ADD1

Monday, March 24, 2014

2014 WORLD CUP: Flamingoes Book Quarter Final?

Nigeria defeated Mexico with a deserved 3-0 scoreline to leapfrog their opponents at the top of Group D and set up a quarter-final showdown with Spain.
The Africans rarely looked liked being hauled in after racing to an early 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu.
The deadlock was broken on 12 minutes after Mexican goalkeeper Emily Alvarado could only parry a low cross into the path of Ajibade who easily buried the loose ball.
Yakubu: Flamingo player
Yakubu: Flamingo player
The North Americans could have equalised almost immediately, but Jacqueline Crowther struck the post with an awkward effort after the goalkeeper had been caught out of position.
It was to prove costly as Nigeria quickly doubled their advantage with Aminat Yakubu reacting quickest to a loose ball in the penalty area and crossing for Kanu to nod home from close range.
Kanu then missed a gilt-edged chance at the back post by a matter of millimetres and the chance to virtually end the contest.
However, Yakubu did just that when she collected a much-deserved goal just prior to the hour mark after heading home Kanu’s well-flighted cross.
Crowther was invariably involved in Mexico’s dangerous moments in attack and the tall blond attacker narrowly came close to getting El Tri on the board on several occasions, but Nigeria were always comfortable winners.
Source: PM News

HOT PHOTO: Millions Show Up For 3,000 Job Openings

Millions of Nigerians showed up in cities across the country to take a job aptitude test organized by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

Source: Sahara Reporters

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

PATERNITY SCANDAL: Yemi Solade Dump Love Child?

Click for Full Image Size
Stardom is one thing some people cherish a lot, but it is certainly not easy to maintain. For those, who are in the limelight, especially handsome male folks, it is not an easy task to handle the temptation from beautiful women, who flock around them like ants do to sugar.
Amongst Nigeria’s sensational and popular actors is Yemi Solade, who is obviously handsome and intelligent. In fact, he is one of the finest brains the Nigeria movie industry; Nollywood can boast of. Those who know him described him as a professional make-believe star, and he is respected for being blunt and fearless.
However, the role model to some up and coming actors is presently at the centre of a paternity mess.
An insider informed Aproko247 that Yemi Solade put a lady in the family way about 10 years ago. We were informed that the actor had good times with the lady, while on a movie location then.
The lady’s name was given as Seun Olowolusi Obafemi, and we heard that one thing led to another, and that they had a fling, which resulted into pregnancy.
We were reliably informed by a source close to the lady that Seun, who was then very young and naïve, ran away from home only to resurface later, when the pregnancy had advanced.
Aproko247 gathered that the lady was operated upon by doctors and that she was unconscious in the hospital for 21 days.
Reports have it that she scaled through the ordeal and gave birth to a baby girl, who has now grown to become a beautiful 10-year-old.
This magazine got hold of the little girl’s photograph, and even a first glance revealed that she is a carbon copy of Yemi Solade.
Sources revealed that Seun later informed her parents that it was Yemi Solade that got her pregnant during a fling at a movie location.
One of the family sources, who spoke with Aproko247, informed us that Yemi Solade was subsequently approached by the lady’s parents and he reportedly agreed that he was the father of the baby. He was said to have promised to provide for the child’s upkeep, but we were informed that he reneged on this.
The little girl is said to be living with her grandmother in Ire-Akari, Isolo area of Lagos State, and she is said to be in primary five in an undisclosed school in the area.
Meanwhile, Yemi Solade denied knowledge of the baby and her mother, when Aproko247 contacted him for his reaction on the allegation.
“I don’t know what you are talking about and I am sure it is not me your sources referred to. Please do your research well. I am presently with my wife and children,” a confident Yemi Solade told us.
Source: Aproko247

SURPRISING: Uduaghan Impose New Assembly Speaker On Delta State?


Following the forceful resignation of the Delta state House of Assembly speaker, Mr. Victor Ochei as a result of the impeachment plot against him by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, the governor and persons described as his cohorts Tuesday installed a new speaker for the house amidst tight security.
Governor Uduaghan had last week plotted the impeachment of Mr. Ochei as the speaker of the house following what an impeccable lawmaker described as underground political feud between the governor and the speaker which resulted to the impeachment plot against the speaker, but along the line two options were given him by the governor to either tender his resignation or face impeachment music.
Mr. Ochei, it was reliably learnt had no option than to tender his resignation as demanded by the governor.
As early as 8am this morning, Nigeria time, an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), trucks of mobile policemen and other conventional security agencies were already stationed at the gate of the Assembly complex preventing people from gaining entrance into the complex.
Before the commencement of the installation of the new speaker, cohorts of Governor uduaghan led by Peoples Democratic Party State chairman, Peter Nwaoboshi, the Chief political Adviser to Governor Uduaghan, Ighoyota Amori and Faith Majemite an aide to the governor among others who were said to be the main actors in the forceful removal of the former speaker stormed the Assembly main chambers and were ushered in by some members.
Shortly after their arrival, the deputy speaker, Mr. Basil Ganagana, welcomed the governor’s cohorts and members to the installation ceremony where he read before the floor of the house the resignation letter of the former speaker.
Thereafter the majority leader of the house, Mr. Monday Igbuya, who was said to be one the executioners of Ochei’s impeachment, quickly moved for the acceptance of the former speaker’s resignation letter and was seconded by Mr. Martins Okonta, the house then unanimously adopted the letter.
The deputy majority leader, Mr. Johnson Erijo then moved for the nomination of Mr. Peter Onwusanya, representing, Oshimili South constituency as the new speaker which was seconded by Mr. Sam Obi representing Ika North East constituency and unanimously adopted by the house and the new speaker immediately took over the speaker’s seat.
Meanwhile, mild drama ensued during his acceptance speech as the new speaker, Mr. Onwusanya, who does not understand parliamentary protocols committed several blunders, thereby throwing members into uncontrollable laughter.
While thanking governor Uduaghan, PDP chair, Mr. Nwaoboshi, state PDP chairman and members for his installation, the new speaker, Mr. Onwusanya, however, stated that he will not forget in a hurry the kind of quality leadership in the immediate past speaker, Mr. Ochei, especially in the areas of stability, transparency and infrastructure.
It is unclear what will become Mr. Ochei’s fate as governorship candidate in view of the forceful removal from office. The speaker had been a favorite of the governor and jailed former governor of the state, James Ibori. Since becoming speaker, Mr. Ochei had been given choice power project contracts in the state that had made him extremely wealthy according to officials of the state.
Mr. Ochei was, however, absent during the installation of the new speaker today.
Source: Sahara Reporters

2015 ELECTION: Chris Okotie Vs INEC

•Rev. Chris Okotie
•Rev. Chris Okotie
Fresh Democratic Party, FDP, presidential candidate and founder of Household of God Church, Rev. Kris Okotie, has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to obey the rule of law by recognising his party as a legally registered party in accordance with the ruling of a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Okotie declared this when he addressed journalists in Lagos, southwest Nigeria, Tuesday ahead of the 2015 general elections which he has indicated his interest to contest again as the party’s standard bearer.
Okotie’s Fresh Party was deregistered along with 27 other parties on 6 December, 2012 by INEC on alleged non-performance.
The flamboyant pastor who took INEC to court after his party was deregistered, won the case when a Federal High Court presided over by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, voided INEC’s decision.
The judge said while giving the ruling in 2013, that INEC acted unconstitutionally by deregistering Okotie’s party and that it did not give FDP fair hearing before taking the decision.
Okotie said despite the court’s ruling, INEC did not include the name of FDP on the ballot papers that were released in August 2013 for the Anambra State governorship election that took place on 16 November, 2013.
He insisted that INEC should comply with the court’s ruling to enable the party organise its national convention where it would elect officers to run the affairs of the party.
Source: PM News

FRAUDULENT: Unity Bank In N3.4 Billion Mess?


Unity Bank Plc is in a N3.4 billion ($21.067 million) foreign exchange tangle with its former Managing Director, Alhaji Falalu Bello, now Executive Chairman at MBS Merchants Limited.
The bank in a petition to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is alleging that Falalu Bello unilaterally approved for his company the said amount to import fertilizer for which he is now foot-dragging payment.
Irked by this development, the management of Unity Bank petitioned the CBN over the matter alleging violation of corporate governance by the former managing director.
The petition sighted by Financial Vanguard and signed by Ahmed Yusuf, Acting Executive Director, Enterprise Risk Management and Umar M. Adamu, Divisional Head, Legal and Compliance, with Ref. No UB/L&C/UMNHJSIMB5FB/02l14,dated 3rdFebruary, 2014, to the Governor of CBN said: “We hereby humbly write to bring to your notice instances of Violation of Code of Corporate Governance. Sometime between June to September 2013, three Deferred Letters of Credit(LCs) totalling $21,067,500.00 were opened in favour of MBS Merchants Limited(the Company). Particulars of the LCs are as follows (see table):
S/N. LC No. LC Value Confirming Bank Beneficiary
1. UB/13ILC/056 $10,500.000.00 Deutsche Bank Platinum
2. UB/13ILC/064 $5.305,500.00 FBN London Platinum
3. UB/1L 1068 $5,262,000.00 FBN London
TOTAL- $21 ,067 ,500.00
“The LCs were for the importation and supply of fertilzer (the goods). It is worthy to note that there was no formal application and/or approval for the LCs.
The former Managing Director, Alhaji Falalu BelIo, used his influence to get the LCs opened without adherence to laid down rules and regulations of the bank.
“For the records, Alhaji Falalu Bello is the Executive Chairman of the company and also its alter ego. Not only did he use his position to influence the opening of the LCs, he also flagrantly refused to ensure adequate and sufficient cash collateral at the maturity of the LCs. This was in spite of several demands from management.
“Without doubt, this irregular action of the former managing director has undoubtedly caused the bank a lot of reputation risk with our Correspondent Banks-Deutsche Bank and FBN London.
“As a result of the improper way the LCs were opened, i.e. not authorised, the Board only came to know about the matter much later. This was when the Correspondent Banks became agitated and increasingly kept demanding for their money.
Thus, to quickly salvage likely unpleasant consequences from the Correspondent Banks, the Board quickly directed that one of the Term Loans of Alhaji Falalu Bello be used to reduce our commitment with Deutsche Bank. This was quickly done. Being a long standing business partner, we are presently managing the situation to ensure that residual balance is paid as quickly as possible. .
“On the bank’s commitment to FBN London, the Board approved that a Credit Line for the company be established in the sum of $1,530,000,000.00 and same be used to effectively settle the bank’s commitment to FBN London. This was immediately done and the account was fully cleaned up.
“Further, in order to ensure full recoveries on the company’s account, management has directed that all the three warehouses be taken over so that sales of the goods could be directly channeled to the company’s account. Unfortunately, instead of Alhaji Falalu Bello to assist the bank towards meaningful recoveries, he negatively scares away and blocked all prospective buyers.
In fact, what is more worrisome is the established fact that Alhaji Falalu Bello has gone about de-marketing the bank amongst its long time customers and friends.
“Being a former managing director of the bank and by virtue of Section 20(5) of Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2004 as amended, all borrowings associated with him or his companies are regarded as insider related.
It is on this premise, therefore, we catalogue the following as infractions: using his former office and influence to process and approve the LCs without adherence to the laid down rules and regulations of the bank; his refusal to fund the company’s account at the point of maturity of the LCs.
This was in spite of several entreaties and demands by the bank; his attitude to scare away prospective buyers of the goods, thus frustrating our efforts towards quick and genuine recovery and frustrating the bank’s business by de-marketing it amongst its long time customers and friends.
“It is in consequence to the above that we hereby invite the apex bank through your humble self to appreciate and note this unfortunate development.
“Meanwhile, it could be gleaned from the ·above, that the bank is doing everything reasonably possible to ensure that we settle our obligations with Deutsche Bank, while we continue to vigorously tackle the company and its executive chairman for the total liquidation of the indebtedness.”
MBS denies arrest of Falalu Bello
However, a statement issued by MBS Merchants over the weekend admitted that Bello was invited to the Office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Abuja to clarify issues in connection with a petition by Unity Bank Plc to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the IGP.
The statement said the petition was based on three deferred letters of credit issued by the bank on behalf of MBS Merchants.
“In this regard, the MBS has answered all CBN enquiries on the matter. Also, Mallam Falalu Bello was invited by the IGP to discuss the same issues involved, being a recipient of the same petition.
Based on his position as chairman of MBS, Bello equally answered the invitation of the IGP just as he did that of the CBN so that such high level discussions between the parties involved will bring closure to a matter, which is basically a financial transaction between two parties that have been business partnersfor over seven years,” the statement said.
Mallam Falalu Bello retired as the group managing director of Unity Bank Plc on June 30, 2011, and was shortly afterwards, appointed chairman of Mainstreet Bank, one of the three banks nationalised by the Sanusi Lamido Sanusi-led Central Bank of Nigeria.
The former Unity Bank MD also contested the governorship of Kaduna State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but lost the primary election to the current vice-president, Namadi Sambo.
Source: Vanguard

Saturday, March 8, 2014

BOKO HARAM: NYSC Deploy Corpers To Die?


The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has deployed 1,910 corps members to Gombe and Borno States for the 2014 batch ‘A’ Orientation Course to be hosted in Gombe state.
This is contained in a press statement signed by Miss Margaret Dakama, Head, Public Relations Unit of NYSC in Gombe on Friday.
The statement said 1,090 corps members were for Gombe state while 820 were for Borno.
The statement said that Gombe State was once again hosting corps members deployed to Borno for the three weeks orientation at Malam-Sidi Orientation Camp.
According to the statement, the orientation will commence on March 11 and end on April 1.
It also asked for the support and cooperation of the people of Gombe state in directing participants to the venue of the orientation.
The statement stated that Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe would be the special guest of honour at the opening ceremony.
It will be recalled that Gombe state hosted the orientation course of the Borno 2013 batch ‘C’ corps members.
Source: NAN

MALAYSIA: Nigerian Student Shot Dead?


Nigerian student Adelabu Tunde (pictured above), from Ekiti State was allegedly shot dead by Malaysian police recently, this is according to his friends. Below is how they describe what happened
"Police was raiding in another apartment, Tunde and his friends come back from school then the police car followed them. Tunde ran and got shot in head by a police man. Please share the truth. He was not fighting, he was shot by police that came for extra pocket money.! And the police left the scene as soon as he was shot." - Witness
There's a pic of Tunde's corpse after the cut, which they sent to me to prove this sad incident really occurred. They are calling on the Nigerian government to intervene and help them as they say they are constantly harassed and assaulted by the authorities in Malaysia for no reason. Don't they have a Nigerian embassy in Malaysia? Why don't they ever get involved? See the graphic pic below


Reasons why Malaysian police harass Nigerians - By students in Malaysia
1) AMBASSADOR- The Nigeria Ambassador in Malaysia HIS EXCELLENCY, AMBASSADOR BELLO SHEHU RINGIM, NIGERIA is the most corrupt Nigerian in diaspora. ranging from selling diplomatic passports, conniving with malaysian police to arrest Nigerians and deport them and also setting them up with drugs case so as to make money in terms of releasing or granting them bail. Being money concious he has said it before that Nigerians here dont pay homeage to him. (We are students your excellency and you dont enxpect us to spend $1 on you SIR, because you are appointed by the Nigeria government not by our parents.)
2) Ambassador: The ambassador and so-called workers in the Nigeria embassy demands more than the actual amount for new passport or replacements of passports whereby a student passport is misplaced or expired. The embassy demands more than one thousand dollars for new passport and takes days.
3) Ambassador: Nobody, i repeat nobody have ever questioned the Malaysian Government why they harass students knowing fully well that these students when they summit their passport for visa renewal, visa-holding letters are normally given to them by the Malaysian immigration yet their police and immigration during raiding still arrest and deport legal students having these letters. Of all these activities, the Ambassador is fully aware and his not showing concern about its fellow Nigerians. Although
4) The ambassador believes that everybody in Malaysia is not a student. Meanwhile the Malaysia Airport(KLIA) is one of the best airport in the world combating drugs and illegal immigrants. 80 percent of Nigerians in Malaysia apart from the once the AMBASSADOR sold diplomatic passport to are students. Be it a small scale school or International Schools in Malaysia Your excellency sir all fingers are not equal.
5) Imagine the security at the gate of the Nigerian Embassy (An Indian and Bangladesh) molesting Nigerians in front of the Embassy just because they want to go into their own Embassy to get their passport renewed yet the Ambassador will show no concern and sometime drive by. (Ambassador)
6) The ambassador told the Malaysian Government not to renew visas for Nigerians or hold it for a long period of time with this we get arrested, detained to pay a ransom before finally being deported.
Just mentioned but a few of the fraudulent activities of the Nigeria High Commission in Malaysia, NEXT will be an Open letter to Mr President (GEJ) if nothing is done within the next 72hrs not only an open letter but just like a tip of the 2011 riot that Niger Delta Amnesty student we will storm the Nigeria Embassy and the world will hear your corruption Your Excellency.
Source: Linda Ikeji

BOKO HARAM: APC, Stop Playing Transactional Politics - Oby Ezekwesili

eze and apc
Former Vice president of the World Bank, Dr Oby Ezekwesili on Thursday during the All Progressive Congress’ (APC) Summit in Abuja came down heavily on the political class, insisting that switching camps at short intervals was not a solution to Nigeria’s myriad of problems.
Ezekwesili also told her host that the leadership that would serve above self was not yet in the (APC)
She said “Doing the migratory dance between one set of acronyms and another does not solve the problem, Structural problems require structural solutions. Changing acronyms don’t solve the problem” –
Ezekwesili who was guest speaker knew she would ruffle feathers when she reminded the audience made up of Bola Tinubu, Muhammadu Buhari, APC Governors, and all its stake holders that “ you asked me to speak , you will have to bear with me”
She added “I do not know how you decided to take this high risk of inviting me to your gathering, knowing full well that my zeal for candor can be generally unsettling for some people of your class and occupation. Since you took the risk, I have assumed the liberty to speak boldly even to your discomfort especially considering that we live in a season of grim when our country is greatly troubled.”
She took shots at the decampees in the APC fold who left the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) saying “ you say it is the party for the elite, but you all went , do not behave like you didn’t go”
The former Education minister who lamented the colossal $600 Billion Nigeria earned in 53 years with little to show, condemned the way the political class was doing what she called transactional politicking with the Boko Haram menace.
She said” Is it therefore not unconscionable that in the over nearly three years of rising trend of terrorist attacks against whole communities in the central and north eastern states of Nigeria where our kith and kin have regularly been slaughtered in cold blood; the milk of empathy has not yet flowed from our Elders in the Land in the entire political spectrum to suspend “transactional politicking” and build a united front against this newest common enemy? Is it not unconscionable that despite the massive public resources committed to security spending, the government has failed to inspire confidence in communities and the large public that feels excluded from the more secured lives of the political elite?”
In frustration she added “If you are here and you have ever benefitted from BH killings, judgment awaits you!”
Ezekwesili who maintained that the political parties have been part of the problem of elite failure, said Nigeria had never had real political parties.
The former Minister for Solid Minerals also took a swipe at the APC, insisting that the leadership that would serve Nigeria above self was not yet in the APC.
According “Political parties have been part of the problem of elite failure. Nigeria has never had real political parties, The leadership that will serve above self is not yet in your party. Your gathering has to be a conversation deeper than how you’re going to chase PDP out of power”
Source: Pointblank News

Thursday, March 6, 2014

BORNO STATE: Boko Haram Attack Mafa Again?

Barely two hours when governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state on Wednesday paid a condolence visit to the people of Mafa Local Government Area which came under deadly attacks by suspected Boko Haram terrorists last Monday, another set of terrorists re- invaded the council headquarters at about 4:45 PM and destroyed the remaining structures on ground after killing and injured many people.
Mafa came under deadly attacks last Monday where about 39 innocent civilians were killed, as the local government secretariat, schools, mosque, houses, shops, vehicles and telecommunication masts among others were burnt by the terrorist.
Our correspondent gathered from a reliable source that governor Shettima who yesterday hosted three of the north east governors of Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba on a sympathy visit over the rampant killings and bombings of innocent civilians last Monday visited Ajilari Binta Shuga, a scene of the Saturday twin explosions that had claimed over 40 lives in the metropolis, and later went to Mafa after seeing off his guests at the airport in Maiduguri and condoled the residents over the unfortunate attack on their town before donating N100 million as palliative measures to the victims.
The source added that immediately after governor Shettima’s convoy left Mafa Council headquarters, the sect re-ambushed Mafa and it’s environs which left many people dead and several others injured.
A Security source also confirmed to our Correspondent that the gunmen numbering over 30 first ambushed a security patrol vehicles that were on their way to Marte Local Government Area where they exchanged gunfire with the troops before invading Mafa and other surrounding villages.
Although the actual number of casualties from both sides of the terrorists, innocent civilians and security agencies is not clear, sources said, many people including the terrorists have been killed in the encounter.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer ( DSP) Gideon Jubrin said he is not aware of the incident, but Governor Shettima’s Media aide, Isa Umar Gusau said, “there was a reported explosion at the outskirt of Mafa town on Wednesday some hours after the governor paid a sympathy visit to the council headquarters on Wednesday over the Boko Haram deadly attack last Monday”.
Source: Vanguard

HOT PHOTO: Fuel Scarcity In Akure

The scarcity of Fuel in Ondo State, especially Akure the state capital, is now giving consumers, vehicles owners and motorists, nightmares, and headaches. They are now subjected to long lines to get the oil products they need, and at all cost.
An investigation carried out by a SaharaReporters crew in the state capital found that the scarcity is making life unbearable, and difficult for fuel consumers in the city.
Many now have to line up for hours at filling across the city. Whereas before, consumers could be attended to and get the products easily, and at will. In recent days consumers, and those that sell petroleum products are going to unusual lengths, and taking surprising and illegal steps to gain access to petroleum. For some they are acts observers believe to be dangerous for the economy, for the state, and the country as a whole.
The scarcity of the product is now bringing back memories of the recent past. This is when Nigerians had to struggle at filling stations, and waiting for several hours before they could get fuel into their vehicles. It became the norm.
Some years back Nigerians took to the streets over the scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in the country, forcing motorists across Nigeria to get the product through the ‘black Market’.
Some filing stations visited by our crew had their gates under lock and keys, while the few shops that were open witnessed long waiting lines of drivers sitting inside vehicles, and even angry motorcyclists.
The situation has become hectic, and is now making filling station attendants, mostly in Akure, now reluctant of selling fuel to consumers, even when petroleum is available.
A source revealed that at one filing station in the city, the attendant felt reluctant of selling fuel during the day period. He was waiting for nightfall, and in doing so, he is waiting for the dark in order to sell his product on the Black market. It is a means for him of selling petrol in huge amounts, and in turn, to also make money in huge amounts. The amount earned ranges from $200 to $250 per liter.
Few of the normal working attendants still working at pumping stations in the city, now sell gasoline at the rate of $120 Per Liter, to $130 per liter. This depends on the popularity of the filling station to the public. It also depends on the gauge and the size of its pumping machines. The bigger the machines, the faster the simple process of pumping gas to the public.
The exception to this rule, is the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mega Station, located along Ilesa-Ibadan express way in Akure, which sells at the normal bump price of $97 per litre.
But, Saharareporters can authoritatively say from our investigations that NNPC is now experiencing a surprising number of long queues, and as a result, this is forcing consumers to stay inside their cars facing the scorching sun this season.
The situation has caused tension between inner-city commercial drivers, such as taxi drivers, and consumers, who use motorcycle taxis, into a tense alliance. The rise in waiting at the petrol station has also increased costs, and with the price hikes, drivers are forced to increase their transportation fares. By extension this is forcing some commuters to trek miles, in many instances, to their destination, rather than pay out a higher fare.
Some independent marketers who spoke to our correspondent revealed that the scarcity of fuel in the state was as a result of a shortage in supply of the product from the Ore Depot.
When contacted, the Chairman of Ondo State Petroleum Monitoring Committee (OSPMC), Alhaji Jimoh Belllo, said the scarcity was as a result of pipeline challenges, emanating from Ijegun Depot, in Lagos State.
Many Motorists and Consumers at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mega Station located along Ilesa-Ibadan expressway, in Akure, said they have subjected themselves to the rise of long queues at the filling station because of the bump and rise in price to $97 per liters at most petrol station across the city.

Monday, March 3, 2014

SHOCKING: Ugandan President’s Daughter Is Gay?

MALTA COMMONWEALTH MEETING
In a startling revelation, the daughter of Ugandan President Yoweri ­Museveni admitted today during a radio talk show in Mbarara, in Western Uganda that she is homosexual, and that she is revealing this fact as a protest to the anti-gay law her father signed only a few days ago.
Diana Kamuntu, Museveni’s daughter said that though she loves her father unconditionally, she does not agree with Uganda’s anti-gay stance, and will fight against it.
“I am gay, I am homosexual. I have known this since I was a little girl. Also, I have been Christian all of my life, so I will not tolerate any law of this supposedly democratic nation, that will place hate on any person just because of what his or her sexual orientation happens to be,” said Kamuntu.
“Now that I finally revealed my sexual orientation, I put myself in front of this new law and I will let our people decide what to do with me,” Kamuntu adds, as her voice breaks down while on air.
The radio host, James Kasirivu noticeably was in shock, and could not seemingly get words out of his mouth.
The live radio broadcast was abruptly shortened and was put off air after a few hours of repeated commercials.
In the latest setback for homosexuals across Africa, the Ugandan President signed a law Monday that imposes tough penalties for homosexual acts, a move that has been condemned from around the world and that may jeopardize Uganda’s relationship with the United States and other Western nations.
As of this writing, neither the radio station nor the office of Ugandan President Yoweri ­Museveni could be reached for comment.
Source: Abriluno

Saturday, March 1, 2014

FACTS: The Sanusi You Don’t Know

The Sanusi you don’t know
His early years
Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) was born in 1961 in the old city of Kano, somewhere near the emir’s palace. He is the grandson of a one-time Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, who was deposed by the government of the First Republic.
Mallam Sanusi Lamido was named after his grandfather, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi. “Lamido” which is his middle, is the Fulani word for an emir or a king just as “Sarki” in Hausa language is a name given after a reigning king.
Mallam Sanusi’s father, Ambassador Mohammed Aminu Sanusi, started work in the administrative department of the former Northern Nigeria. He was later recruited to the Foreign Service sometime in 1958, on the same day Philip Asiodu was recruited.
When Mallam Lamido Sanusi Lamido was born and during his early years, he did not enjoy a long stay with his parents. This is because his parents were always on the move, posted from one place to another. For this reason, it was his grandfather and the then Emir of Kano, who took direct responsibility of bringing him up in those early days.
But given the kind of intimate relationship that usually grows between grandfathers and grandsons and the way the Emir had pampered his grandson, it was also considered wise by members of Mallam Sanusi’s immediate family to transfer his custody from his grandfather to the then Defence Minister, Alhaji Muhd Inuwa Wada, who as at then was resident in Lagos. Inuwa Wada was married to the younger sister of Mallam Sanusi’s grandmother.
His nursery education then started in Lagos and not outside the country as presumed. He also attended Kings College, Lagos, from where he proceeded to the Department of Economics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, where he graduated with a grade that was simply average.
Sources, who schooled with him at ABU, Zaria, recalled that there was nothing spectacular and super brilliant about his grades and scores, either as a student or upon graduation from the university. He was just an average student.
After university, he joined the banking sector. But in the course of his working career, he decided to go and study Arabic in the University College of Sudan. And from facts available to people close to him, he studied Arabic and not Islamic Banking or Sharia as is popularly acknowledged.
The source reminded Saturday Sun: “You must understand that at the time he went to the University College in Sudan, not many people knew anything about Islamic Banking. It was not being taught as such in most schools. Any talk about his studying Islamic Banking or studying Sharia Law may not be the whole truth”
The source explained that the move for additional knowledge was fired by a desire to fill up a gap in his heritage, explaining that it is popular among Muslims to strive to have a good knowledge of both classical Arabic, which is the Arabic of the Qu’ran and what is today called Modern Arabic.
His study in Sudan was partly that of convenience too. His uncle, Ambassador Ado Sanusi, who is the immediate younger brother of his father, was then an Ambassador in the Sudan. That meant that he had less to do with feeding himself and his light family members that went with him to Sudan. It also meant that he would have less to with the cost of accommodation as his uncle was already on ground to assist.
In life, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi‘s ambitions could be surmised in three simple catchments: To be the next Emir of Kano; to be the president of Nigeria and to be the President of the African Development Bank, ADB. Each of these ambitions had not only attracted his fancy, especially in the later years of his career as the governor of CBN, but has somewhat played roles in his understanding of his own worth.
But the position of the CBN governor was never his prime quest when he began work in the banking sector. It came after.
Saturday Sun gathered that the banking career of Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi started in 1985, when he joined Icon Limited (Merchant Bankers), a subsidiary of Morgan Guaranty Trust Bank of New York, and Baring Brothers of London. From there, he joined the United Bank for Africa and was posted to the Credit and Risk Management Division. He rose to the position of General Manager in the Division.
In September 2005, he joined the Board of First Bank of Nigeria as an Executive Director in charge of Risk and Management Control, and was appointed Group Managing Director (CEO) in January 2009.
Credible sources recalled how he came to the post of CBN governor, saying a great credit of what he became would go to Alhaji Umaru Abdul Muttalab, former minister and leading businessman in the country.
“Mallam Sansui was the choice of Alhaji Abdul Mutallab. He has always been. He supervised his move to First Bank of Nigeria Plc. He also played a role in his appointment as the Group Managing Director (CEO) of First Bank in January 2009 and he whispered his name as a prospective CBN governor to the late President Yar Adua”.
Alhaji Mutallab, a respected gentleman from Funtua in Katsina State, was approached by the late Yar Adua to become the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. But he turned down the offer on account of his age, and due to the fact he had his hands in so many interests in the banking and related sectors.
Following his refusal to take up the appointment, the late President Yar ‘Adua’s search swayed elsewhere. But unsatisfied with the various candidates that were jostling for the position and having made up his mind that Prof. Chukwuma Soludu would not get a second term, the late Yar Adua was said to have decided to heed the advice of Alhaji Mutallab.
Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was, therefore, nominated by the President on 1st June 2009 as the CBN governor and his appointment was confirmed by the Senate on 3rd June same year.
Strength and weaknesses
Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is considered, by close associates, as a hardworking, straight and forthright officer. He is, however, seen as a very loud personality that enjoys arguments a lot.
“He is well read and may not give in too easily to the other point of views. He is somebody who talks a lot in the media in a manner not expected of the CBN helmsman.
“I think he has an arrogant personality which may not be easy to cure at this his age. This is my personal opinion. Yours about him might be different”
Saturday Sun gathered that in between his days in Zaria, his working career in Kano and elsewhere, he got himself close to the fiery preacher, Sheikh El Za Zakky, who lives in Zaria, Kaduna State. He was close to his school of Islam.
Reactions from the emirate
A cross-section of views in the ancient city of Kano indicated that the suspended governor of the Central Bank is not a super weight in the politics of Kano State and may soon drop into insignificance after this season, once the sympathies and emotions are down.
They similarly said that he may not come near his dream of becoming the Emir of Kano as there are equally several competent, educated and possible candidates for the position when the time comes.
That notwithstanding, Kano State Governor, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has faulted Sanusi’s suspension, saying that there was an ulterior motive behind the action.
Kwankwaso stated that the suspension was a grand design to dislodge the people of Kano State from the economic and financial decision-making agencies of the Federal Government in order to further impoverish and marginalize the state.
The governor also said it was sheer disrespect to the existing laws of the land and show of ingratitude that a person who has brought about sweeping positive changes that would have put the nation’s economy on the pedestal of growth would be treated unfairly.
He said Sanusi should rather be commended for exposing the rot and corruption in the NNPC. “A responsible government would have promptly investigated the allegations but they disappointingly refused to do so,” Kwankwaso said.
While describing the suspension as illegal, null and void, Gov. Kwankwaso noted that the CBN Act provides that the removal of CBN Governor “shall be supported by two-third majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed.”
“Clearly, therefore, law does not give the President the power to suspend the CBN governor without recourse to the Senate. You cannot just trample on the law with impunity, without recourse to constitutional provisions,” he added.
The governor further drew an analogy between Sanusi’s suspension and the removal of President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami by President Jonathan.
“In a similar guise of suspension, Justice Salami was removed by the President and was not reinstated despite his reinstatement by the NJC. They refused to do so until he attained the retirement age of 70 years,” he said.
Similarly, a statement by the Galadima Kano, Alhaji Tijjani Hahim, on behalf of the Kano Emirate Council, expressed reservation over the suspension of Sanusi.
“As a law abiding organisation, we believed that adherence to the rule of law is paramount and important to any government, more importantly a democratically elected government which preach and ensure adherence to the rule of law,” said the Council.
“As the president has suspended the governor without the recourse to the rule of law, we believed it was deliberate attempt to witch-hunt him. It is desperation and impunity at the highest level by the Federal Government.
“We and many see the president’s action as a deliberate witch- hunt of the governor for doing his job by letting Nigerians know the monumental fraud going on at the petroleum industry.”
The Emirate Council expressed gratitude to the members of the National Assembly and general public for condemning and objecting to the suspension of the CBN governor.
They urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, review the issue by following the laid down procedure on the suspension of public officer for equity, justice and fairness.
“A nation building is not about individual’s like or dislike. Democracy will never mature if we stay with proclivity to personalized governance. We need to build an institution, we need to build our democracy and commitment to public accountability is part of building institution,” the council stated.
Also, an elder statesman and Second Republic Political Adviser, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai told Saturday Sun that it would be a surprise if the suspended CBN governor had not been expecting his removal bearing in mind the dwindling relationship between him and the presidency.
Social critic and former National Chairman of the defunct Peoples Salvation Party (PSP), Dr. Junaid Mohammed told Saturday Sun in Kano that the current travail of Sanusi as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria has nothing to do with anybody in Kano. “It has nothing to do with the Emir, it has nothing to do with anybody in Kano.”
He maintained that apart from being a prince, Sanusi is a nobody in Kano, stressing that people only find it convenient to encourage anybody that is opposed to the government of the day because the Federal government is simply hated in the state.
According to him: “When this president became president, he (Sanusi) was very loyal to him. He went out of his way to cultivate the president, he was close to some of the women around the president, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Diezani Alison Madueke and Aruma Oteh, they were like a gang.
“Now, the reality of the situation is that when he was in his good relationship with them and by extension, with the president, the president never did any wrong. It was only when he started getting into difficulties- and a lot of these difficulties were by his own mouth.”
“You cannot be part of a government, even if it is semi -autonomous body like the Central Bank and pretend that you have nothing to with the government policies. Or you can begin to choose which government policy to support and which one to oppose.”
Source: The Sun