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Cholera kills 87 in Nigeria

Posted by SaintOkocha on August 16, 2010 at 12:30pm

Kano - A cholera outbreak in Nigeria has killed 87 people during the past month while 1 315 others have been infected, official figures showed on Monday.

The outbreak in the northern states of Bauchi and Borno was believed to be because of poor sanitation and the contamination of wells, while Nigeria's rainy season often sees a surge in cholera cases.

Bauchi State has recorded 47 deaths and 1 200 infections in the past month, state health commissioner Mohammed Yahaya Jalem told AFP by telephone from the state capital.

Borno State health commissioner Abdurrahman Terab told AFP on Thursday that 40 people had died from cholera in the state within the previous week while 115 others were infected.

Jalem attributed the outbreak to poor sanitation and the contamination of open wells on which rural communities largely depend as major water source.

"We have mobilised health personnel and drugs in the affected areas and we have stepped up... campaigns on how people can guard against cholera and other water-related infections especially in the rainy season," he said.

Cholera is a water-borne disease and can also be transmitted by food that has been in contact with sewage. It causes serious diarrhoea and vomiting leading to dehydration.

Health experts say a surge in cholera outbreaks is noticeable in Nigerian villages in the rainy season when rain water washes dirt into open wells and ponds.

More than 260 people died of cholera in four northern states in the last quarter of 2009.

China Passes Japan as Second-Largest Economy

Posted by Dan WebNutritionist/Motivator on August 16, 2010 at 11:06am

SHANGHAI — After three decades of spectacular growth, China passed Japan in the second quarter to become the world’s second-largest economy behind the United States, according to government figures released early Monday.

The milestone, though anticipated for some time, is the most striking evidence yet that China’s ascendance is for real and that the rest of the world will have to reckon with a new economic superpower.

The recognition came early Monday, when Tokyo said that Japan’s economy was valued at about $1.28 trillion in the second quarter, slightly below China’s $1.33 trillion. Japan’s economy grew 0.4 percent in the quarter, Tokyo said, substantially less than forecast. That weakness suggests that China’s economy will race past Japan’s for the full year.

Experts say unseating Japan — and in recent years passing Germany, France and Great Britain — underscores China’s growing clout and bolsters forecasts that China will pass the United States as the world’s biggest economy as early as 2030. America’s gross domestic product was about $14 trillion in 2009.

“This has enormous significance,” said Nicholas R. Lardy, an economist at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. “It reconfirms what’s been happening for the better part of a decade: China has been eclipsing Japan economically. For everyone in China’s region, they’re now the biggest trading partner rather than the U.S. or Japan.”

For Japan, whose economy has been stagnating for more than a decade, the figures reflect a decline in economic and political power. Japan has had the world’s second-largest economy for much of the last four decades, according to the World Bank. And during the 1980s, there was even talk about Japan’s economy some day overtaking that of the United States.

But while Japan’s economy is mature and its population quickly aging, China is in the throes of urbanization and is far from developed, analysts say, meaning it has a much lower standard of living, as well as a lot more room to grow. Just five years ago, China’s gross domestic product was about $2.3 trillion, about half of Japan’s.

This country has roughly the same land mass as the United States, but it is burdened with a fifth of the world’s population and insufficient resources.

Its per capita income is more on a par with those of impoverished nations like Algeria, El Salvador and Albania — which, along with China, are close to $3,600 — than that of the United States, where it is about $46,000.

Yet there is little disputing that under the direction of the Communist Party, China has begun to reshape the way the global economy functions by virtue of its growing dominance of trade, its huge hoard of foreign exchange reserves and United States government debt and its voracious appetite for oil, coal, iron ore and other natural resources.

China is already a major driver of global growth. The country’s leaders have grown more confident on the international stage and have begun to assert greater influence in Asia, Africa and Latin America, with things like special trade agreements and multibillion dollar resource deals.

“They’re exerting a lot of influence on the global economy and becoming dominant in Asia,” said Eswar S. Prasad, a professor of trade policy at Cornell and former head of the International Monetary Fund’s China division. “A lot of other economies in the region are essentially riding on China’s coat tails, and this is remarkable for an economy with a low per capita income.”

In Japan, the mood was one of resignation. Though increasingly eclipsed by Beijing on the world stage, Japan has benefited from a booming China, initially by businesses moving production there to take advantage of lower wages and, as local incomes have risen, by tapping a large and increasingly lucrative market for Japanese goods.

Beijing is also beginning to shape global dialogues on a range of issues, analysts said; for instance, last year it asserted that the dollar must be phased out as the world’s primary reserve currency.

And while the United States and the European Union are struggling to grow in the wake of the worst economic crisis in decades, China has continued to climb up the economic league tables by investing heavily in infrastructure and backing a $586 billion stimulus plan.

This year, although growth has begun to moderate a bit, China’s economy is forecast to expand about 10 percent — continuing a remarkable three-decade streak of double-digit growth.

“This is just the beginning,” said Wang Tao, an economist at UBS in Beijing. “China is still a developing country. So it has a lot of room to grow. And China has the biggest impact on commodity prices — in Russia, India, Australia and Latin America.”

There are huge challenges ahead, though. Economists say that China’s economy is too heavily dependent on exports and investment and that it needs to encourage greater domestic consumption — something China has struggled to do.

The country’s largely state-run banks have recently been criticized for lending far too aggressively in the last year while shifting some loans off their balance sheet to disguise lending and evade rules meant to curtail lending growth.

China is also locked in a fierce debate over its currency policy, with the United States, European Union and others accusing Beijing of keeping the Chinese currency, the renminbi, artificially low to bolster exports — leading to huge trade surpluses for China but major bilateral trade deficits for the United States and the European Union. China says that its currency is not substantially undervalued and that it is moving ahead with currency reform.

Regardless, China’s rapid growth suggests that it will continue to compete fiercely with the United States and Europe for natural resources but also offer big opportunities for companies eager to tap its market.

Although its economy is still only one-third the size of the American economy, China passed the United States last year to become the world’s largest market for passenger vehicles. China also passed Germany last year to become the world’s biggest exporter.

Global companies like Caterpillar, General Electric, General Motors and Siemens — as well as scores of others — are making a more aggressive push into China, in some cases moving research and development centers here.

Some analysts, though, say that while China is eager to assert itself as a financial and economic power — and to push its state companies to “go global” — it is reluctant to play a greater role in the debate over climate change or how to slow the growth of greenhouse gases.

China passed the United States in 2006 to become the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, which scientists link to global warming. But China also has an ambitious program to cut the energy it uses for each unit of economic output by 20 percent by the end of 2010, compared to 2006.

Assessing what China’s newfound clout means, though, is complicated. While the country is still relatively poor per capita, it has an authoritarian government that is capable of taking decisive action — to stimulate the economy, build new projects and invest in specific industries.

That, Mr. Lardy at the Peterson Institute said, gives the country unusual power. “China is already the primary determiner of the price of virtually every major commodity,” he said. “And the Chinese government can be much more decisive in allocating resources in a way that other governments of this level of per capita income cannot.”

(Article extracted from Yahoo Finance)

How Your Waist Size Can Affect Your Health

Posted by Dan WebNutritionist/Motivator on August 16, 2010 at 6:17am

How Your Waist Size Can Affect Your Health

The American Cancer Society recently revealed their conclusion of a study that was published by the Archives of Internal Medicine. The study tracked the health of
100,000 people over nine years. The researchers tracked 48, 500 men
and 56, 343 women over 50 from 1997 to 2006. According to the
report, having a larger size waist doubled the risk of dying from any cause
during the study period compared to the individuals with smaller waists.
Persons with larger waist size were linked with a higher risk of death
regardless if they were normal weight, overweight or obese. For the study, the
waist size was taken by using a tape measure and running tape around the waist
right above the navel.

The researchers found interesting findings in women. The association between their waist size and mortality rate was strongest among women who were at normal
weight. Noted epidemiologist states it’s important to watch your waist as
well as your weight. People should take notice when you’re moving up in
pant size and take that as a warning sign to start eating better and
exercising more.

A thick waist has been considered a risk factor for heart disease. New studies have added more risks due to having a large waist such as respiratory failure, cancer and
other causes. The waist sizes that are considered alarming are 47
inches or larger for men and 42 inches or larger for women.

Losing weight and inches can be a difficult task for people. With determination to eat better and exercise more, positive results can happen. Reducing your
waist size and weight can turn your body into a healthier one.

(Artice extracted from Elev8.com)

Mai Oh Mai ! Dakore Egbuson and Fashion Designer Mai Atafo ! hmm hmm hmmm ! Hot Hot Hot !

Posted by NollywoodMohits on August 16, 2010 at 5:16am

Complete Fashion is a new magazine focused on the very best of commercial Nigerian fashion and celebrating the stylish looks of Nigerian fashionistas.
The magazine is lead by General Editor Franka Asindi and the new issue of the magazine features a double cover with Nigerian actress Dakore Egbuson on one cover and designer Ohimai Atafo of MAI on the other cover.
Dakore looks absolutely dazzling is three dresses by MAI. On the cover, she rocks a black monosleeve dress with a dramatic jewel detailed neckline by MAI. The dress is paired with red platform sandals and a black fascinator. Inside the magazine, we see Dakore in a gorgeous floor-length red gown with a multi-coloured brouch also. by MAI. Her final look is a swinging knee-length yellow dress with a delicate black lace overlay. The dress was paired with pearls and black and gold platforms.

Ohimai looked dapper as always in a blue blazer paired with a striped shirt and white trousers.

In her interview, Dakore talks about her personal style (vivacious and playful), her famous locs (she calls them ‘locs’ because they are “not dreadful” and she is “not locked” – so she took out the “dread” and the “k”) and style addictions (Louboutins). She also discussed her projects including The Dakore Show.

In his interview, MAI opened up and detailed his journey into the world of fashion (he started out buying waistcoats for his friends who were getting married). Ohimai also had words of encouragement for up and coming designers and finally he discussed the future plans for his label.

We are totally loving the concept of the double cover and photoshoot! Kudos to Complete Fashion and the team behind the shoot.
For more information on the magazine, check out www.completefashiononline.com

Oturkpo: Breaking free from cultism

Posted by SaintOkocha on August 16, 2010 at 3:00am

OTUKPO, popularly called Texas by its residents is the headquarters of Benue South Senatorial District and was one of the most socially active towns in Benue State,.

During the weekends, the hotels in Oturkpo were usually fully booked as many privileged Idoma indigenes usually arrived to spend their weekends and escape the hustle and bustle of major cities and business thrived .

But all these were in the past as Otukpo was losing its innocence, no thanks to the activities of cults that have been threatening to damage the economy and social in the town.

When cultism first reared its in 2007, most residents thought it was one of those trends that would soon pass away..
But they were wrong.

When The Guardian went to Oturkpo , last week, some residents said 78 persons have died in cult-related activities, while others said 68 had been killed.

But, no matter; the situation had got out of hand and something needed to be done.
A retired civil servant, Humphrey Ocheme blamed journalists for the woes of Otukpo.
He told The Guardian:“We have suffered in the hands of cultists and their sponsors, but nobody knows about our plight. You journalists simply sit in Makurdi and focus only on those issues around Makurdi while our youths are dying in their numbers. I am sure that you would not have come here, if you did not hear that the problems is getting out of hand”, Ocheme said.

Indeed the activities of cult groups seemed to have come to a head last week with the killing of John Abel Adeyi by suspected cultists in his family house.

An acclaimed God-fearing student , Adeyi was unfortunate to be home when suspected cultists from a rival group invaded his family home in search of his elder brother called ‘Morocco’ a notorious cult member.

When they could not find Morocco , they dragged the innocent Adeyi from his room and shot him dead in the presence of other family members.

The entire town was angered by the action of the cultists. Otukpo almost turned a jungle as residents resolved to eliminate anyone known or suspected to be a cult member.

In retaliation for the killing of Adeyi, a youth called Eteh suspected to be the leader of the cult gang was stoned and clubbed to death by an irate mob.

Another suspected cultist , Musa Ocheche was last Friday, beaten to death in the town by an irate mob, who claimed t he was a dangerous cultist.

Earlier, another mob had burnt to death, anothetr suspected cultist, a boy simply called Okopi.
But the cultists fought back, attacking those they suspect were blowing the whistle on them and Otukpo became too hot for visitors, who did not understand the strategies of survival .

Residents formed vigilante groups supported by the Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad in the town and Otukpo Local Council .

The vigilante groups , led by Major Enokela Okwenyi(rtd) in collaboration with clan heads led by Chief Akatu Ahubi openened channels of dialogue with youths fingered to be members of the two prevalent cult groups in Otukpo, the ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’ .

The communication paid off as last Sunday about 50 cult members , between the ages of 16 and 25 renounced their membership at a public function that was facilitated by the local council administration.

The ceremony which was attended by traditional rulers, religious leaders, council officials and police chiefs witnessed each of the ex-cultists publicly renouncing cultism in the presence of the community at Igbanomaje Square after which police detectives took their photographs and particulars.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of Otukpo Local Council, Dr Innocent Onuh said the council in liaison with law enforcement agents have forgiven and granted amnesty to all those who have renounced their membership of cults .

He said the period of grace for amnesty for identified cultists ends this week and those who fail to turn themselves over to the authorities and renounce cultism would be prosecuted.

He announced that the local council has set aside funds for the immediate rehabilitation of those who have pledged to turn a new leaf even as he appealed to the Senate President, David Mark and Minister of State for Niger Delta, Sam Ode, who are indigenes of the council to assist in the provision of resources for the rehabilitation of the ex-cultists.

In his address, Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Mohammed regretted that in Oturkpo, cultism had led to the death of more than 10 persons in 2010 alone.
He expressed happiness that the local council has mobilised the Vigilante Group in the area to fish out the ex-cultists who have renounced cultism after the council promised to rehabilitate them.

Represented by the Divisional Police Officer of Otukpo, Mr Donatus Agaibe, the commissioner said: “We have recorded too many deaths due to cult related activities in the recent past and we see this exercise as a welcome development. It will reduce our work”.

In an interview with The Guardian, Franca Randy, an 18 year-old primary school leaver said she was forced into cultism by her boy-friend who insisted that if she did not join she would lose her life
Stephen Alibi, a 21 year old Ordinary National Diploma holder said he was initiated in his final year.
in school.

One of the youths, 17 year-old secondary school leaver, Oloche Adugba insisted he was not a cultist and was wrongly implicated by his girlfriend whom he did not know was a cultist.

The two predominant cult groups in Otukpo are ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’, so called because of the colour of the edge of the axes that they use as their symbols.

WHEN IT MATTERS, CHELSEA DELIVERS

Posted by arimah patrick ifeanyi on August 16, 2010 at 2:36am

For all the talk about pre-season crises, when it really mattered Chelsea delivered. We harked on all summer that we couldn't care less about pre-season results and even the Community Shield only held passing interest. August 14th was when it really counted. The result? 6-0, a hat-trick from Drogba and a comprehensive mauling of West Bromwich Albion.

Could we have asked for more? Well, yes, according to the newsagent on World's End Estate. Grabbing our Sunday papers we were asked if we'd enjoyed the match less than 24 hours earlier. 'Sure, what's not to enjoy when you hammer 6 past the opposition?' we replied. The newsagent countered, 'Oh, I heard you didn't play that well.' We stared at Mr Patel with a mixture of incredulity and an Ancelotti-esque raised left eyebrow.

What our newsagent was expecting we're not sure. A mazy run from Cech followed by a lob from the half-way line? A scissors kick from Paulo Ferriera? In CFCnet's book the very notion of us winning 6-0 and not playing well is as ludicrous as Spain being criticised for losing a game at the World Cup. They won the damn thing.
CFCnet hopes that our local newsagent's passing comment is not a gauge of fans heightened expectations. If so, Carlo and his protégés better start knocking in 7 or 8 allied to some mazy dribbles and a few 40 yarder, net bulging missiles.

Following the evening's Match of the Day, a few people enquired as to why the first half atmosphere sounded a little subdued. The answer can be found by looking skywards. Ten minutes before kick-off, whilst thousands queued up at the turnstiles, the heavens opened with a downpour as ferocious as any tropical storm. Soaked to the skin and cold in equal measure, our moods darkened like the blackened clouds as we watched people move slower than a post office queue.

Once we finally did enter the ground and squeezed the water out of our jeans, we'd point out that with Michael Essien in midfield we look a far more solid outfit. Slightly less creative perhaps, and in the latter stages of the Champions League our lack of a 'tin opener' in the form of a Messi may count against us, but nevertheless we look a formidably strong team.

Whether Yossi Benayoun will be the creative 'tin opener' is yet to be seen but the reception he received was as frosty as a snarling polar bear. Poor Yossi is a victim of circumstance - firstly by replacing lifelong Chelsea fan and idol Joe Cole; secondly by coming from our most loathed rivals Liverpool; and thirdly by costing us £5 million more than the Scousers paid for Cole who went directly the other way.
Whilst we trust Carlo implicitly, Yossi's going to have to play some blinders before he evens gets a polite handclap. We would point out that if he scores the winner against the Scousers and celebrates by kissing the Chelsea crest, he'll have entered the pearly gates of fan idolisation. You know what to do Yossi.

To sum up, a stunning first day's opener and a sterling display by the whole team. Even the fans got up for it once we'd dried out. In hearty voice and in great spirits, this is one of the best times in 105 years to be a Chelsea fan. Simply a great day.

"48 feared killed, 20 cars burnt in Lagos, Edo road tragedies"

Posted by SaintOkocha on August 16, 2010 at 2:30am

Monday, 16 August 2010 00:00 By Regina Akpabio, Seye Olumide (Lagos), Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu (Benin City) and John Akubo (Dutse)

Jigawa flood destroys 200 houses.

CALAMITY struck at the weekend in Lagos, Edo and Jigawa states with about 42 people feared dead and 200 houses destroyed in multiple road accidents and heavy flooding.

In Lagos, two separate accidents left no fewer than 31 people dead while 18 lost their lives on the Benin-Auchi-Abuja road.

Also, torrential rains yesterday displaced many residents of Jahun in Jigawa State, sweeping away many communities in the town and destroying buildings and property worth millions of Naira.

Meanwhile, rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan Highway, scene of yesterday’s accident which is to be embarked upon by Bi-Courtney Nigeria Limited, will begin in October.

Bi-Courtney had signed a concession agreement with the Federal Government in August 2009 to design, build, operate and transfer the highway, which was constructed some 25 years ago.

By the agreement, Bi-Courtney is to expand the road to four lanes from Lagos to Sagamu Interchange and three lanes from the Interchange to Ibadan.

Travellers, mostly worshippers coming from the just concluded annual convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) were shocked, some shedding tears, others blaming the police, as they watched roasted human bodies involved in the multiple accidents along the Lagos-Ibadan Highway which occurred at about 10.00 a.m. The tragedy happened between the Mobil Filling Station and Otedola Estate Junction yesterday.

In another incident, motorists and residents along Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road, Lagos were also in tears as they watched the body of a young lady crushed with 11 others writhing in pains when a commercial bus marked XX476-FKJ somersaulted thrice while the driver tried to overtake a Honda car marked DU 348-GGE.

The bus was said to have picked passengers at NARCO Bus stop and was going to Mile 2 when the accident occurred a few metres from Junction Bus stop.

No fewer than 30 people including the 14 passengers inside one of the commercial buses travelling from Ketu in Lagos State to Mowe in Ogun State, an infant who was strapped with seat belt by his parents and others died in the accident on the Lagos-Ibadan highway. The accident involved 16 vehicles, an articulated truck said to belong to the Dangote Group, three loaded commercial buses, two Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV), two taxicabs and others. It happened near Otedola Housing Estate and was alleged to have been caused by a police road block mounted right in the middle of the highway.

A survivor and driver of one of the commercial buses, Aliyu Yekini, blamed the disaster on the police check-point.

According to him: “Most of the vehicles involved were on high speed but suddenly ran into the police check-point. The articulated vehicle, one of the trailers fully loaded with goods was on top speed and could not apply the brake. The driver ran into other vehicles and there was an explosion.

“When I saw the explosion, I quickly opened the door and jumped out likewise my conductor, leaving the passengers. The rest I saw was the flame of fire and the odour of roasted human flesh.”

Another survivor, Akeem, could not describe how he escaped but the only thing he remembered was the deafening sound of an explosion followed by fire and the multiple crashes.

“Apart from few of us who escaped, the rest victims could not be identified. They were all burnt beyond recognition. It was the fault of the police officers. They were fond of mounting check-points in the middle of the road for no other reasons than to extort money.”

But for the timely intervention of the police, an angry mob was set to protest the illegal checkpoint on the highway. Lagosians including journalists were prevented by armed policemen from moving close to the scene including those who came to verify whether their relatives were involved in the accident.

A survivor in the second accident in Lagos, Lynus Anyim, said it happened at about 3.45 p.m.
He said: “Our driver was on top speed. He was about to overtake the car in front of him when he suddenly lost control. The bus somersaulted thrice crushing the head of the lady seated beside the door while we all

sustained serious injuries.”

Both accidents led to serious traffic snarls in both areas yesterday. For several hours, vehicles travelling to and from Ibadan were held in a standstill as officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and a team of police officers controlled the traffic. It was a similar situation along Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road.

The Assistant Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Fadipe Razak Idowu told The Guardian: “We had the information at about 11.19 a.m. and when we rushed down here, about 20 vehicles were involved and about 10 were already on fire. There were human blood dripping all over the place. We were able to rescue some and took them to the hospitals. The cause was attributed to the driver of the articulated vehicle whose break failed.”
The LASTMA boss, Dr. Femi Osonyintoly said: “It is a pathetic situation and all the related stakeholders are on ground to manage the situation. We cannot really talk of the cause now since we are really interested on the rescue situation at hand.”

In the Edo accident, men of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) were said to be handicapped as their patrol vehicles were burnt by irate students of Auchi Polytechnic a few weeks ago when a policeman allegedly shot dead one of their colleagues.

One of the victims of the accident, Cyril Oboga, who is receiving treatment in a hospital, blamed the driver of his vehicle for the accident.

He said: “I can’t say exactly what happened because it was as if he was drunk from the way he was driving. They first collected money from us at Angle 90 Park in Auchi because there was no available bus but they said they would call another driver to bring a bus. It was some time before they brought the bus. The driver stopped for about three times on the way, first for a girl that was vomiting and in another village at Ekpoma.

“After a short while, I slept off though I am not used to sleeping, but I had to. The next thing I heard was a loud bang and people started shouting and I found myself on the ground. Two people, a man and woman in the red bus died instantly on the spot but in our own bus, which was going to Lagos a lot of people broke legs with serious injuries.”

Mr. Olusegun Ahmadu, Chairman, Project Implementation Committee, Highway Services of Bi-Courtney said in Lagos that everything has been put in place to ensure that the road is put into proper shape for smooth ride by the public.

The company, he said, was not unmindful of the importance of the road as a major link to other parts of the country, adding that the company is doing everything possible to ensure that travelling on the road is enjoyable and stress free.

He said that the intervention would involve repairing of failed sections, resurfacing and creating proper right of way. All the traffic bottlenecks, including illegal trailer parks in Ibafo, Ogere and Ibadan would be removed.
Ahmadu noted that discussions had been held with the trailer drivers as well as other stakeholders, including community leaders, religious groups, traffic management authorities, transport unions and the police on the need to free the road from unnecessary traffic congestion.

In place of the present illegal parks, Bi-Courtney, he said would put in place a Trailer Plaza equipped with modern facilities like filling stations, auto mart, mechanical workshop, shopping malls, rest areas (hotels) for the convenience of the drivers.

In addition, cameras are to be mounted at strategic places along the route to monitor human and vehicular activities, which will help to support efforts of security agencies in combatting crimes on the road.

The company, he said, would construct pedestrian bridges, interchanges to ease intra community movement in view of the massive construction work going on in the corridor and the rapid relocation of people to the area.
According to him, Bi-Courtney has been adding value to the road even before now by repairing the failed

sections, removal of broken-down vehicles from the road and even clearing the Right of Way from Lagos to Ibadan to reduce traffic congestion.

Meanwhile, officials of the company, FRSC, Ogun State Traffic Management Unit were on hand to control traffic on the ever busy road during the week long National Convention of the RCCG, which began on Monday last week and ended on Saturday.

Company officials, police and other security outfits were placed at strategic locations along the entire stretch of the road to prevent the traffic snarl that usually accompanies such a convention, which draws large crowd of faithful from all over the country.

Ahmadu who coordinated the traffic control measure expressed happiness that the company was able to free the road for motorists, adding that the experience garnered would be deployed in the future to prevent a situation whereby people will be made to spend long hours due to traffic congestion.

When The Guardian visited the Jahun Local council headquarters Jigawa State, it was observed that seven communities that included Yola, Takacici, Kabala, Alkalawa, Fandai, Fagen-Kura and Unguwar-Gangare were the most affected by the heavy flood.

No fewer than 200 houses were affected by the disaster as most of the affected residents were seen taking refuge in other parts of the town that were not affected.

One of the victims, Mallam Shehu Bala Adamu who spoke to The Guardian indicated that his family and himself have since become refugees in a nearby town, Kofar-Gabas, as a result of the disaster.

Adamu pointed out that the cause of the flood is the fact that there is no good drainage in Jahun, adding that despite the fact that they had lodged complaint several times in the past, with the authorities, nothing has been done to salvage the situation.

He disclosed that the flood has destroyed his house and property worth N300,000.
Chairman of the local council, Alhaji Idris Iliyasu Dan-Lawan pointed out that the council has directed its community department to carry out an emergency work in the affected areas by draining the water out of the affected areas.

Dan-Lawan added that, the council has also lodged its complaints with the state Emergency Relief Agency and the state Ministry of Environment for their respective actions.

The state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmad Mahmod, who visited the affected areas, directed the state Ministry of Environment to quickly intervene with a view to addressing the menace of flooding in the council.

"Atiku has no party, says Governor Nyako"

Posted by SaintOkocha on August 16, 2010 at 2:00am

Governor Nyako

Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa state has reinforced the position of the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with a declaration that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is not a registered member of the party.

The governor while reacting to Atiku’s declaration yesterday to contest the 2011 presidential election under the PDP banner, said the former vice-president cannot run for the presidency in the 2011 general elections under the platform of the PDP because he was not a party member.
Governor Nyako, who spoke to journalists in Yola, shortly after participating in a live local radio programme, explained that the state chapter of the party is being cautious in admitting those defecting from other parties because of the fear that some of them are coming in to cause confusion in the party.

“I only read about Atiku’s activities on the pages of newspapers; even when he declared in 2007, he wasn’t a member of any party, so he is declaring today again with no party,” Nyako maintained.
Peoples Daily recalls that Atiku’s return to the PDP has met with stiff resistance from Governor Nyako and a state faction of the party loyal to the governor.

The Chairman of the governor’s faction, Alhaji Umaru Mijinyawa Kugama, had declared at the weekend that as far as the party is concerned, “Atiku Abubakar is not by any means a registered member of the PDP.”
“Atiku knows that he is not yet a PDP member. He knows that there is a process of admittance into the party, which he must obey if he really wants to return to the party,” he had emphasised.

He condemned the former vice president for registering with a faction of the party in the state that is rebellious to the administration of Governor Nyako.

But National Vice Chairman (North-East) of the party, Senator Paul Wampana, has affirmed that to the best of his knowledge and that of the PDP national working committee (NWC), Atiku is a member of the party.
“As a leader, I have access to some compendium which contains names of the executives of the party that were elected; honestly those that registered Atiku are the party authority in his ward which closes the case that he illegally registered,” Wampana is quoted to have said.

"Unknown men invade Nasarawa NUJ centre, cart away generator"

Posted by SaintOkocha on August 16, 2010 at 1:30am

From Ali Abare Abubakar, Lafia

Some unidentified men at the weekend invaded the recently refurbished Nasarawa office of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and carted away the newly installed ‘Mikano’ heavy duty generator.

Policemen posted to man the centre after the theft, confirmed that the thieves overpowered their colleagues who were on duty at the office.

Information on the incident was sketchy, yesterday, as the police were not forthcoming on how two armed policemen were overpowered by the hoodlums. Even the Area Commander in charge of Lafia, Elisha Kazza, who confirmed the incident, failed to throw more light on the issue.

When contacted, the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa state Command, Ephraim Amakulor, said they would not comment on the matter until properly briefed by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area.

The management committee of the NUJ, has however, expressed surprise of the theft, directing all inquiry to the government and police. It has wondered how Governor Aliyu Doma’s good gesture should be the subject of such ‘babarism’.

No fat girls' puts nightclubs in spotlight

Posted by NollywoodMohits on August 16, 2010 at 12:35am

MONTREAL - Although a Montreal nightclub is distancing itself from an invitation on its Facebook page that specified "NO FAT GIRLSALLOWED!!!!!!!!!!" people familiar with the local party scene say clubsregularly -if not so overtly -discriminate based on looks.

"Everybody knows. (Clubs) are selective," said Stefano Apostolakos, owner of SMAN Productions, a Montreal promotions company.

A nightclub that wants to attract a certain kind of crowd will neveropenly turn people away based on weight, he said, but if people don'tfit in with the club's look, a bouncer can still find some excuse toturn them away -whether it's a long wait time, an expensive bottleservice fee or claiming the club is at capacity.

"(Discrimination) comes with the right to refuse entrance," Apostolakos said in an interview.

Nightclubs can openly turn people away based on age or dress by setting age minimums or dress codes, he explained.

The invitation was posted last week on the Facebook page of Muzique, aposh nightclub on St. Laurent Blvd., and included the ban on "fatgirls," followed by the emoticon of a winking smiley face..

The party was to celebrate the birthday of one of the club's partners onSaturday. The invitation was taken down on the weekend.

"When I saw it, I freaked out. I was livid," said one plus-size woman whoreceived the message as a member of Muzique's Facebook group.

Speaking on condition that her name not be used, the woman said her weight hasnever stopped her from going out -but she won't be visiting Muzique ifit discriminates against people who are overweight.

The management at Muzique said the comment was an accident and they are thinking of posting an apology.

"We didn't even realize (the comment) was there until a couple of daysago, and it was too late to retract it because the event had alreadyhappened," said John Jay, who oversees communication and marketing forMuzique.

Jay says it was the party planners who posted the event invitation, not himself or the owners.

He added that a friend of the club's partner thought it would be funny toadd the line to the event invitation as "an inside joke."

"It was taken down as soon as we found out about it," Jay said. "It was notan intentional thing. It was actually an accident. It was someonethinking he was funny.

"We don't think it's funny at all."

After the invitation went up, a handful of Facebook users expressed theirdisapproval. One user copied and emailed the event listing and thecomments to The Gazette before they were taken off the Internet.

"I found it immature and ridiculous," Joanelle Dufresne told the Gazettein an email. She posted a reaction to the invitation on Saturday.

Another Facebook user wrote: "Is there going to be a weight scale at theentrance? What's the maximum weight to get in? Frankly, I thought I hadseen everything until now."

Shant Kojakian, who owns the Montreal promotions company Look Kool, said weight is not much of an issue at nightclubs.

Race tends to be more of a factor when it comes to selecting people at theentrance, Kojakian said, adding that he's never seen a bouncer tell apotential customer he or she was too fat to get in.

Of course, nightclubs want to attract a certain kind of clientele -people who arewell-dressed and will spend money inside, Apostolakos and Kojakiansaid.

"They'll never tell you you can't come in because of your looks," Apostolakos said.

"But at the end of the day, that's what it comes down to, usually. ... It's the sad truth."

Miss Black USA is from Naija meet Osas Ighodaro

Posted by 9jabook.com webmadam on August 16, 2010 at 12:00am

The new Miss Black USA is none other than Miss Connecticut USA, Osas Ighodaro. Ms. Ighodaro is a professionally trained actress, and she performed her winning talent, “What If I Am a Black Woman” in four
dialects. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism
from Pennsylvania State University. She is also a Master of Fine Arts
degree candidate for Pace University.Upon winning the title, Osas said:

“It’s an honor to be crowned where President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama resides. It would be my dream to meet the First Lady,” stated Ms. Ighodaro during the post pageant
press conference at Ben’s Next Door.”

Ms. Ighodaro will serve as the celebrity advocate for the pageant’s national partnership with the Heart Truth® campaign to increase awareness of heart disease..

1st Runner Up:	Miss Black Georgia, Kimberly Jones
2nd:	Miss Black Texas, Zakiya Larry
3rd:	Miss Black North Carolina, RaSheeda A. Waddell
4th:	Miss Black Ohio, Ashley Miller

Shawnta Watson Walcott, former Miss Black Missouri 1993 and champion for social justice, accepted the first ever Miss Black USA® Legacy Award.

Miss Talented Teen® Arizona, Raven Green, was crowned Miss Black Talented Teen® USA 2010 at the Gaylord National Resort in Prince George's County, MD.

The Miss Black USA® $20,000 prize package includes: a walk-on role on Tyler Perry's "Meet the Browns", 2-page spread inHeart & Soul magazine, a trip to Africa, and a scholarship to the prestigious New York School for Dramatic Arts.

Official sponsors included Tyler Perry Studios, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, F&L Construction, New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, and Heart & Soul magazine.

ABOUT MISS BLACK USA:

The Miss Black USA Pageant and Scholarship Foundation® has been revolutionizing pageantry as the preeminent pageant for women of color ages 18-27 since 1986. Founded by Karen Arrington, the pageant provides scholarships to deserving young women. MBUSA is a non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation. Ms. Arrington will release her book, "First Ladies, Be the Leading Lady of Your Life", this fall.

"2011: Militants Warn Members To Steer Clear"

Posted by SaintOkocha on August 15, 2010 at 11:00pm

A militant group known as the Niger Delta Watchdogs has warned its members to stay away from the 2011 poll.

The group also charged its members to shun overtures from some desperate politicians trying to recruit them for the elections.

It alleged that some politicians in some states in the region had begun meeting with militant groups and ex-militants with the intention of hiring them to scuttle the forthcoming elections.

In a statement signed by John Duku, and sent to our correspondent via electronic mail, the group claimed that the politicians were importing arms for the purpose of the poll.

The group said, ”We condemn the present political situation in some Niger Delta states and call on the Federal Government to make an urgent step before it gets out of hand.

”We have noticed that several meetings and consultations are going on for some months now with some militant groups and politicians mostly from three states in the Niger Delta to help them actualise their ambition.”

It deplored the attitude of some interest groups calling on the President Goodluck Jonathan to declare his ambition for 2011, describing them as enemies of the region.

It added, ”We note with great surprise and shock that people of high class and value that are supposed to advise the President to commence infrastructure development of the region are distracting with the 2011 poll.

”We wish to advise Mr. President to be careful with these self-acclaimed politicians, who have nothing to offer, but to make noise for their selfish interest.”

FG draws down $3bn from Excess Crude Account

Posted by arimah patrick ifeanyi on August 15, 2010 at 10:00pm

Prof. Ukwu I Ukwu of Ebonyi State University (left) discussing with Chairman of Fiscal Responsibility Commission Alhj. Aliyu Jibril Yelwa (right)
while Director of Finance Ministry of Power Ahj. Yusuf Muhammed Agabi
(middle) looks on during meeting to undertake study on budget
implementation.

ABUJA — THE appetite for more funds by the three tiers of government has forced the Federal Government to draw down a $3 billion in one fell
swoop from the Excess Crude Account, leaving behind a mere $460 million.
Accountant-General of the Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo,
disclosed at the monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC,
meeting, in Abuja, weekend, that $1 billion of the amount was set aside
for the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

An unprecedented N704.273 billion was shared among the three tiers of government as representing revenue for July which would be used to meet August expenditures.

The decision to share $2 billion from the Excess Crude Account in addition to the monthly federally collected revenue was indication of the large spending portfolios across the three tiers of government.

Some fear this money would, in actual fact, go into political campaigns rather than development purposes.

Revenue mobilisation

Interestingly, it was agreed by the three tiers of government and the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, in 2007 that at least N1 trillion should always be left in the excess
crude account.

According to the document, N413.710 billion was realised into the federation account from mineral revenue accruals largely dominated by the contribution of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC,
and other mineral revenues. But the AGF told journalists that “the NNPC
brought in excess of N500 billion to federation account, noting that
the excess as stipulated by the law will be saved.”

For the month of July, N407.426 billion was approved for disbursement but N404.273 was shared among the units which represented about N3.153 less than what was shared in the previous month.

Earning from the Value Added Tax declined to N42.840 billion to create a short fall on what was expected to be shared for the month of July.

According to the AGF, “The increase (distributable statutory revenue) was attributable to the higher prices of crude oil in the international markets and improved tax drive (even when VAT did not met
its target).

Dankwambo added that for the month of July, “there was no exchange gain (forex) and augmentation because the prevailing exchange rate of N147 per USD is lower than the N150 per USD set as bench mark; and the
revenue inflow for the month is higher than the monthly approved
figure.”

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, deducted N44 billion from 504 billion oil revenue.

The nine crude oil producing states were allocated N35.735 billion as 13 percent derivation. Eventually, the Federal Government went home with N171.579 billion; states N87.027 and local councils N67.094
billion.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, also got N2.556 billion as (four percent of its total collections for the month) as cost of collection and Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, was given N1.899 billion
(seven percent of its collections) as cost od collections.

In her remarks, the new Minister of State for Finance, Hajiya Yabawa Wabi said the Federal Government would “reposition the nation’s economic performance as we get along with the global trend of events”.

She charged members of the FAAC to imbibe the spirit of togetherness and be seen to be guided by the need to look beyond the short time horizon, which the present economic reality seems to impose on them and
take decisions that would transform policies into actions would in
sustainable economic growth.

"POLICE EXTORTION ROADBLOCK KILLS 30 IN LAGOS"

Posted by SaintOkocha on August 15, 2010 at 10:00pm

Burnt car and human as police roadblock leads to multiple accidents in Lagos

Tragedy In Lagos As Police Extortion RoadBlock Turns Deadly For Motorists And Commutters, Over 30 Dead!

These multiple accidents happened after the Nigerian police set up a roadblock that led to the total closure of one lane as they extort motorists on the Lagos -Ibadan Expressway, forcing several motorists to use a narrow side left open. There was heavy traffic build up as a result of police roadblock (they used their van to block one lane while they force other road users to contend for passage on the one lane left) around Otedola Estate Junction on the Lagos- Ibadan Expressway by Berger. Then the worst happened, the brakes of a fully loaded heavy trailer-truck failed and ran over multiples cars and buses. People were trapped in the wreckage crying for help to come out as they were being gutted by a huge fire.

As soon as the accident happened the policemen dismantled their "roadblock" and ran away while the multiple fires from 15 vehicles caught up in the maze killed several commuters.

A belated rescue by the poorly equipped firefighters saved a few lives.

Photos by Seun Ogunniyi, a Citizen Reporter

Some of those killed in the Police-RoadBlock-Inspired -multiple accident are Christians returning from church.

A Bystander took a tour of the accident scene, inspecting burnt cars and human flesh.

The occupants of the car are unaccounted for after the multiple accidents.

A Honda Accord car is smashed from behind in the multiple auto accident caused by the Nigerian police roadblock.

Over 15 cars were burnt in the inferno that followed. Of course, the policemen dismantled their roadblocks and disappeared.

Lagos crowd gathers around accident scene.

Reina blunder hands Arsenal 1-1 draw at Liverpool

Posted by arimah patrick ifeanyi on August 15, 2010 at 9:57pm

LIVERPOOL, England(AP) -- Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina accidentally pushed the ball into his own net to hand Arsenal a 1-1 draw at Anfield in their Premier League opener on Sunday.

The ball rebounded off Reina after Marouane Chamakh's header hit the goal post in the 90th minute to cancel out David Ngog's powerful strike.

"We defended very well and it's unfortunate to give a goal away at the end," Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said. "It doesn't matter if you've got 10 or 11 (players), and we're very disappointed it's not even a goal where they've used their man advantage."

The equalizer came after Liverpool overcame Joe Cole's sending off at the end of the first half to take the lead at the start of the second when Ngog beat Manuel Almunia at his near post.

Laurent Koscielny, who was the victim of Cole's red-card lunge, was sent off himself in second-half injury time after being shown a second yellow card for handling.

"I believe we got a deserved equalizer because I couldn't see Arsenal losing a game like this without being deeply hurt," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.

This was Roy Hodgson's first significant challenge as Liverpool manager, having replaced Rafa Benitez after last season's disappointing seventh-place finish.

Hodgson's mission to build confidence was helped by pledges of loyalty from captain Steven Gerrard and Spain striker Fernando Torres, who replaced Ngog in the 74th minute having recovered from the groin injury sustained in the July 11 World Cup final.

Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano made Liverpool's starting lineup despite telling the club he wants to leave.

Arsenal's main offseason success was rejecting Barcelona's continued pursuit of Cesc Fabregas, but the captain missed the opener with a chest infection.

Despite Fabregas' absence, Arsenal initially looked more confident at a sunny Anfield. In a first-half with limited goal-scoring chances, Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen unleashed a fierce 30-meter (yard) strike after five minutes that Reina pushed clear.

Wenger's youthful squad is chasing the club's first Premier League title since 2004 and the Frenchman handed Wilshere his first Arsenal start - four days after the 18-year-old midfielder made his England debut.

Wilshere's main talking point before being replaced in the second half was a lunge on Mascherano in the 40th which earned him a booking.

A similarly reckless challenge saw Cole red-carded with half time approaching, with referee Martin Atkinson punishing the free recruit from Chelsea for a mistimed challenge on Koscielny, who was stretchered off but re-emerged at the start of the second half.

"There was certainly no intention from Joe Cole to foul the player, that's out of the question," Hodgson said. "He's throwing himself to try to block the ball."

Far from jolting Liverpool, the unchanged Reds pushed forward from the whistle at the start of the second period.

Mascherano sent the ball through to Ngog and the French striker, who had a 40th-minute header cleared off the line by Gael Clichy, dispatched a shot that Almunia was powerless to block.

For all Arsenal's attacking exuberance, the failure to sign a new goalkeeper could again prove costly for the team. Almunia missed the ball completely in the 32nd when he flapped at a corner.

Wenger rang in the changes at the hour-mark, with Theo Walcott coming on for Eboue, while Wilshere was replaced by Tomas Rosicky.

Before Reina's gaffe, the Spanish goalkeeper had produced a superb save, tipping over Rosicky's shot that was heading into he top corner.

Chelsea is the early front-runner by virtue of goals scored, after thrashing West Bromwich Albion 6-0 in its opener on Saturday.

2011: Atiku declares Presidential ambition

Posted by arimah patrick ifeanyi on August 15, 2010 at 9:41pm

FORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday formally declared hisinterest to contest the 2011 Presidential election on the platform ofthe People’s Democratic Party, PDP, just as he vowed not to quit theparty even if he does not get the ticket to run.

Addressing a World Press Conference in Abuja yesterday, Atiku said he was offering himself as a candidate for election to the office ofthe President after due consultations with his family, friends andpolitical associates.

He stressed that he was not vying for the position because he wanted to be rich or famous, but to realise his vision of a prosperous,secure, peaceful, democratic, caring and confident Nigeria.

According to him, “I am not seeking the presidency because I want to be rich and famous. Given how far I have come from my humble beginningsin Jada, Adamawa State, I feel enormously blessed. But life is not justabout individual success; it is, more importantly, about our collectivesuccess.

“Life is also about those with the capacity and talent to help others and the society as a whole to roll up their sleeves and do so. Ihave had the privilege of travelling quite a bit outside this countryand I always come close to shedding tears when I see what countriesthat were less endowed than Nigeria have been able to do in the effortto provide infrastructure, investment support and social services fortheir people. I know that we can do the same in Nigeria.

“I have been close enough to power to know the enormous potential that a President has to move this country in the right direction. Wejust have to give ourselves the chance to do that with someone who iswell prepared for the challenges, someone with a plan to decisivelytackle our collective and urgent problems.

“I am that person. We need a leader who is experienced, exposed and also keenly aware that the development of this country depends on theinvestments we make in our youth. I am that leader. We need a leaderwho understands that leadership requires both experience and youthful,creative energy, someone who is a bridge to the future and a bridgeacross our divides. I am that leader. We need a leader who can makegood things happen. I am that leader.”

The former Vice President who noted that Presidency was not for ill-prepared persons as well as for experimentation, stressed: “Now istime for action.”

5 key areas of focus

He said he was going to pay attention to five key areas as President of Nigeria. These, according to him, are employment generation andwealth creation; power generation and infrastructural development;security, good governance and war against corruption; education, healthand social services and the Niger Delta.

According to him, “we need a clear vision for our nation with a clear road map of how we hope to get there. Thus, I have had a longperiod of soul-searching and reflection on these and other issuesaffecting our dear country.

“After due consultations with my family, friends and political associates, I have come here to formally announce, with humility and adeep sense of responsibility, that I shall be offering myself as acandidate for election to the office of President of the FederalRepublic of Nigeria in the 2011 Presidential Election. I shall do so onthe platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. I want to chart anew course for our beloved country and lead our people to theirmanifest destiny.”

“Iam seeking the presidency of our great country to realize my vision of a prosperous, secure, peaceful, democratic, caring andconfident Nigeria. I intend to lead the efforts to create conduciveconditions and incentives for productive investment in our country.

“These will create massive numbers of jobs which will keep our youth gainfully employed and help to tackle the high level of insecurity inthe country. Our productivity can only increase significantly if weinvest in education, research and modern technology, andinfrastructure.

“As we become more prosperous through increased productivity we will be better able, as a nation, to provide more rewarding and enablingsocial services. We will become a more caring society as we give moresupport to those who need help in order to have a more decent life.This will include fast_tracking the development of the Niger Delta aswell as addressing the cries of marginalization by different sectionsof the country.

“When we are able to get our acts together, we will become more confident as a people and a country. We will be confident to visit ourvillages or any part of the country without the fear of kidnappers andarmed robbers. We will be confident to present our green passports atinternational entry ports without the fear of being singled out aspotential criminals.

“We will be confident to pick up the phone and call foreign businesses to conclude deals without being seen as scammers. We will beconfident to take on the world and influence events in ways that serveour national interest and the interests of justice, fairness andequity. I am ready to lead the movement for the realization of thatvision. Together we shall make good things happen.

“I have picked five key areas for immediate intervention because of their critical impact on all other areas of development. These are:Employment Generation and Wealth Creation

Power Generation and Infrastructural Development, Security, Good Governance and War against Corruption, Education, Health and SocialServices, and the Niger Delta.

Atiku who admitted that there was no way he would accomplish the task alone, however called on everyone to support him, adding, “Icannot do these alone. With your support, we will put in placeattractive incentives for investors to invest in our economy and createwell_paying jobs.

“Together we will fix our crumbling schools, our roads, and our health care delivery system. Together we shall fix the electricityproblem by taking advantage of the varying energy resources and needsin different parts of the country.

“Together we shall address desertification, gully erosion and other lingering environmental challenges. Together we will tackle theinfrastructural bottlenecks that have stalled investments. Together weshall provide our people with the tools to live productive livesindependent of government handouts. “Together we shall wage a genuinewar on corruption by instituting a better reward and punishment system,ensuring true independence of the anti_corruption agencies and thespeedy trial of corruption cases.

“In 2007, I proposed a separate ministry of the Niger Delta in order to fast_track the development of the region, the way we have been doingfor Abuja. As you can see, the idea of a separate ministry has not beenfully implemented to be able to fast_track development of the region.Under my watch that will change.

“Together we shall clean up and restore the environment of the Niger Delta, speed up the development of the area, ensure that oil and gasextraction is carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner, andhold those responsible for environmental degradation accountable. Oiland gas prospecting does not have to be a death sentence for those whoare fortunate to sit on vast amounts of energy resources.

“Together we shall create a country where it no longer matters which region of the country a public office holder comes from. Together wewill make this country truly great. Together we shall make good thingshappen.

Atiku who described Nigeria as a failed state against the backdrop that as a nation, the country is still drifting like a rudderless ship,stressed that Nigeria has no reason to fail owing to the fact that itis one of the most richly endowed nations of the world.

“Despite the modest achievements of the past, our country is still drifting like a rudderless ship. It is difficult for anybody to saywhat vision is guiding the actions of those in charge of our affairs.Rather we seem to be stumbling from one crisis to the other.

“Our economy is still very weak and unable to deliver the goods and services needed to give our people a decent standard of living. Ourinfrastructure is in a shambles thereby making economic and socialactivities unprofitable and unattractive. Our public schools havecontinued to deteriorate, creating an embarrassing and unacceptabledichotomy between public and private education.

“Our health care system has been rated as one of the worst in the world. The manufacturing sector has been hobbled by a series ofinconsistent policies and power failure,” he said.

On how to overcome the lingering power crisis in the country, Alhaji Abubakar said, if the Obasanjo’s administration had accepted hisblueprint in 2002, the nation would by now, have overcome its powerproblems with the private sector investment in small and medium powerplants across the nation .

“If my 2002 blueprint had been approved we would have overcome the problems of the power sector by now. The way out of the power problemin small and medium power stations which will take between two to threeyears to build.

“Even the Federal government does not have enough resources to tackle the current power challenges. Therefore, we have to create theenvironment for investors to come in to build small and medium plants.Many private investors, both local and foreign are yearning to go intothis sector; all we need is the environment to be created for them”, hesaid.

When asked why he was declaring on the platform of the PDP when the party said there was no waiver for him, Atiku Abubakar said, “I knowIam a member of PDP, this talk about my membership is nothing, butrubbish. Waiver is an ongoing thing, today (yesterday), Iam declaringmy intention to run: tomorrow (today), I will file my application tocontest and let me see…”

On whether he will not quit the party if he does not get the ticket, he said, “I will not leave PDP if I don’t get the ticket”.

Notable Politicians who were present at the briefing and formal declaration were, former Senate President Iyorchia Ayu, Ex_ministersMustapha Shettima, Funke Adedoyin, Titi Ajanaku, Dubem Onyia, Atiku’s2007 Vice Presidential candidate, Senator Ben Obi, Alhaji TankoYankassai, Yahaya Kwande, Ozi Salami, former governor of Old KadunaState, Lawal Kaita, Tonye Princewell, among others.

Obasanjo declares National Assembly corrupt – Reports

Posted by arimah patrick ifeanyi on August 15, 2010 at 9:33pm

This headline on a national daily attracted the attention of parliamentarians in this commuter bus and as usual, they bared their minds on the issue.
Said Emma: “Obasanjo is always in the news for the wrong reasons, always seeking cheap publicity.”

“Don’t mind him. He should just shut up and go and sit down. That is the most honourable thing to do. After all, he started it all, so why is he against it now?” asked

OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

Mark angrily. But Yemi dissented as he said: “I like OBJ no matter what anybody says. Agreed he started it, he is against it now because according to him, the amounts spent on lawmakers is a heavy drain on our treasury and should be reviewed.

Any right thinking person would agree with his submission.” At this juncture, all hell was let loose as almost everyone tongue-lashed Yemi for daring to say something positive about OBJ.

“Abeg, the man should go and hang. He is now going against what he began simply because he is no longer benefitting or does he want to become Saint OBJ?” asked Emma sarcastically.

“He is bad, agreed. No one is perfect. We all have our shortcomings but I respect him for always speaking his mind on any issue no matter whose ox is gored. He has animal guts. I like such people,” said Yemi unperturbed by the barrage of criticisms from others.

“Yeah, you are right. The major shortcoming of the average Nigerian politician is kleptomania and their own kleptomania is peculiar in that it has a predilection for the nation’s treasury unlike the normal kleptomaniacs who usually steal items that they don’t need and items that don’t have monetary value,” said Etuk.

“Let’s stop getting emotional and look at OBJ’s assertion rationally,” cautioned Yemi. Continuing he said: “OBJ said nobody was checking the excesses of the lawmakers as regards constituency projects.

Did you read about the salaries and allowances of our lawmakers? Could you believe that most of them earn more than President Obama? In fact, former US presidents earned less than what Obama is earning.

My stomach churned the day I read it. This is happening in a country where thousands go hungry everyday, where the elderly die on queues while waiting to collect their meager gratuity, where children are seen on the streets trading just to make ends meet and their so-called representatives do not give a hoot?”

“Did you also hear that the security vote runs into millions of naira a month? Nobody accounts for that so they do whatever they choose with it,” noted Shola. So although OBJ is not my friend, but he has spoken the truth.

Government should look into the issues he raised. These leaders should be made accountable to their constituents.

The people should know how much their representatives get and how the money is spent and on what projects, otherwise, the so-called money for constituency projects will continue to end up in the pockets of a few while the majority continue their suffering and smiling, as the late Fela would say.”

Said Uche: “It all boils down to one thing: Educating the people to know their rights and to hold their leaders accountable. Let us all awake to our responsibilities. Quality education, uninterrupted power supply, good roads and shelter are our basic rights and not privileges. That is why the Educational sector is a very vital one.”

“One of the legislators agreed the legislators are corrupt but that they have legitimate reasons. Can you imagine that? He even went further to assert that it was the same OBJ who bred corruption in Nigeria and that he gave each lawmaker N50 million to support his third term agenda which eventually failed,” said Mike.

“Ok, so where is the N50 million? Did they return the money to our coffers? They should be arrested and made to refund the money.

Why should we continue to allow a few greedy people to strangle us to death?” asked Iyke, adding: “The best thing is to reduce their salaries and allowances and make the offices less attractive so that politics will no longer be a do or die affair.”

“Well, OBJ is trying to right the wrongs. It takes a great person to realise his mistakes and try to correct them,” Yemi stated.

"Jos crises: Tapgun says it is political; not religious"

Posted by SaintOkocha on August 15, 2010 at 12:30pm

From Bayo Alabira, Jos

The former Governor of Plateau state, Sir Fidelis Tapgun, has said the current problem in Jos, the Plateau state capital, can only be solved through equity, fairness and honesty.

According to him, “fairness and honesty have to be allowed in the political system to avoid anybody been marginalised or maligned to a point that people will become frightened and resort to taking arms against one another.”

The former Nigerian Ambassador to Kenya told journalists in Jos at the weekend that the crises in the state were purely political, arguing that because the crises often begin on Sunday or Friday does not make it religious.

He said the whole thing was a function political deprivations which fuel the sentiments and grievances that explode into sectarian violence.

Lamenting that in a situation where certain persons are denied certain positions and even franchise, while certain people are imposed on the electorate while elections are manipulated and to produce false and predetermined outcome is definitely bound to generate resistance and violence across the state.”

He blamed the January, 2010, Jos crisis on security lapses, saying, "the security arms failed in their routine surveillance and briefing of the chief security officer of the state, or the governor ignored security reports and failed to act dutifully and timely to avert the breakdown of law and order".

Chartered accountant with expatriate oil and gas firm shot dead

Posted by 9jabook.com on August 15, 2010 at 7:15am

Rumours are that He was asked to testify in a fraud case so they killed him. Who will ever have the nerve to do the right things . RIP. Mike Ajari. Brunnel Energy.

Mike Ajari, a sleepy street in Sabo area of Ojodu, Lagos on Tuesday witnessed a gory killing that shook the entire area.

After the close of work on the fateful day, the victim, Felix Adebayo, an accountant with Brunnel Energy, a foreign human resources and consultancy firm based in Victoria Island, Lagos, had returned to his residence at No 7, Mike Ajari Street, where neighbours said he had lived for close to six years.

As he approached the gates in his official car, however, he was oblivious of the danger that lurked in the corner. Unknown to him, a man had laid an ambush for him at the entrance to the house where he lived.

A neighbour who pleaded not to be named for security reasons, said as he came down from the Nissan car and proceeded to open the gate, the stranger walked up to him, pretending to have something to discuss with him. Then suddenly, he pulled a pistol and shot him in the neck.

A co-resident, who also pleaded anonymity for the same reason, said, “We were in the house and preparing to sleep around 9.45 pm when we heard the sound of a gunshot. We all rushed out to see what was happening, only to get to the gate and found Mr Adebayo struggling in a pool of blood.”

It was gathered that as soon as he was shot, his attacker entered Adebayo‘s car and zoomed off. And since then, all the efforts to retrieve the car have been abortive.

Neighbours rushed out only to find Adebayo gasping. “We kept shouting his name but there was no response. He continued to bleed profusely,” a resident said.

Confusion was said to have ensued as neighbours and passers-by made frantic efforts to save his life. Unfortunately, he he gave up the ghost there and then.

The attention of the policemen at Grammar School Police Station, Ojodu was drawn to the dastardly act. The policemen were said to have responded promptly and took the corpse to the morgue of Isolo General Hospital, Lagos.

”We had to take the body to Isolo General Hospital mortuary due to our inability to raise some money required to keep the body at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital mortuary. But later, the body was moved back to the Ikeja mortuary and the autopsy had already been done,” a family source said. It was a tragic end to the promising career of the 43-year-old employee of the oil and gas company, who only three months ago marked the christening of his youngest child with pump and circumstance. “His eldest child is two years old and he did the naming of his youngest child three months ago,” said a resident who identified himself simply as Olu.

A resident of the area told Saturday Punch that a few hours before the incident, three strange men in black cloths were seen surveying the area. Some people said they saw them making calls on their mobile phones.

Associates of the late accountant described him as an easy-going fellow who would not hurt a fly.

He was survived by his wife, with two children and an aged mother. ”The death has thrown the family into mourning because he was the breadwinner of the family. Three of his younger ones are still in school,” a source close to the family said.

His younger brother, Gbenga Adebayo who described the death as ‘shocking’ said that family members were learning to accept their fate. “He was the breadwinner of the family and we believe he had acted well his own part. What can we do? It is only God that can avenge for someone,” he said.

His wife, Mrs Tayo Adebayo, who was surrounded by sympathisers on Thursday was speechless. “What can I say? She asked rather rhetorically. “I have handed everything over to God. It is only God that can judge,” she said.

His co-tenants told our correspondent that he started living in the house as a bachelor.

“He was here before he got married. After marriage, he continued to live here. We are like one family and we are all touched by his death,” the landlord of the house, who simply identified herself as Adesuwa said. As learnt, Adebayo chose to live in Lagos because of his job, leaving his wife and children in Ibadan, Oyo State. “He goes to Ibadan to see his family every weekend,” said a co-tenant who did not want his name in print.

The news of his death was said

to have been broken to the

members of his family as well

as his employers the

following day. His wife, who is nursing a three-month-old baby, was said to have collapsed like a pack of cards, while his siblings also cried uncontrollably. Sorrow was also said to have enveloped the office when the news of his assassination was broken to his employers.

The office, where he was said to have occupied a strategic position before his death, was said to be helping the police to unravel the mystery beside his assassination.

When our correspondent called at he office on Tuesday, efforts to speak with some of his colleagues yielded no fruit. A foreigner and director of the company who pleaded not to be named, said the company would not want to comment on the tragic incident untl the police had concluded their investigations. He said, “Brunel Energy is unable comment at this stage because the matter is in the hands of the police.”

The director also said they had their lawyer’s instruction not to say anything so as not to jeopardise the investigations being carried out by the police. “We do not want anything to affect police findings,” the director said. He also would not volunteer a comment on the rumour that Adebayo uncovered a major fraud in the company shortly before he was killed.

It was also rumoured that while those who allegedly perpetrated the fraud had been nailed and arrested, Adebayo was about being used as the prosecution witness anytime the perpetrators of the fraud were made to face the wrath of the law. ”He has a lot of facts and documents and I want to believe he was to be used as a key prosecution witness. But before they could do that, he was cleared out of the way,” the source who sought anonymity said.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba said he was not aware of the killing when Saturday Punch contacted him on Wednesday. He promised to contact the appropriate police division for necessary information relating to the incident. However, several calls made to his telephone on Thursday were not answered.

It was gathered that arrangements were being made to bury the slain accountant at his residence in Ibadan.

Ibori Breaks Down In Dubai Prison, Hospitalized. Ogidigborigbo of Africa falls ill

Posted by Paul "EFCC" Hawk Adams on August 15, 2010 at 6:46am

Embattled former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ohanefe Ibori, is suffering from an undisclosed ailment for which he has been hospitalised in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.The self Proclaimed Ogidigborigbo of Africa has fallen ill .
He was said to have broken down in prison custody a few days ago and taken to the hospital where he was said to be responding to treatment.

The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mrs. Farida Waziri, disclosed this when fielding questions from journalists at the commission‘s headquarters, Abuja, on Friday.

The occasion was the visit by the Central Planning Committee for Nigeria at 50, Women and Children Special Events.

The group was led by the President, National Council for Women Society, Mrs. Ramatu Usman, who is also the chairperson of the planning committee.

The visitors announced that the EFCC boss would be conferred with the award of ”Nigerian Golden Amazon” in the ”Most Outstanding Female Public Servant” category during Nigeria‘s 50th anniversary in October.

Usman said Queen Elizabeth of England and the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, would present the award to underscore its importance and that of the Yeoman‘s job Waziri had been doing.

Farida said that the extradition of Ibori was on course, given the continued collaboration between the EFCC and the London Metropolitan Police over the matter.

She said, ”Ibori is in a hospital in Dubai, but the process for his extradition is ongoing. We are working and exchanging information with the Met..

”The process is long. Some Met police are even coming here soon in this regard. He will be extradited to London soon to face trial.”

Ibori fled the country after the EFCC issued a warrant for his arrest, following his refusal to honour an invitation to answer charges that he misused state funds for personal gains.

The former governor was arrested in Dubai on May 12, on the strength of an international arrest warrant issued by INTERPOL, but got a reprieve when the court granted him bail.

The bail was, however, revoked, on June 9, as an aftermath of the conviction of the ex-governor‘s sister, Mrs. Christine Ibori-Ibie and his associate, Miss. Udoamaka Okoronkwo by a London court.

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