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Osayemi to undergo rehab in USA

2010-10-15T03:21:00.000-07:00

Sports minister, Alhaji Issa Bio, has thrown his weight behind Damola Osayemi who failed drug test at the India 2010 Commonwealth Games, disclosing that she would undergo rehabilitation in the United States of America (USA).

Bio who said the nation could not afford to abandon the sprinter said the former Queen of the tracks, Mary Onyali Omagbemi, had been mandated to take charge and ensure
that Osayemi overcome her present problem.

In Bio’s words:”The lady (Osayemi) is really down and weeping non stop. She has refused to eat and talk to anybody. But we have resolved to do everything possible to ensure she gets out of the trauma. What was found in her system was not really a banned drug.

She only took a supplement and that unfortunately landed her in trouble. We have concluded arrangements for her to undergo rehabilitation in US and Mary Onyali will coordinate that.”

Meanwhile, Osayemi was yesterday ejected from the games village and her medal stripped from Nigeria. She was sent packing alongside Samuel Okon who also tested positive to the supplement.
Despite the drug scandal the Nigerian camp is bubbling as the performance here is considered a good one.

Nigeria at the moment has won 10 gold, 10 silver and 13 bronze medals. The outing in India remains the country’s best at the games in the last 20 years. Bio said yesterday that the athletes had done the country proud and will be treated to a reception when they return home this weekend.

Effective leadership principles of Prophet Muhammad

2010-10-15T03:20:00.000-07:00

It is a well-known fact that the Prophet of Islam (saw) was the supremely successful man in the entire human history. But he was not just a hero, as Thomas Carlyle has called him. According to the Qur’an, he was the best example for all mankind.

He has shown us the way of achieving supreme success in this world. By studying the life of the Prophet (saw), we can derive those important principles which were followed by the Prophet (saw). Indeed, the Prophet of Islam (saw) was a positive thinker in the full sense of the word.

All his activities were result-oriented. He completely refrained from all such steps as may prove counter-productive.
First Principle: To begin from the possible.

This principle is well explained in a saying of Aishah. She said: “Whenever the Prophet had to choose between two options, he always opted for the easier choice.” (Al-Bukhari) To choose the easiest option means to begin from the possible, and one who begins from the possible will surely reach his goal.

Second Principle: To see advantage in disadvantage
In the early days of Mecca, there were many problems and difficulties. At that time, a guiding verse in the Qur’an was revealed. It said: “With every hardship there is ease, with every hardship there is ease.” (94:5-6).

This means that if there are some problems, there are also opportunities at the same time. And the way to success is to ignore the problems and avail the opportunities.

Third Principle: To change the place of action
This principle is derived from the Hijrah. Hijrah was not just a migration from Mecca to Medina. It was to find a more suitable place for Islamic work, as history proved later on.

Fourth Principle: To make a friend out of an enemy
The Prophet (saw) of Islam was repeatedly subjected to practices of antagonism by the unbelievers. At that time the Qur’an enjoined upon him the return of good for evil. And then, as the Qur’an added, “You will see your direst enemy has become your closest friend” (41:34). It means that a good deed in return of a bad deed has a conquering effect over your enemies. And the life of the Prophet(saw) is a historical proof of this principle.

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ACN raises alarm over ‘Right of First Refusal’ clause in Electoral Act

2010-10-15T02:59:00.001-07:00

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has raised an alarm over the danger posed to the nation’s democracy by the plan to insert a ‘Right of First Refusal’ clause for members of the National Assembly in the 2010 Electoral Act.

In a statement issued in Ilorin on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said if the plan succeeded, Nigeria could as well say goodbye to democracy, while the legislators would have simply succeeded in subjecting the citizens to perpetual servitude.

“We have learnt that the federal lawmakers are planning to insert this clause in response to the executive’s proposals on the Electoral Act’s amendment, which includes the use of party caucus to choose candidates for the 2011 elections.

“Our reaction is that both proposals are like the devil’s alternative. Whichever one sails through will sound the death knell of our democracy. We, therefore, call on Nigerians to reject both proposals, which have no precedent in any democracy in the world,” it said. ACN warned that if the lawmakers succeeded in inserting the ‘Right of First Refusal’ clause in the amended Electoral Act, it would become law and stay that way until amended, adding: “Of course, it will not be amended because it favours the same lawmakers who inserted it in the first place and who also have the power to amend it.”

It said even without a clause to ensure a tenure in perpetuity for them, the National Assembly members have yet to impact positively on the people. “Once they insert that clause and wriggle free of party control, they will become monsters. Only their whims and caprices will guide them in what laws to make. Of course, they would have succeeded too in shutting out every other aspirant to that office. That is democracy PDP-style,” ACN said.

It added that the lawmakers could as well extend such to members of the State Houses of Assembly, governors and even the president, thus handing over the nation’s democracy to a few fat cats.
ACN said the only reason the lawmakers were emboldened to even think of inserting such a devilish clause in the 2010 Electoral Act was the docility of Nigerians, who sat by while these people allotted to themselves obscene salaries and allowances in contravention of the Constitution.

The party said the continuing effort to constrict the democratic space was the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) legacy to Nigerians, after a decade of democracy. “PDP controls the executive and the legislature, and has been using this control to perpetually torment and suffocate Nigerians. All we have received from this house of cards called the PDP are useless arguments about zoning, bombings and kidnappings that are now spreading across the nation, a failed third term bid and the manipulation of the constitution for parochial interests, just to mention a few,” ACN said.

Jackson brothers hail MTN

2010-10-15T02:59:00.000-07:00

It was praises galore for telecoms giant MTN, from the brothers of the late pop music icon, Michael Jackson, for its successful sponsorship of this year’s ninth annual Ofala Festival.

The brothers, who were members of the defunct famous Jackson 5 musical group, were excited to be part of the festival at the palace ground of the Obi of Onitsha, Anambra State. They equally expressed satisfaction at the level of organisation of the ceremony and the immense support from MTN.

The eldest of the brothers, Tito Jackson said: “It’s been a very exciting experience. This is a very colourful and well organised festival and it is interesting to see a corporate organisation like MTN providing support for the festival, which is what the people like. Everybody here is happy with MTN which is very good for the company.”

The three-day celebration, which started on October 7, witnessed the gathering of sons and daughters of Onitsha both at home and in the Diaspora, and notable guests from across the world. It reflected the rich cultural heritage of the Onitsha kingdom and its people. Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, his wife, Margaret, traditional rulers, members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, political stalwarts and business figures were some of the dignitaries that graced the event.

Apart from the Jackson brothers, other international dignitaries at the event were: the Mayor of Inkster Michigan, Mayor Hill Hampton; historian, Bruce Bridge and Hollywood actor, Walter James Jr. and Mrs. Gloria Williams. The Ofala Festival is an annual celebration of the cultural values and heritage of the Onitsha people which reflects the bond between them and the celebration of a renewed hope for peace and prosperity in Onitsha Kingdom.

The festival featured a variety of colourful activities and cultural displays. The highpoint of the event was the royal dance by the Igwe and members of the royal cabinet who filed out gracefully around the palace ground three times before the cheering crowd of excited indigenes, tourists and well wishers, greeting and wishing them well.

Over the years, MTN has championed the sustenance of various cultural festivals within the country in a bid to demonstrate its brand promise of offering ‘so much more’ and ‘enriching lives.’ This year alone, the company has sponsored 16 cultural festivals nationwide.

Abia kidnap kingpin on the run ...Declared wanted…Accused of abduction of 15 pupils

2010-10-11T02:18:00.000-07:00

A suspected kidnap kingpin believed to be terrorising Aba, Abia State, Mr. Obioma Nwankwo (aka Osisi ka Nkwu) has been declared wanted by the state Police Command.

Nwankwo had allegedly caused residents of Aba and the police nightmare as no day passed without news of members of his gang allegedly killing a policeman or abducting a resident of the city.

His reign of terror climaxed when his gang allegedly abducted 15 pupils of Abayi International School, Osisioma and took them to his camp in Ugwuati in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, which incidentally was his hometown.
Nwankwo, who is about 35 years old is believed to be the mastermind of high profile cases of kidnap that had taken place in Abia State in the past three years including that of the 15 pupils who were freed by soldiers at a camp in Ugwuati believed to belong to the wanted man.

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CBN to issue N120bn treasury bills this week

2010-10-11T02:16:00.000-07:00

As about N78 billion worth of maturities is expected in the system, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will this week issue N119.13 billion in 91-day, 182-day and 364-day treasury bills.

According to Reuters, the apex bank said it would issue N23.58 billion in 91-day bills, N45.55 billion in 182-day bills and N50 billion in one year paper using the Dutch Auction System (DAS).

Meanwhile, the inter-bank rates came down at the end of last week following the injection of federal civil servants employment benefits and arrears into the banking system by the Federal Government as well as the purchase and re-purchase of government securities by CBN.

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Stockworld NSE N1.35bn bonuses of controversy raise integrity concerns

2010-10-11T02:12:00.000-07:00

Sordid revelations of the forensic audit report by KPMG on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), which revealed that its council members shared about N1.35 billion (N1,350,800,000) as bonuses on productivity/surplus sharing’, have raised concerns as to the propriety or otherwise, of the ‘windfall’.

It also raised integrity question on Messrs Akintola Williams Deloitte, chartered accountants, auditors of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) for many years and their role in the entire saga.

Story By KELECHI MGBOJI
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Nigeria @ 50: Way forward

2010-10-11T02:08:00.000-07:00

Nigeria recently budgeted seven Billion Naira for the 50th anniversary celebration. Given the way Nigeria organized past events, nobody doubts the fate of this huge amount of money with 2/3 of it ending up in private pockets.

We are presently ranked 94th in world economy (a far cry from the number 20 we aspire to be in the year 2020) but nonetheless remain number three in Africa and arguably the most important nation in West Africa with a sophisticated financial market (by regional standard) spreading its influence in the sub-region, and a population of 150 Million (world 8th) against Ghana’s 20 Million ,a GDP of $166 Billion compared to Ghana’s $14.9 Billion and a per capita income of $1,159 compared to Ghana’s $676. Again our population is ahead of Japan and Russia which gave us the largest domestic market in Africa allowing for economies of scale across the continent.

Story By Aliyu Nuh
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Ibru: Lawyers fault court judgment

2010-10-11T02:05:00.000-07:00

Lawyers in the country have described the conviction and sentencing of the former Managing Director of Oceanic Bank, Mrs. Cecelia Ibru, for abuse of office and financial irregulaties, as a slap on the wrist, inadequate to deter highly-placed, but corrupt-minded officials from aspiring for public office.

The ‘light sentence,’ they also argued, suggested that there were two sets of laws for Nigerians- one for the rich and the other for the poor.
Ibru, who was initially arraigned on a 25-count charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was jailed for 18 months last Friday on a three-count charge, based on plea bargaining which saw the alleged offences reduced to three.

She is to spend only six months in prison, as the sentences are to run concurrently, in addition to forfeiting N191 billion.
However, the former bank chief may not see the inside of the prison wall, as she was ordered back to the hospital, where she is said to be receiving treatment over ill-health.

Story From YINKA FABOWALE, Ibadan
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N300m, guber ambition or your wife, kidnappers tell Ewang

2010-10-11T02:04:00.000-07:00

Wife of the former military administrator of Ogun and Rivers States, Mrs Comfort Sam Ewang has spent four days with kidnappers and there are no indications that she may soon regain her freedom.
The distraught husband Capt. Sam Ewang told Daily Sun on phone that his wife’s kidnap might have been politically masterminded as he had been asked to drop his gubernatorial ambition or lose his wife forever.

Mrs Ewang was abducted from her school, Beulah International Academy last Thursday. The school is situated in Ekom Iman Etinan, about 10 kilometers from Uyo. Ewang said the kidnappers had asked him to drop his gubernatorial aspiration if he ever wanted to see his wife alive.

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Nations Cup qualifier: Guinea shocks uninspiring Eagles ...Niger upsets Egypt

2010-10-11T02:02:00.000-07:00

Guinea yesterday made good of her early opportunity to pip Nigeria 1-0 in the Nations Cup qualifier at the 28 September Stadium in Conakry. The Guinean team is comfortably leading the group with 6 points, having won her first match 4-1 against Ethiopia in the series. Nigeria remains with just 3 points in the second position ahead of Ethiopia who also recorded a 1-0 victory over Madagascar.
Ethiopia now shares the same points with Nigeria.

The Eagles are billed to take on Ethiopia in Abuja in their next game in March next year, while Guinea will travel to Madagascar.
The loss capped a week of drama for the Nigerians who were banned earlier in the week by FIFA on issues pertaining to government’s interference in the affairs of the Nigerian Football Association (NFA).

After a long and eventful week for Nigerian football, the away match to Guinea finally arrived and the Eagles were able to get on with the AFCON qualifiers.
The match seemed impossible a few days ago when FIFA suspended the Nigeria because of government’s interference in football affairs, but the ban was provisionally lifted on Thursday and CAF agreed that the qualifier should go ahead undisturbed. Nigeria came into the match off the back of a win against Madagascar, while Guinea got the better of Ethiopia in the previous match, so both had wins under their belts from the first round of fixtures.

Story By GBOLAHAN DADA
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Another Kalakuta in Onitsha •Where illicit drugs, sex thrive

2010-10-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

Tucked within the boundary between Onitsha and Obosi, behind an Army Barracks is Solar Lawrence Road, the unofficial headquarters of illicit drugs in Anambra State. It was the thick choking smoke of marijuana that announced another dimension of human activity on the narrow road that led to this doppers’ enclave one early Saturday morning.

Eight out of ten commercial motorcyclists plying Awada routes in Onitsha along MCC junction may not know the location of Solar Lawrence Road by any other means, but by simply placing two fingers on your lips and feigning smoking they’ll exclaim “oh yes, let’s go” provided you can pay the right fare since the area attracts a special fare on Okada. Apart from being a jungle of sorts threaded only by brave hearts, the route leading to Solar Lawrence Road is deplorable due to erosion and neglect.

In this area of Onitsha, every resident is a smoker. Those who don’t smoke do so passively. Wheeling and dealing in cannabis sativa popularly known as Indian hemp, Igbo or marijuana and other narcotics is their stock-in-trade.
Jamaican reggae legends like Robert Nester Marley, Peter Tosh , and artistes like Prof. Linkin, the jogodo master who sang popular lyrics calling on governments to legalize Indian hemp may have wasted their precious time singing out their hearts, because at Solar Lawrence Road, it’s done with impunity. 365 days in a year, youths “burn down the walls of Babylon” with their lighter and Rizla.

Story From ALOYSIUS ATTAH, Onitsha
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Better deal for Nigerian teachers

2010-10-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

At the recent celebration of World Teachers Day, an occasion set aside by the United Nations to draw global attention to the significance of teachers in the development of nations, in Abuja, President Goodluck Jonathan promised better days for Nigerian teachers.

While bemoaning the continued government neglect of their welfare despite their pre-eminent position in national development, the president, a former teacher, proclaimed his administration’s commitment to improvement of teachers’ welfare through the provision of incentives and other packages that will challenge them to greater professionalism.

Story By Sun News Publishing
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2011 presidency: Nwodo chickened out on me–Kalu

2010-10-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

Former Governor of Abia state, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared his interest in the 2011 presidency under the Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA. Speaking in Abuja during the week, Kalu said he had the best credential of all the aspirants jostling for the plum job, adding that he was running to represent the oppressed people of Nigeria and the deprived and marginalized Igbo people living in Onitsha, Aba, Enugu, Abakaliki and all parts of Nigeria who are still feeling that the civil war has not formally ended going by their alienation in the national scheme of things.

Story By Paulinus Aidoghie
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Church rewards the student who returned N9.3 billion to bank

2010-10-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

The General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, MFM, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, has presented a brand new Toyota Corolla car, an undisclosed amount of money and a certificate of honesty to the Polytechnic student, Durojaye Adeyemi Job, who returned N9.3 billion wrongly credited to his First Bank Plc account.

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Faces Of Basket mouth Pictures

2010-10-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

I Used To Trek From VI To Palmgrove -Ali Baba

2010-10-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

Alleluia Atunyota Akpoborome (also known as Ali Baba) could be regarded as the doyen of Nigeria’s stand-up comedy in an industry that has grown bigger over the years. His exploits and success have been a source of inspiration to many other would be comedians. He speaks with ADUNOLA FASUYI on his life, comedy and other issues. Excerpts:

No doubt, you re-invented comedy in Nigeria. You are regarded as the leader of stand-up comedy and today, many Nigerian youths can say they are comedians owing to your influence. Tell us how you made it particularly at a time comedians were regarded as nonentities?
I tried to work in an organisation, DP Lekki, back then, but it was a futile effort. My salary was N1,500 for a whole month, but I was already earning between N5,000 and N10,000 per show.

So I left. Growing the business called for sacrifice, when you knew you could do with N2000 but insisted on being paid N10,000, and the client walked away leaving you with nothing.

Determination helped me build my career to this height. People tried to take advantage of me and they in fact did. Performing without payment just to prove I could do it, or to sell myself to not just a larger market, but a paying one. But we thank the Lord!

How would you describe the journey so far for you?
It was challenging. Especially trying to make people appreciate the act as a service and not just a talent. Till date, some still say, is it not just to make people laugh? But on the whole, its been rewarding.

Did you go through any formal training as a professional comedian? What qualities does it take to be a good and successful comedian?
No. On the contrary, I got into the business by accident. I was into my Religious Studies & Philosophy when I stumbled on it. It takes a lot to be a comedian. And a whole lots more to be a good one.

Do you think stand up comedy requires any formal training or for would- be comedians to go through tutorials under veterans like you?
Yes. Which was why it was hard for early comedians like Yibo Koko, Tee A, Alam Bloo and the likes. This set had no precedence to learn from. So, we made the rules, adjusted as we got on to suit the trends and discarded those rules that made no sense.

Besides the talent, comedians needed to know the ropes of negotiation, timing of a joke, audience reading, client behaviour, networking, mode of payment, discounts and, most importantly, how to make jokes at the drop of a hat.

Since its a profession that requires creativity and sense of humour, do you see yourself retiring from the business completely in the future?
No. Bill Cosby is still doing his thing. That’s the beauty of comedy. It’s like Law. You get better with age. Unlike sports, retirement may not be the word. Maybe you should say I might just reduce the number of events and diversify my energy and talents in other areas that don’t take so much of my time

Can you ever run out of jokes? Or have you been short of jokes before at a show?
It’s hard to run out of jokes if you are a thorough-bred comedian. Jokes emanate from the event, past experiences, reading materials, observations, total recall, comparison, etc. Your ability to milk out every drop of laughter is the key to not running out of jokes.

Today, comedians are making it big and very proud of the profession courtesy Ali Baba. But in those days of Baba Sala and the rest, comedians didn’t make it like now. What would you say was missing then?
The appreciation level was low or nonexistent in some cases. Priorities change. Time was in this country when teachers were the best paid people. Now that has changed, sadly. What went wrong? Nothing. It was not just the right time.

Besides, when Mohammed Danjuma of blessed memory and I started out, we were not just comedians, we were providing service. That’s what people paid us for. The value you brought to an event, though not tangible, makes a great deal of difference. So, it would be right to say we packaged our brand of comedy in line with the times and demands of the events.

You have performed for presidents, state governors and high profile personalities and yabbed them to their faces in your shows, particularly, former President Obasanjo. The first time you did it, how did you feel? Were you scared of being arrested?
No. There is a thin line between being funny and being offensive. Walking the line takes skills, experience, ability to read the audience and the relevance of the show also counts. Obasanjo was not just a president, he is a man with a resounding sense of humour, enough to put some comedians out of work. He can take as much as he can give. Unknown to many, most of the things I said about him were after I had told him in person.

Have you ever been arrested, harassed or threatened in the course of doing comedy before?
Never. Maybe harassed is not the word, let’s just say someone may have felt offended. But I put them back in their places. I’m a comedian in the first place, so whatover I say is not supposed to be taken seriously. Sadly, what politicians say are taken seriously and a comedian’s joke is a statement of fact!

A guy who had thoroughly laughed at all the jokes I did on the Yoruba and Hausa people had the guts to tell me to stop doing jokes on the Igbo. So, I went back to the microphone and I pointed him out and asked how he felt when he laughed at jokes on other tribes?

Do you think you would have done same in a military era?
Of course. How else can a military era be other than that of IBB and Abacha’s? I survived it all. Although, it must be said that democracy gave comedy wings. But what is funny is funny, military or civilian.

Which was your most challenging show? Tell us about your most embarrassing moment if any?
I can’t remember. Because a show may look like it would be challenging, but as soon as you get into the flow, its cool running. Embarrassing moments? Why should I tell you?

Your happiest moment?
Too many to remember. But driving pass Bar Beach and NTA gives me great thrills. To think I used to live at that beach and trek from NTA to Palmgrove.

If you had not been a comedian, what other things would you have been?
Broadcaster, public relations expert, writer, footballer, sprinter, copywriter and maybe, a journalist.

Despite your tight schedule, do you make out time to relax? How do you relax and spend your weekends?
Play football, swim, ride my bicycles, watch movies, read a good book, go clubbing or visit friends.

As Nigeria celebrates 50th independence anniversary, what word of advice do you have for Nigerian youths out there?
The youth should call up all their hidden talents. Even handicaps or people with disabilities are doing great things. A full-bodied man wants to be spoon fed! That is wrong and should stop. As we start another decade in the history of our country, I charge our youths to seek, know and explore their God-given talents for their personal good and the good of the nation.

FIFA BAN 15-man committee to resolve crisis

2010-10-08T11:26:00.000-07:00

As Nigerians anxiously await the world soccer ruling body, FIFA, to lift the ban on their country, a 15-man reconciliation committee to resolve all issues related to the court cases that led to the ban will be set up Monday.

According to President-General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, one of the conveners of the stakeholders meeting held Wednesday, the committee is to see to a peaceful resolution of all crises to ensure a lasting solution to the impasse.

The committee, which would have Nigeria's FIFA executive committee member, Dr. Amos Adamu, representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Footballers, NANF; Association of Players of Nigerian Football, APFON; The Nigeria Football Supporters Club, NFSC; the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF; the Nigeria Premier League, NPL; the National Sports Commission, NSC and the media, he said, would take complaints from all aggrieved parties with a view to reaching a logical conclusion in the interest of Nigerian football.

“We want a situation whereby we'll make good our decision of an out of court settlement of all cases that have brought us to this level with a view of reaching a logical conclusion that would see no one as a victor or vanquished. It's unfortunate that we're in the situation where we find ourselves but given the overriding consequences it's in our interest that we settle the matteras early as we can.”

He said that as Harrison Jalla has been convinced to withdraw the case from court in the interest of Nigeria, it behoves all of us to help facilitate the process of formally withdrawing the case from court . “The ban is a colossal loss of money and time to Nigeria. It would be better for us to get our football back on track, while restructuring our football as we play in the various competitions. Being out of FIFA's competition is like having one's child in a class who sits for exams and fails. He is pulled out with the hope of returning him to school many years after, that child would have lost interest but allowing that child to resit that exam would further help him to concentrate better.”

Dr. Ladipo noted that there are many Nigerian youths who are breadwinners of their families and closing the door against them would only lead them to crime, which would in the long run be detrimental to Nigerian society. He stressed that grievances are a daily occurrence in all spheres of life but there's always room for dialogue which FIFA also supports,” he said.

Amaechi’s tenure ends 2011–Court

2010-10-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

As the controversy over the tenure of some incumbent state governors rages, Federal High Court on Thursday ruled that the tenure of Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi would officially end on May 29, 2011.
The court presided over by Justice Abdullahi Kafari gave the ruling in a suit filed by one Mr Cyprain Chukwu challenging the legality of the governor if he stayed beyond May 29.

According to him, “in the eye of the law, the tenure of the incumbent governor of Rivers State began when Mr Celestine Omehia under the same party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), illegally occupied the position.
“In the eye of the law, Amaechi, was deemed as the governorship candidate of the party and therefore won the election.
“He automatically steps into the shoes of Omehia, the pretender to the seat immediately he was removed,’’ he added.

Story From GODWIN TSA, Abuja
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Fatal sex About-to-wed lady dies under DPO ...Family alleges rape

2010-10-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

The Divisional Police Officer of a police station in Aba, Abia State (names withheld), has allegedly raped a lady to death inside his office.
The lady whose name was given as Princess Zainab Chinasa Uwakwe, and said to be very close to a serving senior police officer from Abia State, was said to have approached the DPO on telephone over a matter her relation had at a police station. But the DPO invited her over for a supposed discussion on the matter.

In honouring the invitation, Daily Sun learnt that Princess, who hailed from Amakpor Igbere in Bende Local Government of the state, went to the police station in company with a young man, Nkem Igbokwe, who waited outside while the lady went in to see her supposed host.
A reliable source hinted that as soon as the lady who was said to be an aspirant under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) for Aba North state constituency, entered the DPO’s office, she was offered suya and a bottle of drink bought for her by the police officer.

Story From OKEY SAMPSON, Aba
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Emeka Ossai rules with Comfort Zone, Crossed Road With Azuh Amatus

2010-10-08T11:18:00.000-07:00

With the ultimate aim of providing unequalled entertainment for TV viewers on a weekly basis, the Emeka Ossai-led Golden Pyramid Productions Limited, has vowed to take the game higher with its two latest efforts, Comfort Zone and Crossed Road.

In a recent chat with us, the foremost actor and producer of both critically acclaimed works explained his outfit was wholly set to give viewers within and outside Nigeria, the best of entertainment on both terrestrial and cable TV.

Speaking further, Ossai maintained that Comfort Zone and Crossed Road had completely changed the face of TV soap/comedy, since hitting the airwaves, adding that both productions had also brought fresh faces on TV.

While shedding more light on the synopsis of both wave-making productions that won four awards at this year’s edition of Terracotta, Ossai explained that Comfort Zone is strictly a situational comedy that sensationally narrates the diary of three good friends from different backgrounds that graduated from same university. “While two of these pals have good jobs and are very hard working with the right attitudes to work and life, their other pal chose to be a complete opposite. Aside squatting and feeding fat daily on his pals, he always gets them into trouble.

On the other hand, Crossed Road, is a serious drama on the every day challenges that confront Nigerians, especially the youths. Imagine a young and innocent village boy migrating to the city in search of the proverbial Golden Fleece, only to meet a lady that happens to be his opposite in all spheres of life, thus began their twisted journey.”

Commenting more on the awards, Ossai, the 2008 AMAA Best Supporting Actor, said they were richly deserved and a proof that his production outfit had been affecting lives positively via entertainment. “Both productions got four awards in the categories of best comedy on TV, best writing team, best supporting actor and best actress awards, respectively. The awards will spur us to work even harder and continue to put in our very best for viewers in all our productions.

Meanwhile, the dearth of quality programmes on air necessitated the coming of these great works. We are also very grateful to our sponsors and advertisers, because without them, we won’t be on air entertaining millions on a weekly basis.” Among the thespians currently dazzling in both productions directed by Obi Osotule, are: Emeka Ossai, Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Christy Okonkwo, Kunle Salawu, Nora Ugo, Nkem Ike and several others.

Gunmen kill ANPP chieftain, shoot 2 others in Maiduguri

2010-10-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, was thrown into confusion on Thursday, following the killing of the National Vice Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) (North-east), Alhaji Awanna Ngala, on Wednesday night.

He was killed barely three hours after a police sergeant and a civil defence officer were shot at the residence of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Modu Goni.

Ngala, who was the immediate past chairman of ANPP in the state, was shot in his house located at Simari ward of Dikwa Estate in the metropolis by the gunmen at about 8.40 p. m. He was said to have just returned home from his outings and had barely settled down in his living room when his assailants shot him.

“Nobody knew when the gunmen entered the premises and gained access to his parlour. We just heard gunshot, I think about six times and everybody was afraid to come out. After few seconds, the people disappear and nobody was bold enough to give them a chase,” a family source told Daily Sun. Earlier in the day, gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members stormed the residence of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Goni Modu, at about 5.30 p. m. and shot a police sergeant, Isa Omale and a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel. Hussaini Illiya, attached to the Speaker’s house, leaving them in their pool of blood. The gunmen also snatched a Kalashnikov rifle belonging to the Nigeria Police.

Story From TIMOTHY OLA, Maiduguri
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Crisis in Lagos FA My story by Opakunle

2010-10-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

Everton midfielder, Steven Pienaar, has backed his teammate, Yakubu Aiyegbeni to get back among the goals and fire David Moyes' Toffees up the table.

South Africa star Pienaar and Nigeria striker, Yakubu both arrived at Goodison Park in the summer of 2007 and enjoyed hugely successful debut seasons on the blue half of Merseyside, finishing top of Everton's assists charts and goal-scoring charts respectively.

Pienaar also believes that last weekend's clean sheet - Everton's first of the season - was indication that the Toffees are rediscovering the defensive solidity that has been key to their success in recent seasons.
The Liverpool Echo quotes Pienaar as saying of Yakubu: “We all know Yak is a proven goal-scorer.

“He is slowly getting back to where he was and the more games he plays the sharper he will get. “Hopefully, he will get his goal soon and that will kick-start things for him.”
He continued: “If you don’t concede goals you're not going to lose.

“For the guys at the back it was a boost that it was the first clean sheet of the season against Fulham and they played well. “The Newcastle game was disappointing. We let a lot of people down and we know it.

What Shell must do to stop oil spillage in Bonny –Dr. Abere, Environmentalist

2010-10-08T11:05:00.001-07:00

Dr. Sodienye Abere An Associate professor of wild life at the university of Technology Port Harcourt and the chairman Bonny Environmental Consultant Committee in this interview gives a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the massive spill on marine ecosystem, people and Bonny environment in general.
The university Don blamed oil firm in the place, especially Shell Petroleum Development Company for what he described as Lackadaisic attitude and delay in intervention which he said lead to the massive spread of the spill. Abere called for quick intervention of government and for the immediate clean up of the Environment. Excepts.

History of spill in bonny
Since assuming the position of the chairman of BEC in Bonny we have experienced seven major spills and six of them belongs to SPDC and one belongs to NNPC. Of the SPDC’s, the most devastating, the highest, the widest in scope concerning spread and volume of crude let out in the Bonny environment is this August spill, August 2nd 2010 spill supposedly coming out from the Iloma loop line near the Cawthone Channel area of Bonny.

Reaction on hearing about the spill
First of all we had to send out men to determine the extent and spread at the time and that took about the whole day. The reason is that when we got the information from the fishermen we though it was a minor spill but on getting there the men found out that it was such a huge thing and it was still gushing. They had to come back to get still camera and video so that they could catch the action and immediately we called on phone the SPDC community Relations Officer and other SPDC’s functionaries who did noting immediately but after some five days confirmed that the spill was coming out from their facilities. We now expected a joint inspection (JIV). We did in the other spills but this did not come, we were then forced to call the Local Government and other relevant regulators in the state. Precisely on the 11th we wrote a letter to follow up. The latter reminded Shell that after nine days of the spill and there is still no intervention or no calls for meeting to tell us proposed action, they supposed to take on the spill that we will be restrained to outline for them what they should do. The way the kingdom was thinking. We asked for immediate JIV to be conducted. We asked for relief materials to be distributed to the immediate sufferers, the fishermen who have been incapacitated and denied access to their means of livelihood by the spill. Cognizant of the fact that these people have families and the kind of suffering the men will be facing with their family members.

No court can stop legislative process –Sen. Ekweremadu

2010-10-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

Chairman of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Ike Ekweremadu said yesterday that the court lacks power to stop it from carrying out its Constitutional responsibility, neither is it empowered to rule on its process of lawmaking.

This was just as the spokesman of the Senate, Ayogu Eze, equally declared that in the same vein, the National Assembly is not constitutionally empowered to make laws to stop the President from carrying out his functions.

According to Senator Eze; “what we are telling you is that the court cannot stop our work, based on Section 4 of the Constitution. Nobody can stop our work.”
Senator Ekweremadu told journalists at a press conference in reaction to a Lagos court ruling that the maintenance of status quo ante ordered by Justice Okechukwu Okeke on Wednesday was in reference to the first amendment of the 1999 Constitution, which has since been completed and gazetted and in operation.

Senator Ekweremadu, who is the Deputy Senate President, therefore, said that the National Assembly would be proceeding with its lawmaking function including the second alteration of the 1999 Constitution since the court did not rule that it should stop its lawmaking process.
Ekweremadu further explained that his understanding of the court’s ruling that the status quo should be sustained simply meant that the amendment that has since been completed and gazetted is quite in order.
According to him, “if there is anything to be sustained, it is the operation of the law, because as far as I am concern, that is the status quo that is present now. Besides, what is the issue? It is whether the President will sign the amendment to the Constitution or not. So, it is not whether we have power to amend the Constitution. That is not the issue in the court.

Story From AMOS DUNIA, Abuja
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