Jonathan Cave In To Pressure..Approves UNILAG' Convocation

President Goodluck Jonathan has approved a new date for the 2011/2012 convocation of the University of Lagos. The President had allegedly frustrated the institution’s bid to confer various degrees and diploma certificates on its graduating students last week due to the institution’s alumni association’s rejection of the renaming of the university after late politician, Chief Moshood Abiola last year by the Federal Government. Jonathan’s refusal to confirm the date of the convocation, it was learnt, compelled the university authorities to hurriedly postpone the convocation initially scheduled for between January 17 and 19, 2013, indefinitely. But following pressure from stakeholders, the President had approved new dates that would run from February 7 to 9 for the convocation. A top source at the Federal Ministry of Education, who denied that the President was responsible for the postponement, however, confirmed that the President had, in a letter to UNILAG through the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqquayat Rufa’i, communicated the new dates to the institution. The source said, “It is true that the federal universities including UNILAG should obtain approval for convocation from the President, who is also the Visitor to these institutions before they could perform such a ceremony. But I can tell you that President Goodluck Jonathan is a law abiding President and a respecter of the rule of law. He did not and could not frustrate the UNILAG convocation because of the crisis trailing the renaming of the institution. “What caused the seeming delay was the decision of the government to reconstitute a new governing council for some institutions, including UNILAG. We have done that and in fact, one of your senior colleagues in the media, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, is on the council of UNILAG.” The source also confirmed that government had approved February 7, 8 and 9 as the new dates of the convocation. The Deputy Registrar, Information of UNILAG, Mr. Oluwatoyin Adebule, also confirmed the new dates. “Yes, it is true that the convocation that was postponed last week would now hold in February. But I’m sure that President Goodluck Jonathan has not, at any point in time, worked against UNILAG because this institution is his baby,” he said. He later sent an electronic mail to our correspondent to confirm the new dates. The statement read, “Authorities of the University of Lagos wish to inform all graduating students, parents/guardians and other stakeholders that the Golden Jubilee Convocation Ceremonies earlier scheduled to hold at the normal convocation period of January 17, 18 and 19 2013 will now hold on Thursday, February 7; Friday, February 8 and Saturday, February 9, 2013.”

Henry Okah Accomplice Given Life Sentence In Abuja

A Federal High Court today in Abuja convicted Edmund Ebuware for having links with Henry Okah, mastermind of Oct. 1 2010 bombings in Abuja. He was sentenced to life imprisonment..Details later

Why Does Peter of P'Square Keep Impregnating Lola Omotayo?

This unjustifiable act has been troubling yours truly for some time now but I decided to wait till after Lola's delivery before I raise my concerns. The attitude of some male musicians with regards to their ways with ladies is just not encouraging. These guys keep putting ladies in family way with impunity. Our focus, however, is on Peter Okoye and Lola Omotayo. Note that the lady is Yoruba, before some folks 'cash in' on this and call it another post against a particular tribe. Please, what is wrong with Peter Okoye that he has decided to keep impregnating Lola without taking her to the altar? Or is getting a woman pregnant at will his own definition of marriage? After Lola gave birth to a baby boy for him in September 2008, out of wedlock, I thought it was a 'mistake' and that Peter Okoye would do the 'right thing' shortly after. But I was wrong; nothing happened. Rather, he impregnated her again and, on Tuesday, she gave birth to another child for him, this time a baby girl. But my question is: As what? Is Lola just a 'baby factory machine' for Peter Okoye or what? This was what Tuface Idibia did to several ladies and today he's "struggling" to marry one of them

Joseph Benjamin Was Once A Bus Conductor

There are no easy routes to success, they say. Who would imagine our darling on screen was once a waiter? Joseph Benjamin is one of the most attractive faces in Nollywood. He has charmed his way into the hearts of many with his good looks and acting skills. The Kogi born actor has done enough to earn him a star status in Nollywood, but his role as co-presenter in MTN Project Fame West Africa shone the spotlight on Benjamin. Joseph Benjamin was on Inspiration FM yesterday with Wana Udobang on the show ‘Talk About It’ when he disclosed the rough roads he had to travel before becoming who he is today. “I’ve moved from being a bus conductor, security guard, waiter, worked in a Bakery, sold shoes at Balogun; then moved into IT before acting.” People’s feedback on twitter showed her inspired they were with his story as he continued giving tips on how goals could be achieved. “Keep improving your craft. Nourish that which you have. Be your own inspiration!” Speaking on start-up businesses, Benjamin had this to say;”Understand your market before you decide what you want to do.” Who says perseverance and hard work does not pay.

"Why Catholic Church Pulled Out of CAN" - Msgr Chris Ajala

Monsignor Christopher Ajala, Administrator of Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, has highlighted the reason the Catholic Church suspended its activities in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), national body. Speaking at a press conference to mark the 15th anniversary of the diocese in Abeokuta yesterday, Ajala declared that the Christian umbrella body was too close to government. He alleged that the Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor-led CAN had derailed from the objectives of the body, adding that the Catholic Bishops Conference was not comfortable with the development, hence its decision to pull out. His words: “The Catholic Church took their stand before the purchase or the aircraft was donated to him. But what the Catholic Bishops Conference is complaining about is about the way they are running the national CAN now that is not meeting the objectives and the goals of CAN and the forefathers of CAN. “CAN is now being run as part of the government and we said no. Because they (government) will dictate to us what to do and they will not take our advice seriously. The Catholic Church decided to withdraw from the activities of CAN at national level; we are still part of the state. We made our stand clear in November, last year, and by December, the man bought a jet. I don’t know how he got it but the president was there on that day the jet was delivered to him. “So, what we are saying is that our religious leaders should be honest, upright and they should also be the conscience of this nation. If you are bought, the masses of this country are finished. If you can use money to buy our religious leaders, then there is no hope for the common man. That is the Catholic Church’s stand. We are supposed to speak for the people to correct the wrongs in the society and assist every government to know the will of God for them and we still stand by that.” Ajala equally warned that the emergence of a Northern president in the 2015 general election may not be the ultimate solution to the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. “You mentioned that if a Northern president is elected that this will stop, I doubt it. It is very clear now that it’s not the northern leaders that are responsible. If an Emir could be attacked, the Sultan also could be attacked. So, it’s not just a northern leader leading us; that’s not the issue. This group has its own objectives and we should be united in fighting them. Northerners and southerners should be united in fighting this evil.”

Kim and Khloe Kardashian slam their father's widow

According to Robert Kardashian's widow, Kim K's mum, Kris Jenner, was once a bad mother. Ellen Kardashian told tabloids that she was in possession of a diary belonging to Rob Snr which showed that Kris beat and kicked Kim when she was a child and frequently took her anger out on her daughters. Ellen shared the diary, which was written by Rob Kardashian between 1988-90, with In Touch Weekly this week: According to the journals, Jenner would hide out in her bedroom for days at a time to sleep off the effects of hard partying and avoiding her young children. In one entry, dated September 1989, Robert alleges his daughters called him crying numerous times after their mother forgot to pick them up from school because she had left for places like Mexico or Palm Springs with her much younger alleged lover, Todd Waterman. “The whole time she was gone she NEVER asked to talk with her kids,” Rob wrote. After seeing the report, Kim and Khloe slammed their step mum. See their tweets after the cut...

London’s Wellington Hospital Discharges Chime

According to ThisDay newspapers, indication emerged Wednesday, that the Wellington Hospital at St. John’s Wood, North West London, may have discharged Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State. Chime reportedly had an endoscopy operation at the hospital, and Wednesday’s visit was to ensure he has completed his routine check with specialists at the hospital.

BON Bans Psquare,Timaya,Flavour Etc Videos

The Nigerian Broadcast Commission (NBC) has placed a NTBB ban on a new set of music videos. NET gathered that the banned videos include Psquare (Alingo), Wande Coal (Go low), Timaya (Bum bum), Flavour (Shake) for being ‘suggestive and provocative’. Others include D’Prince (Take banana), Goldie (Ski bobo), Chuddy K (Brazilian hair) and Tillaman (Koma roll). In response to the ban, Psquare’s publicist, Bayo Adetu said, ‘We also just saw the story online this morning and we do not think that the NBC’s ban is justifiable’. He also added that the ban would not make any difference since the video has already gone worldwide and is definitely loved by the fans. NBC has always exercised its power to regulate the contents on Nigerian television and radio stations especially in recent times. It would be recalled that videos like Femi Kuti’s ‘Bang bang bang’, Konga’s ‘Baby konga’, and most recently, DJ Zeez’s ‘Body Language’ have come under the axe of the NBC. NET has tried to reach the NBC to confirm the ban, but the commission is yet to respond. Be sure that NET will continue to update you on the issue. The videos have been banned for different reasons and they are expected to be taken off every local television stations only. NBC does not regulate what airs on cable channels like MTV Base, Soundcity, Trace and Channel O, as well as internet platforms like Youtube and Vimeo. In a release by the NBC, the videos classified as ‘not to be broadcast in whole or in part’, were banned for different reasons. The videos include and the reasons are as follows: 1. Tillaman ft. Vector- Koma Roll (contains erotic and suggestive dance steps) 2. Wande Coal- Go Low (scenes of nudity in the video) 3. D’Prince - Take Banana (contains erotic, vulgar words and suggestive dance styles) 4. Flavour- Shake (vulgar and suggestive dance steps) 5. Goldie- Ski Bobo (featuring a minor with suggestive and immoral dance steps) 6. Chuddy K- Brazilian Hair (features children and ladies with suggestive and erotic dance steps) 7. Timaya- Shake your Bum bum erotic and suggestive dance steps with vulgar lyrics. 8. Psquare- Alingo (erotic scenes at the end of the musical videos)

Jim Ovia demolishes N600m property, turns it to temporary car park

Billionaire business man and former MD of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, has demolished the two-storey building standing on his Ozumba Mbadiwe property and has turned the land to a temporary car park for people who use his event place, Civic Centre. The car park and Civic centre share a fence. Heard they are planning to building a massive structure on the vacant plot later this year...maybe a hotel..

Ibadan based billionaire's daughter gets engaged to music exec, Ajadi

Daughter to Ibadan based billionaire Akinade Fijabi, Awanat Akinade Fijabi got engaged to Shoti Records CEO, Otunba Sadiq Ajadi, who is also the son of oil and gas billionaire Sadram petroleum on Sunday 20th January in Ibadan. Oyo State Governor Ajumobi and his wife, King of Fuji K1, Chief Kola Daisy, Are Arisekola Alao, Iyalode Of Ibadan Land were all there

Hot photo's of Emma Nyra

She's really hot , me likey ...lol

CPC Lambast Presidency Over Statement On Buhari

Our attention in the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has been drawn to the  utterly reckless and vitriolic response from the nation's Presidency to General  Muhammadu Buhari's (GMB) statesman-like communication on the unfortunate armed  attack on the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ado Bayero. In the said  response, Dr Doyin Okupe, the Presidential aide on Public affairs, was reported  to have described GMB's statement, which aptly mentioned the constitutional  provision that the 'purpose of government is the welfare and security of the  people', as irresponsible.  It is never surprising that Dr Okupe's communication is often laden on asininity  and acerbic profanity, what is befuddling is the quality of leadership of the  Nation's Presidency that tolerates such immeasurable indecency! As a respected Nigerian said, "the greatest threat to Liberty is the absence of  criticism"; we believe that the bullish tactics of Dr Okupe in excoriating every  critic of this PDP-led regime is not only deleterious to a harmonious polity but  also an affront on personal liberty.  The pertinent questions are: 1, Does it not speak eloquently on the mind set of the President that he  encourages his aides to lambast a former Nigerian leader and respected Statesman  for volunteering his concern on the general insecurity in the Nation state? 2, Is it not a matter of grave concern that a respected monarch, with all the  retinue of security staff, being so gruesomely attacked on the street, there is  dimming hope for the ordinary Nigerian? 3, Does this latest Attack not confirm our well-reasoned belief that the  insecurity besetting the nation goes beyond religion and ethnicity? 4, Is it not ludicrous that, for more than one year since this President  declared infiltration of his government by Boko Haram, nobody (within his  government) has been handed over for prosecution? 5, Should this President not be accused of unduly overheating the polity by his  penchant for abdicating responsibility for the foreboding evil of insecurity in  the Land?  6, Is it not true that, rather than making the polity safe for the Citizens  (based on the oath of allegiance sworn to on 29th May, 2011), this President has  lately renewed his assault on our collective psyche with all the shenanigans of  devious politickying, ahead of 2015 elections? 7, Is it not time we asked the relevant question, with the yearly increase of  fatalities from the insecure Nigerian environment, when shall this president  transform from the rhetoric of vacuous promises to making the Nigerian polity  safe for lives and property? As a responsible Political Party, we cannot be cowed by the indignity of a  loquacious Presidential Aide in failing to discharge our responsibility of  nudging those that bear Executive responsibility of the gaping need for security  (as enshrined in the Nation's statue). This, we believe, is the irreducible  minimum in our article of faith with the Nigerian people.  God Bless Nigeria.  Rotimi Fashakin (Engr) National Publicity Secretary, CPC.  (Wednesday, 23rd January, 2013

EFCC Arrests Imo State House Of Assembly Clerk

There was a mild drama at the Imo State House of Assembly yesterday, when operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stormed the House and arrested the Clerk, Chris Duru. Other principal officers and lawmakers narrowly escaped arrest. The visit of the anti-graft agency came barely 24 hours after Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha chided the EFCC for delaying the arrest of his predecessor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim. The visit of the EFCC operatives threw the entire state into confusion as key government officials were battling to stop the operatives from making further arrests. Although facts about the visit were sketchy last night, The Nation gathered that the EFCC invaded the House to arrest principal officers including Speaker Benjamin Uwajumogu, who is out of the country, over an alleged contract scam and irregularities in employment and promotion of Staff without due process. Media Assistant to the Speaker Mr. Samuelson Ihuoha, said: “The Clerk was not arrested as speculated, he was only invited and he went to answer the invitation. There is nothing spectacular about the visit. The EFCC has the right to investigate any arm of government or institution, so their visit is in line with their constitutional functions. The Imo State House of Assembly has nothing to hide”. Commissioner of Information Mr. Chinedu Offor, declined to speak on the matter, adding that the House is distinct from the Executive and could answer for itself. “You know the House is distinct, so you can contact the Media Assistant to the Speaker. I can’t speak on behalf of the House

I MIGHT BE BROKE BUT I’M REAL AND NOT FAKE-AZADUS

Azadus has been on the low key for over a decade now. Since the massive revolution hit the music industry in Nigeria, he has been sidelined by other young competitors in the industry. Attempts to re-launch his nose-dived music career have not yielded any positive result. This has made some people who sighted him chatting with an Okada man to have concluded that he’s broke. Reacting to the said rumour going round about him on social media that he’s broke and now mounts Okada, Azadus tweeted that “Dats me chilling wiv my okada friend wiv a bottle of Alomo in d nylon. Am actually not fake or butty, am street! U heard?” Is he really sure ....lol

Bovi Stages First Show

Comedian Bovi has finally come up with his own show billed to take place at Eko hotel on the 10th of march. According to Bovi, the self titled show with the rider "Man On Fire" is a one-man stand-up comedy show that will afford him the opportunity to entertain his audience for an hour non-stop. Bovi- Man On Fire will also feature several leading musical acts to spice up the evening. More details on the show coming soon.

Flower-eating goat has charges against it dropped in court

It's not only in Nigeria that they have some sick people o...lol...some of them can be found in Australia. Hehehe! According to Metro UK, a flower-eating goat named Gary has been cleared of vandalism after an Australian judge dismissed the case at a court in Sydney. His owner Jim Dezarnaulds had been ordered to pay a 440 Australian dollar (£290) fine after Gary was spotted snacking on a flower bed outside the city’s Museum of Contemporary Art. The case was dismissed however, after a judge ruled that neither Gary nor his owner could be held accountable for the crime. Lol. Read more after the cut...

Magistrate Carolyn Barkell said there was no evidence that Gary, who had his own lawyer, had been brought there to intentionally eat the flowers. ‘This is actually an abuse of the laws of nature, I mean it was a goat eating grass,’ Mr Dezarnaulds said after the verdict was announced. ‘I’m a comedian, I can come up with jokes, but it’s pretty hard to compete with cops coming up with this stuff. ‘It’s obviously a joke, but the fact that we’re here it’s gone a bit beyond a joke.’ Gary, who was not required to give evidence, did not comment on the verdict upon leaving court. (lol). Mr Dezarnaulds added: ‘Gary taught the cops a valuable lesson and that’s don’t bite off more than you can chew.’ Gary became an internet star after news of his plight went viral, with his official Facebook page racking up over 10,000 likes.

Mercy Johnson names daughter Purity Okojie

Got this exclusive gist from a very close friend of the actress. Mercy and her husband have named their daughter Purity Okojie. Purity was born on Sunday December 30th 2012. Mercy is due back in Nigeria next month February. Meanwhile, I heard that some movie producers have been sending movie scripts to the actress in the US. She's been accepting them and plans to immediately hit a movie set once she returns to Nigeria.

Three Governors visit ailing Governor Sullivan Chime in London

Governors' Forum Members; Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, Gabriel Suswam of Benue, and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State visited ailing governor of Enugu state, Sullivan Chime in London. The photo was released today but it's not clear when it was taken. We hope this will finally put an end to all the death rumours.,

The Mavins to perform at MTV VJ search finale this Friday

MTV Base VJ Search grand finale is happening this Friday, January 25th at Don Jazzy’s club, POP and the Mavins will be performing at the big showdown along with other performances. Don Jazzy is hosting the finalists at the after party. Kemi Owatemi, Ada Ogunkeye and Ehizojia Okoeguale who have been having the time of their lives since their emergence as finalists for the MTV Base VJ Search competition will go through the final stage of the competition this Friday and Iyanya, Ice Prince and Burna Boy will be on ground to mentor the finalists. The winner will go home with 10 million naira contract as well as a brand new car among other exciting prizes.

UK Grandma sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug trafficking

Lindsay Sandiford, 56, from Gloucestershire, was today sentenced to death by firing squad in Indonesia for attempting to smuggle cocaine worth $2.5 million in her suitcase onto the resort island of Bali. State prosecutors had called for the housewife to be jailed for 15 years but she was told today that she would be put to death for her crime. Lindsay had claimed in court that she was forced to take the drugs into the country by a gang that was threatening to hurt her children but the court wasn't interested in her reasons. She was arrested in May 2012 when customs officers at Bali's airport discovered 3.8 kilograms of cocaine in the lining of her luggage. Two other British citizens and an Indian have already been convicted and sentenced to prison in connection with the bust. Lindsay plans to appeal the sentence.

Peter Okoye and Lola Omotayo welcome baby girl

Congrats to Peter and Lola Photo Credit: Peter Okoye | Instagram

Asari,Tompolo Hails Henry Okah's Conviction

Leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF) Alhaji Mujaheed Dokubo-Asari and former MEND leader Government Ekpemupolo (a.k.a. Tompolo) yesterday said Henry Okah’s conviction in South Africa will have no backlash in the Niger Delta. The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja, branch, said the conviction of Okah should serve as a wake-up call for Nigeria to revamp its justice system. The Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) said it was time for Nigeria to reform the court system to save democracy from collapse in the face of anarchy and impunity. Dokubo-Asari told our reporter on the telephone: “He (Okah) was never involved in our (Niger Delta) struggle. He got what he deserved and that is that. It was a well-deserved sentence and that is all there is to his conviction.” Asked what the conviction portends for activists in the region, Dokubo-Asari said: “It portends nothing; he was just a businessman and, like I said, never involved in the agitation for a better deal for the region.” Speaking through the Executive Chairman of the Tompolo Foundation, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, former MEND leader Tompolo appealed for calm, stressing that “the law has taken its course”.

Nollywood Halima Abubakar, J-Martins, Seye Kehinde, Others Made UN Peace Ambassador

The Universal Peace Federation and Youth Federation For World Peace have honoured some Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in the society with what they do. Because of their impact in the society through their various professions, the bodies have bestowed on Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar; singers, J-Martins and Sunny Neji; publisher of City People magazine, Seye Kehinde; and Benita Nzeribe as Ambassadors for Peace. They were unveiled at an event held at Our Place on Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos on Sunday evening.

Dr Tunde Soleye confirms his marriage to Nike Oshinowo has ended

After six years of marital bliss, former beauty queen Nike Oshinowo has packed out of her matrimonial home. Dr Tunde Soleye confirmed it in an interview with Encomium magazine. He said: “We are no longer living together. Nike and I have sent out a joint statement on the issue. It is simple and clean. This is not a scandal. We had three options, the best of which is to tell the world the truth that we now live apart. We have been living apart for a couple of months now. We see occasionally. She calls me when she wants  and I speak with her too. There's no fight. I have been to where she lives. We are still friends. We are going through a difficult time and we will come out of it. I know for sure that Nike Oshinowo moved out of Dr Soleye's Lekki home mid last year and even when they stepped out together at Folorunsho Alakija's thanksgiving party in September 2012, they were already living apart. Nike now lives in VI, while Dr Soleye has moved to Parkview Estate, Ikoyi.

Kanye's ex says he got together with Kim because there was no one else

One of Kanye's bitter ex girlfriend Brooke Crittendon spoke with The Sun and explains how she met Kanye, why they broke up and why he's with Kim K. Brooke tells The Sun “For Kanye, what other person besides Kim Kardashian is there? There’s Halle Berry, J-Lo and Beyonce but they are all taken. She fits into his brand. “Part of being untouchable is having what other people want. It’s about saying, ‘Everybody wants her and she wants me’. That makes sense in Kanye’s world. “I know he has had a thing with her for a while. I’m sure he watched her tape. After we broke up, we caught up as friends and he mentioned her, I knew something was there. “In Hollywood, you cannot say ‘forever’. Them being together satisfies them for now. “Having a baby ticks a box. She wanted kids and it’s his legacy.”  About their relationship, Brooke says Kanye was incredibly insecure “He was not macho - he needed you to be with him and needed your opinion. He was quite vulnerable. “He was insecure as he couldn’t be with me every day. I got the impression he worried he wasn’t good enough for me. He needs people to tell him he is good and that he is needed and wanted. “He wouldn’t start his show unless I was at the side of the stage. One night the show was delayed because he couldn’t find me. “He refused to go on till I’d told him it was going to be OK.” The pair eventually split up because Brooke could not handle sharing her man with a string of other beauties. She revealed: “I was very naive. I was a normal girl and in my life you meet a guy, you go on three dates and that’s your boyfriend. But he was a superstar and it got too much for me to handle. “I was never OK being one of many or even one of a few. “There was a lot of attention from other women. Kanye was very open and honest but it ended up with me knowing too much. I don’t want to be silly and say it wasn’t cheating because I knew about it. Why is she telling us , for relivance I guess....lol

Festus Keyamo condems judgement on Henry Okah

Below is a press statement by Festus Keyamo on the conviction of Henry Ukah in South Africa. The decision of the South African Court that convicted Henry Okah this morning of charges relating to terrorism is politically motivated and legally incorrect. As counsel to Charles Okah and others who are facing the same set of charges under Nigerian Laws, I have been actively involved in coordinating the trials both in South Africa and in Nigeria. The fundamental flaw in the trial is that Henry Okah was not given adequate facilities and the opportunity to defend himself. This is because after the prosecution closed its case in South Africa, the defence attorneys and my Chambers here in Abuja tried frantically to summon the witnesses of Henry Okah who are based here in Nigeria to testify on his behalf. These witnesses include some government officials. In this regard, we wrote to the Attorney-General of the Federation who replied and directed that Henry’s counsel in South Africa apply to the court there for an order to secure the legal assistance of the Attorney-General of Nigeria. This was only two weeks ago (please, find attached a copy of the letter from the Attorney-General of the Federation to my office and note that the date on the letter was mistakenly given as 8th January, 2012 instead of 2013.)   Without giving Henry’s counsel in South Africa adequate time and facilities to follow the directives, the South African court foreclosed his opportunity to call witnesses and rushed to convict him. This is a breach of his fundamental right to fair hearing and an obvious attempt by the South African authorities to please Nigeria at all cost. That is why the judgment is nothing but political. Whilst all Nigerians empathise with those who lost their lives and limbs in the October 1, 2010 bombing, it is wrong to convict anybody for it without due process. Henry has been convicted without due process.   I condemn this judgment and call on Nigerians and the international community to condemn the trial and judgment of Henry Okah whose only offence was his refusal to accept the so-called amnesty offered by the Yar’Adua-Jonathan administration and his insistence on the Niger-Delta controlling its resources.   With the recent condemnation of Jonathan by some militants who initially accepted the amnesty programme, I am sure they now know that Henry Okah was correct not to have accepted the poisoned chalice called amnesty.   The Nigerian government must immediately use all diplomatic efforts to ensure that Henry Okah does not die in a South African prison and for the South African government to grant him unconditional pardon. This is without prejudice to his right to appeal against the judgment.   Thank you. Festus Keyamo, ESQ.

Things to Lookout for in Nollywood Movies

1) A mother travels from the village to Lagos, argues with her son about not having a male child, then back to the village…THE SAME DAY! Abi village dey get airport? 2) A girl carries the same hairstyle, even after 2 years. 3) You’d see the camera man through the side body of a car or when u look closely into Jim Iyke’s huge glasses. 4) A ghost looks left and right before crossing the road. 5) Girls wear very short dresses, revealing their bosoms and sky high heels to school…but their lecturers say nothing about it. 6) A woman barges into her husband with another woman in a hotel room. Abi who give her key? 7) A policeman with 6-rounds revolver keeps shooting at armed robbers more than 20 times. I no know say bullet dey generate itself like DNA 8) A man wants to send his wife packing, he goes into the room and comes out with about 3 ready packed bags as if the wife had already prepared herself for the event

Henry Okah found guilty of 2010 Independence Day bomb attacks

A South African court this morning convicted the leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Henry Okah, of masterminding twin car bombings during Nigeria's 50th independence celebrations in October 2010 that killed twelve people and injured several others. He was also found guilty of masterminding the two explosions in Warri in March 2010. Henry Okah was found guilty on all counts and faces a minimum sentence of life in prison.

Senior Police Officers To Be Sacked After Goodluck Jonathan Visit To Police College

SHOCKING discoveries by President Goodluck Jonathan during his unscheduled visit on Friday  to the Police College, Ikeja, may lead to a major shake-up  in  the Nigeria Police Force and the Ministry  of Police Affairs A Presidency official, who spoke to one our correspondents in confidence, on Sunday, said, “The picture being painted is that of total neglect of the police training colleges, including the one in Ikeja. “But the fact is that some money was budgeted for those colleges. How has the money been spent? There will be a probe and anybody found wanting will be sacked.” Already, sources said top officials at the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Police Service Commission, and the office of the Inspector-General of Police have  been put under scrutiny over the condition of  the PCI. It was also gathered that the DIG ‘E’ Department, Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo, who oversees training in the Nigeria Police, might be called upon to give explanations on the “unacceptable magnitude” of rot in the police training schools. Jonathan, who could not hide his anger during  the visit to the PCI  en route Cote d’Ivoire for the ECOWAS Summit on Mali, said  that the  rot , being televised as a documentary on a Lagos-based privately-owned Channels Television, was meant to tarnish the image of his  administration. The documentary was said to have informed his unscheduled visit to the college.   “This is a calculated attempt to damage the image of this government. The Police College, Ikeja, is not the only training institution in Nigeria,” he had said. His questions on who got Channels  to film the depreciation in facilities caused by years of sustained decay were not answered  by  the embattled commandant of the college. A confidant of the President said that Jonathan was of the view that those appointed to occupy sensitive positions had failed to do their jobs. The President’s visit coincided with a  wedding reception being held at the Police College. There were fears that the police college had long deviated from the standard norms associated with a police formation . It was learnt that the field of the Police College was being rented out to the public for ceremonies ranging from weddings, funerals and sundry social activities. The proceeds from such rentals hardly appear in the college’s books nor do  they  reflect in the maintenance of facilities in the school. Also, those in charge of the PCI  were alleged to place priority on such rentals at the expense of serious training programmes in the school. The Police Public Relations Officer  of the PCI, Mr. Agu Genny, however, said he did not know if money was paid to the college for renting the field as it was not under his responsibility. “I don’t know how much or if money is paid for using the field because it is not my responsibility. That question should be directed to the officer in charge of finance or the commandant of the college”, he said. Like the proceeds from the rentals, monies realised from  billboards, including spectacular  boards that are rented by advertising agencies, are not accounted for. An officer, who declined to give his name because of the sensitivity of the scandal, said, “Look, for many years outdoor advertising agencies have always  erected their spectacular billboards in our premises.

Emir Of Kano Travels Abroad After Attack (See Picture)

Emir of Kano at the Airport Yesterday                                                        Some suspects have been arrested in connection with Saturday’s attack on the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero. Kano State Deputy Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who broke the news at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano yesterday, did not give the figure of those arrested. He spoke after seeing off the Emir who travelled to Britain. The death toll in the attack has risen to five, according to the police. Spokesman of Kano Police Magaji Majie said that Interim Chairman of Kura Local Government Area, Salisu Abdulahhi Kura, and his driver, who left the convoy in the confusion that followed the attack were trailed by the gunmen in a cab and killed in a nearby street. Security has been tightened in Kano as armed soldiers and policemen patrol the streets and intensify their search on vehicles at checkpoints in the city.

N5 million Reward to anyone with info on bodies in Anambra River

Anambra state governor Peter Obi has offered to pay a N5m reward to anyone who has information on the dead bodies found floating in the Ezzu river , bordering Anambra & Enugu states on saturday. Obi, who cut short his overseas trip to visit the scene on Sunday, described the killing and dumping of the corpses as barbaric and shocking. He said, “What happened here is unacceptable in any decent society. Human life and blood is scared and all of us must respect the sanctity of human life.” The governor, who said the two states would investigate the incident, added that they had directed the police to move in their homicide team and recover the bodies. The governor directed residents of the two communities bordering the river, Amansea in Anambra State and Ugwuoba in Enugu State to desist from fetching water from the river until the corpses were cleared from the river. Meanwhile, the corpses have begun to decompose and are oozing offensive smells in the neighbourhood. Our correspondent gathered that the police, local governments, ministry of health and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency did not have the facilities to evacuate the corpses. The Awka Area Commander of the Police told the governor that the Awka North and Awka South Local governments had been passing the buck as to which of the councils should clear the corpses. The Executive Director of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Nwabufo Ijezie, said he had reported the matter to the Epidemiology Department of the Ministry of Health, which he said should carry out studies on the corpses and clear them. It said since it was no longer an emergency, SEMA would no longer handle it. Residents of the two communities have however been raising concerns about the consequences of allowing the corpses to pollute the river, which they depend on for economic activities, like fishing, sand excavation and water supply.

Obama sworn in to second term

President Barack Obama, surrounded by family, took the oath of office today Sunday January 20th in an intimate swearing-in ceremony at the White House. He was officially sworn-in by Chief Justice John Roberts in the Blue Room of the White House.

Osaze Odemwingie and wife welcome baby boy

The footballer and his wife, Sarah Fallon, welcomed a baby boy this morning Sunday January 20th. The proud papa made the announcement on his Twitter page. The couple exchanged vows in May 2012 after dating for a few years. Big congrats to them.

40 decomposed bodies found in Anambra river

Residents of Amansea in Awka, Anambra State woke up yesterday morning Saturday January 19th to a horrifying sight; 40 dead bodies floating in a River in their community. People from the community and some neighbouring ones besieged the Ezu river yesterday to catch a glimpse of the dead bodies. The river is at the boundary between Enugu and Anambra states and the dead bodies were found at the old Enugu-Onitsha road axis of the river. The corpses whose identities were unknown, were suspected to have been dumped in the river Friday night by unknown persons. The traditional ruler of Amansea said the community had never witnessed such a gory sight before, while the Commissioner of Police in the state said the dead bodies remained a mystery as there had been no communal clash in Enugu or Anambra where many people were killed. He said investigations are ongoing... Meanwhile the governor of the state, Peter Obi, has cut short his working trip abroad to return to the state to enable him visit the scene. Viewer discretion is advised ...