(CNN) -- An international manhunt was under way Thursday for a New Zealand couple who fled after a bank mistakenly paid them NZ$10 million (US$6 million) when they applied for a loan of just NZ$10,000.
Westpac bank paid the couple 1,000 times the amount they asked for.
New Zealand authorities said they had sought the help of Interpol in locating the couple who disappeared May 7, two days after an employee error at Westpac bank paid them 1,000 times the amount they asked for.
The accidental millionaires, who have not been identified by authorities but are believed to come from the resort of Rotorua, were thought to have left the country, police said.
"At this time I am not prepared to disclose the amount of money involved, name the individuals or business involved, or discuss which country the individuals may be in right now," said Detective Senior Sergeant David Harvey of the New Zealand police. Watch as 'millionaires' go on the run »
The bank, too, would only say it was "pursuing vigorous criminal and civil action to recover a sum of money stolen."
However, local media and many Rotorua residents were abuzz about the amount.
TVNZ, a CNN television affiliate, said the couple applied for a NZ$ 10,000 (US$ 6,000) loan for a service station they owned.
On or about May 5, the bank erroneously put NZ$ 10 million (US$ 6 million) into their bank account. What would you do in this situation?
The next day, the service station closed its doors. And the day after, the couple went missing, TVNZ said.
"Saturday, Sunday, we realized something else was up," Rotorua resident Tania Davies told the station. "They'd done a runner."
Another resident, Chevi Lambert, said a private investigator came by asking about the couple over the weekend.
"It's such a big world, he could just disappear," Lambert said.
Police said the bank had recovered part of the money, indicating the couple may not have been able to access the entire amount.
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Before Marriage:please baby Oh I love you . After Marriage: You ? Love ?i, oh baby please !
He: Yes. At last, it was so hard to wait.
She: Do you want me to leave?
He: NO! Don't even think about it.
She: Do you love me?
He: Of course! Over and over!
She: Have you ever cheated on me?
He: NO! Why are you even asking?
She: Will you kiss me?
He: Every chance I get!
She: Will you hit me?
He: Are you crazy! I'm not that kind of person!
She: Can I trust you?
He: Yes.
She: Darling!
After marriage
Read from bottom to top
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You Go GIRL ! Dem say we too like money ! I hope say ya husband understand o !
The deal was highly sumptuous and tempting. A whopping $500,000 for a lead role in a high budget movie that will cost the producer $40 million in America's Hollywood. But she rejected the offer. Sultry Nollywood actress, Omoni Oboli, stunned many when the news broke recently in Los Angeles, USA, that she has rejected a plum offer to play a lead role in a movie that would have launched her into international stardom.
http://www.9jamovies.com your one stop for nigerian movies gathered that beautiful Omoni was approached by an American producer doing a movie about the saga of women in Africa. She was said to have been offered the lead role with a fee of $500,000. In her script were three completely nude scenes where Omoni would be expected to play a character having sex with three different men.
According to the reports, Omoni, who is married and has three kids, turned down the script and spurned the princely $500,000 (N90 million) offer. She said she would only take the role if the three nude scenes are removed or modified by the American producer. But the producer, who is not ready to alter his script, refused and Omoni reportedly turned her back on the steamy role, and walked away. The deal would have shot her straight to a multi-millionaire status and made her the highest paid actress in the history of Nollywood.
When contacted on phone, the actress said it was embarrassing that the outside world still thinks that with enough pay, you could just bend down and do any trash. “I made it known to him (the producer) that in my culture, you are only subject to your husband. I truly love my husband and he does too,” Omoni said. Sounding a note of warning, she said; “I don't believe actresses in our country have gone so low to get this kind of pay, but there are some who believe that acting nude can help them get a house in VGC or Lekki; they should, however, think twice.”
http://www.9jamovies.com gathered from sources that reactions have trailed her rejection of the role. Many considered the rejection strange given the global economic situation and considering that some Nollywood actresses will stop at nothing to make that kind of money or star in a Hollywood movie. Omoni is one of Nollywood's newest acting divas. The graduate of Foreign Languages from the University of Benin has featured in many top Nollywood flicks. She also featured in Kunle Afolayan's latest movie, The Figurine.
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We expected Danny The Boss Springsteen Gokey or Adam rock King Lambert. But charlie na kris allen ! !
read on
Whoa. So it's really true: Kris Allen is the new American Idol.
Really. Seriously? This is the biggest upset—well, ever, in the show's eight seasons. Even more than when Chris Daughtry was voted out or when Ruben Studdard beat Clay Aiken. It wasn't just that Adam was pimped out by the judges more than any Idol contestant this season—Paula practically crowned him the winner when he sang "Black or White" 11 weeks ago—it's that he really was the best vocalist we've ever seen on Idol. Simon Cowell has even said that he thinks Adam's going to be an international star.
So what went wrong? Here are the top seven reasons why Adam Lambert lost American Idol.
1. Blame the judges. Just like it's now bad karma to be the front runner in the Oscar race (as Frost/Nixon can tell you) or the presidential election (as Hillary Clinton can tell you), it also doesn't help if you're the foregone winner of Idol long before the season is over. And here is where the judges didn't help Adam's case. Week after week, they didn't just praise him; they declared him The. Greatest. Singer. Ever. In. All. Of. History. Yes, he's a rock god, but when there's a preconceived notion that you've got the Idol crown in the bag, it makes your fans lazy and you lose votes. Kris Allen, on the other hand, consistently delivered solid performances and received mildly positive reviews from the judges. His fans felt like they had to fight harder to keep him in the contest.
2. But you should especially blame Kara DioGuardi. The new judge hasn't been getting much love from the blogosphere—especially after her gaffes involving "Studio 57" (she meant "Studio 54") and "Saturday Night Live" (she meant "Saturday Night Fever")—but she really proved to be the Joe Biden of Idol after she co-wrote the worst coronation song ever, "No Boundaries." The last song is usually how Simon manipulates America into voting for his favorite contestant, by unleashing a parade of superlatives. Not this year. "No Boundaries" was such a train wreck that neither of the contestants could pull it off. It literally left all the judges speechless, including Kara, who said she wasn't going to judge Kris based on her own song. Huh? In the end, the confusion was good for Kris. The judges weren't able to make one big last push for Adam.
3. Did we mention that Adam is a rock god? Idol has always favored syrupy balladeers or pop singers. It doesn't matter how well you can rock out—ask Chris Daughtry or Bo Bice or Carly Smithson or even Allison Iraheta. Rockers don't win American Idol.
4. The Christian factor. Last week, I wrote about how Adam (who hasn't spoken about his religious beliefs on the show) might be hurt by the fact that he was going up against two devout Christian finalists, Kris and Danny Gokey. Most of Gokey's fans probably ended up voting for Kris over Adam, giving him the boost he needed to win. You could say—as many of you have in the comments—that religion is an irrelevant criterion for judging a singing competition. But the fact remains that Idol is one of TV's most family-friendly shows, and it draws a large number of Christian viewers. Five out of seven of the past Idol winners have been very vocal about their Christian faith. Kris Allen had the edge here.
5. The gay factor. Adam Lambert hasn't talked about his sexuality publicly, but TV Guide reported that he was "openly gay," Perez Hilton reported on his (alleged) boyfriend and there are photos circulating online of someone who looks like him kissing another guy. This shouldn't be an issue in 2009. But if you've read any of online chatter about Idol this year, you know that sadly, there's still plenty of hate out there. Adam has millions of fans, and it looked like he could strike an emphatic blow against homophobia, much the same way that Obama broke through the race barrier when he became the country's first black president. But his ambiguous sexuality still cost Adam votes.
6. The youth vote. Remember last week, when they played footage of Kris and Adam visiting their hometowns? Both were met with adoring crowds, but only one was greeted by wailing tween girls who looked like they were in the presence of a long-lost Jonas brother. Kris was the heartthrob who covered Kayne West and dressed like Chace Crawford. Lambert was the Broadway kid who sang Aerosmith and wore eyeliner. The girl vote went to Kris, an important victory—tween girls are the diehards who stay up for hours after the show texting and calling in their votes.
7. In the end, Adam was the better singer, but Kris might have been the more unique artist, despite what the judges said. Don't believe me? Prior to the finale, here are the Adam performances I most remember: "Black and White," "Tracks of My Tears," "Mad World," "If I Can't Have You." Here's Kris's list: "Ain't No Sunshine," "Falling Slowly," "She Works Hard for Her Money," "Heartless." Which songs are you more likely to have on your iPod? Kris beats Adam on mine. They're both terrific guys who have great careers ahead of them. But maybe Kris is the more deserving American Idol after all.
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Below are the winners for each category:REGGAE/DANCEHALL ALBUMGIFT AND GRACE by TimayaBEST R ‘N’ B/ POP ALBUMGONGO ASO by 9iceBEST RAP ALBUMTALK ABOUT IT by M. I.BEST COLLABO“GOOD OR BAD” - J Martins featuring Timaya & P-SquareALBUM OF THE YEARGONGO ASO by 9iceARTISTE OF THE YEAR9iceSONG OF THE YEAR“GONGO ASO” - 9iceRECORDING OF THE YEAR“MITCHELL” – EtceteraPRODUCER OF THE YEARID CABASA for “GONGO ASO” by 9iceBEST MUSIC VIDEOJUDE OKOYE for Roll It by P-SquareBEST RAP SINGLE“KINI BIG DEAL” - Naeto CBEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE)“DON’T BREAK MY HEART”- BANKY WBEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)OMAWUNMI for “IN THE MUSIC”NEXT RATEDOMAWUNMI (“IN THE MUSIC”)HIP HOP WORLD REVELATION - Best new artisteMILYRICIST ON THE ROLLMODE 9 for “NINE”BEST STREET HOP (single)“O FO KA SI BE” - DJ Zeez (Now to be known as ZEEZ)HIPHOP WORLD HALL OF FAME INDUCTEESGRAND MASTER LEEPHILLIP TRIMNELLWELL DONE TO ALL THE WINNERS
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Nigeria: call for end of LGBT (lesbians gays bisexuals and transexuals) discrimination on the International Day against Homophobia and TransphobiaWed, May 20, 2009NIGERIA 18 May 2009: Two non-governmental organisations in Lagos urged the three tiers of government to stop discriminating against homosexuals, lesbians and gay people. Officials of The Independent Project for Equal Rights (TIPER) and The International Centre for Sexual Reproductive Rights (INCRESE) made the appeal at a news briefing. They explained that the briefing was part of their preparation for Sunday’s celebration of the annual International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). They regretted that discrimination on the basis of age, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity had become a major concern for human rights organisations in Nigeria. Mrs Dorothy Aken Ova, Executive Director of INCRESE urged the protection of the fundamental rights of homosexuals and lesbians. She also urged the enlightenment of Nigerians to enable them to realise that gays had a right to life. “Research findings have shown that four per cent of the world population is gay and should be recognised by government through adequate representation, good education and acceess to the basic necessities of life. These people, though in the minority, did not create themselves. They should, therefore, enjoy the right to live their lives. The public must learn to respect them for who they are because if we begin to feel bad for one another, we will be calling for the destruction of some people, thus inviting genocide” she said.Ova noted that homosexuals, lesbians and the gay formed part of the electorate that voted for the various governments, charging them to take care of them. She urged the Federal Government to domesticate the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Mr Joseph Akoro, an Executive Director of TIPER, also urged the Federal Government to consider its commitment to the protection of all Nigerians from all forms of discrimination. He said the NGOs were collaborating to create awareness about the existence of gays in the country. Mr Victor Ogbodo, a member of the NGO, said the society would benefit more from accepting them. “If they are accepted by the public for what they are, there will be less marital problems because members of the opposite sex will have known before getting married to them. But if the society fails to accept them now and the issue begins to rear its head after marriage, we may only just be postponing the evil day,” he said.Ogbodo charged the government to protect the rights of all its citizens since the fundamental human rights of all Nigerians were enshrined in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution. He said that the groups were not considering sponsoring any bill at the National Assembly on the issue for now, “but we will begin to kick against any further restriction on our rights. “In future, should the need arise for us to sponsor a bill on their behalf, we will surely do so” he added.
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Best Poem Ever They said that it could not be done,He said "Just let me try."They said, "Other men have tried and failed,"He answered, "But not I."They said, "It is impossible,"He said, "There's no such word."He closed his mind, he closed his heart...To everything he heard.He said, "Within the heart of man,There is a tiny seed.It grows until it blossoms,It's called the will to succeed.Its roots are strength, its stem is hope,Its petals inspiration,Its thorns protect its strong green leaves,With grim determination."Its stamens are its skillsWhich help to shape each plan,For there's nothing in the universeBeyond the scope of man."They thought that it could not be done,Some even said they knew it,But he faced up to what could not be done...And he couldn't bloody do it!Benny Hill
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Sources close to CITI BUSINESS say Nigerian telecommunications giants Glo Mobile intends to commence operations in Ghana in August this year, under the name Glo Mobile Ghana.According to information gathered by Citi Business, officials of GLO and Marketing Communications Agencies have met in Naija, LAGOS to fashion out strategies for the launch of the network in Ghana.Prominent among the agencies were global giants, TBWA and JWT both with their African headquarters in South Africa.The entry of the Nigerian telecommunication giant will bring to number, six mobile companies in the country, a situation which will further stretch competition in the country.Already customers in the country have a choice to switch mobile networks with ease and the addition of Glo should bring a further dimension of choice into the market.It is recalled the Globacom was awarded a license from the country’s National Communications Authority (NCA) last June in a deal worth 50.1 million dollars.The NCA said at that time that it was looking forward the Nigerian entity’s enormous contribution to telecom development in Ghana.
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Prospective Ghanaian travelers who are eager to ply their skills in Europe now have a better option to avoid the tribulations which illegal migrants are subjected to travelling across the Sahara Desert.Through a scheme which is to become operational next March, 1,000 skilled Ghanaian workers are to be engaged in Italy annually for a two-year contract, making it unnecessary for them to risk the Sahara route.The job-matching scheme which is being jointly organized b Ghana’s Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare, the Labour Department, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of the Interior of Italy.The Director of the National Migration Bureau, Mrs. Adelaide Anno-Kunu, told the Daily Graphic that the programme was to encourage legal travel among Ghanaians and curb the incidence of illegal migration to Italy and other European countries.According to a World Bank report, an estimated 70,000 of Africa’s most qualified people leave each year and he continent spends $4 billion to replace them with expatriate workers. A BBC report indicates that many of the immigrants pay human smugglers to get them across the Sahara or the Mediterranean Sea but die on the way.Many Ghanaians have migrated to other countries, especially in Europe and the Americas, through illegal channels. Some of them, including highly qualified professionals, often find themselves engaged in menial jobs in those countries.Some of the illegal migrants are languishing in jails in Europe, Latin America and Asia. In Trinidad and Tobago, 22 Ghanaians who are alleged to have illegally migrated there recently, are reported to be languishing in prison.Mrs. Anno-Kunu said by March next year the government would advertise the job opportunities in Italy and spell out details of the requirements for prospective applicants, adding that it would offer the jobs to persons whose expertise were needed in Italy.She said the stakeholders would come up with a policy and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on how to streamline the travel formalities.For instance, she said they would consider whether prospective employees needed to pay for their travelling expenses or the employers would do that.Besides, Mrs. Anno-Kunu said the MoU would require the employers to ensure that the employees returned to Ghana after the two-year contract.She stressed the need for the beneficiaries to return home after the end of their contracts to make way for others to also benefit.She said 12 officials from the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare, the Labour Department and the IOM would undertake the project of identifying matching jobs in Italy, register applicants and begin a training programme by the middle of June this year.She said the 12 officials, comprising verification, data entry and cultural orientation officers, would have their final training in Rome, Italy, between September and October this year.Mrs. Anno-Kunu explained that the training was to build the capacities of the officers to identify quality job opportunities in Italy vis-à-vis what pertained in Ghana.They would also learn how to enter the information of applicants in a database and teach them about the cultural perceptions and the climate of Ital, she said.The main causes of migration in Africa are conflicts, poverty, political reasons an environmental degradation, according to the United Nations Secretariat Department of Economic and Social Affairs Statistics Division.Source: Daily Graphic
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UNEMPLOYED GRADUATE:
An unemployed graduate woke up one morning and checked his pocket. All he had left was N10. He decided to use it to buy food and then wait for death as he was too proud to go begging. He was frustrated as he could find no job, and nobody was ready to help him.
He bought food and as he sat down to eat, an old man and two little children came along and asked him to help them with food as they had not eaten for almost a week. He
looked at them. They were so lean that he could see their bones coming out. Their eyes had gone into the socket. With the last bit of compassion he had, he gave them the food. The old man and children prayed that God would bless and prosper him and then gave him a very old coin. The young graduate said to them 'you need the prayer more than I do'.
With no money, no job, no food, the young graduate went under the bridge to rest and wait for death. As he was about to sleep, he saw an old newspaper on the ground. He picked it up, and suddenly he saw an advertisement for people with old coins to come to a certain address.
He decided to go there with the old coin the old man gave him. On getting to the place, he gave the proprietor the coin. The proprietor screamed, brought out a big book and showed the young graduate a photograph. This same old coin was worth 3 million Naira. The young graduate was overjoyed as the proprietor gave him a bank draft for 3 million Naira within an hour. He collected the Bank Draft and went in search of the old man and little children.
By the time he got to where he left them eating, they had gone. He asked the owner of the canteen if he knew them. He said no but they left a note for you. He quickly opened the note thinking it would lead him to find them.
This is what the note said: 'You gave us your all and we have rewarded you back with the coin,' signed God the Father,
Have you given all to God? If you haven't, do so today and he will surprise you.
PRAYER:
Here is your financial blessing! It's a simple prayer, you've got 30 seconds. If you need a financial blessing, continue reading this e-mail.
Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving God,
I pray to you that you abundantly Bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother husband and wife, but all Who believe and trust in you.
Father, I send up a prayer request for financial blessing for not only the person who sent this to me, but for Me and all that I have forwarded this message on to. And that the power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in you is more powerful than anything.
I thank you in advance for your blessings.
Father God, deliver the person reading this right now and those who will read it in the near future from debt and debt burdens. Release your Godly wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that You have given me Father, for I know how wonderful and mighty You are and how if we just obey You and walk in Your word and have the faith of a Mustard seed that You will pour out blessings.
I thank You now Lord for the recent blessings I have received and for the blessings yet to come Because I know You are not done with me yet.
I pray,
Amen
SEND THIS TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND YOU WILL BE BLESSED...
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The police in Lagos have arrested a houseboy, Israel Adewale, for allegedly providing information and facilitating the entrance of criminals who robbed his master and battered his daughter.
Adewale, who was rescued from remand home by his boss, Emuze Phillip, with the belief that he could be rehabilitated, was arrested with two other suspects, John Patrick and Dapo Sodiq.
It was gathered that three robbery suspects raided Emmanuel Osakwe Street, Egbeda residence of Phillip at 12 midnight on Thursday without breaking any door.
The suspects beat the man and his daughter who had just completed her youth service thoroughly and raided every room in the house before making away with valuables that they could find in their victim's Honda Accord marked HU 859 AB.
Meanwhile, four young men are currently helping the Ogun State Police Command in uncovering the mystery surrounding two human skulls found in their possession in Ijebu Igbo by the police.
The four men, including two herbalists, Tunde Ajenifuja, and Abiodun Adetayo, the police alleged, sponsored Shina Suleiman and Yomi Aregbe to source for the human heads for undisclosed reasons.
In a statement in Abeokuta on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, the police claimed that the suspects were nabbed after an informant hinted the police that he had seen some men with human skulls in Oke-Agbo area of the town.
He said, "Immediately, the police swung into action and arrested two suspects (Shina Suleiman and Yomi Aregbe). It was revealed that the suspects were sponsored by two herbalists - Tunde Ajenifuja and Abiodun Adetayo - who were subsequently arrested by the police with the human skulls."
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WARRI — TWENTY-FIVE persons — six children whose ages range between two and seven; 11 septuagenarians, six women and two other villagers were said to have been killed yesterday when Kurutie community came under fresh aerial attacks by the Joint Task Force (JTF) on the Niger-Delta.
Over 65 persons had earlier been killed and more than 100 injured since the JTF began its offensive against militants last weekend.
However, the Defence Headquarters, while explaining circumstances that led to the all-out battle to oust the militants warned that the Nigerian military will no longer tolerate or watch criminal gangs slaughter its personnel without response.
It also said no community, particularly in the Ijaw areas, was destroyed or razed down as claimed by many people in the battle area. Director of Defence Information (DDI), Col. Chris Jemitola pointed out that the JTF in carrying out its offensive, has ensured that collateral damage was kept to the barest minimum.
A youth leader from the area, Mr. A.B. Okore was said to have led others to assess the damage done to the community and pick up the corpses yesterday.
According to our source, the youth leader said: “This is genocide, the JTF should please stop the killing of innocent people, if they are looking for militants, they should go to their camps and leave our communities alone”.
A JTF source told Vanguard however that what the JTF did on Sunday was a mop-up operation to strengthen its hold on the areas it was occupying, saying there was no attack on communities, except for a house in Kurutie where some youths fired at the soldiers who were passing with an helicopter and they returned to bomb the house.
“It was because they fired at us that we defended ourselves and anywhere we see them with guns, we will attack them. You see, these militants live in these communities and their people are hiding them, so they should stop lying that the JTF is attacking innocent people. It is those who attacked our men, hijacked vessels and kidnapped hostages that we are looking for,” he added.
Why we struck— Defence HQ
Waving claims of genocide and carnage as mere propaganda aimed at protecting the militants, Jemitola said allegations of genocide are not true noting that before now, “we had appealed to the general public and the elders of these areas to appeal to these youths to stop these unprovoked attacks on military personnel carrying out their constitutional duties of protecting lives and property”.
His words: “On the 13th of May, 2009, members of the JTF, Operation Restore Hope, on routine escort duties around Chanomi Creek were ambushed by a militant group leading to the unfortunate and painful loss of some military personnel.
How militants tortured soldiers to death
“Prior to this, an NNPC chartered tanker CM Spirit had been hijacked with its foreign crew and some Nigerians on board. This vessel was run aground by the militants, who also stole some of its cargo while the crew members were tortured leading to the death of some of the crew members and the rest held hostage.
“JTF Search and Rescue team sent to free the hostages was attacked again by the militants. The search led to the discovery of a large cache of illegal arms and ammunition used for acts of criminality. It must be noted that at no time were members of the JTF aggressors, in fact, the JTF is only allowed the use of force in self defence or where arrest of a criminal is being resisted. Moreover, extra care is taken to reduce collateral damage to the barest”.
Continuing Jemitola said, “instead, what we have observed is the deliberate and repeated unprovoked attacks on JTF troops, the sabotage of oil and gas facilities, the kidnapping for ransom of people and the killing of innocent citizens of the society including children, people of the clergy and very old citizens.
“It is important to note that the Nigerian military has the constitutional responsibility of protecting our vital national interests wherever they may be. In the course of carrying out this responsibility, the military will no longer tolerate or watch criminal gangs slaughter its personnel without response”.
Uduaghan meets Yar’Adua today
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State is expected to meet with President Umaru Yar’Adua today (Tuesday) in Aso Villa, Abuja, to brief him on the situation in his state and urge him, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to direct the Joint Task Force (JTF) on the Niger-Delta to unlock the barricaded waterways of the state so that normal social and economic activities could resume after six days of fighting in the creeks.
A competent source who confirmed the planned meeting to Vanguard said the governor left Warri for Abuja after the State Security Council, weekend, reviewed the security situation in the state and adopted some measures to contain the clashes, one of which was a mandate to some elders and youth leaders to reach out to the youths to cease all forms of confrontation with the JTF and destruction of oil installations.
Gov meets stakeholders
Yesterday morning, Governor Uduaghan held a meeting with the Delta Waterways Security Committee (DWSC), religious leaders and members of the Delta State House of Assembly.
The three different groups commended the initiatives of the Governor in resolving the face-off between the militants and the Joint Task Force.
National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, (PFN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor led the delegation of the religious leaders, which included the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Archbishop God-do-Well Avwomakpa, Secretary of the Baptist Convention in the State, Reverend G. Oyibo among other leaders.
Our source confirmed that the Governor briefed them on measures taken to bring the situation under control as well as the need for the ministers to pray for restoration of peace in the state and particularly in the troubled area.
Soldiers invade refugee camp, warn doctors
Hundreds of displaced persons from Oporoza, Kurutie, Kunukunuma and other Gbaramatu–Ijaw communities in Delta State fled their refugee camp in Ogbe-Ijoh on Sunday following the invasion of the camp by the Joint Task Force in search of injured militants.
Vanguard gathered that the soldiers interrogated the doctors on duty for allegedly treating injured militants, an allegation they denied.
Some of the displaced persons who spoke to Vanguard expressed anger that soldiers came to harass them, instead of sympathising with them over their plight.
One of them, Mrs. Josephine Amazor who said she was yet to see her two children, four days after the attack on her community by soldiers said, “can you see, instead of sympathising with us, the soldiers are here to stop us from taking treatment, saying that they suspect that the hospital is treating wounded militants”.
Spokesman of the JTF, Colonel Rabe Abubakar told Vanguard when contacted, yesterday, said that he was not aware that soldiers went to the Ogbe-Ijoh General Hospital to harass any refugee, saying that he would find out the true situation of things.
JTF rescues four more hostages
He however said the JTF has rescued four Ukrainian citizens who were taken hostage. He said the four expatriates were rescued around 4pm on Sunday.
His words: “The latest group of those rescued are four Ukrainian citizens who supply fish to Nigerians on regular bases.
They include, Mr Ponomarev Elman, Mr Mik Hailer, Mr Stroer Roman and Mr Vinogiador Mikael. These men have been doing business in Nigeria since 1993. According to one of them, they were abducted at about 0200am, 15 May 2009 along Chanomi Creek, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.”
Spokesman of the rescued group, Mr. Ponomarev Elman, who was also the Captain of the ship, MV Pusan Reefer, said they were 22 in the ship when militants abducted them.
Speaking during the presentation of the four Ukrainians to the media at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Major General Sarkin Bello apologised to the rescued men for the inconveniences caused them.
The four rescued men were later handed over to Mr Tom Enegbuma, the agent and representative of the company, Super-Maritime Nigeria Limited.
More troops deployed for ‘mop-up’ operation
As the JTF continued its onslaught against militants in Warri South West council area of Delta state, more troops were deployed in the creeks yesterday in what was described as a mop-up operation.
In reaction, the Izon-Ebe Oil Producing Communities Forum appealed to President Yar’Adua to intervene in the face-off between the militants and the JTF in the creeks.
The forum stated that their appeal has become imperative as the violence has started affecting the relative peace in the entire area and would soon extend to the entire state if not properly handled.
In a statement signed by the forum’s president, Chief Favour Izuokumor and General Secretary, Mr. Moses O. Edougha they condemned the hostilities as unwarranted and very disturbing, noting that innocent citizens are mostly affected.
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PROMINENT Ijaw elders and youth leaders in Warri went into hiding on Monday as soldiers embarked on the arrest of some known Ijaw youths that had links with known militants in the state.
The fully armed soldiers were sighted at a five-star hotel in Effurun, in search of known militants in the town and suspected commanders of Government Ekpomukpolo, the leader of the recently destroyed Camp 5 in Oporoza in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state.
Former militant leader, Alhaji Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari, narrowly escaped arrest on Sunday at the hotel, where he organised an event, when undercover security agents stormed the place to allegedly effect his arrest.
Soldiers continued the bombardment of the riverside communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom in search of the remnants of Ekpomukpolo and his boys in the area in line with the directive by the Presidency to “fish him out, dead or alive.”
Monday’s onslaught led to the destruction of Iroko militants’ camp, located close to the former camp 5 in Oporoza at about 6.00 a.m. after a heavy gun batlle between the soldiers and hoodlums.
Co-ordinator of Joint Media Campaign Centre, Colonel Rabe Abubakar revealed that fierce resistance by the militants resulted in the gun-duel between the JTF’s troops and the miscreants, adding that this led “ to the killing of a majority of them, even as others fled with gunshot wounds. There was no casualty on JTF’s side.”
He disclosed that large quantity of arms and ammunition and other military accessories were recovered from the thick forest areas dump of the camp.
Security has been beefed around Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, following text messages being circulated and credited to Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, alleging that he was behind the ordeal of Ijaw.
But Izon traditional rulers from the Ijaw communities in the state, in a communique read to journalists in Warri, did not only dissociate the governor from the crisis but also commended him for what they called his relentless effort and display of high sense of responsibility towards ensuring an amicable resolution of the crisis in Gbaramatu Kingdom.
While expressing deep shock and dismay at the destruction of life and property, the traditional rulers appealed to President Umaru Yar’Adua to put an end to the continued use of military force in the search for a workable solution to the problems in the waterways.
In a related development, there are indications that the ongoing assault on militants in Gbaramatu Kingdom by the troops of the Joint Task Force might be extended to the neighbouring Bayelsa State following security reports that some of the fleeing militants were converging on the state.
Security sources told the Nigerian Tribune that intelligence reports indicated that the remnants of militants dislodged from the various camps in Delta State were regrouping in Bayelsa State with the intention of dragging the crisis to the state.
“They realised that they have lost all their camps and suspected hideouts in Delta State because of our continued onslaught, so they have decided to regroup in Bayelsa State to further drag us to the area. We are ready for them, anywhere they are, we will get them,” the security source said.
Colonel Abubakar, confirmed the development. He said the “ JTF, through its credible source, has confirmed that the remnants from destroyed militants camps, are regrouping in Bayelsa State with the intention of unleashing terror on the innocent citizens in that area.”
In another development, the main militant group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has asked Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan to quit his position over the continued bombardment of Ijaw communities by federal troops.
This is just as Ijaw National Congress (INC) has condemned the use of force to resolve the crisis in the region, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
“Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has an opportunity to quit a government that has no iota of respect for him. If the president can snub him after the genocide over his people, then the post of vice-president is not worth it,” MEND spokesman Jomo Gbomo said in a statement issued on Monday.
The militants, Gbomo warned, had been ordered to block key waterway channels to oil industry vessels both for the export of crude and gas and importation of refined petroleum products.
Meanwhile, Action Congress (AC) chieftain, Prince Tonye Princewill, on Monday tendered his resignation as the Chairman of the Niger Delta sub-committee on the Federal Government’s Vision 2020 Technical Group over the killing and displacement of civilians in the current crisis in the Niger Delta.
Princewill said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt that the current fighting was an indictment of leadership of the President Umaru Yar’Adua and showed Presidency’s lack of interest and commitment to the Niger Delta issue.
He stated in his letter that military onslaught was not the best option as the Niger Delta Technical Committee, of which he was a member, had made recommendations and suggestions on how to address the Niger Delta problem.
Part of his resignation letter reads, “After reading and monitoring of the ongoing carnage perpetrated by the military of the Federal Government and with the obvious connivance of the Presidency against my people in the Niger Delta region and with pronounced lack of interest and commitment towards addressing the Niger Delta issue, I, Prince Tonye TJT Princewill, after due consultation with my family and political associates consider it wise to hereby tender my resignation letter as the Chairman of the Sub Committee on Niger Delta of FG Vision 2020.”
Meanwhile, the military high command on Monday told what it called the criminal elements in the Niger Delta that enough was enough and that it would fish them all out and bring them to book.
Defence spokesman, Colonel Chris Jemitola, who gave the warning at a media briefing on the current security situation in the Niger Delta, accused the militants of deliberate and repeated unprovoked attacks on Joint Task Force troops, and the sabotage of oil and gas facilities, kidnapping for ransom of people and killing of innocent citizens of the society, including children, clergy men and very old citizens.
The Director of Defence Information denied that no communities were razed down as collateral damage was kept to the barest minimum during the operation.
Tracing the genesis of the current onslaught against the militants, Jemitola said that last Wednesday members of the JTF “Operation Restore Hope” on routine escort duties around Chanomi creek were ambushed by a militant group leading to the unfortunate and painful loss of some military personnel.
According to him, prior to this an NNPC-chartered tanker CM Spirit had been hijacked with its foreign crew and some Nigerians on board.
He disclosed that the vessel was run aground by the militants who also stole some of the cargoes while the crew members were tortured leading to the death of some of them and the rest held hostage.
The Defence spokesman said that the JTF’s search and rescue team sent to free the hostages was attacked again by the militants, while the search led to the discovery of a large cache of illegal arms and ammunition used for acts of criminality.
He noted that at no time were members of the JTF the aggressors, adding, “in fact, the JTF is only allowed the use of force in self defence or where arrest of a criminal is being resisted; extra care is taken to reduce collateral damage to the barest.”
Colonel Jemitola said that Nigerians had also seen the kidnapping and harassment of site workers and contractors carrying out socio-economic development of the area.
“These are all acts of criminality that cannot be condoned by any government and no responsible military leadership will fold its arms and watch its personnel attacked and killed on official assignment by any criminal gangs hence the military was left with no choice than to go after these criminals in order to bring them to book.”
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Even as the Presidency appeared to have distanced itself from the ongoing air bombardment of some Ijaw communities in Delta State which has claimed hundreds of lives with thousands of surviving victims displaced, emerging facts indicated that the military aerial assault had indeed been planned more than one year ago, awaiting presidential nod.Hints from top security sources in Abuja revealed that President Umaru Yar’Adua had given approval to the military high command to implement the recommendations in a security and operational report on the Niger Delta, in which a former commander of the Joint Military Task Force [JTF] code-named ‘Operation Restore Hope’, Major General L.P.Ngubane, had emphatically requested the use of air raid.Then a Brigadier-General, Ngubane, who is currently the General Officer Commanding the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, had in the security report dated July 2007, and addressed to the Chief of Defence Staff [CDS], stated that the aim of his brief was to avail the authorities with strategies for the stemming of militant activities in the troubled Niger Delta region.Citing terrain difficulties which he described as a ‘defenders haven’ as the main reason for recommending the use of military air operations, Ngubane had posited that the severity of hindrance the terrain offered to the Nigerian Army troops was directly proportional to the advantage it conferred on the militants. “The terrain of most parts of the Niger Delta is no doubt severely restricted to both infantry and armour. The situation is worse in the riverine communities which are interspersed with creeks,” he noted.“The advantage the terrain confers to the militants can be neutralized by combat air operations, using helicopter gun ships. Employment of fast patrol crafts can also assist troops to beach land safely and gradually wade through the creeks to seize objectives. However, the operation will be intensive in manpower and will also demand close air support, casualty evacuation and supply by air,” Ngubane recommended in the report tagged: ‘Strategies to stem out militant activities within the Joint Task Force Operation Restore Hope Area of Responsibility’.In assessing the equipment, arms and ammunition of the various militant groups, General Ngubane stated that every major militant camp possessed almost enough of weapons such as AK-47 rifles, GPMG, BMG, RPG 7, speedboats, gunboats, and anti-aircraft [only in Camp 5] just like an infantry unit of a regular army with sufficient personnel to counter any attack from the Nigerian military through land or sea.The army chief had also in his report, linked the heavy financial muscle and weaponry of the various militant groups to their alleged involvement in illegal oil bunkering activities, through which he claimed that a large part of the crude was given in exchange for arms and ammunition. Consequently, he recommended that the only way to curb the activities of the militants was for the Navy and the Nigerian Air Force to be given full approval to sink the ships used by the bunkering masters on the high sea.“The militants rake in so much money from this illegal activity which they also use in purchasing of arms, ammunition, speedboats and also sustain the militant activities. This constitutes serious threat to peace and security. Chasing the militants in the creeks to stop this unwholesome act is not only difficult, but hazardous. The illegal activity takes place in the hours of darkness in the depth of the creeks. In these hours of darkness, it is almost impossible for security agents to do anything meaningful,” Ngubane noted.In the security report, the erstwhile JTF boss further stated that: “In the Niger Delta, militant activities thrive most in the communities that buy into their illegal activities. For instance, in Okerenkoko, Oporoza and Kurukuruama, all in Gbaramatu kingdom, the traditional rulers and the communities are part and parcel of MEND and are very hostile to security agencies.”Incidentally, when the presidential seal was given for implementation of his recommendations more than one year after the report, Okerenkoko, Oporoza and Kurukuruama, were indeed, the first three communities bombed last Friday by no fewer than seven military fighter jets, allegedly killing scores of the inhabitants.Going by General Ngubane’s recommendations to the federal authorities, there are strong indications that besides about six communities where structures have already been reduced to rubble by massive air bombardment, more villages and towns are likely to suffer the same fate in the days ahead against the backdrop of fears by the military that the various militant groups enjoy brotherhood in the face of a common foe.Part of the report reads: “Militants enjoy camaraderie in the face of a common adversary. Also, their common goal and ethnic affinity ensure that they would easily be assimilated into other communities of the same ethnicity. Consequently, militants when attacked could easily relocate to other parts of the Niger Delta. It is therefore important that any offensive operation against militants should be conducted in the entire Niger Delta. The concurrent involvement of troops other than those of the JTF OP HR and JTF Op Flush-out 111, would be necessary. This may require that 4 and 13 Bdes as well as the ENC and WNC, would at least be at alert to ward off migration of the militants to other parts of the Niger Delta.“Offensive operations adopting either Option 1 or 2 would require the immediate deployment of one additional battalion to the operational area. This is important as troops already deployed are holding vital and key locations within the JTF Op HR AOR, and would be needed to continue to maintain their deployments. Additionally, the troops would be required for blockade operations while the additional troops would then be engaged in the striking operations.“In the advent of widespread destruction of oil industry’s facilities and other acts of sabotage and bombings, it would be necessary to induct 2 additional battalions into the operations area at 7 days notice. These 2 additional units would be able to carry out pursuit operations and the strengthening and tightening of security within the entire AOR until the insurgency is curtailed.”Apparently in line with the operational recommendations, Daily Sun reliably gathered that as at weekend, over 90 military gunboats had been placed in strategic positions around the waterways in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State where the bombings are ongoing for effective blockade of all entry and exit routes.Unconfirmed reports said besides about 20,000 persons who successfully fled to take refuge in some other safe villages and towns before the commencement of air raids on Friday, over 30,000 others are presently trapped in the mangrove forests as a result of the heavy military blockades. Reports also indicated that apart from the JTF troops, three battalions, including the 81 Battalion had been placed on standby to moved into the conquered communities.
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National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday arrested a 27-year old man, Nweke Chibuzo, suspected to have ingested cocaine worth N13 millionChibuzo who was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos is a 9gerian trader based in Togo.The suspect was nabbed during the screening of KLM passengers to Amsterdam on Thursday last week.According to spokesman of NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the suspect was detained and placed under observation when he tested positive for drug ingestion at the screening point.“As at Monday morning May 18, 2009 he had so far excreted 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.4 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of about N13 million in Lagos . The price of cocaine has witnessed an astronomical rise in the past two months.A kilogramme of cocaine that usually cost 3.5 million now sells between N8 and N10 million. Market forces like demand and supply as well as drug control efforts are some factors that affect prices of illicit drugs’, Ofoyeju said.When interrogated by NDLEA offcials, the suspect was said to have owned up to the crime, saying that he ingested 83 wraps of cocaine in a hotel and that his sponsors promised to pay him 2,500 Euros.Nweke said that the initial amount agreed upon was 3,000 Euros but his inability to swallow the 100 wraps of cocaine given to him made his sponsors to reduce the said amount by 500 Euros.Nweke who hails from Orizor village in Izah North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State said, ìI lost my mother few months after my birth and my father died seven years ago. After completing my primary school, I was unable to further my education due to lack of money. In fact I have sufferedî.Explaining why he indulged in drug trafficking, Nweke disclosed he agreed to traffic in narcotics Nweke when he met a prophet in Togo that told him to perform a befitting burial right for his parents so as to experience peace and prosperity.ìI swallowed 83 wraps of cocaine and they promised to pay me 2,500 Euros. I used to sell cloths and 9gerian films in Togo . The painful aspect is that I sold everything I had to raise 3,000 Euros for the trip. My intention was to search for greener pastures in Europe and do as the prophet directed. It was in the process of looking for somebody to accommodate me in Europe that I met a man that introduced me into cocaine business. I feel very disappointed. I am as good as deadî he lamented.NDLEA said the suspect would soon be charged to court.
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THE PLOTTED EXILE OF ADENUGA AS A RESULT OF ENVYThe problem that the billionaire Chairman of GLOBACOM, had with former President Olusegun Obasanjo was masterminded by Alhaji Aliko Dangote. And the cause was mere envy of the ever rising status of the siilent but meticulous multi-billionaire, MIKE ADENUGA.It all started when Adenuga acquired the old National Oil which he transformed to Conoil.Chemical Ali as Aliko was called went to town claiming that Adenuga used funds from Bureau of Public Enterprise.Same thing reared its ugly head when Adenuga acquired the second National Carrier Licence which enabled him to join the world mega business of telecommunication. He smeared the names of Adenuga and former vice president, Atiku Abubakar.He claimed that Atiku who oversaw the then Petroleum Trust Fund helped pay for the licence from the Fund's cover.This was the final straw that brokes the camels back of camaraderie between Atiku and his former boss Obasanjo.These incidents made the guru Adenuga is fondly called to go on voluntary exile.Adenuga's sin s according to Dangote's gospel is due to his unapproachability.He claimed that the guru was too arrogant, tacltum and always elusive to the extent that Adenuga could not be asked for favours like using his private jet because his own jet, a rickety 14 year old NS 125 old cargo which he bought from the Federal Government always breakdown constantly without notice and also because Adenuga is richer than him.The hatred for Adenuga got worse few years ago during one of the editions of Nduka Obiagbena's. This Day Awards.In that year's edition of the award despite the fact that the GLOBACOM boss was not present physically as against ALIKO who there live, Adenuga was the cynosure of all eyes as his representatives were busy collecting awards after another on his behalf whilst DANGOTE with all his pride and ego was just there looking at the glory of ADENUGA without a single award.Since then the attempt to ruin Adenuga started because he didn't want anybody to surpass him. To further humiliate Adenuga after he had succeeded in setting EFCC after him, 'CHEMICAL ALI' was always dramatisiing how Adenuga was behaving when he was to be arrested by EFCC operatives and during this time one will always see him holding white hhanderchief and waving it at the EFCC operatives which signals peace as Adenuga was pleading.
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The budget row between President Umaru Yar’Adua and the National Assembly deepened on Monday as the House of Representatives said that it would not drop any item from the Appropriation Act.Skip to next paragraphPhoto filePresident Umaru Yar’AduaIt argued that since the Act, which Yar’Adua signed on March 10, 2009, remained a law, it must be implemented to the letter.The House, however, noted that the President had the option of approaching the Supreme Court to seek for an interpretation of the powers of the Legislature to make input in budgets under the 1999 Constitution.The Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Mr. Ita Enang, who spoke with journalists in Abuja, said that the House was not comfortable with Yar’Adua’s complaints that he could not implement the budget.He said, “The notion that we made insertions in the budget is not correct; the President brought a budget to the House and we made our own input and passed it.“The budget as it is now is an Act of parliament; if there is the need for reviews, let him make such requests through laid down procedures.“On any issue that the Executive feels the legislature has no power to appropriate, let them go to the court for interpretation.”Enang added that it had come to the notice of the House that ministers and heads of agencies and departments were implementing only the projects initiated by the Executive while abandoning those introduced by lawmakers.He reminded the Executive that the difference between democracy and military regimes was the presence of the Legislature in the former to represent the views of the people.“The House believes that we are not to act as a rubber stamp for anything that comes from the Executive; if that is the case, then we have no business being here,” he stated.For allegedly engaging in “selective” implementation of projects in the budget, Enang said that the legislature expected the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa, to prosecute the affected ministers and heads of agencies for breaching an existing law.The Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, Mr. C.I.D. Maduabum, who also spoke on the crisis, observed that the powers of the Legislature on appropriation “and several others” were spelt out in Section 80 of the constitution.One of the contentious areas in the budget is said to be the N60bn voted for constituency projects by lawmakers without prior discussions with the Executive.On Wednesday, Yar’Adua wrote the House, saying that his administration might not be able to implement the N3.1tn budget passed by the National Assembly.Yar’Adua’s initial budget was N2.91tn.The President cited declining crude oil production, the crisis in the Niger Delta and the attendant implications on revenue projections as some of the challenges in the way of the 2009 budget.He argued that while on the surface, a rise in crude oil price to over $50 per barrel, appeared to be a good development for Nigeria , the reality was that production had dropped to about 1.6mbpd from the projected target of 2.5mbpd.Yar’Adua had stated that projects inserted in the budget by the National Assembly had compounded the challenges of implementation and called for a review of the budget.One of his suggestions was to vire (move funds from one project to another) money to projects his administration considered vital to the attainment of the goals of the Seven Point Agenda.But, reacting to the letter, Enang explained that the House would debate it on Tuesday (today) to “determine the status of the legislature in the budget process.”“I can assure you that we are going to stand our ground; we have an Appropriation Act, let Mr. President implement it to the letter,” he insisted.Commenting on the bills passed by the House, he disclosed that 44 had been passed and a total of 166 introduced since May 2008.He added that 55 bills were either pending at committee levels or had passed the second reading at the House, while 17 others were awaiting consideration.
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Slave Trade Again an ode to Neegeria and the Exiles.
Once they came from Afar .And Stole us Away but now they are back and the chains are new.
By our Strength they built their cities, Powered their Technology and now they are in our world once more. Emerging Market they call it or emerging slave market .In a world where its babies are killed as soon as they are show cased.Their brains drained faster than a nightmare
A world where the liars are the hirers and the good becomes the bad.A world where hope remained a word and babies are fed with the milk of dogs and He screamed 'Alien Nation' where art thine citizens?
The Slave Trade has taken them
The best once more,The smartest,The fastest,The strongest, Deport the rest Throw them over board .The
Seas turn to blood a sight we are seeing once more.This time we goto meet our slave Masters all by ourselves .No hooks no chains Like Sheep led to slaughter.
They create their heroes to rule them while they encourage us to hang ours.Can a black man save the earth from drowning Yes o yes but not if the masters started the storm.We bomb our own people so we can fuel theirs .O yes we are good obedient slaves .Yes master.
They have amassed great thrones of power while their followers perfect the ways of hypocrisy.Atop their heavenly carriages they travel
bequeathing a false truth where it once lived.Even in their hearts, they cry for deliverance for themselves .Perfect ? no one is perfect ! says the Preacher.
Howbeit our Saviours never last ? How come Our Afreeca never shows a shining star ? Who is Dividing and Ruling us.Is it like the way it was when they enticed our leaders with gunpowder & schnaps to sell their kith & kin to Strangers ?
My son this is no place for strangers,nor for the unwise.The dawn tarries. Wait not for its light .For it has slipped un noticed behind the curtains of self.I I I me me me mine mine mine .For i shall hear no talk of thine nor mine .For my house an auction has become.
The fools sit behind and create a forum. My heart grows sad for what is a forum without a moderator ? What is a moderator without a purpose .What is a purspose without a meaning ?
Shall we continue to speak great words of talking .Shall the talkness in our lips one day subside ? Will our collective realise our strength . In numbers the ants make a city .In numbers we start logs.
CRY CRY CRY !
weep for the Nations now ! The tears of today are for the woes of tomorrow.They come strangley within our breasts they speak of a life that has ceased .Where the help shall rise from is out in the fields .
Where the bread will fall from ? will it not be from heaven .Not from the Ovens nor the fields where the corn is ripened and the workers thresh it with their fists.
I have seen a great nation stand together to do Evil. Behind one Man they gathered and the world witnessed a terror never seen before. Why does the Nation gladly stand behind the empires as it leads the whole of its Humanity
into a deep cavern within .I ask with fear .I see nothing only my brand new shiny chains.
Save Save !
Who will save our Nation ?
My name is your name and your name is mine, will it l take an eternity to put us back together while the chains of slavery grow shiner still ?.Not again O my country Neegeria
Not again O Afreeca
we want to truly be free.
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If after Odi the struggle could not be stopped by the might of the federal forces , what makes them think that they have a solution through the force of arms.Something tells me the restiveness is divinely ordained to change an unjust system that has exploited and degraded a people and their environment for too long. It must be understood that the so called criminal activities of the militants which some people are using as a weapon to denigrate the struggle is a derivative of the violence that was initially unleashed on the hapless Niger Deltans by the Federal Govt /oil companies for over 50 years.Action and reaction they say is equal and opposite. The 50 years cycle of exploitation has ushered in an era of retribution.IT WILL NOT GO AWAY AS EASILY AS SOME PEOPLE THINK.NIGERIA BECAREFULUntill we address the issue from a 360 degree view point holistically, we shall FAIL over and over again. We have to start with scrapping the the unjust and exploitative laws that have given impetus for some sections of the society to be marginalised.If Zimbabwean farmers can come to Kwara State to till the soil without hindrance or 87%/13% derivation formula permutations. What stops the bonafide land lord in the oil producing areas from dealing with the oil companies directly and paying what ever taxes that are due to the Federal Government. GREED is the problem.
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On its 8th anniversary, AFRUCA outlines its achievements promoting the rights and welfare of African children in the UK and in Africa
AFRUCA – Africans Unite Against Child Abuse was established in May 2001 to campaign against the abuse and exploitation of African children. Since then we have gained recognition as the premier charity working to promote the rights and welfare of African children in the UK.
“Many African children in the UK experience a multitude of challenges that affect their ability to flourish and grow. Our main focus has been to ensure we can work successfully with others to address those challenges for the benefit of our children” said Debbie Ariyo, AFRUCA Founder and Executive Director.
AFRUCA has played a leadership role in addressing the trafficking of African children to the UK and is known to be very active in this regard. Over the years, our work on child trafficking has imbibed a holistic approach, working with others to highlight the issue, influencing government policy through knowledge gained from working in the community as well as through the provision of direct support to victims. Since 2004, over 50 young people have directly benefitted from our work in this area. With new funding from Comic Relief, we are now able to expand the menu of support and assistance to reach more victims of trafficking in the London area.
AFRUCA is deeply concerned about the disproportionate number of African children who are experiencing abuse and harm and who are ending up in Local Authority care across the UK. Most children who are removed from their parents are due to allegations of culture-related child abuse and other practices harmful to children. In tackling this growing problem, AFRUCA has launched an England-wide prevention and early intervention project aiming to help improve the knowledge and understanding of African parents in Child Protection as well as the rules and regulations governing how children are brought up in the UK. With funding from the Big Lottery and the Government Department for Children and Families, this project operates in London, Manchester, Newcastle and Liverpool. So far, since June 2007, over 500 parents from a wide range of African backgrounds have benefited from our training programme across London alone.
In addition to working with parents to improve their parenting skills, AFRUCA also provides intensive support to families in crisis who are experiencing a breakdown in relationships. This area of work has enabled us to intervene successfully in over 50 families across London and the South East since June 2007. This element of our work has been boosted by our recent success in winning a tender from Thurrock Council in Essex to establish a Service Office offering a menu of support services for Black African families at risk in that area.
Aside working with families and within the community, AFRUCA is actively engaging with practitioners to help improve their knowledge and skills so they can intervene successfully when working with African families. In April 2007, we launched a National Training Programme for Practitioners working with African children across the UK by offering a menu of training courses to help broaden their knowledge and skills in intervening in and assessing families. So far over 400 practitioners have taken part in our training programme. Our knowledge and expertise in child protection work with African children is highly valued and respected by agencies and their workers across the country. This is evidenced by the level of demand for AFRUCA’s intervention and expert advice in case assessment. In 2008, AFRUCA was commissioned by Southwark Council to help review its child protection work with Black African families. Our work has helped to highlight key gaps in service provision which is now being addressed by the Council.
In recent years, there has been a lot of attention paid to the plight of children and young people accused as witches or as possessed by evil spirits. Many children across the UK suffer untold physical and emotional harm as a result of accusations of witchcraft. In 2007, AFRUCA launched a community consultation to gather views on whether branding children as witches should be a criminal offence. Majority of respondents supported our proposal for the criminalisation of child branding. Through our Safeguarding African Children Network, we continue to work with the relevant community and faith groups and other agencies to address this very important issue.
AFRUCA is very proud of our achievements in supporting African children and their families across the country, in helping to keep families together and in helping to support victims of trafficking. As we continue to expand our work across the UK, with a Regional Office in Manchester and a Service Office in Thurrock, Essex, it is our hope that we can continue to make a difference in the lives of African children in the UK and help to address the root causes of the problems they experience.
However, it is important to note that our intervention in the past eight years has not been limited to the UK. In partnership with Youth Alive, a children’s charity based in the North of Ghana, AFRUCA is also working to help meet the needs of over 300 street children each year in that country through the provision of access to education, training and health care. In Nigeria, we are working with partners in the East of the country to address the horrific problem of “baby factories”, a fertile ground for child trafficking and exploitation. On the issue of child trafficking itself, we are actively engaging with local groups to conduct advocacy campaigns. In 2004, AFRUCA held a series of awareness raising campaigns as well as an international conference in Lagos, Nigeria to highlight the growing number of Nigerian children trafficked to the UK and the need for urgent intervention. Based on our growing activities across the continent, AFRUCA is now seeking to develop a physical presence in Africa.
In celebrating our 8th year of supporting African children and promoting their safety and well-being, we wish to acknowledge the overwhelming goodwill and support we have received over the years from our various partners, including other African community organisations, government local authorities and other agencies, Safeguarding Boards, our funders and sponsors, other charities across the UK and in Africa and most importantly the children, young people and the families that make our work worthwhile.
From 22 to 26 June 2009, AFRUCA will hold a series of events in London and Manchester to celebrate its 8th anniversary. Please visit our website at www.afruca.org for further information.
For further enquiries please contact:
Debbie Ariyo
AFRUCA Director
Tel: 0844 660 8607
Email: info@afruca.org
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