On this awesome day, we'll spend time meditating on the cross, the empty grave and all that it has given us. But let's also meditate on the task this day calls us to "go and make disciples..." The pure gospel that Christ passed on to His disciples was the good news of a grace to be passed on, not just received. Jesus left His disciples equipped to make other disciples, to bear fruit. We can tell it worked because the people that they made disciples of were making disciples too. And so it has been passed on for two thousand years. But probably in every generation, certainly in ours, sometimes the gospel we spread mutates into something weaker. Instead of truly bearing fruit, we cultivate seedless grapes. As we spend time worshipping and thanking God today for the grace we have received, let us pray to be more challenged than ever to pass on that grace and to live out the Great Commission.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
HAPPY EASTER ÇELEBRATION!!!!!!!
On this awesome day, we'll spend time meditating on the cross, the empty grave and all that it has given us. But let's also meditate on the task this day calls us to "go and make disciples..." The pure gospel that Christ passed on to His disciples was the good news of a grace to be passed on, not just received. Jesus left His disciples equipped to make other disciples, to bear fruit. We can tell it worked because the people that they made disciples of were making disciples too. And so it has been passed on for two thousand years. But probably in every generation, certainly in ours, sometimes the gospel we spread mutates into something weaker. Instead of truly bearing fruit, we cultivate seedless grapes. As we spend time worshipping and thanking God today for the grace we have received, let us pray to be more challenged than ever to pass on that grace and to live out the Great Commission.
Youth corps revolt presents INEC with fresh headache!
Now, after two polls that earned it praise, the exercise, in its final lap, faces the prospect of losing the bulk of its workforce - the youth corps members - who have threatened to boycott the governorship and state assembly elections scheduled for Tuesday following last week's riots in which many of them were targeted in some northern states.
For most of last week, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) played down the possibility of the withdrawal, and officials sought to de-emphasize its impact on the local elections.
"The chairman has said the commission is doing all it can to make sure, if there are shortfall in manpower, they will be made up for," said Kayode Idowu, a spokesperson of the commission on Friday, a day after a televised press conference where the chairman, Attahiru Jega, displayed similar optimism.
The electoral body maintained that besides Kaduna and Bauchi states, where elections have been moved by two days for security concerns, it does not expect the exercise to be marred by shortage of personnel in the other states where there had been violence.
Earlier on Thursday, Mr Jega himself, said the commission had trained more hands than needed for the elections and would deploy the extra ad hoc staff to fill in at locations without sufficient electoral officials. He said while the commission would be hopeful about the participation of corps members in the elections for the remaining states on Tuesday, provisions were however made for alternative personnel.
"Our hope is that many of them (corps members) will recognize what these people want to achieve. They want to scuttle the effort that we have made in the past elections," he said in condemnation of the violence that followed the outcome of the presidential election, dismissing reports that members of the corps had decided to withdraw their services as electoral officers.
NYSC officials too have denied corps members were pulling out and said the situation would be clearer after a tour of the affected states by the director general, Mahara Tsiga.
As at Friday evening, the deputy director, Public Affairs, Chinwe Ojukwu, told NEXT by phone that a position was being expected from Mr Tsiga.
Beneath the public façade however, officials speaking confidentially, say the speculated boycott of the exercise by the corps members has spawned mounting concerns within the leadership of the INEC and the NYSC.
"With what is going on, we all hope things will be fine, but naturally they may not be the same again as with the other elections," a staff of the electoral body said.
A Kaduna-based group, the Civil Rights Congress (CRC), also on Friday, said the total number of deaths has surpassed 200 while the wounded passed 500.
"In Kaduna alone, we have more than 20 deaths," Shehu Sani, executive director of the group told NEXT by phone.
No specific figures could be obtained of the actual number of corps members killed or injured in the crisis, as authorities appear keen on keeping public passion within control. The NYSC spokesperson said only Mr Tsiga, who could not be reached Friday, can give the actual numbers, if at all there was any. Rights groups such as CRC, said it is challenging to ascertain which victim was a corps member and which was not.
Earlier reports say four died in Bauchi State, which is one of the worst-hit states. In Kano State, although deaths of corps members could not be confirmed, serving members have narrated at least two incidents where rioters attacked their lodges before they were rescued by armed soldiers.
Officials say there are worries the impact of the attacks may transcend the northern region where it originated and may be felt elsewhere, as anxious parents dissuade their wards from taking a role in the remaining elections.
"Many people have travelled and don't plan to come back for the election," said Nty Ben, a serving member in Osun State. The state is reportedly calm, yet some corps members are apprehensive about the final elections expected to be more passionate and have left on the orders of their parents.
Much-praised youth
Accused of aiding election rigging by their attackers, and coming after the Suleja bombing the killed at least 10 of their colleagues, the recent violence has been particularly hard on the youth corps members who have been lavishly praised by foreign election observers.
After the presidential election, the European Union said as electoral officers, the corps members performed their duties with "courage and to the best of their capacity." The Commonwealth said they showed "dedication and courage that helped deliver a transparent process, often in difficult conditions. They are a source of pride and hope for Nigeria," the group said.
The National Democratic Institute applauded the corps members for their "dedication and neutrality" while the International Republican Institute commended them for their "dedication and hard work."
Despite the assurances that all is well, nothing illustrates the electoral body's frustration with the development as Mr Jega's remark that the commission will understand if the horror-stricken corps members stay off the exercise.
"Obviously people in that kind of situation should be afraid," he said. "If some of them are scared enough to stay away, we will understand. If they don't come out, we will understand." Mr Jega said while INEC feels their pains and sympathizes with the families affected; it will "understand should they choose not to participate again."
Source:
http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/5692347-147/story.csp
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Twenty Eight Churches Destroyed in Kaduna & Kano Riot in Nigeria!
The church in a statement signed by its President, Rev. Anthony Farinto and Seceetary General, Rev. Mipo Dadang made available to journalists in Jos on Friday said the church also lost some pastors and other members adding that government should also compensate victims who suffered in one way or the other.
The statement said: "though those who lost their lives in the unfortunate violence cannot be revived back to life, the Federal Government should ensure adequate payment of compensation to families who lost their loved ones, while the injured should be fully cared for. "We are saddened by the incessant killing of and attack on our innocent members and the destruction of our church buildings and properties by violent mobs in northern towns and states of Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger and Adamawa during crises which have nothing to do with religious contestation".
The church congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan on his election urging him so see as a stewardship for which he is accountable to God. It stressed that constant violence often directed at innocent citizens was and indictment of government whose responsibility it is to secure the safety and freedom of citizens.
Meanwhile, second republic Deputy Senate President, Mr. John Wash Pam has called on politicians to learn to accept defeat in elections and seek redress through civilized means if dissatisfied.
Speaking with journalists on Friday, he condemned the violence over the election describing the election as the most credible in the history of the country.
While congratulating President Jonathan on his victory he urged hi to justify the confidence of the people in him by embarking on projects that would improve the lot of the masses as well as ensure transparency and good governance in running government affairs.
Let’s forgive each other – Oshiomhole
"We must embrace, love and forgive each other, while singing praises to the Almighty God together for keeping us united as one strong and indivisible country in the face of adversity", he said.
In his Easter message, the governor asked the citizenry to sustain the peaceful atmosphere that has attended the National Assembly and presidential elections by ensuring that Tuesday's governorship and House of Assembly elections are also conducted without any ugly incident.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Akoko Edo Local Government Council of Edo State has appealed to Governor Adams Oshiomhole not to drag traditional rulers in the area into politics in order to maintain the neutrality of the traditional institution.
In a statement signed by the secretary of the party in the area, Omoluabi Leo, the PDP alleged that some traditional rulers in the area were being coerced to urge their subjects to support ACN candidates ahead the Tuesday House of Assembly and House of Representative elections.
But the chief press secretary to the governor, Mr Peter Okhiria, described the allegation as laughable, saying that Oshiomhole does not need to intimidate traditional rulers to win for his party because " his work so far is singing for the party.
The PDP statement said, "As the elections into the House of Representatives and State House of Assembly approach, an unhealthy dimension which is tantamount not only to intimidation but a bastardization of the highly sacred and exalted traditional institution is unfolding in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State.
"That the highly respected comrade governor of Edo State is well known for his unwavering stance on the rule of law, and democracy cannot be over emphasized, but yielding to advice to jettison his strong belief in one man one vote to coerce traditional rulers direct involvement in partisan politics becomes nothing but a desecration of the role of traditional rulers as fathers of all and custodians of culture.
Source:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/04/let%E2%80%99s-forgive-each-other-oshiomhole/
Lose your constituency and be sacked, Oshiomhole tells aides!
Mr Oshiomhole, who gave the explanation at the commissioning of a water project provided for the Ekpoma community by his administration, also said the failure of the appointees to win in their communities indicated that they were not working effectively.
"Perhaps, this is the right opportunity to clarify few issues," the governor said. "It is true that I dropped two commissioners and I also dropped a number of special advisers as well as board chairmen.
The governor observed that if the affected commissioners had worked hard, their people would have voted for his party during the recently concluded national assembly election.
"I believe that when you work and work hard, the best way to measure whether your people appreciate your work is the way that they vote, that is the beauty of democracy. If people vote against you it means that you are not working hard. So if a commissioner cannot win his area, I don't need any further statement that the people have rejected him and if your people reject you, then I will drop you."
"The appointment of those commissioners was based on certain considerations. It is within the discretion of the governor to appoint and to remove.
"But the good news is that commissioners will come and go; what is permanent is the people. Commissioners don't share their salaries with their communities, they pocket it in their pockets. What the community needs is services. Whoever cannot deliver on those services would have to be excused."
'They did not perform'
According to Mr Oshiomhole, "whoever wishes to be in government must re-connect with his community".
The also refuted claims that the his action was informed by ethnic politics.
"I do not want people to confuse my decision to drop some commissioners and special advisers to mean that I have any grievances against the people."
Mr. Oshiomhole observed that the beauty of democracy was that those who want to remain in the system must work hard for their people.
Source:
http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/Home/5691673-146/story.csp
Week of blood•15,000 living as refugees •Rioters invade female hostel•We hid in the ceiling –Corps members
Before the ill-fated day, a number of inciting text messages was making the rounds. Also, there was this false sense of victory already imparted on the members of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), which suggested danger in the event that Buhari fails.
But the worst of them all was the philosophy of the CPC as a party. Some of the statements linked to the party at some of its rallies in the last few months lacked nobility, especially the ones that urged their supporters to make sure they monitor their votes, to follow officials until their votes are counted and to defend their votes against any attempt to rig them out by any means.
The spreading wildfire revolution raging across the Arab world has become a reference point for many a Muslim community in the state, with its attending ugly influence on the rioters. Many of them saw their unguarded exploit over the years in this light, especially given that the same protest had already began in a number of states in Northern Nigeria – Gombe, Katsina, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.
But it was the existing lack of love between Christians and Muslims, between the host community and their visitors, in their various small group interactions and social competitions that fuelled the conflict the more. It was, therefore, not surprising, that Kano became a hotbed as soon as the fire was ignited.
The day broke like any other
In more ways than one, the sectarian tsunami that rocked the ancient city of Kano this time was a clear departure from the tradition of riots in the state. It started off as a political protest, but soon became a religious and ethnic uprising, thus creating a rational disconnect between its cause(s) and the nature of its implementation.
By 9:30 a.m. on that Monday morning (April 18), virtually the entire city was on fire. About 15 to 20 different locations were simultaneously under siege.
Suddenly, the skyline was coloured with roaring smokes. Hundreds of angry youths, aged between 18 and 27, poured into the streets, chanting war and religious songs, wielding dangerous weapons such as axes, clubs, knives and guns, attacking innocent persons and vandalizing targeted vehicles.
Nowhere was sacred, and that included the revered palace of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero. By the time the angry youths were done, cars in the royal compound were in flames. They moved on to the house of the Galadiman Kano, who is a perceived godfather of the Vice President, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, and set it on fire. His sins? He worked for the victory of the Dr. GoodLuck Jonathan and Nnmadi Sambo ticket against the interest of General Mohammadu Buhari. The palatial home of the former Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na'Abba, was not spared too. So is the home of the Head of Media, Jonathan /Sambo Presidential Campaign Council, Alhaji Abba Dabo.
Others who saw the ugly tide of the youths were the governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, as they wreaked havoc on Bamaila Aluminum in Sharada Industrial Area. The company is believed to belong to the governor. A former presidential aspirant of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa, was not spared. His two houses, including several cars parked inside the compounds, were torched by the rioters. The same goes for the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Kano State, Alhaji Salisu Buhari, whose company on Hadejia road was vandalized.
The rioters then moved to the Government House and attempted to replicate their mischief, but were repelled by the security arrangement they met on ground. They moved back into the streets, harming anybody that may not have voted for General Mohammadu Buhari or who is not a Muslim.
Rioters high on drugs
Nobody can say precisely how many died in the riot, but there is an agreement that the killings were premeditated, swift, and cold. Many persons, some of whom had spent the night waiting for the results of the presidential poll, woke up to the sight of rioters gushing through the streets like a broken dam. The scenario was the same in Badawa, Hotoro, Kurna, Dakata, Zango, Shuwashi, Kawo, Sharada, Panshekara, among others. The army of arsonists chanted: "Sai Buhari" (We want Buhari to rule Nigeria ) and Sai Mai Sallah (We want a Muslim to rule Nigeria ).
The irate youths, according to some eye-witnesses, killed and injured as many people as they could. Many were left with broken heads and knife cuts.
Not that the marauders suffered no loss; some of them suffered gunshot wounds from security agencies. A number of gunshot injuries were reported at the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital and Mallam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in the state. A security agent told Sunday Sun that it was like the rioters were high on marijuana or narcotics.
Several churches located in the troubled areas were equally burnt to ashes by the rioters in places like Zaria Road area /Urgwan Ugwu, Badawa, Dakata and Zango, Badawa, among others. In fact, there is hardly a denomination that did not suffer the loss of one of their churches.
For Instance, the Kano Area Superintendent of the Apostolic Church, Pastor Felix Okunnola Olotu, disclosed that eight of their churches sited in Naibawa, Zango Dakata, Dambatta, Jogana, Jahun in Jigawa State, Azare in Bauchi State were completely burnt down by the rioters.
We hid in ceilings until soldiers rescued us –Corps members
Two reasons made members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the state one of the prime targets of the rioters. They were generally seen as Christians and non-natives. Besides, they were the ones who conducted the polls and were, therefore, complicit in the returning of Dr. Jonathan Goodluck as the President of Nigeria. Ronke (surname withheld), an indigene of Lagos State, was at the NYSC secretariat to with others perform some official task when the rioters swooped on them. She told the Sunday Sun in the church where she was hiding that, "It was really a frightening experience that left us in shock and dismay. We were about 30 or more corps members as well as the NYSC staffers when they came for us. I was so afraid I almost fainted. I thought I was going to die. We thought they were going to scale the fence and kill us all.
"By this time, the state coordinator, Mallam Lawal Zariya, had ordered the gates of the building shut. He proceeded to call for help from security personnel," she added.
She went further, "Outside, the demonstrators were shouting and for about an hour they threw stones into the building complex until the solders came and evacuated all of us to their barracks at Jankuza. That was where we stayed until things calmed down a bit and then some of us moved to our churches."
Apart from this incident, there were other attempts at the corps members. At Hotoro area, a few corps members claimed they had to hide in building ceilings when their homes were attacked. One of them told Sunday Sun how they hid in the ceilings to beat the rioters, holding on to the rafters until the police from Hotoro division came to their rescue.
At present, most of the corps members, who could afford to fly out, are already out of the state. Others who could not afford to pay for their flights are so afraid to go back to the villages and towns of their primary assignments. They would not go outside their churches, no matter the persuasion. This is a new threat to the gubernatorial polls billed for Tuesday in the state, as INEC may have to check for a new line of ad-hoc staffers.
Rioters invaded Federal College of Education female hostel
Several sources told the Sunday Sun that the rioters were hard on Christian female students of the Federal College of Education, Kano. According to eye-witness accounts, the students were about to sit for examination on that Monday morning. Many were already weary from burning the midnight candle when suddenly news of the disturbance flooded the female hostels.
This was quickly followed by a big confusion at the school's gate. Before long, the gates were pulled down like the walls of Jericho and the rioters plunged into the school compound and went straight to the girls' hostel. Some of the rioters scaled the fence of the hostel to enter the compound. Sources said one of the victims shut her door and hid herself under her bed while the invasion lasted. The intervention of the matron of the school, who rallied round to plead with the demonstrators fell on deaf, angry ears. It took the arrival of the male students of the college for the rioters to disperse.
Refugees squatted with prostitutes for a fee
As the catastrophe raged, hundreds and thousands of non-indigenes, especially the Christians, fled to nearby security areas for safety. Like in war-torn cities, sights of mothers and young innocent children, with heaps of loads on their heads and backs, scampering for safety became the norm. With pains and despair written all over them, they marched on, trekking long, tortuous and frightful distances to Sabon Gari area in search of safety.
Many of them found refuge at the police and army barracks in the state. They are currently staying at the Bompai Police Barracks, Sabon Gari Division Police Barracks, Hotoro Division Police Barracks, Challawa Police Barrackd, Janguza and Bukavu Military Barracks, among others.
As the night drew nearer, the challenges of their joyous escape earlier in the day began to give way to fear and nightmare. Many had rushed out without a dime or extra clothes. Many were ill. Hunger and despair roared through the night like the devil.
Some of the escapees were accommodated at hotels, but they paid through their noses to get there. Some were accommodated by relatives in the area, but had to sleep six-in-a-room. Yet, there were those who had nowhere to go and no money to pay for a hotel room. As the night crept in, and solders flogged curfew breakers, many victims had no option but to squat with prostitutes for a fee.
Christian Association of Nigeria/leaders of ethnic communities react
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kano State chapter, felt very strongly about the riots and condemned its perpetrators in very strong terms. Chairman of CAN in the state, Bishop Ransom. S. Bello, described the riot as "a totally barbaric act that had a retrogressive intention". Speaking to the Sunday Sun, Bishop Bello, who said he was yet to get the official figures of the number of Christians killed by the rioters, expressed sadness over the tragedy, adding that the central body of the CAN will come up with a joint position on the riots that ran through the northern parts of the country.
He observed that efforts were on to address the challenges faced by distressed persons seeking refuge at various locations in the state, even as he appealed to those leaving the state on account of the riot to reconsider their moves.
In the same vein, the Kano Area Apostolic Church (Lawan Territory) confirmed the killing of one of the rioters, adding that 15 children whose parents were members of thechurch are currently missing.
The church also said its members lost hundreds of millions of naira to the riot even as they urged the Federal Government to take steps to ensure that those who want to go home are safely returned back to their fatherland. Other interest groups have also reacted to the riot. Leaders of ethnic communities resident in the state claimed that over 30 non-natives in the state were killed in the course of the riot.
They urged President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately set up a panel of enquiry to fish out its sponsors.
The association cautioned that the unpleasant living condition of over 15,000 refugees roaming the streets of Sabon Gari and the military/police barracks demands quick humanitarian relief.
The Wednesday violence
On Wednesday, just as peace was gradually creeping into the state, violence broke out again. At the end of that brief spell, about three persons were killed, although Police Commissioner, Mr. Danazumi Doma, was willing to confirm the death of only two persons. The renewed confrontation started following unconfirmed speculation that a church was being burnt in Sabon Garri area.
Investigation by Sunday Sun showed that the said building, No. 26, Nguru Road, was on fire. Interestingly, the building was situated next door to the World of Faith Church. So, when many saw the house burning, they thought the Muslims had entered Sabon Gari and the place had come under siege. So, they started fighting.
But there were many who vented their anger on Hausa okada riders.
These were persons who had gone back home or to their businesses to see the damage done to either their residence or business outfits or both. But while the anger raged in Sabon Garri, they were replied in quick succession in Kawo area, a Muslim dominated area in the state capital. Here, too, several cars were vandalized as their owners tried to escape to safer areas. Many people were trapped and beaten up in that moment of madness before the police and soldiers brought the matter under control.
The police story
Initially, the Kano State Police Commissioner, Mr. Danazumi Doma, told the Sunday Sun he was not aware of any casualty as a result of the riot, adding that, "nobody has come to me to say he lost a relative and none of my officers has reported the figures of death to me."
A day later, while briefing the press at the end of an emergency security meeting, which had the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, in attendance, Doma confirmed the death of two persons, 27 missing persons, the arrest of 109 suspects, many of whom, he stated, had been interrogated and charged to court.
The police had imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the state and placed a ban on all political gatherings in the state until after the Tuesday gubernatorial poll.
A sad Kano State Government
The riot has rubbished the record of the state government, which had worked so hard to entrench enduring peace in the relationship between Christians and Muslims in the state. The rioters caused a hell of confusion on the highway. Horning cars, screeching tyres, accidents, and confused drivers all sped through the roads in in different directions. There were the motorcyclists (okada riders), who were caught up in the panicky situation, many of them warning their unsuspecting colleagues to run away from the troubled zones.
Mr. Peter Ikpe Abonyi, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, whose head was broken by the rioters, recalled that they met him while he was on a bike along Kurna area and asked him if he voted for General Buhari. Even though he lied in response that he voted for the General, they still went ahead to break his head. The victim recalled that he escaped with the driver of the motorcycle after they were busy debating among themselves whether to kill or spare him.
Source:
http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2011/apr/24/national-24-04-2011-001.htm
Saturday, April 23, 2011
LOLz!!!
When I got home, my husband seemed excited to see me and exclaimed delightedly: "Darling I have a surprise for dinner tonight." He then blindfolded me and led me to my chair at the dinner table. I took a seat and just as he was about to remove my blindfold, the telephone rang.
He made me promise not to touch the blindfold until he returned and went to answer the call. The beans I had consumed were still affecting me and the pressure was becoming unbearable, so while my husband was out of the room I seized the opportunity, shifted my weight to one leg and let one go.
It was not only loud, but it smelled like a fertilizer truck running over a skunk in front of a garbage dump! I took my napkin from my lap and fanned the air around me vigorously.
Then, shifting to the other leg, I ripped off three more. The stink was worse than cooked cabbage. Keeping my ears carefully tuned to the conversation in the other room, I went on releasing atomic bombs like this for another few minutes. The pleasure was indescribable!
Eventually the telephone farewells signaled the end of my freedom, so I quickly fanned the air a few more times with my napkin, placed it on my lap and folded my hands back on it feeling very relieved and pleased with myself. My face must have been the picture of innocence when my husband returned, apologizing for taking so long.
He asked me if I had peeked through the blindfold, and I assured him I had not.
At this point, he removed the blindfold, and twelve dinner guests seated around the table, with their hands to their noses, chorused: "Happy Birthday!!!
Remembering The Late Dagrin - A YEAR AFTER.
Bomb Blast Rock Kaduna • 4 Killed
Another bomb blast on Friday occurred in Kaduna, Kaduna State, killing four people, while many others were injured. A witness said that the blast occurred at the Rafin Guza area, near the Legislators' Quarters, while Muslims were preparing to go for the evening prayer, throwing the entire locality into confusion. Security agents were immediately deployed to the scene of blasts and body parts of the victims were seen all over the scene.
There was no official reaction as to the cause of the blast as of the time of filing this report as the curfew imposed on the state following the post-election violence had made people to remain indoors.
Earlier at a press conference, the Kaduna State governor, Mr.Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, had appealed to residents of the state not to leave, assuring them that everything was being done to further strengthen the security situation in the state.
While urging them to come out and exercise their constitutional rights during the gubernatorial election in the state rescheduled for next Thursday, the governor condemned the violence that led to the destruction of lives and property in the state.
He said there was no reason for any Nigerian to resort to violence, since there are enough provisions in the constitution for people to seek justice.
"Let us embrace dialogue in resolving issues; let us embrace the path of peace. There is enough in the law and electoral act to use, instead of resorting to violence.
"We will no longer accept any act of lawlessness. Henceforth, security operatives will deal with trouble makers because nobody is above the law. Therefore, I want to appeal to political leaders, religious and traditional leaders to guide our youth so that they don't take the laws into their own hands," he said.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aminu Lawal, confirmed the incident, adding that two people have been arrested in connection with the incident, while investigation has commenced.
Fire Razes CPC's Pastor Tunde Bakare’s Home!
The whole building, located on Awuse Street in Opebi, Lagos, was engulfed in smoke when Saturday Tribune arrived the scene about one hour after the fire was brought under control.
It was gathered that the inferno began at 1:30 p.m. while men of the state fire service battled with it for four hours before it could be put off.
Though no life was lost, property worth millions of naira were burnt as sympathisers looked on helplessly at the loss incurred by the preacher, who is also the founder of a church, Latter Rain Assembly.
When contacted, Bakare told Saturday Tribune that he was not in the mood to comment, adding that he was busy putting things in order.
He, however, directed Saturday Tribune to call Mr. Yinka Odumakin, the spokesman to the CPC presidential candidate, Major General Muhammed Buhari, for reaction.
Speaking to Saturday Tribune, Odumakin said the cause of the fire could not be ascertained, adding that nobody could know it until the police concluded their investigation.
"What I can say now is that the entire house was burnt by the inferno while vital documents were destroyed," he said.
Asked if the inferno had anything to do with current politics, Odumakin said he was not in a position to react to the question until police filed their report.
However, investigation revealed that Bakare was in possession of vital documents in the CPC's botched alliance with the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN.
Source:
http://tribune.com.ng/sat/index.php/news/3966-fire-razes-tunde-bakares-home.html
Friday, April 22, 2011
Why I sacked commissioners, others- Oshiomhole
Governor Oshiomhole made the clarification while commissioning a water borehole at Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area. The Governor said, "it is true that I dropped two Commissioners out of four from Esanland and two Special Advisers. The way they were appointed was why they were dropped because it was within my discretion to do so.
"However, if the people vote against the party of the Commissioners, it means the people say they don't want them, that means the people have voted against them and I can't keep appointees who the people have voted against," he added.
"Commissioners and political appointees would come and go and what is permanent is the people. Whoever cannot deliver on services must go. If the people vote against you, it means you are not working hard. Whoever wants to be in government must reconnect with the people".
Debunking the insinuation that we has hatred for the Esan people, Oshiomhole explained "the removal of the Commissioners and other political appointees has nothing to do with 'this is an Esan man' or not. It is about individuals, I do not want Benin-based politicians who know everything about happenings in the capital but are not connected with their people. I do not want the people to confuse my dropping them to mean that I hate the Esan people, because I myself am an Esan man because I married from Esan land".
The Governor disclosed that he has directed the re-opening of the Ambrose Alli University and the slashing of the fees of the part-time students by N5,000.
He said "Edo State government would pay N5,000.00 for each part-time student. Government has decided to increase the monthly subvention to the University to make up for the slash".
Comrade Oshiomhole re-iterated governments determination to work for the people, provide facilities and bring infrastructure closer to them.
The Governor decried the attitude of political parties who share money for votes, saying "I learnt that my opponents are sharing money. Why should I buy votes? The state government will use government money to provide roads, water and good healthcare rather than buy votes. Money meant to bring facilities should not be shared for votes. This government is your own because it will continue to work for you".
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Buhari under fire, barred from Niger!
Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, on his part, dismissed claims by Buhari that he would reclaim his mandate saying that Buhari has no mandate to reclaim.
Following the Police ban on him, Buhari accused the Nigeria Police of collaborating with the ruling party in a bid to restrict the democratic space after allegedly denying him, (Buhari) of his mandate.
Accusations irresponsible says Buhari
Buhari also described accusations against him and the leadership of the CPC of fueling the riots by the Federal Government as irresponsible.
The erstwhile Head of State and CPC presidential flag bearer said that the violence that has ravaged the North was directly caused by the stealing of his votes.
He further expressed reservations on the conduct of Prof. Attahiru Jega, the chairman of INEC in drawing back from his promise of manually recounting the votes in the States after the discovery of the reported computer error which he claimed suppressed his votes in Katsina and Kano States.
It was gathered that the letter written by Gen. Buhari to visit Minna was turned down by the police based on security reasons. Buhari was scheduled to visit Suleja to pay a condolence visit to victims and families of those affected by the recent bombing of the INEC office in the town.
The letter disallowing him to pay the condolence visit to Suleja, it was learnt, was passed through the party in the state to Gen. Buhari on Wednesday night.
The letter was said to have been dropped at the party secretariat in Minna, Niger State, Wednesday night unknown to the party officials who had proceeded to Madalla junction yesterday to usher in their presidential candidate to Suleja town.
Chairman of the CPC in the state, Alhaji Shuaibu Umar said: "I and the governorship candidate Shettima Bako, went to Madalla this morning to receive Gen. Buhari but unknown to us, the police had already dropped a letter in our office not to allow the visit based on what they described as security threat to the state. Even as I am talking to you now, I have not seen the letter.
"All of us the stakeholders are in Madalla and we saw the commissioner of police and some detachment security operatives blocking the road in a bid to disallow him from entering Suleja, we immediately got back to Abuja and the visit was cancelled."
Gen. Buhari was said to have directed the state party officials led by its chairman to condole families affected by the bomb blasts and promised to visit them after the elections.
When contacted, the Police Public Relation officer, Mr. Richard Oguche, confirmed that CPC had written to the police on the planned visit of the presidential candidate but police replied immediately advising them to cancel the visit because of the security situation in the state as a result of the post election violence.
He said the police only acted based on security reports and would not want to act in contrary in order not to give room for a breakdown of law and order.
Reacting to the ban on him, Buhari speaking through his spokesman Yinka Odumakin said: "It is clear that the Nigeria Police today is acting in concert with the PDP government to constrict the democratic space in Nigeria to prevent the free movement of citizens of Nigerians who do not belong to the ruling PDP.
And it shows clearly that the leadership of the Nigeria Police is conniving with the ruling government and the whole world can see that the leadership of the Police is not serving the people but is serving the PDP government and those who are temporarily occupying the villa."
Buhari responsible for post-election killings, violence –FG
The Federal Government, also yesterday, blamed Buhari for the post election violence in some parts of northern Nigeria.
Over 200 hundred people were killed in the orgy of violence by rioters across Kaduna, Kastina, Sokoto, Niger, Adamawa, Kano, Bauchi and Gombe states. They also burnt the homes, shops and cars of their victims and churches.
The Minister of Information and Communications, Mr. Labaran Maku who spoke with journalists in Abuja, faulted Buhari's "negative mobilization" during the presidential campaigns.
His words: "What happened after the Presidential election was really unfortunate, we have had some violence in some states of the federation and there have been destruction of lives and property and quite a number of persons have lost their lives, which is indeed unfortunate and regrettable.
"In the course of the election Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warned against negative mobilization , for example when you urge your supporters to "defend their votes", you make it look like a theater where there is fight between supporters of one party or the other, you don't urge them to defend their votes you urge them to be peaceful."
Buhari has no structures
He noted, "For any political analyst the CPC was expected to make an impression but they were not expected to win the Presidential election, when they have not been able to set up permanent structures in majority of the states of the federation.
"The presidential candidate for this party has previously contested election under ANPP in 2003 and 2007, at end of every election, he had disputes with his party men, they never really agreed on how to proceed and he later left ANPP to form CPC. Before this election they were not in control of any state and it has no state governor, none of its members were in the National Assembly neither do they have any governor or Councilor."
"It is very unfortunate that a few Nigerians decided to stain this Presidential election with the blood of the innocent citizen.
The violence is uncalled for and totally condemnable, and this violence was unleashed on innocent people and it is totally condemnable, it is unexplainable because you are unleashing violence in places you won it didn't make sense which you are not in control.
He stressed the commitment of the Federal government in ensuring the safety of citizens in all the affected states.
"The Federal Government has taken a position to increase efforts in bringing back peace in the affected states. Every effort is being made to ensure the security of the next governorship election.
"The federal government is doing everything to bring back the peace of the affected states. Democracy process has come to stay", he said.
Mr. Maku therefore urged all those participating in the electoral process in the land to respect the laws of the land to go to court or tribunal that have been set up for such purposes, saying, "what has happened so far didn't show respect for the democracy in Nigeria and rule of law and credibility of the country.
"The accusation of culpability was immediately rebuffed by Buhari last night as he described the government's action as irresponsible.
"It is quite irresponsible of those who have stolen the people's mandate whose actions have caused the problems in some parts of the country because they have stolen the votes of the people and are now shifting the blame on the victims," Odumakin, Buhari's spokesman told Vanguard last night.
"General Buhari as we know in the last few days has been calling for peace while demanding justice. It is the brazen stealing of the votes of the people that has caused these reactions and it is a shame that Prof. Jega who many people have accorded integrity that is now suspect and to open his mouth in brazen display of connivance with those who are manipulating the will of the people."
Nyako says Buhari has no mandate to reclaim
Fielding questions from State House correspondents yesterday, Governor Nyako who led an Adamawa State delegation to President Jonathan on solidarity/congratulatory visit, said it was only INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega that was competent to announce who has the people's mandate as far as the last presidential election was concerned.
He said: "Which mandate? The mandate was clearly stated by Jega and the mandate for the presidential election is for Dr Goodluck Ebele Azikwe Mainasara Jonathan. What we did was in the best interest of Nigerians and we are very happy and we wish we had scored higher.
I don't think anybody was complaining about the conduct of the election, they are quarrelling about the results of the election which is not the will of the parties, it is the will of the Nigerian people and if they are quarrelling with Nigerian people for electing the PDP, too bad."
Source:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/04/buhari-under-fire-barred-from-niger/
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Nollywood Veteran Actor Ashley Nwosu is DEAD!
News wires reported Wednesday that the late Nwosu had fallen into coma and was on admission at a Military Hospital in Yaba, Nigeria but he passed away Thursday morning.
According to reports, colleagues of the late actor, including Mike Ezeruonye and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, have confirmed the death.
Nigerian Entertainment Today also reports that, Nollywood officials have also confirmed Ashley Nwosu's passing adding that he passed away during the early hours of Thursday, at the Military hospital, Yaba, Lagos after suffering from a severe liver problem.
One of Nollywood's first generation actors, Ashley Nwosu most often played the role of Husband, Dad, Pimp or 'Sugar Daddy' bringing to bare his sheer excellence and talent.
He has starred in countless number of movies including; Endless Night, Between Two Walls, Power Brokers, Foreign Affairs, Gift from the Grave, Lagos Babes and Ghetto Love.
Northern Rioters stained nation’s glory with blood!
The council congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo for the victory at the poll and urged them to unite the nation in the march to national transformation in the years ahead.
The Minister of Information and Communications, Labaran Maku, who disclosed these while briefing State House correspondents at the end of Wednesday's meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the council also resolved to congratulate Nigerians, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who participated in the conduct of the exercise.
According to him, "the council note with regret, however, the unprovoked and premeditated arson, violence and killings in some states of the federation by persons and groups who deployed open hatred against fellow citizens for freely voting for candidates of their choice as enshrined under our laws.
"Council strongly condemns the regrettable tendency by a few to deny our nation its progress towards the united and stable polity from the regional and ethnic divisions of the recent past, at the time the world is celebrating the glory of our presidential poll as one of the freest and fairest in our recent history."
Source:
http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/news/20803-rioters-stained-nations-glory-with-blood-fec
The Story of the 11-Year-Old World's Youngest Mother!
Kordeza Zhelyazkova, an 11 year old girl from Bulgaria, just gave birth to her daughter, making her the world's youngest mother.
While Kordeza and the baby are healthy and in high spirits, Jeliazko, the 19 year old father of the child, now faces six years in jail for having sex with a minor. The father says that he was fearful and really scared when he found out Kordeza was pregnant. He says they didn't plan to have sex or a baby although he fell in love with Kordeza the moment he laid eyes on her.
He added: 'I was walking past the school when I saw some boys mocking her and I told them to leave her alone.
'Then she arranged to meet me and asked me out on our first date. I thought she was 15. She didn't tell me she was 11.'
Kordeza added: 'I didn't want to say in case he wouldn't fancy me.'
Their daughter was conceived within a week of their meeting.
Kordeza said: 'I didn't know I was pregnant until my grandmother saw I had put on weight. I just thought I'd eaten too many burgers.'
Her grandmother Dida, 55, said: 'It's normal for our girls to have babies young. It's our tradition. But I didn't want it for my Kordeza – I felt she was too young.'
The family planned a three-day Roma wedding for October 22 – so Kordeza and Jeliazko could be married before the baby was born. But Kordeza went into labour a week early, on the second day of the ceremony.
She said: 'I had been having pain in the morning and a couple of hours into the wedding it got worse.'
She was rushed to hospital and gave birth 20 minutes later.
Kordeza said: 'It was quite easy but painful too. I was very happy when I saw her. She has a nose like me and hair like Jeliazko.'
Both grandmothers will be guardians of baby Violeta, and Kordeza and her daughter will receive £70 a month in state benefits.
The age of consent in Bulgaria is 14.
Here's what Kordeza had to say about being a mom:
'It feels strange to be a mum and have a baby. I used to play with my toys but now she is my new toy. She is so beautiful, I love her. Violeta is the child and I must grow up. I am not going back to school – I am a mother now.'
i think the man should be hanged - forget about twentieth century laws, he should be made to pay
Uche Jumbo Looking Fascinating and Alluring For Wow Magazine!
EXCLUSIVE: James Bond Goes African with Genevieve Nnaji as the Next Bond Girl!
Genevieve Nnaji has been selected to play the next
James Bond girl. It's the first time that the honour to sidekick the favourite spy of her Gracious Majesty befalls an African actress.
Sepp Blatter commiserates with Olubayo's family.
The death of Nigeria international Olubayo Adefemi is still fresh in the football world and the latest to join the list of sympathizers is FIFA president Sepp Blatter.The head of the world football governing body stated 24 hours after the tragic event in Greece that he sympathizes with the deceased's family in Nigeria."My condolences to the family of Olubayo Adefemi, the Nigerian player who tragically died in a car accident on Monday," Blatter stated through his official twitter account @SeppBlatter on Tuesday.Adefemi died in a car crash on Monday when he lost control of his vehicle while driving to Salonika to finalise arrangements for his wedding.The 25-year-old moved to Skoda Xanthi in the Greek top division last summer and had just made a return into the Nigerian senior team, the Super Eagles. Olubayo won a silver medal at the Holland 2005 World Youth Championship under current coach Samson Siasia. Three years later he was part of the Dream Team that won a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics.Adefemi joined Xanthi from French side Boulogne last summer and had made 24 league appearances this season, scoring twice.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Student killed as Friend Watches on Web cam!
Qian Liu, 23, was found dead Friday morning in an apartment near York University, where she was enrolled in an English-language program.
Liu, who was originally from Beijing, was chatting online with a man her friends have identified as her boyfriend in the early hours of Friday morning when she answered a knock on the door and was attacked, police said. The Chinese man with whom she had been chatting told police he watched in horror as Liu battled her attacker in front of the web cam, until the attacker closed the computer and the witness' screen went ominously black.
 Thousands of miles away, in China, the friend sent panicked emails begging family members and friends to rush to her aid. Liu's worried mother called the Chinese Consulate, according to CBC, and asked authorities to find her daughter.
But in Toronto, people were fast asleep, and the emails went unread until Friday morning. When the landlord opened the door to Liu's apartment mid-morning Friday, it was too late. Liu's lifeless body was discovered naked from the waist down, police said in a statement. They also said there were no immediate signs that she had been sexually assaulted, but they are waiting for lab results in the case. No cause of death has been determined.
"She opened the door to a male. She could have known the male, but he was unknown to the online witness," Toronto Police Detective Frank Skubic told London's Daily Mail. According to the paper, one of Liu's room mates told reporters Liu had been stalked by a man whose romantic advances she had spurned.
The Toronto Star reports that people identifying themselves as Liu's friends have said in Chinese-language online chat rooms that she was being stalked.
 Police have not commented on whether Liu had a stalker, but said in a statement that the man described to them by the web cam witness was white, between 20 and 30 and about 6 feet tall. They told Toronto's National Post it was unclear whether Liu knew her attacker.
York University president Mamdouh Shoukri released a statement on its website that called the death a "terrible tragedy" and asked students to contact police if they have any information about the crime.
"Qian's death is a terrible tragedy, and our entire community mourns the loss of a promising young student," Shoukri wrote. "Our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy go out to her family, friends and classmates."
Source:
http://www.aolnews.com/2011/04/19/student-qian-liu-killed-in-canada-as-friend-in-china-watches-on/
Why Jonathan suspended Interior minister!
Emmanuel Ihenacho
PRESIDENT and PRESIDENT-ELECT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, suspended the Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, from office alleging official lapses.
The suspension of the minister was enveloped in the political intrigues in his native Imo State where he was alleged to have supported opposition party candidates during the National Assembly elections against Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidates promoted by Governor Ikedi Ohakim.
National Vice Chairman of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, who had last week called on the President to sack the Minister on the basis of the alleged anti-party activities, yesterday, welcomed the President's action.
Metu told Vanguard that the suspension should be a warning to other ministers in the federal cabinet who he alleged were equally involved in anti-party activities.
The party's national vice chairman alleged that the Presidential Adviser on Energy, Prof. Barth Nnaji was one of those allegedly involved in anti-party activities who should retrace their steps.
Opposition party supporters
Opposition party supporters in Imo State, however, faulted the suspension of Ihenacho from office as they claimed that the presidency was pandering to the whims of Governor Ohakim.
There were speculations that Ambassador Kema Chikwe who was defeated in the Imo East senate election by Senator Chris Anyanwu, the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA candidate may have been positioned to replace Ihenacho in the cabinet.
Ihenacho was speculated to have supported Senator Anyanwu against Chikwe in the Imo East Senatorial election on April 9. Anyanwu won the election.
Announcing the suspension of the minister in a terse statement yesterday, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, Mr. Ima Niboro, said: "President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has ordered the immediate suspension of Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho as Minister of Interior and member of the Federal Executive Council. "Capt. Iheanacho has been directed to hand over to the Minister of Labour, Mr. Emeka Wogu, who will, in addition to his present portfolio, oversee that ministry."
Welcoming the suspension yesterday, Metuh lamented the disloyalty of the minister to the ruling party in his home state saying he had asked the president to call him to order whilst also directing the Imo State chapter to set up a disciplinary committee to investigate his activities and recommend necessary sanction against him.
Noting that the President's action was indicative of a listening President, Metuh said: "The president has shown that he is a peaceful man and that he has a listening ear.
The people of Imo State and the South East had cried out over the threat to peace and anti-party activity of the minister who had been using his office as Minister of Interior to mobilize operatives of Nigeria Prisons to harass PDP members in Imo State especially during the last elections."
Source:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/04/why-jonathan-suspended-interior-minister/
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