Thought To Pender

Christians Must Share Their Wealth With Others– Pope

2014-02-19T05:28:00.002-08:00

Being rich is not a sin, but Christians must share their wealth with others, Pope Francis, said on Wednesday, renewing the Catholic Church’s criticism of greed.

“Money is by itself a good instrument, like almost all things at human disposal: it is a tool that broadens our capacities,’’ the pontiff wrote in a short essay published by Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper.

However, “when economic power is a tool that produces fortunes that people keep to themselves, hiding them from others, it leads to injustice, it loses its original positive value,’’ Francis wrote.

His remarks were written as an introduction to “Poor for the Poor. The Mission of the Church,’’ a new book by German Archbishop Gerhard Ludwig Mueller, who heads the Congregation for the Doctrine of the

Faith, the Vatican office which enforces Catholic teachings.

Mueller is one of 19 cardinal-elects that the pope is due to elevate on Saturday.

The title of his book echoes Francis’ famous words days after his election in March.

He said he wanted “a poor Church, for the poor.’’

The Argentine-born pontiff has strong views on social justice, which have riled some ultra-conservatives.

Sack Me If You Can-Tukur

2014-01-14T00:15:00.002-08:00

Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has challenged President Goodluck Jonathan to remove him

from office if he can.

Tukur's outburst followed the refusal of members of the party's National Working Committee to attend a meeting he called at the party's secretariat in Abuja last Wednesday.

The Adamawa State born politician, who is growing isolated at the top levels of the party where he is being held responsible for its dwindling influence and the defection of members, was infuriated by the attitude of his fellow national officers. He told reporters that he can only be removed from office through a properly conducted National Convention and that unless and until that takes place, nobody, including President Jonathan can remove him.

The National Chairman also dismissed the allegation that he has been asked to resign by the President , and accused the opposition of planting the story to create disharmony in the party.

"I am an elected National Chairman, I have my certificate of return, I cannot resign,” he bragged. “The convention brought me, so it has to take the convention that brought me for me to resign. So, not even the President can ask me to resign. Remember, some members of the NWC were asked to go recently because the election that brought them was flawed, so Mr. President cannot tread that route again.

It Was Like Going to Work Every Day in Hell With Satan; Mariah Carey "Hated" American Idol

2013-11-14T03:53:00.001-08:00

Honestly, I hated it," she confessed. "Here's what it was. I was the first person who signed on...I thought it was going to be a three-person panel. They gave me a nice...monetary moment, and I was just like, 'Okay, Randy Jackson will be there; I've known him forever. He used to play bass for me. Like, this isn't a big deal. This will be nothing.'"

"But it wasn't that," she continued. "It was like going to work every day in hell with Satan."

There was one bright spot in Carey's Idol experience, though. "You know what I loved? I loved the contestants," she told Martinez. "And some of them that were so good -- and also really good people, you could tell , it was disappointing when [the judges] would, for political reasons, not put people through."

The mom of two added that she's happy to be back where she belongs -- in the studio. Neither she nor Minaj will return to American Idol for season 15.

Mass Grave Discovered Near Mexico City

2013-08-23T03:03:00.001-07:00

Authorities searched a mass grave near Mexico City as anxious relatives braced to learn whether the remains were those of 12 young people kidnapped in May.

Mexico City's top prosecutor, Rodolfo Rios, said the decomposed bodies of seven people have been recovered since the search began in a park on Wednesday. Workers were still digging the muddied pit.

Rios said it would take at least two days to get DNA test results to identify the victims, adding more suspense to a case that has shocked the capital.

Those kidnapped, aged 16 to 34, were taken from a downtown bar in broad daylight on a Sunday morning three months ago in a case that raised concerns about security in Mexico City, challenging the perception that it is relatively immune from the country's drug cartel violence.

The mass grave was discovered at the Rancho La Mesa ecological park in the municipality of Tlalmanalco, a mountainous area of pine trees, corn fields and humble rural homes 30 kilometers (19 miles) southeast of the capital.

A federal police officer at the scene told AFP that authorities had searched a ranch for weapons on Wednesday and found firearms in a parked trailer when they happened to find a stretch of land covered in cement.

We began to dig and found the bodies," he said.

One kilometer from the grave, police blocked access on a dirt road surrounded by corn fields. Some relatives of victims were there with an attorney and one woman was seen sobbing but refused to speak.

In the capital, other anxious relatives stormed Rios's press conference to demand answers. They also met privately with him.

"The excavation continues to check if there are more bodies," Rios told reporters.

The aunt of 16-year-old abductee Jerzy Ortiz, Eugenia Ponce Ramos, later said in an interview that the families were "distressed due to the uncertainty."

An official from the federal attorney general's office said the remains were mere bones, making it difficult for now to determine the cause of death or even whether they were male or female.

A lawyer representing some victims' relatives, Ricardo Martinez, said a police officer who was at the site told him that 13 bodies were found after the two detainees took authorities to the grave.

"According to the people who spoke with me and others I spoke with, I wouldn't doubt that it is them," Martinez told Milenio television in reference to the kidnap victims.

Rios said two people who live near the site were detained, but Attorney General Jesus Murillo Karam denied that anybody was held, adding that the discovery was made during a guns search.

Prosecutors have linked the mass kidnapping to a dispute between two small gangs known as La Union and Tepis, which sell drugs in the city's rough Tepito neighborhood.

But Mexico City Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera has insisted that the bigger cartels do not operate in the capital and initially classified the disappearances as a missing persons case. Mass kidnappings and murders are more common near the US border and western states.

Former Mexico City police chief Manuel Mondragon y Kalb, who now heads the federal police, said last month that the country's main gangs have "crystallized" in some areas of the capital.

Most of those abducted hail from Tepito and two of them, including Jerzy Ortiz, are sons of jailed criminals. But their families insist that the youngsters are not involved in criminal activities.

The group was whisked away by 17 men who walked into the Heaven bar on May 26 and put them in several cars, just blocks away from a police building, the US embassy and the city's iconic Angel of Independence monument, officials said.

Two bar owners have been arrested, while the charred remains of a third associate was found in the central state of Morelos last month.(AFP)

Celine Dion Is Putting Her Jupiter Island, Compound On The Market For $72.5 Million.

2013-08-23T02:54:00.002-07:00

The 5.7-acre property has a Bahamian-style home that is nearly 10,000 square feet with five bedrooms and five en suite bathrooms, a formal living room with vaulted ceilings, a screened-in porch, a media room, an elevator and guest wing. The master suite has a walk-in closet with an automated rack for clothing and an automated carousel for shoes. It also has a wraparound terrace and two decks, one with an fireplace and another with a hot tub.

The property includes an eight-bedroom guesthouse, a tennis house with a simulated golf range, a pool house and a beach house with a sleeping loft and massage room. There are three pools, one at the rear of the property by the Atlantic Ocean, and two connecting pools at the front that have their own water park, with two slides, a bridge over a lazy river and watergun "stations." The property has more than 400 linear feet on the ocean and has a four-car tandem garage and an additional three-car garage.

Ms. Dion and her manager husband, René Angélil, bought part of the land under her Canadian firm, Renlec Management, in 2005 for $12.5 million and then bought the adjacent property in 2008 for $7 million also under Renlec, according to public records. The couple razed the home on the first property to build their current spread, which was completed in 2010, according to listing broker Joseph Montanaro, of Sotheby's International Realty Quebec.

Mr. Montanaro says Ms. Dion is selling the property because she's going to be spending more time in Las Vegas, where her Caesars Palace show contract has been extended until 2019. Ms. Dion didn't respond to requests for comment.

Mr. Montanaro shares the listing with Cristina Condon of Sotheby's International Realty in Palm Beach.

Timbaland Puts Miami Condo On the Market For $5.5 Million

Music producer Timbaland has put his 4,000-square-foot Miami Beach condominium on the market for $5.5 million.

Celine Dion is putting her Jupiter Island, Fla., compound on the market for $72.5 million. Alyssa Abkowitz has a peek into this week's Private Properties. Photo: Alexandre Parent .

The condo has three bedrooms and five bathrooms and is located in the Murano Grande, a luxury complex consisting of three interconnected towers that form one structure, which was built in 2003. The monthly maintenance costs are $2,914.

The unit has Portuguese bush-hammered limestone columns and French limestone floors. It also has floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city.

Timbaland, who has produced music for Justin Timberlake, Madonn Jay Z, and Nelly Furtado and whose real name is Timothy Zachery Mosley, bought the condo in 2006 for $2.7 million. He recently completed $2 million worth of renovations on it with Shlomy Alexander, the developer of 3 Indian Creek, a single family home in Miami that broke records when it sold for $47 million last year.

Although Timbaland renovated the unit, he never actually lived in it, says his broker, Oren Alexander of Douglas Elliman. The producer is now selling because he "realized the demand for this size apartment fully renovated, and he would like to seize the opportunity" to sell, says Mr. Alexander. Timbaland declined to comment.

Mr. Alexander is the sole listing agent on the property.

Ronaldo Dismisses Mourinho Jibe Ahead Of Friendly

2013-08-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo spiced up the forthcoming friendly between Real Madrid and Chelsea when he took a swipe at his former boss Jose Mourinho, who moved from the Bernabeu to Stamford Bridge in June.

The Portuguese former World Player of the Year was responding to comments Mourinho made in an interview over the weekend, taken as a slight towards the forward in the Spanish media.

Mourinho said that aged 30, he had trained 'the true Ronaldo, not the other one, Ronaldo the Brazilian' in his time as assistant at Barcelona.

"Some things in life are not worth commenting on and this is one more for obvious reasons," Ronaldo told a news conference in Los Angeles, where Real are on a pre-season promotional tour.

"I prefer to remember the good things from coaches. I don't spit on the plate from which I eat and I don't speak about people who say bad things about me.

"We are going to face Chelsea, not their coach. It is another warm-up game and we hope to win it so we can start La Liga in the best manner possible."

Real have won all their pre-season warm up games to date under new coach Carlo Ancelotti and take on Chelsea on Wednesday, with Ronaldo having played in a newer more advanced striker role on the pitch.

"The coach has different strategies and different positions for everyone," the 28-year-old said.

"It is good for me to try and play in different positions and I am comfortable with it. We'll see where I end up playing during the season."

Two of the hottest topics surrounding Real in the run up to the start of the new campaign are the club's multi-million euro interest in signing Tottenham Hotspur's Gareth Bale and talks over a contract extension for Ronaldo.

"It's not my place to talk about new players," Ronaldo said when asked about Bale, who according to media reports could eclipse Ronaldo's world record transfer fee of $125 million if the move went ahead.

"It's not my place either to talk about the numbers that are being mentioned for his transfer. I have my opinion but I am not going to say in front of the cameras."

Real president Florentino Perez has said he wants Ronaldo to retire at the Bernabeu, but there appears to be little progress towards extending his current deal which runs until 2015.

"I am happy here and all I want to do is train and prepare well," Ronaldo said. "The contract renewal hasn't been resolved yet, but I shouldn't talk about it because it isn't the right moment."

Secret Infidelity: Stella Damasus Husband Drags Her To Court

2013-07-31T05:56:00.001-07:00

seems the troubles in the lives of beautiful Nollywood actress, Stella Damasus, with regards to marriage are still very much with her.

Information according to OluFamous.Com is that Stella Damasus is not yet divorced from her second husband, Mr Emeka Nzeribe before she secretly married Doris Simeon’s husband, Daniel Ademiroka.

As a result, Emeka Nzeribe is said to have commenced a process of suing Stella for going ahead to marry and live with another man (Doris Simeon’s husband) while they are still married, legally.

If Emeka Nzeribe make good his threat to sue Stella, this will sure compound the problems of the actress who was highly criticized on the social media recently by her fans who said she lack the moral right to insult Senators over under-age marriage, since she is not also laying a good foundation for other ladies.

OLUFAMOUS

All-new E-Class Redifines Luxury The Mercedes Way

2013-07-29T22:31:00.002-07:00

Unarguably, one of the most powerful cars in its segment, the Mercedes Benz E-Class has never ceased to impress auto freaks with its array of innovations. From the exterior to the interior, the new E-Class has got unique features that sets new standard in its class.

No wonder it has remained Mercedes Benz best selling car in Nigeria while at the same time dominating its segment in terms of market-share and luxury features. Available in saloon and estate as well as AMG versions, Mercedes Benz offers many engine variants in the new E-Class ranging from four cylinder to V8 engines which are available in both petrol and diesel engines.

Designed to trip you, the Mercedes Benz E-Class saloon comes in Elegance and Avantgarde. Whilst the Elegance lines leaves a fine lasting impression both on the inside and from the outside with a host of high-quality trim and equipment elements, the Avantgarde line highlights the vehicles sporty dynamic character.

Mercedes Benz E-Class newly developed four cylinder petrol engines with direct injection, variable valve control and turbocharging boasts better output and torque figures than its predecessor as well as low fuel consumption and emission figures. They include the E-200 which generate 135 kw (184hp) and a maximum torque of 300Nm, while the E250 delivers 155 Kw (211 hp) and a maximum torque of 350Nm. The more powerful six cylinder engine version of the E-Class comes with optional all-wheel drive

system 4 matic which is not usually available in competing models from other makers.

The top of the range E-Class engine with V8 Blue Direct family will amaze you with its power.

The E500 4matic with twin turbochargers and inter-cooler churn out 300kw of power (408hp) a peak torque of 600Nm available from just 1600rpm and outstanding acceleration while the AMG version of this engine with 4matic (E63 AMG) delivers 410kw (557hp) and a minimum torque of 720Nm.

All the engines are mated to 7G-Tronic plus 7-speed automatic transmission as standard as well as ECO start/stop which automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is at stand still, resulting in low fuel consumption.

Standard equipment in the new E-Class are numerous to mention, while exclusive package is available for those who want something special.

The standard equipment starts with the newly styled front section. The interior also impresses with its 3-tube instrument cluster, new centre console with an analogue and control displaying featuring a contemporary flat screen look.

Technologies such as direct – steer system, the Attention Assist, the collision prevention Assist plus the pre-safe anticipatory occupant protection system make the vehicle as sophisticated as it is safe.

Anambra 2013: APGA Crisis Turns Dirty

2013-07-29T15:29:00.003-07:00

The crisis rocking All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Anambra State has taken a new dimension with Governor Peter Obi and embattled National Chairman of the party, Sir Victor Umeh at each other’s throat on who succeeds Obi as Governor of the State in 2014.

Governor Obi who is desperate to install his protégé as his successor has promised to compensate Victor Umeh if given the chance to solely nominate the governorship aspirant for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state. Sir Umeh has demanded the sum of Six billion naira as compensation for expenses and damages incurred during the libel suit against the party with Governor Obi offering to pay three billion naira.

A member of Obi’s kitchen cabinet who confided with newsmen said he was highly disappointed by the two chieftains for such selfishness. He noted that a time the state is facing financial challenges, his boss; Governor Obi is negotiating to pay a whopping sum of three billion naira to an individual who has not rendered any service to the state.

Party stalwarts and followers are sad at this development noting that the party is bigger and superior to the two individuals.

Petroleum Minister Lied: Companies Indicted for Fuel Subsidy Fraud Receive Juicy Import Contracts

2013-07-29T14:51:00.001-07:00

Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister Diezani Allison-Madueke recently spiritedly denied that she offered fuel importation contracts to companies indicted for fraudulent fuel subsidy claims. However, an investigation by Saharareporters has revealed that Ms. Allison-Madueke lied to Nigerians. As part of that investigation, we obtained the list of companies to which the minister, Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPRA) and the Petroleum Ministry have granted juicy petroleum import contracts in the third quarter.

The roster of fuel importers reveals that several rogue businesses that had defrauded Nigerians by making hugely inflated subsidy claims benefited from current import contracts. “I can tell you that the minister personally authorized each and every beneficiary,” a source in the Petroleum Ministry told our correspondent. He added: “Madam [Ms. Diezani Allison-Madueke] has tight control of every contract given out within the ministry, the NNPC, and other agencies in the oil industry.”

Included in the third quarter allocations awarded by the ministry is also a company owned and run by a relative of Reginald Stanley, the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPRA).

One of the beneficiary companies, NEPAL Oil, was referred to the Special Fraud Unit of the Nigerian Police for investigations relating to extensive fraud.

The company was accused as one of the participants in a massive fuel subsidy scam that cost Nigerians $6.5 billion. The fuel subsidy scam came to light early in 2012 shortly after Nigerians rose in massive protests against the decision by President Goodluck Jonathan to remove fuel subsidies in January 2012. NEPAL Oil was later charged along with Anonsyke Group by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In 2012, the EFCC charged both companies with forgery and obtaining money under false pretense. Even though the trial is ongoing, Ms. Allison-Madueke personally approved the allocation of an import volume of 30,000 metric tons to NEPAL Oil in the second and third quarters. Mr. Stanley of PPPRA attended the official launching of a small tank farm established in Oghara last May.

Another indicted company, IMAD Oil, which was referred to the police for investigations, received fuel import allocations at Ms. Allison-Madueke’s instance.

Two other companies, Matrix Energy and Masters Limited, were originally investigated, but the police later issued letters clearing both companies of involvement in fuel subsidy scams.

SaharaReporters discovered that a company, Rahamaniyya Oil and Gas Company, received ministerial allocation to import fuel despite the fact that the EFCC is still investigating the company for subsidy scam. Owner of Rahamaniyya, Abdulrahaman Musa–Bashir, a Sokoto-born oil dealer, was one known as the future bridegroom of Aisha Yar’Adua, a daughter of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. However, he abandoned the would-be bride as soon as her father died. Last year, the oil businessman caused a stir within the Yar’Adua family when he wrote a letter to Mr. Yar’Adua’s widow, Turai Yar’Adua, demanding that she refund $3 million he reportedly gave her in preparation for the aborted wedding.

Also on the list of fuel import beneficiaries is Blacklight Limited, an oil company owned by Lucky Igbinedion, a former governor of Edo State. Mr. Igbinedion is a convicted felon, found guilty of fraud during his tenure as governor. In 2008, the EFCC struck a controversial plea deal with the ex-governor, clearing the way for a judge of the Federal High Court in Enugu to give Mr. Igbinedion a paltry fine of N3 million that was widely condemned as a slap on the wrist.

“So why is the government rewarding a man like Lucky Igbinedion whose track record is one of corruption, fraud and scam?” asked a labor leader based in Abuja. He added: “This administration promised to address the irregularities in fuel importation. That has not been done. They promised to pursue the building of new refineries and to revamp existing ones. That, too, has not been done.”

Two sources in the Petroleum Ministry told SaharaReporters that the award of allocations to companies indicted for fraud was not the only problem. “If you look at the recent allocations, you will notice something skewed in the manner certain marketers are favored with huge allocations which runs at variance with their ability to store the imported products,” said one of them. He stated, “That’s a major reason why so many of them were able to scam the Nigerian government of billions of dollars over three years.”

For instance, Conoil, owned by Mike Adenuga, reportedly owns huge storage tanks in Lagos and Port Harcourt. In the latest round of allocations, Conoil was awarded 60,000 metric tons. By contrast, companies like A-Z, run by Chika Okafor, Shorelink, which is run by Obiamarije Stanley, a cousin to the PPPRA’s Reginald Stanley, and Nkechi Peter Obi’s Techo Oil, got huger allocations of 80, 000, 75,000 and 60,000 metric tons respectively. A-Z does not have any known storage tank farms.

Another source at the Petroleum Ministry pointed to the fact that the beneficiaries topping the list of ministerial allocations are the same players who were offered massive bribes to several legislative committees and security agencies to shield them from indictment. These big-time players include Mr. Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Sayyu Dantata of MRS Oil and Gas, and Mr. Rahamaniyya.

A different aspect of the scam is that all the big players named above, and a few others, were in 2009 named by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as huge debtors to commercial banks. SaharaReporters found out that none of the businessmen ever paid the hundreds of billions of naira they borrowed from banks. Instead, the Federal Government and CBN struck a shady deal with the debtors under which a bogus agency called Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), run by Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, took over some assets owned by the debtors in lieu of payment.

But AMCON’s management of the debts was so bad that the International Monetary Fund earlier this year called for the scrapping of AMCON. “The AMCON deals were simply meant to free the billionaire debtors from their debt obligations,” a Lagos-based financial analyst told SaharaReporters. He explained: “Under the deal, each of the debtors handed one or two assets of their assets to AMCON. The shady part of it, then, was that AMCON officials overvalued each asset, making it possible for possible for the debtors to wriggle free of their debt obligations, leaving the creditor-banks out in the cold.”

The analyst disclosed that most of the debtors had originally obtained the bank loans ostensibly to finance fuel imports. “This is one of the worst scams in Nigerian history,” he said. “The fuel was often not imported, but these businessmen claimed fuel subsidies – and they failed to pay back the loans they took.”

S/N COMPANYVOLUME (KT)

1 Acorn 15,000

2 Aiteo 120,000

3 Ascon 45,000

4 Avidor 15,000

5 A – Z 60,000

6 BlackLight Ltd 30,000

7 Bovas 45,000

8 Capital

9 Conoil 60,000

10 Cybernetics 15,000

11 Dee-Jones 45,000

12 Dozzy 30,000

13 Fatgbems *

14 First Deepwater *

15 Fresh Synergy 15,000

16 Folawiyo 90,000

17 Forte 75,000

18 Gulf Treasures 30,000

19 Heyden *

20 Honeywell 0

21 Hudson 15,000

22 Hyde Energy 30,000

23 Ibafon 15,00

24 Imad Oil and Gas 30,000

25 Index

26 Integrated 60,000

27 Linc Nigeria Ltd

28 Mainland 15,000

29 Masters 80,000

30 Matrix 30,000

31 Mettle Energy 15,000

32 MRS Plc. 60,000

33 MRS Oil & Gas 60,000

34 Mobil 60,000

35 Nepal 30,000

36 Nipco 120,000

37 NNPC 1,350,000

38 NorthWest 75,000

39 Oando 135,000

40 Obat 30,000

41 Optima 15,000

42 Rahamaniyyah 45,000

43 Rainoil 80,000

44 Sahara 60,000

45 ShoreLink 80,000

46 Swift 45,000

47 Techno Oil 70,000

48 TempoGate 20,000

49 Total Nig. 90,000

50 TSL Logistics 30,000

3,405,000

SAHARA REPORTERS

APGA CRISIS: Obi, Umeh Meet, Strike Deal Against All Odds

2013-07-29T14:41:00.001-07:00

The saying that there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics was once more proved true this afternoon when Chief Victor Umeh was warmly welcomed to the Anambra State Governor’s Lodge in Awka by Governor Peter Obi.

Both men have been at loggerheads for several months over Obi’s insistence that Umeh’s tenure as National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) had expired. Obi in April spearheaded an APGA National Convention in Awka at which Chief Maxi Okwu emerged as the new National Chairman. The Appeal Court, Enugu, has ruled both in recognition of the convention that produced Okwu and of Umeh, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) choosing to recognise Umeh.

Observers were momentarily taken aback this afternoon when Umeh and the State Chairman of his faction, Chief Mike Kwento showed up at the Governor’s Lodge and walked into the war embrace of Governor Obi.

“They were well received and went into a discussion with the Governor,” said a reliable source told News Express.

The meeting, according to sources, signals the imminent end of the APGA crisis to enable the party put its house in order ahead of the state governorship election scheduled for November. It is also a culmination of behind-the-scenes reconciliatory efforts led by Chief Ralph Uwazuruike,

leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). A formal end to the dispute is expected to be announced in the days ahead.

Ndi-Igbo In Germany Impel South East Governors To Immortalize Ojukwu , Fr. Huessler

2013-07-29T14:13:00.003-07:00

The National and umbrella Organisation of all Igbo Asociations and the Igbo living in Germany known as Ndi-Igbo Germany (NIG) after its Meeting last week condemned in strong terms the activities of a small group of Individuals and a faction of Igbozurume Germany. They describe the faction as very few self-centred Individuals and impostors going with the titles of “Ambassadors, Eze and/or Knighthood” from a particular zone in an Igbo state whose goals are purely based on personal gains (at the detriment of other Ndi-Igbo).

Chief Joe Achuzia was rapped for flirting with the Group and for causing disunity among Ndi-Igbo in Germany with the purported crowning of one of the impostors as “Eze Igbo Germany” a title never known nor recognised by NIG.

NIG warns every Igbo man in Germany never to parade himself as “Eze” or “Ambassador” nor use such title, an act of impersonation that could land the person in prison in Germany. And that the general public shall avoid any official dealings with such persons and group.

The NIG maintains that the Clique / faction of Igbozurume in question were dropping and using the name of SouthEast Governors to make money in the name of organising Conference while their main aim is public presentation of themselves and personal aggrandisement.

Ndi-Igbo Germany (NIG) is a socio-cultural Organisation and the Umbrella of all Igbo Associations in Germany. NIG has the following objectives:

To foster Unity amongst Umuigbo and Nigerians in Germany

To promote Igbo - Nigeria’s Arts, Culture and Tradition

To promote socio-cultural interests of the Igbo nation and Nigeria

To encourage and promote goodwill and better understanding between Ndi-Igbo, Nigerians, Germans and the International Community

To project the image of the Igbo Nation and Nigeria to the outside world in objective manner

Details of NIG activities and events in Germany can be found under www.ndiigbogermany.de

At their last week Meeting, Ndi-Igbo Germany called on Igbo Governors to immortalize Fr. Georg Huessler, the bridge-builder, the Igbo Benefactor and the German who saved Millions of Nigerian Lives. Fr. Huessler died in April this Year at the age of 91 years. Monsignor Dr. Huessler was the former Caritas International President who saved the Lives of millions of starving and dying Biafran Children, Women and Men during the unfortunate war of 1967 – 1970 by supplying Food, Medicine and Clothes. According to Joe Mmeh, the Co-ordinator of Ndi-Igbo Germany “Fr. Huessler was an Igbo/ Nigerian Friend who showed courage, solidarity and charity and through his work during the Civil War gave life and hope to our hungry and starving people”. The Igbo – German Friendship which Fr. Huessler, Caritas and Diakonie Hilfswerk started must be maintained and Ndi-Igbo shall benefit from German assistance and technology. Fr. Huessler can be honoured through naming Streets, Bridges, Academic Buildings, Research Centres after him in appreciation of what he did and as a mark of Gratitude. Let Ndi-Igbo celebrate Fr. Huessler Birthday every 7th of July through series of Lectures.

On the immortalization of the late Igbo Leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu whom Ndi-Igbo Germany gave a befitting burial last year in Frankfurt, an Ocassion attended by prominient Igbo from all works of life including Senator Chief Ben Obi (Ojeligbo), Chief Emeka Ojukwu (Jr), Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike and many others, the NIG called on SouthEast Governors to as a matter of urgency establish “Odumegwu Ojukwu Centre and Foundation” at any strategic Locations in Igboland. The “Odumegwu Ojukwu Foundation (OOF)” shall promote the Ideals which Gen. Ojukwu live for, fought for and died for. It shall sponsor and support Igbo studies; Peace and Conflict Resolutions; Scientific & Medical Researches using Igbo Medicinal Plants; and organise annually “Dim Ojukwu Memorial Lectures”.

Present at the NIG Meeting/Conference where 16 Unions and Cities, Chairpersons, Elders and Community Leaders, Chukwuma P. Eze, Ernest Ibeh, Kenneth Iwuala, Modestus Korieocha, Benjamin Chinaka, Obiora Nweke, Sebastian Udeajah, Frank Okoro, Philip Duru, Christian Ike, Christian Nwosu, Afam Dike, Basil Anuniru, Victor Uzoma, Augustine Oti, Sunny Okadigbo Ihedi, Edward Agha, Chinedu Dim, Ben Ezenwokedi, Paddy Duruh, Isaiah Illikannu, Anthony Chibuzor, Blossom Onyegbula and Okwudili Okafor. These eminient Umuigbo represented Unions and Cities such as Hannover, Cologne, Mannheim, Koblenz, Nuremberg, Berlin, Munich, Freiburg, Stüttgart, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Ulm, Mainz/Wiesbaden, Essen, Düsseldorf and Aachen.

2015: NZERIBE HAS NO MORAL STANDING TO SPEAK FOR NDIGBO-

2013-07-29T10:04:00.001-07:00

In a public statement recently, Senator Arthur Nzeribe declared that Ndigbo are not ready to stake a claim for the presidency of Nigeria in 2015. Among the reasons he advanced for this dishonourable stance is lack of unity among Ndigbo and their inability to speak with one voice.

It is disheartening that Senator Nzeribe, who ought to know better, has allowed himself to be sold on this preposterous argument, which is nothing but a cheap blackmail designed to cloak the pervasive prejudice that has kept Ndigbo in the third class tier in the politics of the Nigerian federation.

No Nigerian civilian president or prime minister has ever launched himself to power on the springboard of ethnic unity since the advent of the Nigerian state. By taking the position that he has taken, Senator Nzeribe has demonstrated that he lacks any measure of grasp or apprehension of central executive power politics this country. Having been a participant in the political game, as Nzeribe clearly had been, does not confer such understanding.

It is hard to resist drawing the conclusion that Senator Nzeribe came to his erroneous and inflammatory conclusion having been seduced, induced or deceived by personal and selfish considerations rather than by considerations of what is in the best interests of Ndigbo and indeed Nigeria in general. But it must be emphatically stated that a hundred, a thousand, a million Arthur Nzeribe’s cannot and will not break the Igbo spirit nor weaken the Igbo resolve.

If ethnic unity is the prerequisite for aspiring to the presidency, as posited by Nzeribe, then the philosophy of Njiko Igbo should come highly recommended to him. NJIKO IGBO is an organisation dedicated to the struggle for the ascent of a citizen of Igbo extraction to the presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2015. We are fully committed to the security and peace of our nation, and to the comradeship of a common justice for all Nigerians.

We are neither a political party nor are we affiliated to one. Our primary mission is to enlighten and mobilise the Igbo population, both at home and in the diaspora, to stand firm and united in the pursuit of our collective goal. Our secondary duty is to connect with and persuade the rest of the Nigerian population about the justice of our cause.

It is curious that this nation has been in a quasi state of war for over two years but the voice of Nzeribe has been silent. Ndigbo have been bombed and butchered in their places of worship and business in some sections of this country by nihilistic Islamic fundamentalist and yet the voice of Nzeribe has remained silent. The corpses of dozens of young men who were clearly victims of extrajudicial executions were recently plucked from Ezu River in Anambra State and yet Nzeribe did not call a press conference to condemn it or demand answers from the Nigerian state. History has no record of Nzeribe’s intervention either publicly or privately in the organised anti-Igbo massacres in Kano in 1980, Maiduguri in 1982, Yola in 1984, Gombe in 1985, Kaduna in 1986, Bauchi in 1991, Funtua in 1993, Kano in 1994, Damboa in 2000 and the Apo 6 massacre in 2005. It is impossible therefore to escape the question: what is really wrong with men like Senator Nzeribe, a geriatric who, at the age of 74, still prefer to offend the sensibilities and legitimate aspirations of decent people through shameless self-promoting politics?

As Ndigbo continue to swim against the tide of baseless suspicion, distrust and deep rooted prejudice in this country, characters such as Senator Nzeribe bring unfortunate affirmation to the very elements that negate the status of Ndigbo as legitimate citizens with legitimate aspirations in their own country.

First and last, given his personal history, Senator Arthur Nzeribe lacks any moral or legitimate standing to speak for Ndigbo on either the 2015 question or any question whatsoever.

Gays Should Not Be Marginalized-Pope

2013-07-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

Pope Francis has said gay people should not be marginalized but integrated into society, in some of the most conciliatory remarks by a pontiff on the issue of homosexuality.

In a broad-ranging 80-minute conversation with journalists on the plane bringing him back from a week-long visit to Brazil on Sunday night, he also said he could not judge gay priests, an emotive topic that divides Catholic opinion.

But the 76-year-old Argentine did reaffirm Church teaching that homosexual acts are a sin.

Francis stressed the Roman Catholic Church's ban on women priests was definitive, although he would like them to have more leadership roles in administration and pastoral activities.

And he expressed pain over scandals at the Vatican bank during a remarkably forthright press conference, his first since being elected in March to replace Benedict XVI.

His forthright tone and readiness to field so many questions underlined Francis' desire to do things differently. He has eschewed many trappings of the papacy, championed the poor and tackled some of the biggest scandals facing the Church head-on.

Francis said there were saints in the Holy See but also "those who are not very saintly".

The airborne encounter with journalists covered issues as varied as the pope's insistence on low-key security to his desire to unlock the shackles of the Vatican to go for walks.

The pope arrived back in Rome on Monday after a triumphant tour of Brazil, which climaxed with a huge gathering on Rio de Janeiro's famed Copacabana beach for a Catholic youth festival that organizers said attracted more than 3 million people.

"WHO AM I TO JUDGE?"

In response to a question about reports of a "gay lobby" in the Vatican, after it suffered a string of scandals over pedophile priests and corruption in the administration of the Holy See, Francis said:

"If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge him?

"The problem is not having this orientation. We must be brothers. The problem is lobbying by this orientation, or lobbies of greedy people, political lobbies, Masonic lobbies, so many lobbies. This is the worst problem," he said.

"You see a lot written about the gay lobby. I still have not seen anyone in the Vatican with an identity card saying they are gay," he joked.

Francis defended all gays from discrimination but also referred to the Catholic Church's universal Catechism, which says that while homosexual orientation is not sinful, homosexual acts are.

"The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains this very well. It says they should not be marginalized because of this (orientation) but that they must be integrated into society," he said, speaking in Italian and using the word "gay", instead of "homosexual" which previous pontiffs mainly used.

Francis also responded to part of a question about Monsignor Battista Ricca, who Francis named to a position overseeing the Vatican bank and who Italian media reports say was involved in gay affairs when he was a diplomat in Latin America.

The pope said a "quick investigation" concluded that the accusations were unfounded.

'NO' TO WOMEN PRIESTS IS DEFINITIVE

Addressing the issue of women priests, the pope said, "The Church has spoken and says 'no' ... that door is closed." It was the first time he had spoken in public on the subject.

"We cannot limit the role of women in the Church to altar girls or the president of a charity, there must be more ...," he said in answer to a question.

"But with regards to the ordination of women, the Church has spoken and says 'no'. Pope John Paul said so with a formula that was definitive. That door is closed," he said, referring to a document by the late pontiff which said the ban was part of the infallible teaching of the Church.

The Church teaches that it cannot ordain women because Jesus willingly chose only men as his apostles. Advocates of a female priesthood say he was acting according to customs of his times.

Many in the Church, even those who oppose a female priesthood, say women should be given leadership roles in the Church and the Vatican administration.

The long session on the plane was highly unusual in the history of the modern papacy for both its candor and breadth.

Unlike his predecessor Benedict, who knew in advance the few questions journalists would be allowed to ask, Francis, the first non-European pope in 1,300 years, imposed no restrictions as he fielded 21 questions.

He said his week-long trip to Brazil left him very fatigued but "did me a lot of spiritual good".

He spoke of reforms he had begun in the Vatican, which has been tarnished by a series of corruption scandals, including at the Vatican bank, which is the target of several Italian money laundering investigations.

Francis said the bank must become "honest and transparent" and that he will listen to the advice of a commission he has set up on whether it can be reformed or should be closed altogether.

Francis referred directly to Monsignor Nunzio Scarano, a Vatican prelate arrested last month on suspicion of attempting to smuggle 20 million euros into Italy from Switzerland.

"There are many people (in the Vatican) who are saints but there are those who are not very saintly ... and it pains me when this happens. There is this monsignor in jail. He didn't go to jail because he resembled the blessed Imelda," he said, using a Latin American expression meaning a person is no saint.

Francis, who in Brazil chose to ride in an open-sided popemobile or a simple Fiat, said he was not concerned about the reduced security he has chosen compared to his predecessors.

"Security lies in trusting people. It is true that there is always a danger that a crazy person might try to do something, but there is also the Lord," he said, adding that he believed it would be even more crazy to be kept away from people.

Vatican security was greatly boosted after Pope John Paul was shot and nearly killed by Turkish gunman Mehmet Ali Agca on May 13, 1981 while he was riding in an open jeep in St. Peter's Square.

2015: Igbo Presidency Not Feasible – Nzeriebe

2013-07-25T02:09:00.000-07:00

Senator Arthur Nzeribe, yesterday, asked his kinsmen, the Igbos, to jettison the idea of producing the next president in 2015, saying it would not be feasible because of lack of unity in the zone.

According to him, the Igbos are not just ready to produce the country’s president.

He also said if the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP must get it right and move away from its present crises, the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, members of the National Working Committee, NWC must go, adding that ‘’the PDP must clear the desk, including Bamanga Tukur, to get it right.”

The Oguta-born maverick politician from Orlu, Imo State, told his people bluntly that before they sought the exalted position, they must first put their house in order by speaking in unison.

Nzeribe, who based his position on previous unsuccessful attempts by the Igbos to what he called endemic disarray amongst Igbo politicians, said: “Until we start speaking with one voice, we cannot get the Presidency. We should not try it now, we are not just ready for anything like that, we must first put our house in order.”

He also warned that ahead of 2015 elections, Nigerians must note that the country was bigger than anybody, irrespective of status, adding that politicians must, therefore, put their selfish interest in their handbags to save the country.

Speaking on the presidential primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Nzeribe noted that those advocating that President Goodluck Jonathan must not go through the rigour of primaries to emerge as the Presidential candidate were only raising their personal opinion on the matter, stressing that he must present himself with others for the party’s presidential primaries.

Drumming support for President Jonathan, Nzeribe said: ‘’It is the personal opinion of those who said President Jonathan must not go through primary election, he must present himself for that, I can bet that President Goodluck Jonathan will win at the People Democratic Party, PDP, primaries”.

He, however, supported last week’s position of the Senate during the vote on the 1999 Constitution review, especially where the call for local government autonomy was jettisoned.

Advocates abolition of LGAs

He said local governments should be abolished as they were not achieving their set objectives of meeting the yearnings of the people, adding that he was in total support of decisions taken by the senators during the debate and the voting process.

The former senator, however, urged all those who left the party to return and embrace the on-going reconciliatory overtures, with a view to repositioning the PDP.

Urges Jonathan to develop the South East

Senator Nzeribe called on President Jonathan to help in the development of the Eastern part of the country as he had not really impacted on the people in the area of roads, adding that the people wanted good roads, Onitsha Bridge, among others. He said despite the lack of party manifesto in the PDP, the President was using his personal initiative to produce results.

The veteran politician, who titled his address: “We Must Not Allow Doomsday Prediction About Nigeria To Come True,” however, described the declaration of state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states by President Jonathan as “necessary and obviously the only reasonable option left to dissuade the doomsday prophets of Nigeria’s disintegration from having a field day”.

He said: “What is needed now is for stakeholders in the Nigerian project to give maximum support to Mr. President in his effort at bringing to an end activities of the insurgents. The critical stakeholders in the affected areas should on their part, corporate maximally with the President to achieve the goal of emergency rule”.

“Although, the current emergency rule order is a sharp departure from the conventional one, but viewed from the position of inclusiveness in finding lasting solution to the vexed issue of insurgency, one can begin to appreciate President Jonathan’s brand of emergency rule”.

“In effect, what is obtainable in the affected areas right now is “Diarchy” which is a system of government whereby the Civilian and the Military share power. It was propounded by late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. The beauty of the current emergency rule is that both the civilian and military authorities in the affected states are expected to corporate to find lasting solution to the problem.”

Nzeribe who cautioned that care must be taken to avoid civilian casualty in the execution of emergency rule, also urged the Nigerian media to be nationalistic in their reportage and shun sensational reporting.

Google Has New Connection To TV

2013-07-25T01:59:00.002-07:00

Google on Wednesday unveiled a slimmer, more powerful tablet computer on its Nexus brand and a thumb-sized device that lets popular mobile gadgets feed online content wirelessly to television sets.

The ramped-up second-generation Nexus 7 by Taiwan-based Asus made its debut along with a Chromecast dongle that plugs into television sets to let people easily route online content to big screens.

Mario Queiroz, head of Google TV, said Chromecast “won’t clutter your entertainment cabinet. It simply disappears behind your TV once it is plugged in.”

The new connector device went on sale for $35 online at Google play and will also be sold through Amazon and Best Buy in the United States.

“Cast” icons built into applications for online video services YouTube and Netflix let people use smartphones, tablets or laptop computers to easily direct online videos to television screens, a demonstration showed.

‘If you know how to use YouTube on your phone, you know how to use YouTube on your TV,” Queiroz said while describing the vision behind Chromecast.

“Any device in your home can become a remote control for the television.”

Google also made available a software kit for developers to synch mobile apps with Chromecast. Online radio streaming service Pandora is among those with Cast application features “in the works,” according to Google.

Google is also working to let people “cast” online content from Chrome web browsers to televisions.

Content fed to televisions is delivered directly through home Internet connections, with smartphones, tablets or laptops serving essentially as remote controls, according to Queiroz.

“We are paving the way for more apps to come,” he continued. “Over time, we expect the technology to be embedded in a range of devices from our partners.”

The Nexus 7 ramps up Google’s challenge to Apple’s iPad with a slimmer tablet to be easily slipped into a pocket or handbag and allow easy access to rich online content or services.

Nexus 7 is about two millimeters thinner and slightly narrower than its predecessor, which was released a year ago.

“It actually makes a huge difference when holding it in one hand; it fits more easily in a purse or jacket,” Android vice president Hugo Barra said after pulling a new Nexus 7 from a rear pocket of his pants.

Nexus 7 has a high-definition screen and speakers that allow for virtual surround sound listening of films, games, or music.

Nexus tablets will be available in three models, all with seven-inch high-resolution screens. Two Nexus 7 models will connect to the internet just using Wi-Fi, while one will be synched to US high-speed telecom carrier networks.

Nexus 7 prices will start at $229 and top out at $349 in the US market.

Wi-Fi only versions will go on sale in the United States on July 30, with Nexus 7 tablets to be released in France, Australia, Britain, South Korean and a few other countries in “coming weeks.”

Nexus 7 will be the first tablet powered by a new 4.3 version of the Android “Jelly Bean” mobile operating system.

“We from the Android team are investing a lot in tablets,” said Sundar Pichai, who heads the Android and Chrome teams at Google.

“By our count, almost one in two tablets sold worldwide is based on Android.”

More than 70 million tablets powered by Google’s Android software have been activated worldwide, according to Pichai.

Prices are falling for most tablets as sales surge, with many analysts expecting tablets to outpace PC sales soon. ablet shipments are expected to grow 67.9 percent to 202 million units this year, according to a Gartner report.

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP)

My Marriage In Intact-Funke Akindele

2013-07-18T14:06:00.002-07:00

Star actress Funke Akindele, yesterday broke her silence on her failed marriage rumour. My marriage is intact, she said in an SMS message to The Nation.

The message reads: “I read in the newspaper yesterday that I am divorced. What proof do you have? And I am taking this to court because my marriage is intact. You guys are rumour mongers. Funke Akindele Oloyede.”

The Nation on Tuesday reported that the actress may have been separated from her husband, Alhaji Kehinde Oloyede, son of former Iyaloja of Oshodi market.

Oloyede on Monday announced a “separation” via his facebook page. He said: “It is with heavy heart that I am announcing the separation of me and my wife, Mrs Olufunke Akindele. We have both agreed to go our separate ways because of irreconcilable differences. We are still best of friends and we would forever remain good friends.”

The statement, which the actress’ husband has since deleted from his facebook wall, generated concerns among the star’s fans, who made the issue a major topic on social media platforms.

Attempts to reach the actress on Monday failed. Her elder sister, who doubles as her spokesperson, Mrs Ayo-Ola Muhammed, failed to make an official statement she promised when contacted because, according to reports, the actress asked that no statement be made on the issue.

Mrs Muhammed debunked an online report claiming that she confirmed the separation to a notable blogger in Nigeria.

Reports say her husband may have removed the “notice of separation,” including a more defiance follow-up post from his facebook wall, due to pressure from friends and family members. The actress is said to have been crying inconsolably since the incident, fearing criticisms by her fans and her clients’ reactions.

Funke, a film producer and ambassador of several brands, including telecommunications giant, Globacom, got married to Oloyede 14 months ago in a grand ceremony held in Lagos.

Funke’s decision to marry the real estate business man, was severely criticised by her fans who wondered why she should get involved in polygamy. She rebuffed critics on one occasion, saying: “I can tell you authoritatively that my husband is not married to anyone else. Yes, he has beautiful children, who are not mine and we have a cordial relationship, which dates back to even before we got married.”

On another occasion, she told her critics: “Will you be happier if I had married someone who didn’t have children, seems so perfect, put on my make-up and fake smile on the red carpet and start weeping when I get home? About my in-laws, they are very wonderful and supportive and my parents and siblings as well. ”

Funke and husband are known to be living separately since they got married. Oloyede is said to visit Funke occasionally. Story of Oloyede’s last child by another woman came about the same time that the rumour of Funke’s pregnancy went viral on social media. The actress was later said to have a miscarriage.

Meanwhile, apart from deleting the statement from his facebook wall, Oloyede is yet to refute the announcement in any way.

Gunmen Kill 2 Policemen In Kaduna – CP

2013-07-18T14:01:00.001-07:00

The Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State , Mr Olufemi Adenike, on Wednesday confirmed the killing of two policemen by unknown gunmen in an attack on Tuesday night.

Adenike told reporters in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, that the officers were killed when the gunmen attacked the Divisional Police Headquarters at Kaura Local Government Area.

The commissioner, who identified those killed as Sgt. Benedict Audu and Cpl. Gabriel Joshua said he had already paid condolence visits to the bereaved families.

He said during the attack, one of the officers was shot dead on the spot while the second one died around 2 a.m on Wednesday at the Kafanchan General Hospital.

Adenike said the attackers took advantage of the porous nature of the police headquarters because it was not fenced.

OUK And The Tale of Nigeria’s Hypocrisy Against Ndigbo By Odimegwu Onwumere

2013-07-18T13:56:00.001-07:00

In the game of love, it is given so that it wouldn’t be returned. But those who share in the love rendered return same to the giver most times. This is why people say that somebody is loved by history. In this clime, we have seen people rewarded with chieftaincy titles in their different villages, because of their act of benevolence to their kinsmen and women. At the national level, many have been rewarded with notional prizes, because of their contributions. In like manner, we have to honour and appreciate one of our own in the person of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK), former Governor of Abia State. The Emetu Mba, Ahu Mba Ndigbo.

What has spurred this treatise was Kalu’s comment in an interview recently that all his harangues about Ndigbo to be the president in 2015, are not borne out of self-seeking purpose. This shows that he is in love with Ndigbo, not for selfish reasons, but for justice to prevail. Kalu derives no pleasure in watching Ndigbo suffering in a country that their forebears sprinkled their bloods for. This is not flatter, but a compliment to self-sacrifice, not for self-need, but for the needs of Ndigbo, who know no other tribute in Nigeria, than the third fiddle they are placed as, by those who do not mean well to them.

Known as a politician and business mogul, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu is more than this. These titles were ascribed to him due to the distinguished part of his social or public life that people know. But the dude is more than what people think he is. In the cause of penning this tract, some persons that were interviewed, said that Kalu is a humanist to the heart and a secret donor to the needy and the downtrodden that cut across the country, and does not like to amplify this area of his life. One of the persons was, however, pleading that Kalu should forgive all the persons that forced him to pull most of his businesses out of the country, which made over 20, 000 people lose their jobs. It may offend him discussing this in the media; but like Ndigbo would say, there is nothing hidden under the sun.

This is a man who has left the comfort of his zone to champion for the security and peace of Nigeria and by extension, for the emancipation of Ndigbo in the political progress of the country by 2015, with his pet project called and known as Njiko Igbo. This organisation now cuts across all divides of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. Kalu sees the emergence of an Igbo presidency in 2015 as his last plan. What a man with meek, practical and humane heart!

He has never extolled himself for this selfless task, but keep on saying that Ndigbo have men and women of honour that the cap of president would fit. He would tell whoever, that he has no political aspirations for now, but to show love to Nigerians and, by large extent Ndigbo, in producing president of this country. He is calling on the Igbo to be very determined than ever.

The ex-Governor is not only talking about the Igbo to produce president, but that the marginalisation against his people has reached even to the Local Government Areas, whereas some surrogates of the current presidency are mistaking appointments of some persons from the Igbo extraction to mean that Ndigbo have been included in the things of governance in the country. The later persons do not realise that the LGAs in places like Kano and Gigawa States, are more than the whole LGAs in the whole of the five states of the South-East. This is the bane that Kalu has been tackling and making sure that they are redressed headlong.

Who could believe that the South-East is the only region in Nigeria that has only five states, whereas other five political regions have six states? What about just 15 senators that the South-east has out of 109-member Senate? Kalu sees these pitfalls in the political equation in the country as biased ensconce against Ndigbo. He sees the authorities undermining Ndigbo as hypocrisy of the highest order.

As a man who loves Ndigbo, he would say that Ndigbo love themselves. This is contrary to the hypocrisy in the country that Ndigbo do not love themselves. He would challenge this surrounding-substance by asking if all the tribes in the country love themselves. Why single out Ndigbo that they do not love themselves? Kalu sees this as hypocrisy and propaganda of the un-imaginable measure. Kalu has said that Igbo traders in the market love themselves, Igbo market men and women love themselves.

OUK does not only talk, but offers solution to solving the problems he sees in the country. He has told the authorities to stop any act of hypocrisy or system that makes a region to feel superior against the other; he has told the authorities to create avenues that would make Nigerians to love one another; he has advised the authorities to allow Ndigbo to be president and not a select of persons from other regions, because of fake regional population; he has said that the authorities should address the marginalisation in the Constitution for democracy in this country to reconcile.

NIGERIANS WISER THAN POLITICIANS-KALU

2013-07-18T13:53:00.000-07:00

As the road to the 2015 elections gets clearer, former Abia state governor Dr.Orji Uzor Kalu has advised fellow politicians against heating up the polity while undermining the mood of compatriots.

Kalu said, “Nigerians are more sophisticated than ever, we cannot take anyone for granted. They know what is going on, and i am so sure they would not be led by the nose any longer."

He cited the June 12 1993 and April 2011 elections as periods when the people spoke with their votes, breaking ethnic and elitist barriers.

"In 1993, no one looked at religion, for Chief Moshood Abiola and his running mate Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe were Muslims. In fact, Abiola, a Yoruba, defeated Alhaji Bashir Tofa in his Kano home.In 2011, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan chose an Hausa Vice Presidential candidate, yet the Yoruba and Igbo went for him. Simply, they saw in Jonathan a departure from the past where you had to be connected to lead the country, Kalu explained.

The former governor added that Nigerians would continue to build bridges, irrespective of politically motivated ethnic divisions.

"We all saw how Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya bonded and left the scene in 1996.Ogunsanya's last outing was Zik's lying-in -state in Lagos. A few days later, he departed. That is the Nigerian spirit that keeps Oba Okunade Sijuade, the Ooni of Ife and Alhaji Ado Bayero, the Emir of Kano together. Even in death, Prof.Wole Soyinka still fights for Chris Okigbo.

Kalu capped it all with the Civil War pact between Biafran Col Simeon Uwakwe and his Nigerian course mate Brig.Godwin Alabi-Isama. “Alabi-Isama said it all. The Third Marine Commandos refused to do battle with the Special Task Force in Arochukwu because their Commanders were pals. The same Uwakwe had escaped death by a whisker during the during the counter coup in 1966.Newly married and fresh from his father's burial, Uwakwe was shot at the back of the neck, the bullet came out through his mouth, rendering the officer toothless. What a coincidence that the man died early this year, exactly 47 years after the first military coup. The lesson is, Nigerians know their left form their right even if our leaders think they did not."

Jennifer Lopez Slammed Over $10M Earnings From Performing for World's 'Worst Thugs'

2013-07-16T02:40:00.003-07:00

Human Rights Watch is not exactly singing Jennifer Lopez's praises these days.

Some members of the media and human rights groups have scrutinized the singer after reports that she performed "Happy Birthday" to Turkmenistan dictator Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedovon June 29. The most vocally opposed organization has been HRF, which estimates that J.Lo has received in excess of $10 million for what it calls, "serenading crooks and dictators from Eastern Europe and Russia."

"What those covering this story have missed is that J. Lo and her management have misled her fans and the public," said HRF President Thor Halvorssen. "J. Lo has repeatedly mingled with and entertained some of the world's worst thugs and their cronies."

"The 'Jenny-from-the-block-who-doesn't-Google' clarification may be credible in one instance, but it beggars belief in light of a pattern of repeated behavior, Halvorssen continued. "This is not about ignorance, it's about greed."

The non-profit organization also chronicled Lopez's recent highly-paid appearances in Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Russia.

HRF has previously gone after actress Hilary Swank over her 2011 visit to Chechnya, as well as singerJulio Iglesias after he performed in Equatorial Guinea.

Jennifer Lopez apologized Sunday after a barrage of criticism followed her singing “Happy Birthday” to the leader of Turkmenistan, a country described by human rights groups as “among the most repressive in the world.”

The singer and actress performed in the former Soviet bloc country on Saturday night. A statement released Sunday by her publicist to the Associated Press said the event was hosted by the China National Petroleum Corp. and wasn’t a political event.

However, the country's leader, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, attended. Berdimuhamedow has been criticized for his oppressive rule by Human Rights Watch and similar organizations.

South Korea Blames North Korea For Cyberattack

2013-07-16T02:22:00.001-07:00

North Korea is to blame for last month's cyberattacks on the websites of South Korean media companies and the president and prime minister's offices, a South Korean investigation concluded Tuesday.

South Korea's ministry of science said it was blaming North Korea based on analysis of codes, Internet addresses and personal computers used to launch the attacks. The attacks occurred June 25, the 63rd anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War.

It is the latest of several cyberattacks in recent years that Seoul blames on North Korea. Pyongyang has denied previous claims and has accused the U.S. and South Korea of a cyberattack in March that shut down its own websites for two days.

The South Korean government-led team of investigators said the online assaults were planned for several months, and the attackers hacked file-sharing websites in South Korea to find security weaknesses.

An investigator told reporters that the attackers tried to steal personal information from the websites targeted in the June 25 cyberattacks, but it was not clear when the attempt took place. Local media reported that the personal information of millions of people was stolen from the presidential office's website and the ruling party.

Investigators managed to recover data on the hard drives that the attackers destroyed June 25 and found an Internet protocol address that was used by North Korea. They also found that the codes used in the June attacks had the same features as the codes used in the larger March 20 cyberattacks that shut down tens of thousands of computers at South Korean broadcasters and banks.

The attackers in June tried to hide their identities by destroying hard drives and disguising the Internet protocol addresses they used, the ministry said. The attackers also tried to misguide investigators by using the picture of the Anonymous group, the ministry said.

Local media reported in June that the attack was done by a global hacking collective called Anonymous. But a South Korean government official told the Associated Press at the time that the attackers could not be confirmed at the moment.

The ministry said the June 25 attacks hit 69 government and private companies' websites and servers.

Earlier this month, cybersecurity firms said the hackers behind the March attacks also have been trying to steal South Korean and U.S. military secrets with a malicious set of codes they've been sending through the Internet for years. They did not specifically blame North Korea.

Researchers at Santa Clara, California-based McAfee Labs said the malware was designed to find and upload information referring to U.S. forces in South Korea, joint exercises or even the word "secret."

McAfee said versions of the malware have infected many websites in an ongoing attack that it calls Operation Troy because the code is peppered with references to the ancient city. McAfee said that in 2009, malware was implanted into a social media website used by military personnel in South Korea. (AP)

Comedy: Nigerians Challenge Patience Jonathan To Debate With Soyinka

2013-07-16T00:52:00.001-07:00

Some Nigerians on Sunday asked the wife of the President, Patience Jonathan, to make herself available for a debate with Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

The call came on the heels of the diatribe the First Lady launched against Soyinka in which she described the renowned playwright as an “embarrassment’’ for attributing the crisis rocking Rivers State to her and her husband, President Goodluck Jonathan.

But some Nigerians, who took to Twitter and other social networks to voice their concern over the development, called on a Lagos-based private broadcaster, Channels Television, to organise a debate for the two.

According to them, the TV station’s Sunrise Daily, a news and current affairs programme that features prominent Nigerians, who are experts in their areas of specialisation, will provide a level playing ground for the duo to thrash out the knotty issues they were arguing on.

To actualise their dreams, a cross section of them sent messages in a tweet to the handle of the programme@sunrisedailynow as well as the main official handle of the television station, @Channels_TV on Sunday.

Governor Sule Lamido’s Son Convicted For Money Laundering

2013-07-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

Aminu Sule Lamido, the 34-year old son of Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for money laundering, was Friday convicted by Justice Fatu Riman of the Federal High Court, Kano, and ordered to forfeit 25 per cent of the undeclared sum of $40,000.

But the governor’s son won’t be serving any jail term. He will walk free after forfeiture of the 25 per cent of the undeclared sum.

Aminu was arrested on December 11, 2012 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on his way to Egypt for failure to declare the $50,000 in his possession. He only declared $10,000 to the Nigerian Customs Service.

When he was arraigned before Justice Riman on Monday February 4, 2013, Aminu pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in prison pending hearing of his application for bail.

The charge against the accused reads: “That you Aminu Sule Lamido on or about 11^th day of December, 2012 at the Mallam Aminu International Airport, Kano within the Jurisdiction of the Federal High Court while transporting in cash, the sum of $50,000 (Fifty Thousand Dollars Only) from Nigeria to Cairo, Egypt, falsely declare to the Nigerian Customs the sum of $10,000 (Ten Thousand Dollars Only) instead of the said sum of $50,000 (Fifty Thousand Dollars Only) as required under Section 12 of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Cap F34 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and Section 2(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011”.

At the resumed hearing on February 5, 2013, Justice Riman granted the accused person bail in the sum of N8million and two sureties in like sum.

In the course of trial, which got underway April 19, 2013, the prosecution called four witnesses and tendered documents which were admitted as exhibits. One of its witnesses, Sanusi Ahmed who is an operative of the EFCC, told the court that the accused person only registered $10,000 in the Nigerian Customs Declaration Form only for a search to reveal that he had $50,000 on him. He identified the Customs Declaration Form when it was shown to him. The document was accepted by court as exhibit 1.

The two witnesses called by the defence are the Chief Press Secretary to the Jigawa State Governor, Umar Kyare and the wife of the accused, Samira Aminu Sule.

At the last adjourned date, July 9, the court reserved ruling for July 12, after the parties had closed their cases and adopted their written addresses.

In convicting the accused person, the trial court held that the defence had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

NASA Spacecraft Photographs Pluto's Largest Moon Charon

2013-07-12T04:53:00.000-07:00

A NASA spacecraft bound for Pluto has captured its first photo of the dwarf planet's largest moon Charon, a cosmic snapshot snapped from nearly 550 million miles away.

The new Charon photo was taken by NASA's New Horizons spacecraft, which is closing in on Pluto and due to fly by the icy world in July 2015. The black-and-white image shows Charon as a dim object that is near, but clearly separate from, the brighter object that is Pluto.

NASA unveiled the new Charon photo Wednesday (July 10), hailing the image as a "major milestone" for New Horizon's 9 1/2-year trek to Pluto

"The image itself might not look very impressive to the untrained eye, but compared to the discovery images of Charon from Earth, these 'discovery' images from New Horizons look great!" said New Horizons project scientist Hal Weaver of Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md. "We’re very excited to see Pluto and Charon as separate objects for the first time from New Horizons."

Pluto has five known moons: Charon, Nix, Hydra, Styx and Kerberos. Charon is the largest of the five and orbits Pluto at a distance of about 12,000 miles (19,000 kilometers). It is about 750 miles (1,207 km) wide and was discovered in 1978 by astronomers using the Kaj Strand Astrometric Reflector at the U.S. Naval Observatory’s Flagstaff Station noticed a visible "bump" moving around Pluto, New Horizons mission scientists explained.

The four other moons of Pluto were discovered in images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. The official names for Styx and Keberos, which were formally called P4 and P5, were unveiled last week.

New Horizons scientists used their spacecraft's LOng Range Reconnaissance Imager, called LORRI, to take the new Charon photos. The camera took six different photos of Charon and Pluto, which scientists used to create a single composite view of the dwarf planet and its biggest moon.

"In addition to being a nice technical achievement, these new LORRI images of Charon and Pluto should provide some interesting science too," New Horizons principal investigator Alan Stern of the Southwest Research Institute in Colorado said in a statement.

Because of the unique angle of the New Horizons photos, they may hold new clues into the surface properties of Charon and Pluto, including the potential for a layer of fine particles blanketing their surfaces, New Horizons officials explained.

NASA launched the $700 million New Horizons mission in January 2006. Currently, New Horizons is about 550 million miles (880 million km) from Pluto. But it will be much closer on July 14, 2015, when it makes its closest approach to Pluto and its moons. On that day, the spacecraft zoom within 7,750 miles (12,500 km) of Pluto and should provide spectacular views of the dwarf planet and its moons.

We're excited to have our first pixel on Charon," Stern said, "but two years from now, near closest approach, we'll have almost a million pixels on Charon – and I expect we'll be about a million times happier too!"