Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Graphic Images, Discretion Advised: 3 Teenagers Die At Governor Wammako’s Ramadan Food & Clothing Distribution Stampede In Sokoto

From Saharareporters

A stampede at Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko's residence in Gawon Nama area of Sokoto has claimed three kids and wounded several others.

Saharareporters learnt that the incident occurred on Sunday night during the distribution of clothing and food personally handled by the governor at his residence.

Thousands of hungry and unemployed youths had converged at the residence of the governor to receive  materials including food and clothing during the end of Ramadan fast break when the stampede happened.

A doctor on duty at the Accident and Emergency unit of Specialist Hospital Sokoto who didn't want his name mentioned confirmed to SaharaReporters that three corpses has been deposited at the mortuary of the hospital while about eight other victims are receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the stampede.

Footballer Christian Benítez dies at 27 after suffering heart attack

Former Birmingham City striker Christian Benítez died in hospital in Qatar yesterday from complications leading to cardiac arrest at the age of 27. The striker from Ecuador died just weeks after a £10million move to Qatar side, El Jaish.

The Ecuadorian Football Federation said on their website that Benitez 'had severe stomach pain, was rushed to a hospital, where after a few hours suffered cardio respiratory arrest, which ended his life.' 

Christian is survived by his wife, children and his father, former Ecuador international footballer Ermen Benítez. May his soul rest in peace..amen.

Kate Henshaw set to release fitness DVD

According to That1960chick, fit mother of one, actress Kate Henshaw will be sharing her fitness secrets in a work-out DVD called 'Kate's Fit 4 Life', which will be released in September this year. The exercise video will be marketed in Nigeria and internationally.

Kate joins Nike Oshinowo and Oluchi Orlandi as Nigerian celebs who have their own fitness DVDs.

Nigerian Striker Michael Eneramo to earn €1.2m per yr with Besiktas

Nigerian striker Michael Eneramo will earn €1.2 million (which is over N
255million) per year after signing a two year deal withTurkish side, Besiktas. He will also earn €10,000 per-match bonus.

The Turkish football club yesterday released a statement which read;
"Michael Eneramo has agreed terms with Beşiktaş. Eneramo will earn €1.2 million per-season in addition to a €10,000 per-match bonus. In addition to this, Eneramo will earn the same salary in 2014-15 and 2015-16 if selected for the squad over 30 times over the course of each season."
The 27-year-old striker played for Turkish side Sivasspor for a year and a half before joining Besiktas

Nigerian Striker Michael Eneramo to earn €1.2m per yr with Besiktas

Nigerian striker Michael Eneramo will earn €1.2 million (which is over N
255million) per year after signing a two year deal withTurkish side, Besiktas. He will also earn €10,000 per-match bonus.

The Turkish football club yesterday released a statement which read;
“Michael Eneramo has agreed terms with Beşiktaş. Eneramo will earn €1.2 million per-season in addition to a €10,000 per-match bonus. In addition to this, Eneramo will earn the same salary in 2014-15 and 2015-16 if selected for the squad over 30 times over the course of each season.”
The 27-year-old striker played for Turkish side Sivasspor for a year and a half before joining Besiktas

Monday, July 29, 2013

Liz Benson Stars in New Movie "Dry" Alongside Stephanie Okereke-Linus

Seasoned starlet Stephanie Okereke-Linus, and Nollywood icon Liz Benson have collaborated in what is no doubt going to be one of the "must-see" movies of the year. While the synopsis of what the masterpiece titled DRY has not yet been released, from the trailer shared by Mrs. Linus we can assume, the movie focuses on women and the many challenges the have to face in a traditionally African scenario. Even more exciting is the casting of Nollywood legend, Liz Benson!

Now an ordained minister, Mrs. Benson confirmed that she was drawn to the script because of its strong message, and lauded co-star and screen-write Mrs. Linus for coming up with the concept.

Holidaying in Shanghai, China - The Beautiful Genevieve (Photos)

The delectable actress is enjoying her vacation, literally "chopping the head of her life" in the beautiful city of Shanghai, China.

La vida loca! Looking good as always here too. :)
 

£3,000 UK Visa bond takes off Nov

The proposed new United Kingdom visa policy requesting visitors from Nigeria and five other countries to deposit a 3,000 pounds bond before entering the UK will commence in November, despite British Prime Minister, David Cameron's assurance that he would not sanction the controversial policy.

The policy is to restrict some visitors from India, Nigeria, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh. They will have to pay the refundable cash in return for visitor visas that allow them to stay in the UK for up to six months.
At the height of the controversy, Mr David Cameron had assured that he would not sanction the policy.

But last weekend, Financial Times said: "Britain is pressing ahead with its trial of a scheme to make visitors from six countries pay a £3,000 bond, despite an international backlash and complaints from businesses. The government said it would begin a trial of the scheme in November to impose visa restrictions on six Commonwealth nations, including India and Nigeria, even though David Cameron poured cold water on the scheme in June after it provoked uproar in Delhi."

Targets "high risk" applicants
The British government has reportedly decided to go ahead with it though the Home Office insisted that it was meant to target only "high-risk" applicants.
An official told the media that the scheme would be "highly selective," targeting only "suspicious" applicants.
Under a "pilot" scheme to be introduced in November, first-time visitors from six non-white Commonwealth countries, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, will be required to deposit a cash bond of £3,000 for a British visa. According to the government, these six countries pose the "most significant risk of abuse" of visas by their citizens.

"In the long run, we are interested in a system of bonds that deters overstaying and recovers costs if a foreign national has used our public services," the Home Office said.
The move comes barely weeks after Mr. Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg were reported to have refused to clear the scheme in its present form, fearing that the backlash in India and Nigeria threatened to damage bilateral relations at a time Britain is desperately trying to woo Indian investors and tourists.

Cameron was reported as saying that he would "not sanction" any policy that was likely to undermine his push for investment. The Financial Times said that the u-turn had provoked anger in Britain's business circles, who described the plan as an "insulting deterrent" to wealthy tourists from countries like India and Nigeria.

"They are urging the government to drop the pilot, saying the restrictions will damage their business if Commonwealth tourists, particularly Nigerians, now the sixth biggest spenders on luxury goods in Britain, are put off," it said.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Photonews: Dotun CoolFM & Taiwo Oyebanjo wed

The traditional wedding of Oladotun Ojuolape Kayode aka Dotun Coolfm and Taiwo Oyebanjo, the younger sister of D'banj took place today at the bride's hometown in Sagamu, Ogun State. Congrats!

Nigerian transplant patient Roseline Akhalu wins right to stay in the UK

Roseline Akhalu, the Nigerian woman who was diagnosed with kidney failure a few months after arriving in the UK in 2004, had a successful transplant, then claimed she would die within weeks if she was sent back to Nigeria, has won the right to remain in the UK following a successful appeal.

UK Border Agency initially rejected Roseline's appeal to remain in the UK after her transplant in 2009, saying 'the care of a foreign individual was the responsibility of their state of nationality'. Roseline's lawyers argued she would die within weeks if she was returned to Nigeria as she would never be able to afford the drugs that keep her alive.

The 49-year-old widow needs regular hospital checks and will have to take immuno-suppressant drugs for the rest of her life. Now she's free to stay in the UK and get free medical treatment.

Nigerian Blessing Okagbare breaks African Women's 100m record

Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare today smashed the African 100m Women's record! She came from the back and stormed through to win in 10.86s, setting a new African record at the London Olympic Anniversary Games. Up Nigeria! Kudos to Blessing...so far Africa's fastest woman!

Wizkid’s Girlfriend Tania Omotayo Opens Luxury Boutique in Lekki, Lagos

Tania Omotayo
It’s official! If you want to look as fab and sophisticated as the number 1 girl in Star Boy Wizkid‘s life, Tania Omotayo, there’s now a store to go to. The dashing bombshell took to her Instagram page to announce the big news with the above photo. She captioned it:
“The store is officially open!!! So happy”
Congratulations Tania!
So, if you’ve ever liked any of the chic outfits we’ve spotted her in, you can go meet her at her new clothes store to get it.

You are Invited to LPM July “Discover Accessories” Edition in Lagos – Sunday 28th July 2013 | Vendor Spotlight on Toseki Vintage

LPM July 2013
Yay! LPM is here again.
This Sunday, the July edition of the shopping extravaganza tagged Discover Accessories, will take place at the Imperial Place, Victoria Island, Lagos.
All attendees will shop for jewelry, leather goods, shoes and a whole lot more. There will also be discounts available on all items you buy.
Date: Sunday 28th July 2013
Time: 12 Noon – 7 PM
Venue: Imperial Place, Plot 274 Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island, Lagos
Contact: For more info and general inquiries, send an e-mail to info@lpmnigeria.com
Toseki Vintage – LPM Vendor Spotlight July 2013
Tolu of Toseki Vintage
Our brand evolution
It all started during our NYSC year while trying to pass time at camp lectures during passing out week. Three of us knew we wanted to get involved in the Nigerian fashion industry. We had a number of sketches which we had drawn up for our personal use and initially wanted to bring to life a number of our designs, thereby becoming “designers”. However, our key agenda was to be creative and bring something different to the Industry.
After brainstorming on our intentions to become a fashion brand it wasn’t until the next year we realised that there was a huge market out there for vintage fashion. We individually had our own personal style and
loved vintage clothing and accessories. Being able to turn ‘old’ to ‘new’ while expressing individuality in one’s fashion sense seemed to excite us collectively. Having all lived in the UK at some point in our lives and having our individual vintage collections, we felt the need to take our vintage-shopping hobby to a commercial level. We also observed that the notion of vintage fashion was gaining ground here in Nigeria also.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Nigerian Music Veteran Sound Sultan Slated to Drop Album Number 6 – “Me, My Mouth & Eye” | Check out the Album Artwork & Track List

Sound Sultan - July 2013 - BellaNaija (1)
Over twelve years on stage and Sound Sultan is ready to give us another great album, “Me, My Mouth & Eye”. After the success of its lead singles, “Gud Gal” and “Natural Something”, the anticipation for his sixth album, a follow-up to 2010′s “Back to The future (Mission 2010)”, is palpable. The collection of new songs is slated to feature such prominent acts as Wizkid, Duncan Mighty, Sean Tizzle, Flavour, Baba Dee, Reminisce and long-time collaborator, 2Face Idibia.

It will also feature his Naija Ninjas – YungreyC, Blackha and Karma.
Check out the album track list below!
Sound Sultan - July 2013 - BellaNaija (2)

Let’s go “Back to Basics” with Kenyan Designer Kipusa’s understated 2013 Collection

Kipusa Collection Zen Magazine July Issue - BellaNaija - July2013 (8) 
In the new edition of Zen magazine – an online fashion magazine that celebrates everything African – Kenyan design label Kipusa unveils its 2013 Collection tagged “Back to Basics.” The brand name which means ‘a beautiful young lady‘ in Swahili, has created a feminine collection filled with colourful fabrics and attention to detail.
According to the editor of Zen magazine, the collection has something for every woman. It is simple, chic and colourful.
Kipusa Collection Zen Magazine July Issue - BellaNaija - July2013 (1) Kipusa Collection Zen Magazine July Issue - BellaNaija - July2013 (3) Kipusa Collection Zen Magazine July Issue - BellaNaija - July2013 (11)

Dayo Adeneye acquires N25million Bentley Continental GT

Multiple award winning TV and radio broadcaster, and co-CEO of Primetime Entertainment, Dayo D1 Adeneye recently acquired a white Bentley Continental GT said to be worth about N25million. #balling. Congrats to him!

P-Square moving to Parkview Estate, Ikoyi

From SquareVille to God knows what this other mansion will be called.... We will eventually find outh when their massive twin duplex is completed in about a year or so. I hear the new home they are constructing in one of the most expensive areas in Lagos, will have a gym, swimming pool, a bar, and even a basketball court. Balling!!!

Davido acquires Mercedes Benz G55 AMG

Davido has acquired the 2012 Mercedes Benz G55 AMG said to be worth over N20million, though he's yet to take delivery of the luxury SUV. Davido already has an Audi Q7, a Chevrolet Camaro and a Hyundai Sonata in his car collection. Congrats to him...

William and Kate name son George Alexander Louis

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate have revealed their new born son's name.
Kensington Palace said in a short statement this evening:
'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to announce that they have named their son George Alexander Louis. The baby will be known as His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

#ChildNotBride: I Have Never Given Out My Daughters In Marriage Before University Graduation- Atiku

"As a father, I've never given out my daughters in marriage before university graduation. It's a personal decision. I had earlier stated my personal choices on the child marriage issue; I have always supported our women and children.

For the avoidance of doubt, I do not support any constitutional provision which creates ambiguities about the age of consent for marriage. It's therefore very inspiring to see young Nigerians active and organized on ChildNotBride . I'm proud to see an engaged generation at work."

Call it motives or anything, I believe he said the right thing.

Norwegian woman: I was raped in Dubai, now I face prison sentence

Norwegian interior designer Marte Deborah Dalelv has spoken out after being handed a 16-month prison sentence in Dubai -- after she went to police to report she had been raped by a colleague.
The 24-year-old was convicted and sentenced on charges of having unlawful sex, making a false statement and illegal consumption of alcohol.

Her story is dominating the headlines in Norway, and has raised serious questions over the way women who allege sexual assault are treated in the United Arab Emirates.

Dalelv, who had been working at an interior design firm in Qatar since September 2011, told CNN on Saturday how a work trip to Dubai in March with three colleagues turned into a nightmare.

She said she had been out at a bar with her colleagues and friends, and asked a male colleague to walk her to her room when they returned at 3 a.m. to the hotel. She'd asked him to escort her because the hotel was large and confusing, and she didn't want to be wandering on her own, knowing she'd been drinking, she said.

When they reached a room, she realized it wasn't hers -- but the man then pulled her inside despite her vocal objections, according to Dalelv.

"He dragged me by my purse in, so I thought, 'OK, I just need to calm the situation down. I will finish my bottle of water, I will sit here and then I will excuse myself and say I feel fine,'" she said.
That was pretty much the last thing she said she remembers before the alleged sexual assault. "I woke up with my clothes off, sleeping on my belly, and he was raping me. I tried to get off, I tried to get him off, but he pushed me back down."

After someone knocked -- the hotel wake-up call -- she managed to get dressed and make it downstairs to the hotel reception, Dalelv said. "I called the police. That is what you do. We are trained on that from when we are very young," she said.
Some 10 or 12 male police officers arrived, but no female police officers were present, she said. Statements were taken from both Dalelv and the alleged rapist.
She was then taken to Bur Dubai police station, she said.

After again giving her version of events to officers, Dalelv said, "They asked me, 'Are you sure you called the police because you just didn't like it?' I said, 'Well of course I didn't like it.' That is when I knew, I don't think they are going to believe me at all."

Dalelv says she was taken for an intimate medical exam and tested for alcohol consumption. Her belongings were taken and she was kept in jail for four days, she said, with no explanation as to why.

Dubai police and UAE government officials have not responded to repeated CNN requests for comment.
Dalelv said she managed to call her parents on the third day to tell them she had been raped and ask them to contact the Norwegian Embassy. A day later, a representative from the Norwegian consulate came to the police station and she was released -- but her passport was not returned.
A piece of paper with Arabic text was handed to her, she said. An Arabic speaker told her it listed two charges against her: one for sex outside of marriage and the other for public consumption of alcohol. Both are violations of the law in the United Arab Emirates.

It was the first time she was made aware that she faced charges, Dalelv said. She was allowed out on bail and has been staying since at the Norwegian Seaman's Center in Dubai.
Subsequently, she said her manager advised her to tell the police it was voluntary sexual intercourse and likely the whole issue would just go away. She followed the advice and in one of the many hearings at the public prosecutor's office, she made a statement saying it was voluntary.
Dalelv was then charged with making a false statement.
"That was my biggest regret because it wasn't voluntary. I just thought it would all go away," she told CNN.

But a representative of Al Mana Interiors, who Dalelv worked for, told CNN that she was not advised by her manager to say the sex was consensual but rather by a police officer, who told her that in Arabic and it was translated into English by her manager.

Dalelv said a month after the rape, while forced to stay in Dubai as the case wound through the legal system, she was fired.
The representative, who declined to be publicly identified, said Dalelv and the Sudanese man she accused -- who is married with three children -- have both been terminated by Al Mana Interiors for "drinking alcohol at a staff conference that resulted in trouble with the police."

A statement released late Saturday by Al Mana Interiors spokesman Hani El Korek said the company was sympathetic to Dalelv "during this very difficult situation." It also said that company representatives were by her side through the initial investigation, spending "days at both the police station and the prosecutor's office to help win her release."
"Only when Ms. Dalelv declined to have positive and constructive discussions about her employment status, and ceased communication with her employer, was the company forced to end our relationship with her," the statement said.
"The decision had nothing to do with the rape allegation, and unfortunately neither Ms. Dalelv nor her attorneys have chosen to contact the company to discuss her employment status."
Opinion: Gang rapes, the dark side of Egypt's protests
The company is owned by Qatari billionaire Wissam Al Mana, who made headlines earlier this year after it was revealed that he has secretly married singer Janet Jackson in 2012.
Dalelv was convicted Tuesday on all three charges and was sentenced to one year in jail for having unlawful sex, three months in jail for making a false statement and one month for illegal consumption of alcohol.

CNN could not immediately confirm what happened to the alleged perpetrator, who was charged with public intoxication and having sex outside of marriage.

Dalelv is scheduled to appear at the court on September 5 to begin the appeal proceedings. Dalelv, who is not allowed to leave the UAE pending the appeal, said her lawyers have instructed her to be prepared to go back into jail while they submit a request for bail while the appeal is ongoing.
As a rule, CNN does not identify victims of sexual assault, but Dalelv went public with her story.

A Facebook page has been set up calling for Dalelv's release, as well as a petition urging the Norwegian government to take action on her behalf.

Her conviction may risk wider diplomatic repercussions.
Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Espen Barth Eide called his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed al-Nahyan, on Friday night to protest Dalelv's sentencing, a statement from the Norwegian ministry said.

"I emphasized that we believe that the conviction is contrary to fundamental human rights, including conventions that the UAE have officially ratified," Eide is quoted as saying.
"Norway will continue to do what we can to support her in what is a very difficult situation. Our cooperation with the UAE is strong and good, but I conveyed to my colleague that we are worried that this difficult case may disturb our good relations if we do not reach a good solution in the near future."

Dalelv told CNN she received a call from Eide on Friday reiterating Norway's support.
While Dubai has a reputation as a cosmopolitan city that boasts Western influences, where visitors can drink at bars and restaurants and unmarried couples can share hotel rooms, the country adheres to Islamic laws and traditions.

The United Arab Emirates has been heavily criticized by rights groups, which say it condones sexual violence against women. Human Rights Watch has called its record "shameful," saying it must change the way it handles such cases.

In December 2012, a British woman reported being raped by three men in Dubai. She was found guilty of drinking alcohol without a license and fined.

In January 2010, a British woman told authorities she was raped by an employee at a Dubai hotel. She was charged with public intoxication and having sex outside of marriage.
An Australian woman reported in 2008 that she was drugged and gang-raped. She was convicted of having sex outside marriage and drinking alcohol, and she was sentenced to 11 months in prison.

Culled from CNN

Kate and William welcome son

The royal baby is finally here.

Kate Middleton gave birth to the future king of England at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington around 4.24pm yesterday Monday July 22nd with her husband, Prince William by her side.

Kate and her new born baby are doing well and remained in hospital overnight. Congrats to them!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

18year old Anna Banner crowned Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2013

18 year old Anna Ebiere Banner, representing Bayelsa State, beat 31 other contestants to emerge the 2013 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria queen. The pageant took place in Bayelsa state yesterday evening. Congrats to her!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

US athlete Tyson Gay tests positive for banned substances

US sprinter and the world's second fastest man, Tyson Gay, has tested positive for banned substances and has pulled out of next month's World Championships in Moscow.

Gay, 30, said he was notified by the US Anti-Doping Agency on Friday that his 'A' sample from an out-of-competition test in May had returned a positive.

Gay didn't reveal the substance in a phone conversation from Amsterdam on Sunday but said:
"I don't have a sabotage story. I don't have any lies. I don't have anything to say to make this seem like it was a mistake or it was on USADA's hands, someone playing games. I don't have any of those stories. I basically put my trust in someone and I was let down."
Tyson is now awaiting the result of of his 'B' sample.

Singer Praiz wins his first music award

Exceptional vocalist, Praiz sunday evening won his first ever music award at the City People Awards for Best Rhythm and Blues Singer of the Year. Finally!

With exceptional performances at various, I'm surprised to learn that this is his first but I am confident that many more awards will be coming his way.

Anyway, congrats to him!

Presidency wants Amaechi's probe

The Presidency has advised security agencies to ensure that Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi was investigated and prosecuted after his tenure in office for his alleged involvement in Tuesday's mayhem in the state House of Assembly.
The advice was given just as the Action Congress of Nigeria urged the Police Service Commission to address  the causes of the fracas in the House  rather than the symptoms in  its  investigation  of  the role of the police in the  crisis.
The comments by the Presidency and the ACN  followed a July 9  petition  by Amaechi  to Jonathan on the free for all  that led to infliction of injuries on some lawmakers following an attempt to impeach the Speaker of the House, Mr. Daniel Amachree by a group led by Mr. Evans Bipi.
Amaechi had in the petition  which was also addressed to the PSC  Chairman,  Mike Okiro,  requested the immediate transfer of the Commissioner in charge of the state Police Command,  Joseph Mbu.

He also sent copies of the petition in which he detailed Mbu's alleged atrocities   to  Senate President  David Mark and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.
But the Presidency through the  Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak, wondered why the governor's   priority  should be on the redeployment of the police  commissioner  at a time when efforts were ongoing to fly an injured  lawmaker, Michael Chinda, abroad for treatment.
Gulak,  in an interview with one of our correspondents in Abuja on Saturday, however  gave an  assurance that the President would   look at the merits and demerits of Amaechi's  petition before taking a decision.
Insisting   that the governor should be held responsible for the fracas,   the Presidential aide reminded  Amaechi  that the immunity from prosecution which he currently enjoys as a governor would end on expiration of his tenure.
He therefore asked security agencies to investigate the  fracas thoroughly and keep the file.
Gulak said, , "It is true that as a sitting governor, he enjoys immunity but immunity cannot be forever.
"Security agencies should investigate the matter (fracas) thoroughly and keep the file because I still find it amazing and tragic for the governor to go into the House of Assembly to play  active role in the fracas. It amazes me.
"But one thing is sure,  the President will read through his (Amaechi's) petition. He will study it and look at its merits and demerits. It is after that that the President will direct relevant authorities appropriately on the matter.
"The governor had a game plan from the beginning. He wants the commissioner of police redeployed. He is not talking about a member of the House of Assembly who is the Majority Leader and his (Amaechi) security details beat to a coma.
"The lawmaker has been in a coma since that incident on Tuesday and will be flown abroad for treatment. The governor is not talking about that one, his major preoccupation is the redeployment of the police commissioner."
But  the Rivers State Government and  the ACN, said Amaechi's quick intervention  prevented the free-for-all in the House of Assembly from escalating.
The Chief of Staff, Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt, Mr. Tony Okocha,    argued  that   Gulak should have called for an inquiry into how thugs gained entrance into the House.
"It is most unreasonable to contemplate. Rather conversely, Amaechi ought to be commended for his brave intervention and rescue mission even at the risk of his life. Gulak should be suggesting an inquiry into how armed thugs got into the Assembly and at whose behest," he said in an SMS message to The  PUNCH.
"He (Gulak) should be able to absolve the Presidency from complicity knowing the relationship between   Bipi  and the Presidency. Nigerians are better aware than he thinks," Okocha added.
The Police  headquarters  has however summoned the orderly to Amaechi, who was captured in a video engaging in a brawl with a lawmaker during the fracas in the  House.
"It is true that the police orderly who played a prominent role in the fracas has been summoned by the IG. He was captured in the video engaging in a fight with a lawmaker contrary to Force discipline and code of conduct for officers," a source  close to Louis Edet headquarters of the force  said on Sunday.
 Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, had  set up a  panel headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Operations, Philemon Leha,  to probe the  impasse.
When contacted on Sunday, the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said  investigation into the crisis was  ongoing and that the force  would not hesitate to invite anyone involved in the incident.
"You are aware that the investigation panel set up by the IG has begun its work; so anyone found to have participated in the fracas can be invited . Everyone that   played a role in the incident will be summoned," he said.
The ACN,   in a statement   on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed,  said a  statement credited to PSC Chairman,  Mike Okiro, suggested that the commission was only interested in the role of the police in the fracas.
It stated that  the commission was not interested in how the police hierarchy in the state wantonly allowed the flare-up because it was acting to protect certain interests at the expense of the public.
The statement reads in part,  "Governor Amaechi  has documented, in a much-publicised letter to Mr. Okiro, how the Police Commissioner in Rivers, Mr. Mbu has thrown professionalism to the winds in pursuing his narrow agenda at the expense of the security of the state.
"It is on record that this 'political policeman' has worsened the security situation in the state since he assumed office in February 2013 by undermining the authority of the Governor as the Chief Security Officer of his state; undermining the security structure put in place by the State Security Council and compromising the council to such an extent that members no longer speak their minds freely during meetings.
"These are the issues we expect a non-partisan PSC to address with a view to sanctioning whoever it is that paved the way for the disgraceful show that was put up under the klieg light last week. While the PSC will be right to sanction even the policemen shown to have acted badly that day, the sanctions must extend to their bosses who allowed that to happen."
ACN also insisted that Jonathan, his aides and the Peoples Democratic Party   could not distance themselves themselves from  the Rivers crisis.
It said, "Anyone with a conscience knows that the root of the problem in Rivers lies in the President's bedroom, and no amount of fanciful statements or name calling targeted at those who are conscientious enough to call a spade a spade will change that.
"This is why we are insisting that the President must be impeached by the National Assembly for his failure to respect the rule of law and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which he has taken an oath to uphold."

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Miss Ebonyi Ujunwa Onwudilo & Miss Gombe Ifunanya Nledo are Out of the MBGN 2013 Competition

It's officially just 32 aspiring beauty queens vying for the MBGN 2013 crown. We have exclusively been informed that two of the 34 contestants for the 26th edition of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria competition, have left the camp in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

Miss Ebonyi 22 year old Ujunwa Amanda Onwudilo has decided not to go further in the competition, citing personal reasons, while Miss Gombe 23 year old Ifunanya Nledo was asked to leave for failing to meet with the stipulated requirements by the organizers – Silverbird Productions.

The MBGN 2013 grand finale is billed to take place on Saturday 20th July 2013 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa. You can catch all the live action on Silverbird Television by 7 PM.

Nigerian Groom Jailed For Arranging Marriage In Order To Stay Back In The UK

Nigerian Jayeola Abiola, 27, and his Portuguese "bride" Vania Fernandes, 29, have been jailed for their part in a sham wedding ceremony.

It turns out that Abiola's student visa was about to expire, so he and Vania decided to get married in an attempt to stay in the UK.
Unfortunately they were arrested just before the wedding was due to start last November.

Immigration staff were alerted by a registrar who became suspicious that Abiola and Fernandes,  appeared to know very little about each other during a pre-marriage interview.
Vania had even bought her wedding dress, tiara, wedding veil, and flowers dress two hours before the  ceremony.

So Border Agency secretly filmed a wedding video of the cars, groom, bride and best man arriving outside the grand 19th century council town hall before arresting them at the door.

Abiola received 12 months and Fernandes eight months.

Award winning OAP, Matse gets married

32 year old multi-award winning radio and TV presenter, motivational speaker, and former On-Air Personality with Wazobia FM, (now with Nigeria Info) Matse Uwatse is officially.

She got married yesterday and had a sparkling ring to go with it, big hearty congratulations to her.

Wole Soyinka, an embarrassment - Patience Jonathan

Culled from Punch:

Wife of the President, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, on Friday took on the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, for attributing the crisis in the Rivers House of Assembly to her.

In a statement by her spokesman (why she no give the statement by herself nah), Ayo Osinlu, the President's wife said Soyinka betrayed the moral duty that expected him, as a respected member of the society, to carefully consider all shades of issues that informed his opinions on any matter.

Mrs. Jonathan said Soyinka had become an embarrassment to his admirers with his diatribe against her.
The statement read in part, "Unfortunately, Soyinka betrayed moral duty in his recent diatribe against Mrs. Patience Jonathan.
"Of course, this would not be the first time he would reach out against the First Lady, usually from self-righteously indignant lecterns.

"In this particular instance, his verdict was that Mrs. Jonathan was 'stoking the crisis currently rocking her home state of Rivers…', and thereupon asked Mr. President to caution his wife.
"The good, old Prof. reminds one of the truth that indeed, most of the giants on the street are men of like passions like everyone else. Worse still, most of them are actually standing on clay feet and would fail the test of a gentle push.

"Otherwise, who would have believed that the social, civil, constitutional and sundry rights crusader Prof. would maintain a safe distance from the heart of an activity that is a potential threat to the peace, security and safety of the people of a state, then collect exaggerated stories and jaundiced perspectives from familiar propagandists and character assassins, and promptly summon the media to a "state of the nation" address.

"It's an embarrassment to his throng of admirers and followers, that a sage of Prof. Soyinka's status, who used to be a gauge of public morality in this nation, would lend himself to a propaganda of high drive, to save a governor who elected to launch into a river without applicable survival skills."
Mrs. Jonathan argued that the calculation was to attack the President and pull to pieces anyone associated with him, as a strategy for attracting public sympathy to the "clear underdog."
She said Soyinka was only contributing to the project when he claimed that she was Governor Rotimi Amaechi's problem.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Kathy Onwu Is Miss Africa USA 2013

Miss Kathy Onwu who hails from Enugu State was crowned MISS AFRICA USA few days ago at the Fillmore Theatre in Silver Spring, Maryland. Kathy is currently resident in Nashville, TN, USA.

She is a Registered Nurse and Full Time Masters Student pursuing a career as Family Nurse Practitioner.
She ran on the Platform of raising awareness and fighting against bosom Cancer in Africa and the United States, she also plans to promote education among children in Africa. She is a proud Nigerian American... All I'm saying is... *looks at teeth, sighs*