Bullimore, UK Border Agency Assistant Director, said, "The sentences handed out show how seriously we, and the courts, take these kinds of attempts to undermine our immigration laws.

"We will not tolerate immigration abuse and, as these convictions demonstrate, our Immigration Crime Teams are creating a hostile environment for those who break the immigration laws. We know that sham marriage rackets are not just about getting a ticket to the UK, often the offenders are also involved in other forms of criminality. If we see marriages that are not genuine, we will challenge them and prosecute where appropriate.

"People should be under no illusion that marriage is enough to get permission to stay in the UK. Couples must also prove to the UK Border Agency that they have been in a genuine relationship for at least two years."

Any foreign criminal sentenced to more than 12 months in prison for any offence is automatically considered for deportation, the website said.

Man robs family, rapes three sisters

Posted by Paul "EFCC" Hawk Adams on July 10, 2010 at 1:45am

A 27-year-old man has been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command for allegedly robbing a family and raping three sisters.

The suspect, identified simply as Segun, was said to have invaded his victims' residence in Orogun area of Ibadan, the state capital with a member of his robbery gang currently at large.

The two were said to have forcibly entered the house at about 5am on June 24, 2010, armed with cutlasses.

Having gained access into the apartment, the suspects were said to have robbed the family of valuables including money, telephone handsets and jewellery among other items.

Unknown to the suspects, however, while the operation was going on, some neighbours who were aware of the incident quickly alerted the command headquarters to the incident and a patrol team was dispatched to the scene.

Obviously unaware of the arrival of policemen, Segun, not satisfied with their loot, reportedly started raping the three daughters of the family one after the other.

He reportedly raped the ladies - a set of twins and their sister- in the full glare of their helpless parents.

By the time the policemen led by the Divisional Crime Officer, Mr. Busari Kabiru, arrived on the scene, they met the suspect pants down on one of the ladies while his accomplice quickly fled from the scene. He was arrested immediately..

Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adisa Bolanta, said that efforts were on to track down Segun's fleeing accomplice.

Bolanta assured residents of the state that his command would leave no stone unturned to ensure safety of lives and property.

He further urged members of the public to assist the police in fighting crime by reporting suspicious movements around their areas at the nearest police station.

Octopus Prophet Predicts Spain as World Champions !

Posted by Choochoo Sports Book on July 9, 2010 at 9:31pm

Germany's oracle octopus Paul picked Spain to beat the Netherlands in the World Cup final on Sunday in a live television broadcast watched across Europe.

The two-year-old celebrity octopus, who has accurately picked the outcome of all six of Germany's World Cup matches so far, quickly tipped Spain to beat the Netherlands. It took him only three minutes to make up his mind.

"That was fast -- it looks like a clear-cut victory for Spain," said Tanja Munzig, spokeswoman for Sea Life in Oberhausen. She was surprised by his speed in picking Spain. For some matches it took Paul 70 minutes to decide.

The octopus, considered by some to be the most intelligent of all invertebrates, got the choice of picking food from two different transparent containers lowered into his tank -- one with a Dutch flag on it and one with Spain's flag.

Reaction in Spain was swift, with the country's biggest selling sports daily website Marca.com running the headline: "The octopus Paul makes us champions".

The container Paul opens first is regarded as his pick. On Friday he wasted no time in diving for the container on the right side with the Spanish flag on it.

Two German television networks interrupted their programming for live coverage of the two-year-old celebrity octopus's picks. Networks in Spain, the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe also broadcast Paul's decision live.

Earlier on Friday, Germans heaved a sigh of relief when Paul tipped Germany to beat Uruguay in the World Cup match for third place. There were cheers in offices across Germany after crowds of viewers tuned in to watch Paul live.

Normally he only picks Germany matches. But for the final Sea Life made an exception.

The octopus in Oberhausen turned into a global celebrity for correctly picking the winners of all six of Germany's World Cup matches -- including their two defeats to Serbia and Spain.

On Friday Paul first settled on top of the Germany container but after a few minutes shifted to the Uruguay container. Then after about 15 minutes he went back to Germany container, quickly opened the lid and ate the morsel of food inside.

Not an ordinarily superstitious people, Germans have become believers in Paul's possible psychic powers. The country was shocked and distraught when he picked Spain to beat Germany after tipping German wins over Argentina, England, Ghana and Australia.

Paul's selections have become top news across Germany and around the world. Some commentators even wondered aloud whether his improbable winning streak might have begun to influence some of the more superstitious players.

But after Paul accurately picked Spain to beat Germany in the semi-final, some Germans called for a public roasting of the oracle octopus. Newspapers and websites were filled with suggestions on how to cook and eat him.

Officials at Sea Life in Oberhausen have installed extra security to protect their octopus.

"Paul is in safe hands with us," said Munzig.

Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero was quoted in Spanish media reports saying -- in jest -- he was concerned about Paul's safety.

"I am concerned for the octopus...I am thinking of sending him a protective team," Zapatero said.

Spain's Environment and Fisheries Minister Elena Espinosa also said: "On Monday I shall be at the European Council of Ministers and I shall be asking for a (fishing) ban on Paul the octopus so Germans do not eat him."

REUTERS

Pauls Predictions so far :

Navy Not all " Mad Dogs" Samaritan Story of a kindhearted Naval Officer

Posted by 9jabook.com on July 9, 2010 at 3:44am

The Navy not all Mad dogs .

A conscientious naval officer has become the saviour of the Nigerian Navy in this bloggers eyes after a

recent Okada Accident at bonny camp Lagos.
With the continuous negative press the defenders of our nations Coastal/Inland Waters from the recent

Uzoma Okere and Admiral Arogundade Saga to the wife of an Ex chief of Naval Staff's abduction of a

whole Family including kids ! The Naija Navy has not been looking good until now (read story here http://bit.ly/aZ6E4M )

Article:
As narrated by Mr Umaru a staff of Ecobank the victim of the Accident.He had taken an okada ride

from victoria island heading towards bonny camp. Midway within the journey he noticed the okada was
Photos of Mr Umaru and injuries he sustained
over speeding and summarily cautioned him in english but the okada man apparently was not versed in

that tongue and he haplessly replying in hausa and still speeding suddenly lost control and rammed

into the body framework and door of a Mercedes benz S Class completely destroying the panel work .

Moreover, Had the Car not prevented their momentum they would have found themselves swimming at

the mercy of the Atlantic Ocean waves .

Now the Story at this juncture has now invloved a third innocent party who incidentally belongs to

those group of unheeding physical passion expenders .A naval officer stationed at the Naval
Dockyard at Ahamadu Bello way. victoria island Lagos .

Surprisingly the officer simply giving his name as Mr Lanre stood transfixed as he watched the

gruesome scenario .His beautiful and prized Mercedes Benz car doors were wrecked completely and

without resorting to the "feeding frenzy" many Law Enforcement officers wantonly display on our roads

when not even offended . He sprung into action

Helping the young Mr Umaru dis entangle himself from the smoking exhaust of the okada which had

inflicted serious burns on his leg .He quickly applied first aid which he produced from his car which

onlookers watching in disbelief said was done in military style speedily . Surveying the scene once

more and noticing the okada driver was no worse for wear immediately put the injured Mr Umaru in his

now battered automobile and sped off to the nearest hospital .

On getting there he made financial arrangements for his treatment and ensured the young man he

would be back later in the day .True to his word he was back later in the day and also deposited

another sum of money to alleviate the suffering of the young man and further gave him some recharge

card credit and told him he would call at Mr Umaru's Ecobank office the Next day .

He did just that and a continously surprised but appreciative Mr umaru has not stopped singing his

praises .Hear him: "i have met some nice peopl in my life but what this naval officer has done for me

has made me understand what an officer and a gentleman means in this country."

Mr Umaru is presently on sick leave from work and recieving treatment at home .Mr Lanre modestly has not given us ear yet to make any comments.

This Tells us there are many many citizens in least expected places that can redeem the image of our

dear country.
You can reach Mr Umaru on 0803686305

Ribadu for President: Action Congress (AC) to select previously estranged EFCC Boss

Posted by Paul "EFCC" Hawk Adams on July 8, 2010 at 6:13pm

If the Action Congress and its new coalition partners stick to their plans, the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nuhu Ribadu, will fly the flag of the new Action Congress of Nigeria in the 2011 presidential election..

NEXT learnt yesterday that AC top brass as well as some chieftains of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, Democratic Peoples Party, All Nigeria Peoples Party, and Congress for Progressive Change have in the past weeks engaged in a series of meetings and negotiations expected to culminate in the drafting of Mr. Ribadu into the presidential race. The National Conscience Party, led by Lagos lawyer Femi Falana, is expected to join the coalition.

Our sources said at several meetings held in Abuja and Lagos by the group, it was agreed that Mr. Ribadu was the strongest and the most credible candidate that could be fielded by the opposition to dethrone the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.

No decision has been taken on who Mr. Ribadu’s running mate would be..

Leaders of the coalition, it was learnt, met with Mr. Ribadu during his visit to Nigeria from his Washington base in June. Another delegation from the group also reportedly met the former EFCC chairman in Washington to pressure him to shun offers of appointment from President Goodluck Jonathan and return home to participate in the political process.

The former police officer is expected back in Nigeria later this month, during which arrangements for his formal declaration for the presidential race would be finalised.

Mr. Ribadu’s candidature might alter Nigeria’s political equation. The country is dominated by the PDP, which has been in power since 1999 when the nation returned to constitutional democracy.

The ruling party is still bickering over whether it should retain a zoning formula, which allows the presidency to be rotated between the North and the South.

Before zeroing in on Mr. Ribadu, others considered by the group for the presidential ticket were a former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir el-Rufai; a former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke; and the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the 2007 election, Pat Utomi.

“But after extensive discussions, we decided that Ribadu is our best bet,” a member of the coalition said. “If he agrees to run, that will be great for our country. He is a credible and energetic young man who will do well. All we want to do is to enthrone credible and efficient leadership for our country.”

When contacted yesterday, Mr. Ribadu was evasive on whether he would contest the 2011 election or not.

“Whether I will run or not is a decision for another day,” he said. “But I will quickly add that what Nigeria needs is good leadership that the people believe in, that will bring the people together, provide stability, security, justice and peace.

“We need a leadership that will not allow wastage of our resources. I agree with the Greek proverb that says a society grows great when all men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in. People should be willing to selflessly serve their country without wanting anything in return,” he said.

On whether he has been contacted by the Action Congress coalition, Mr. Ribadu laughed and said, “I don’t want to single out any one group. I have been in constant touch with a lot of Nigerians of all shades and opinions who mean well for our country.”

Selling the candidature

The National publicity secretary of the AC, Lai Mohammed, could not be reached yesterday, but he had told journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday that the new Action Congress of Nigeria would unveil its presidential candidate, who will not be older than 50, at the end of this month.

Mr. Ribadu will be 50 in November.

Mr. Mohammed and some party chiefs have reportedly been travelling round the South West region to sell Mr. Ribadu’s candidature and planned coalition to party members in the zone.

A visit to the five other geopolitical zones, NEXT learnt, will follow in the weeks ahead.

Before arriving at the candidature of the anti-corruption activist, our source said the group also considered former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari. But he was reportedly ruled out after some participants in the negotiations argued that Nigerians might be reluctant to vote for former military dictators believed to have brought Nigerians to its knees.

“There are those who also argued that Mr. Buhari is yet to, and may not embrace democratic tenets, being a former military ruler,” said a source who did not want to be named. “But the greatest factor against Buhari is that he is not sellable to Christians and to people in the South who still consider him a religious zealot.”

He said the team was already reaching out to the former head of state to drop his presidential ambition and support the candidature of Mr. Ribadu.

“Buhari is a good man. He has done his best for our country. But what we are saying is that it is time for him and his likes to allow fresh blood to take charge of our country. He should give others a chance.”

U.S. Tomahawk Missiles Deployed Near China Send Message

Posted by 9jabook.com on July 8, 2010 at 10:01pm

If China's satellites and spies were working properly, there would have been a flood of unsettling intelligence flowing into the Beijing headquarters of the Chinese navy last week. A new class of U.S. superweapon had suddenly surfaced nearby. It was an Ohio-class submarine, which for decades carried only nuclear missiles targeted against the Soviet Union, and then Russia. But this one was different: for nearly three years, the U.S. Navy has been dispatching modified "boomers" to who knows where (they do travel underwater, after all). Four of the 18 ballistic-missile subs no longer carry nuclear-tipped Trident missiles. Instead, they hold up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles each, capable of hitting anything within 1,000 miles with non-nuclear warheads.

Their capability makes watching these particular submarines especially interesting. The 14 Trident-carrying subs are useful in the unlikely event of a nuclear Armageddon, and Russia remains their prime target. But the Tomahawk-outfitted quartet carries a weapon that the U.S. military has used repeatedly against targets in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq and Sudan. (See pictures of the U.S. military in the Pacific.)

That's why alarm bells would have sounded in Beijing on June 28 when the Tomahawk-laden 560-ft. U.S.S. Ohio popped up in the Philippines' Subic Bay. More alarms were likely sounded when the U.S.S. Michigan arrived in Pusan, South Korea, on the same day. And the Klaxons would have maxed out as the U.S.S. Florida surfaced, also on the same day, at the joint U.S.-British naval base on Diego Garcia, a flyspeck of an island in the Indian Ocean. In all, the Chinese military awoke to find as many as 462 new Tomahawks deployed by the U.S. in its neighborhood. "There's been a decision to bolster our forces in the Pacific," says Bonnie Glaser, a China expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "There is no doubt that China will stand up and take notice."

U.S. officials deny that any message is being directed at Beijing, saying the Tomahawk triple play was a coincidence. But they did make sure that news of the deployments appeared in the Hong Kong–based South China Morning Post - on July 4, no less. The Chinese took notice quietly. "At present, common aspirations of countries in the Asian and Pacific regions are seeking for peace, stability and regional security," Wang Baodong, spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, said on Wednesday. "We hope the relevant U.S. military activities will serve for the regional peace, stability and security, and not the contrary." (See pictures of the most expensive military planes.)

Last month, the Navy announced that all four of the Tomahawk-carrying subs were operationally deployed away from their home ports for the first time. Each vessel packs "the firepower of multiple surface ships," says Captain Tracy Howard of Submarine Squadron 16 in Kings Bay, Ga., and can "respond to diverse threats on short notice."

The move forms part of a policy by the U.S. government to shift firepower from the Atlantic to the Pacific theater, which Washington sees as the military focus of the 21st century. Reduced tensions since the end of the Cold War have seen the U.S. scale back its deployment of nuclear weapons, allowing the Navy to reduce its Trident fleet from 18 to 14. (Why 14 subs, as well as bombers and land-based missiles carrying nuclear weapons, are still required to deal with the Russian threat is a topic for another day.) http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1924455,00.html" target="_blank">(See "Obama Shelves U.S. Missile Shield: The Winners and Losers.")

Sure, the Navy could have retired the four additional subs and saved the Pentagon some money, but that's not how bureaucracies operate. Instead, it spent about $4 billion replacing the Tridents with Tomahawks and making room for 60 special-ops troops to live aboard each sub and operate stealthily around the globe. "We're there for weeks, we have the situational awareness of being there, of being part of the environment," Navy Rear Admiral Mark Kenny explained after the first Tomahawk-carrying former Trident sub set sail in 2008. "We can detect, classify and locate targets and, if need be, hit them from the same platform."(Comment on this story.)

The submarines aren't the only new potential issue of concern for the Chinese. Two major military exercises involving the U.S. and its allies in the region are now under way. More than three dozen naval ships and subs began participating in the "Rim of the Pacific" war games off Hawaii on Wednesday. Some 20,000 personnel from 14 nations are involved in the biennial exercise, which includes missile drills and the sinking of three abandoned vessels playing the role of enemy ships. Nations joining the U.S. in what is billed as the world's largest-ever naval war game are Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Peru, Singapore and Thailand. Closer to China, CARAT 2010 - for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training - just got under way off Singapore. The operation involves 17,000 personnel and 73 ships from the U.S., Singapore, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1978640,00.html" target="_blank">(See "Hu's Visit: Finding a Way Forward on U.S.-China Relations.").

China is absent from both exercises, and that's no oversight. Many nations in the eastern Pacific, including Australia, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea and Vietnam, have been encouraging the U.S. to push back against what they see as China's increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea. And the U.S. military remains concerned over China's growing missile force - now more than 1,000 - near the Taiwan Strait. The Tomahawks' arrival "is part of a larger effort to bolster our capabilities in the region," Glaser says. "It sends a signal that nobody should rule out our determination to be the balancer in the region that many countries there want us to be." No doubt Beijing got the signal.

Jonathan slashes N16.4 billion Nigeria @ 50 Celebrations budget

Posted by Paul "EFCC" Hawk Adams on July 8, 2010 at 4:51am

comments: Does this guy not have advisers?The country is not working young men and women have no Jobs.Workers not being paid poor infrastructure,No light,No good roads,No security and we want to spend 9.5Billion to celebrate!!Celebrate what I ask?Our failure?Every other country is finding ways to cut down on unnecessary spending Nigerian Government is looking for ways to spend Photo: GJ in oyo State .

Catch GJ on Faceboko and Tell him what you think

http://bit.ly/GJFACEBOOK

Following criticism of the federal government's plan to spend N16.4 billion on the celebrations of Nigeria's golden independent jubilee, President Goodluck Jonathan has slashed the anniversary budget to N9.5 billion.

The adjustments are included in the latest amended supplementary budget which the president presented to the national assembly for consideration and passage.

In a letter to the national assembly conveying his intentions, the president said listed the areas which the cuts affected and said it was a "slight amendment."
Contrary to widely circulated reports that the president, earlier, presented a budget of N10 billion for approval by the National Assembly for its Nigeria at 50 celebrations, the figures from the former supplementary budget shows that the actual figure that was budgeted for the event was N16.37 billion.

Does Goodluck Jonathan have liver ?

Posted by Paul "EFCC" Hawk Adams on July 8, 2010 at 6:47pm

In medical laboratory science, the liver function test is a panel of tests that is used to

assess the functioning capacity of the liver. Considering the liver’s central role in several body functions, regulations, synthesis and homeostasis, it becomes imperative for its function to be assessed every now and then to facilitate early detection of any aberration that might spell doom with poor prognosis if diagnosed later. While this is true in medical science, the principle also holds sway in governance. In colloquial Nigerian lexicons, ‘liver’ could be used to describe confidence, assurance, strength and boldness. Hence when someone says “you don’t have liver” he or she is subjecting your self confidence to question.

In politics and governance, it’s an open secret that good administrators and leaders, apart from being good listeners, are also individuals with big ego. Their confidence holds sway, and their dexterity gives followers the confidence to keep following. US President Barack Obama is a living example of such.

At every forum where his authority is subjected to extensive criticism, his confidence always bails him out. Even past leaders that possess a rare blend of eloquence and authority also enjoy such devoted followership, even when wrong decisions are made. However, in President Jonathan’s case, same could not be entirely said..

Like a pendulum in motion, swinging to and fro, Mr. President’s recent decision to rescind on his former position speaks more of confusion than respect for Nigerians’ opinions. The signs were everywhere that the ban was unnecessary and was seen in some quarters as an abuse of power. Yet he made the decision. And as the Commander-in-Chief, Nigerians trusted his instinct. But going back on his previous step makes me question his Excellency’s stance when tougher issues are tabled.

Obama went after George Bush’s jugular during the campaigns by promising to bring back all American soldiers in Iraq, and Afghanistan only to get to the Oval office and approve that more troupes should be deployed. That is like going back on his previous stance when campaigning. Though criticized at the outset, Americans later got used to the fact that lasting peace in the Middle East, especially in Afghanistan and Iraq, could ensure Americans’ safety. Obama’s health reform bill is another show of strength that he has a perfectly functioning liver.

Criticized severally by the Republicans and a handful Democrats, Obama’s health reform bill at the outset looked as if it won’t see the light of the day. It compelled the president to hit the streets- going from Texas to Houston, through New York campaigning not for votes, but for Americans to support the bill that several Congressmen were throwing punches at.

Political analysts saw Obama’s plight as a test of his authority and he proved that he was (and still is) in charge by not withdrawing his bill.

Hence I would like to ask Mr. President a simple question- why going back on your word, especially one that was issued with such confidence?

It’s supposedly becoming gradually evident that it’s either Mr. President is not getting the right information, or making decisions without extensive consultations and evaluations of the possible outcomes. Even our national thugs in the National Assembly know that banning Nigeria from international football would be a huge mistake. Why did it take Mr. President more than 48 hours to realize this? What if it was a war decision when a country could be leveled in 12 hours with nuclear weapons? Will he be swinging back and forth like this?

Governance is expected to be manned by men (and women) with great ability to make the right decisions with careful consideration because national security depends on their intellectual capacity. Although we are almost 50 years as a nation, the thinking processes of our various governments present us as toddlers in democracy. They need to realize that oscillation experiments are meant for physics laboratories and not government’s situation rooms.

President Jonathan’s recent action, although it’s a right one, brings the roles of the various advisers under sharp criticism. These are individuals who are expected to be giving the president accurate up-to-date details on the situation of things. They ought to be Nigeria’s thinking boxes that are worthy to be studied as geniuses in our various ivory towers. However, like most Nigerians, I’m suspecting that they are possibly more or less of political jobbers constituting nuisance in our corridors of power.
Some things might be acceptable on a personal ground, but are quite ludicrous and phenomenally absurd when they are associated with a nation. Let’s consider the national embarrassment we are now getting on the international scene.

Newspapers, websites and foreign correspondents are now running to press with Jonathan’s change of heart. Sepp Blatter and his crew at FIFA would crack jokes over our national confusion. And Ghana and other serious African countries would take the shine off Nigeria for presenting themselves as well organized countries with reliable individuals at the helm of affairs.

Furthermore, why did it take Jonathan this long to ransack and sack NFF corrupt chieftains when all and sundry knows about the cantankerous corruption in the Glass House? Why didn’t the Presidential Task Force saddled with revamping the national team give Mr. President sufficient report on the mismanagement of our 900 million Naira and what happened to inter-agency incorporation that enables every sphere of government to report to the presidency? Is it that the government is so disjointed, in disarray and not in touch with the voices on the streets? Or was Jonathan just taking decisions on his own?

To all Nigerians, there is need for us to reposition ourselves as the real barometer that analyzes the pressures around us since Aso Rock is very far from us both geographically and ideologically. Let the congratulations over the rescinded decision be short lived in order to contend with the reality that stares us which is Jonathan no get liver.

I hope the President’s advisers realize their mistakes. Nigerians need them to always help Mr. President make the right decisions every time. If they can’t, then we are in trouble.

adepojupaul@gmail.com

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