Furore over Jonathan’s false claim on corruption

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President Goodluck Jonathan
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OLALEKAN ADETAYO, in this piece, X-rays the controversy that surrounds the claim by President Goodluck Jonathan in his Independence anniversary speech that his government was highly rated by the Transparency International for its fight against corruption

Since the Union Jack was lowered on October 1, 1960 and Nigeria’s Green-White-Green flag was hoisted to signal the nation’s independence, successive governments have been marking the day as the country’s Independence Day.

However, celebrations have never been limited to the day. Activities are always lined up to precede the D-Day. Such activities include interdenominational services in churches and mosques, Independence lecture and dinner among others, depending on the mood of the nation at the time of the celebration.

Whether low-keyed or elaborate festivity, one activity that has remained unvarying among the programmes is the Independence Day address to the nation by whoever is the head of government at the time of the commemoration. The address, which is aired on radio and television stations in the morning of the Independence Day, is meant to keep citizens abreast of positive developments as well as challenges facing the country since the last celebration. The President may also tell the citizens other issues he wants them to know.

The yearly ritual was expected on October I, 2012. And it happened. Therefore, as early as 7am that morning, when the nation marked its 52nd Independence anniversary, many Nigerians were glued to their television and radio sets with mixed feelings, expecting to hear what their President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan would tell them. Some were looking forward to policy statements that they thought would turn the fortunes of the country around. Others were not expecting anything new from their President who they see as a man who always repeats issues he had raised several times. Some even believed that the President was fond of making bogus claims, which they said were not in tandem with the reality on the ground.

As it turned out, the 17-minute address by Jonathan on that fateful morning has again turned his albatross. Jonathan had in the address given his administration pass marks in some sectors including agriculture, economy and power among others. He, however, courted controversy while attempting to give himself a pat on the back in its administration’s efforts at ending corruption. He boasted that he had so far given the leadership of the nation’s anti-graft agencies freehand to do their job. He added that the decision not to interfere had paid off. He proudly told Nigerians that the global corruption watch body, Transparency International, had rated Nigeria second after United States in the fight against graft.

“In its latest report, Transparency International noted that Nigeria is the second most improved country in the effort to curb corruption. We will sustain the effort in this direction with an even stronger determination to strengthen the institutions that are statutorily entrusted with the task of ending this scourge,” the President had told the nation in  a confident voice. He had made a similar claim at an interdenominational church service held the previous day as part of the activities marking the Independence anniversary.

TI was hitherto known to be critical of Nigeria as far as corruption was concerned. The global body has consistently been placing the nation on the list as one of the most corrupt countries. It is therefore understandable that a piece of news that the same body has recognised Nigeria’s efforts at combating graft will elicit interest from all stakeholders.

The claim by Jonathan has since been found to be untrue with many accusing their President of telling a lie. In fact, TI has reportedly denied issuing such a report. An online publication, Premium Times, reports that TI refuted the claim when it was contacted. “Transparency International does not have a recent rating or report that places Nigeria as the second most improved country in the fight against corruption,” Premium Times  quoted the organisation to have said in a mail.

As expected, the development attracted a lot of flak to the President. First to fire the opening salvo was the opposition political party, the Action Congress of Nigeria, which urged Jonathan to apologise to Nigerians for misleading them. The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said it was taken aback that the President of Africa’s most populous nation and the continent’s second largest economy could make such a frivolous claim on an issue of global concern.

The ACN added that in addition to apologising to all Nigerians for the false  claim, the President must immediately kick-start an investigation into the source of a claim that has exposed his administration and the entire country to global ridicule. It said the wrong claim by the President raised doubts about the authenticity of other claims by the President in the anniversary speech. The party said if the President failed to act quickly to unearth the source of such a spurious claim and ensure it does not recur, he risks a bigger embarrassment from officials who may want to tweak facts and figures to justify their positions.

Although the President has not apologised, he indeed conducted a probe which resulted in a statement that revealed that the claim was actually sourced from a news item in a September 12, 2012 edition of a business newspaper. The explanation was published on the website of the Ministry of Information.

The explanation had ended with, “For a section of the opposition to now cast aspersions on the integrity of the President when he relied on notorious facts (anything published in the press and which remains unchallenged is a notorious fact) is proof positive of the now obvious fact that they lack ideas on how to move Nigeria forward and would rather snipe at efforts of the President to move the nation forward for which any patriot would do.”

Again, ACN won’t take such a statement lying low. The party described the decision of the government to blame the inaccurate claim on the media as a product of bad thinking, saying that the action is worse than the original gaffe. “It is lazy and irresponsible for handsomely-remunerated presidential aides to lift the claim of Nigeria’s supposed progress in the anti-corruption effort from a newspaper and insert such in a presidential speech without confirmation. But then anything is possible in a rookie Presidency populated by apprentice aides,” the party said.

ACN is not alone in the President’s condemnation. It has an ally in the All Nigeria Peoples Party which said it was unreasonable for the President to misrepresent statistics, saying such is a strong message of support to corrupt people and those planning to confuse the citizens for their own personal gain. “Words and body language are potent enough to aggravate corruption just as corrupt practices would. When a leader embellishes a story, he is inadvertently telling his subjects to turn the truth on its head whenever they find the opportunity,” the ANPP said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emma Eneukwu.

But to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the backlash that has trailed his boss’ address particularly the anti-corruption claim was unnecessary. Abati is of the opinion that whether the claim was wrong or right, Nigerians should have focused  more on the President’s message which is that his administration is committed to fighting the scourge.

He said, “The President’s message is that this administration is tackling corruption. The revelations from the pension scam and the fuel subsidy scam as well as the sanitation of activities at the ports all came to be because the President sanctioned them. People should focus on the message, namely that a lot of progress has been made and is still being made to tackle corruption in the system. There are lot of people outside there who mislead Nigerians that nothing is being done. These people tackle individuals. What the President did was that he fired hope and promised renewed dedication to the service of the nation. There are those who are looking for a way to water down the message.”

As the controversy lingers, many observers are still waiting to see the fate that will befall those who misled the President into making the spurious claim that has succeeded in bringing him to ridicule in the eyes of many Nigerians. This is so as the President does not write his own speeches. Many are also wondering whether the President should not have insisted on seeing proof of such a claim before reeling it out to unsuspecting Nigerians.

What is however clear in the latest episode is that the self-acclaimed most criticised President in the world has succeeded in attracting fresh criticism to himself. He should be prepared to receive more pebbles, unless he and his aides learn to do their homework well before coming to the public with claims, especially those that are verifiable.

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Can you supplement your income?

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Nimi Akinkugbe
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Are you struggling to make ends meet? If so, you are not alone. The high cost of living in the country has prompted many Nigerians to seek out other avenues to earn extra income and still hold on to a full-time job. For all of us, a diversification of earnings is advisable; not only does it boost your earnings, it also provides a safety net should you experience salary delays which have become commonplace, a salary reduction, unexpected job loss or some other financial setback such as major unplanned expenses or significant loss in investments.

Research shows that most successful people earn multiple streams of income primarily from rental income from real estate investments, interest and dividend income from investments in the financial markets and investing in businesses. In addition to this, other avenues exist to supplement your income.

There are different types of people; some capable people are prepared to face the indignity and the consequences of a low income or no income at all, whereas there are others who are determined and are proactive about making efforts to improve their lot and lead a better life by thinking outside the box and seeking to earn extra income by utilising their talents and skills.

Most people have some inherent talents or skills that if properly nurtured could create a huge window of opportunity that will not only help them earn but will also give them a sense of fulfilment and happiness. Have you identified your gift or talent? Don’t just rest on your oars; be creative – think outside the box. Identify your strengths, talents and skills and do something with them. Which one of them can you take immediate action on?

A potential freelance job or business should incorporate the skills and talents you already possess. Ideally, it should require a relatively little amount of your time and require low oversight, be fairly low-risk, and not require huge capital outlay. Above all, it must be customer–centric and deliver a high level of service, and must be unique.

So, what can you do? Are you a good communicator or confident public speaker? Are you an organiser? Are you a budding entrepreneur? Below are just a few self-help examples of what some enterprising Nigerians have embarked upon as they faced the predicament of unemployment or low income. They have effectively utilised their hobbies and talents often resulting in the establishment of viable businesses that subsequently became their primary source of income.

Sadly, several schools have proved inadequate in equipping children for significant examinations without additional support from private tutors. Further, parents often do not have the time or inclination to tutor their children particularly during the long holidays, which makes for huge demand for such services to keep children engaged.

Can you teach someone how to speak properly? Do you have an exceptional skill in a particular academic subject or language? Are you a gifted musician or very skilful in a particular sport? If you possess the deep knowledge and skills and an ability to start teaching a particular subject, or skill, there may be an opportunity to earn extra income. It is worth investing in obtaining some certification to give you an advantage.

Computers and the internet have become an integral part of our lives. Yet many of us are not very proficient with IT and telephony matters and need help with our smart phones, iPads and laptops. Clearly, those with strong skills can seek to offer services in web designing, programming, and trouble-shooting. Individuals and businesses are often in need of high quality presentations for their marketing purposes, and skills in the design of power point presentations are highly sought after.

Do family and friends often compliment you on your outstanding culinary skills? If you are a good cook and enjoy cooking, you can consider giving cookery classes or offer catering services at small events and parties. If you are good at baking, you can start to take orders for birthday cakes and other special occasions. There is some demand for cakes and freshly made sandwiches and light lunches delivered to local businesses during lunch hour. A huge opportunity presents at Christmas when cakes are widely sought after.

If you have creative talent, ideas, and the ability to work with your hands and are passionate about what you do, you can turn your passion into a profitable, part time, money-making business. Sewing, jewelry making, artwork, novel crafts such as candle or soap making are much sought after particularly during the holiday season when people are looking for appropriate gifts.

We all need the help of someone to do home repairs from time to time. Some people are very good at do-it-yourself solutions but unfortunately most do not have the confidence, the tools or the time to do it successfully. We are all too aware that reliable and efficient workmen and technicians to do even the most basic repairs or to sort out plumbing or electrical problems are increasingly hard to find. If you have such skills and is service -oriented and most importantly, have credible referees, you can offer your services to households in a niche area.

*Don’t jeopardise your day job. Be careful not to jeopardise your current employment income by being distracted and losing focus on what you have been contracted to do; you owe your employer your full attention so don’t let any other interests eat into your work time. The key is to keep them separate, yet be well organised so that your side job doesn’t interfere with your regular role and vice versa. It is important to ensure that there is no conflict of interest. It often helps if you are in partnership so that you and your partner/s can cover for each other as the business evolves.

Whilst these efforts on a small scale will not make you rich overnight, you can certainly create some useful extra income this way. Even in difficult times, you can acquire certain skills or build on your existing skills. The independence that you derive from less dependency on an employer opens up a wide vista of options enabling you to experiment with new opportunities and have a better chance at long-term financial stability and success. 

 

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Nigerian Senate To Stop Kids Of Public Officials From Schooling Abroad

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If a bill proposed by Senator Basheer Garba Mohammed succeeds, children of public office holders would be restricted from schooling abroad, except for specialized programmes or courses not offered in the nation’s educational institutions.
The bill among other objectives is aimed at restoring the nation’s public educational system by discouraging public officials from sending their children and wards to foreign schools.
Besides, senators have accused some committee heads of using their positions to influence the implementation of only constituency projects in their senatorial districts.
Mohammed noted that aside from neglect suffered by public schools, the desire of many public officials to educate their children overseas had been a major source of capital flight and brain drain. He stressed that in this regard, there was the need for the Senate to adopt drastic measures to rescue the ailing educational system.

“Today, in this digital age, the pupils sit on bare floor. You then ask, what manner of leaders of tomorrow are we producing? You may also ask, where are the children of senators, honourable members, ministers and governors? If our children attend such schools, can we afford to leave them in such a sorry state?”
The senator representing Kano Central stated that the country’s educational system had continued to suffer serious setbacks because political office holders and policy makers had given an impression that they had no confidence in the quality of education.
He described the bill as a patriotic call for sacrifice to restore confidence to the country’s educational sector.
“We should be proud of what we have and Nigeria cannot develop without a sound educational system. You cannot be a minister or commissioner of education or of health and refuse to patronize your own system and expect the system to improve”, Mohammed said.

The bill, however, proposed an option of a special tax for defaulters, which would be channelled toward revamping the ailing educational system in the public sector from primary through secondary to tertiary levels. According to the sponsor of the bill, the tax would be determined in due course.
Some senators yesterday accused the Works Committee headed by Senator Ayogu Eze (Enugu North) of giving priority  to  the projects earmarked for the South East geopolitical zone of the country.
Senator Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom North East) raised the matter when the Senate went into the Committee of the Whole to consider the report of the Committee on Works on the screening of Nnoli Nnaji for appointment as a member of the Governing Board of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
Shortly before Enang raised the matter, Senator Ahmed Lawan (Yobe North) had remarked that the committees on works in both the Senate and the House of Representatives are headed by lawmakers from Enugu State-Senator Ayogu Eze and Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi respectively. He prayed that despite the constitution of the committees in such a  manner, other lawmakers should be carried along in the implementation of projects.

Senator Ita Enang, argued that the roads earmarked for repairs in the South East should not be done because there was no appropriation for them in the 2012 budget. He stressed that FERMA was not representative of the entire country because the membership was skewed in favour of a particular part of the country.

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45-year-old Nigerian blessed with five babies in three days

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An Islamic scholar, Mallam Ahmad Mahuta, 45, has been blessed with five babies in three days when two of his wives gave birth to triplets and twins.

Mahuta, a subsistence farmer and an Imam in one of the mosques in his village, Kawaye in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara, told the News Agency of Nigeria that “only Allah can decide such blessings.”

He explained, “Neither me, nor my wives had any inclination that we were going to have these babies with only two days between the deliveries.

“I really am happy to see the mothers and babies all doing well.”

Mother of the triplets, Amina, 34 who gave birth to a boy and two girls, said all the babies were delivered safely at home as there was no prolonged labour.

She said, “We were all surprised to see three healthy babies because I did not carry a big stomach while pregnant.’’

For the other mother, Sa’ida, 31, however, “I have been expecting twins because it runs in my family and my mother had them over 20 years ago.

“I did not know that this was the time because I did not feel any differently than I had during the earlier three pregnancies, this being my fourth,’’ she said.

Father of the five babies appealed for assistance from well meaning members of the public to enable him cater for his family.

“The truth is I can’t afford to provide for all the needs of this enlarged family as my family size has now increased from 11 to 16.

“I therefore want to appeal to the state and local government as well as the well-to-do to come to our aid,” Mahuta said.

NAN gathered that the mothers, who looked healthy at the time of filing this report,  did not attend any ante-natal classes and gave birth to all five babies at home as there was no hospital nearby.

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Adeboye commends Lagos CJ for freeing 233 prisoners

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General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on Sunday  commended the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, for freeing 233 prisoners.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Phillips had on September 18, freed 233 inmates from Kirikiri Medium and Maximum Security Prisons in Lagos, during her visit to the facilities.

Adeboye gave the commendation during a special prayer session for judges and lawyers in the state at the church headquarters in Ebute Metta, Lagos.

“When I heard the news that the Chief Judge of Lagos State released some prisoners, my heart leapt for joy.

“The last time I was in Kirikiri Prisons, I found out that if some inmates had been convicted for offences they committed, the maximum sentence would have been three years, but they have been in prison for more than 12 years awaiting trial.

“If it were to be in some developed countries, the prisoners would have sued government for robbing them of nine years of their lives,” he said.

Adeboye observed that convicts often left prisons worse off.

“Maybe we have not discovered a better way of dealing with some criminals, the only person I know that can change a prisoner on a permanent basis is Jesus.

“There are some people that are in prison because they do not have anyone who would speak for them or defend them,” the clergyman observed.

Justice Bola Okikioloyinile of Lagos State Judiciary later told journalists that the prayer session was aimed at having fruitful legal activities in the state.

Also speaking, a lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Wale Ogunade, advised lawyers to always be on the side of justice.

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Flying Eagles trash South Africa 3-1

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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles on Sunday qualified for the 2013 African Youth Championship in Algeria by beating South Africa’s Amajita 3-1 to emerge on 4-2 aggregate, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

The squad coached by John Obuh comprised Europe-based professionals, Kenneth Omeruo and Aliyu Mohammed Goyi.

Both experienced defenders did not feature in the first leg in Nelspruit, which ended in a 1-1 draw a fortnight ago,mtnfootball reports.

The other change from the first game in South Africa was Wikki Tourists forward Umar Aminu, who was a second half substitute in Nelspruit.

South Africa were without influential midfielder Keagan Dolly after his club Ajax Cape Town refused to release him.

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20-year-old girl raped, lip slashed off by attackers

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It was double tragedy for Ruth Simon, a 20-year-old girl who was raped and had part of her lower lip chopped off by her attackers. Ruth, who said the incident happened close to her house in Jenta Adamu area of Jos, explained that on September 23, at 11.30 pm while she was returning home, she was accosted by two men suspected to be residing in the area.

She said when they stopped her and started making overtures to her, she pleaded that they should let her go. But before she could get away, they grabbed and pinned her to the ground and one of them covered her mouth with his palm to prevent her from shouting while they began undressing her.

Ruth, who said she was a housemaid at the West of Mines area of Jos said she was still struggling and shouting for help as they were undressing when one of them brought out a knife and chopped off part of her lower lip.

She was wailing in pains when two of them, one after the other had sex with her and abandoned her at the spot afterwards. She later reported the incident at the ‘A’ Division Police Station and through the description she gave, one of her attackers, John Akwara, a welder was arrested, while the other man whose name was given as Ezra Dachalon was still at large. However, this had not solved her problem because Ruth had been unable to get adequate medical attention after the incident.

Her only sibling, Adigizi Simon, an OND holder of Plateau Polytechnic told Daily Sun that since the incident occurred, he had been solely responsible for his sister’s treatment. He said he was yet to get a job and had been depending on handouts from wellwishers to get treatment for his sister. Adigizi said they were natives of Nasarawa Eggon in Nasarawa State.Their father is dead while their mother works as a cleaner at the Police Children’s School in Jos. “It was because she could not afford to send both of us to school that Ruth is working as a housemaid,” Adigizi said. “Since the incident occurred, I have been unable to do anything for myself. I took her to a clinic where the lip was stitched but after some days, the stitches were removed because it developed some infections and pus was coming out of it.

Based on what people prescribed, I have been buying medicine for her to take to kill the pains. “The other boy they say is still at large lives in our area but his father is hiding him in the house. We have no means to bring in the police to arrest him when we spot him in the neighbourhood. We want the police to arrest his father because we believe if they do that, the boy will turn himself to the police.”

He said Ruth was examined after she was raped and was told she was not infected with HIV but they could not ascertain what could happen to her later. Adigizi maintained that he could not take his younger sister to a bigger hospital for treatment due to lack of fund. Meanwhile, Ruth who can no longer go to her place of work is often seen covering her mouth with a piece of rag, hoping that help would come her way, even as she urgently needs plastic surgery to put her lip back in shape.

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PDP wins Plateau bye-elections

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Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the October 6 bye-election into the Plateau North senatorial zone, Mr. Gyang Pwajok, has been declared the winner of the bye-election into the vacant seat of Plateau North senatorial zone.

Pwajok defeated five other candidates to emerge as the senator-elect, which became vacant following the death of Senator Gyang Dantong in an ethnic clashes on July 8,

Also the wife of Gyang Fulani, who also met his death in the same circumstance as Dantong was elected to replace he husband as member representing Barakin Ladi state constituency.

Pwajok polled195,349 votes, followed by the Col John Dungs of Democratic People Party who came a distant second with 38,847. Danladi Atu of ANPP came third with 30,237, whileACN’s Yusufu Pam scored 27,609 and Lumumba Dah-Adeh of LP coming last with 25,527 votes.

Announcing the result in the early hours of Sunday, the Returning Officer, Prof Fatima Sawa, said that Pwajok met the requirement of the E
Electoral

Those who contested the election, are the former, Military Administrator of Delta state, Col Dungs (DPP), Ambassador Christopher Giwa (APGA) Dr. Danladi Atu, (ANPP), Lumumba Dah Adeh, LP and Mr.Yusufu Pam, ACN.

Speaking on the conduct of the election, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Habu Zarma said he was overwhelmed by the peaceful conduct of the electorates and the stake holders, stressing that the success of the election was a credit to all.

He appealed to the electorate to sustain the spirit in future elections. Zarma also appealed to the losers to be magnanimous in defeat and to embrace their opponents and work as one family.

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Many feared dead as gunmen attack Yobe village

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Many feared dead as gunmen attack Yobe village

Unknown gunmen have attacked Dogon Kuka village in Yobe State, killing and injuring an unspecified number of people.

The gunmen invaded the village on Saturday, and started firing indiscriminately.

Two people died immediately, the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, Patrick Egbuniwe, confirmed to Agence France Presse.

“A group of unknown gunmen stormed Dogon Kuka village and opened fire on residents. From all indications, they were on a shooting spree. From reports reaching us, some people might have been killed,” Egbuniwe told AFP.

The state police commissioner said he could not put a figure on the number of deaths.

“I don’t have details yet but we have deployed security personnel to the village to ascertain the nature and extent of the attack,” he said.

He declined to say if the attackers were members of the extremist Boko Haram, which has been blamed for a string of deadly attacks in several parts of Yobe State and neighbouring Borno State.

The village is about 70 kilometres (45 miles) from Damaturu, the state capital.

More details later.

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News

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Value Of Newspapers/News

Newspapers have really become a crucial part of contemporary lifestyle. The modern person starts his working day by studying above the reports using  cup of coffee. Equally unimaginable is often in the morning without having the each day newspaper for many people. It can be due to the fact newspapers are noticed all over the place in the world.


Newspapers can be referred to as the main supporter of democracy. They have keep the common people effectively-informed about the earth concerning what is going on around us. Properly-informed the masses is essential to the success of democracy. People today should be made to be aware important things happening around them. In-fact, newspapers have also add to the know-how from the readers/people by informing them regarding the new inventions, discoveries, & products. The selections of newspapers provide a wonderful bouquet of info and leisure.
Newspapers enable the career seekers to discover appropriate work opportunities through the ‘wished/wanted’ columns. Ads enable a fantastic deal by boosting up income in the consume merchandise and other folks. Newspaper also assists men and women in spending the money wisely from the commodity-current market.



Nationwide Investigative Reporting
You'll find no doubt fewer nationwide newspapers and TV stations devoting options to investigative reporting than
there have been inside past, but that contraction may be partly offset by a combo of two variables: the greatest newspapers have
maintained their ultimost commitment to investigative reporting, and nonprofit companies have elevated their commitment to it.

Nationwide News (NTA)
On equilibrium, we are a lot more optimistic concerning the fiscal vitality of nationwide information models than we're about local or
worldwide information. It's surely not a uniformly encouraging image—and every person no doubt has their gripes about
unique national thing businesses and practices—but we observed great dynamism in terms of innovation and enterprise unit development.



The Importance of Worldwide News

As the nation fights 2 wars & suffers from an international tough economy, coverage of global announcement by most traditional
mass media appears to have declined. World news plays an essential part in numerous democratic countries. People have far more awareness about what is happening in western nations, gulf countries & quite a few a lot more international locations. You will find many people that are eager to learn current events/news through the significantly-flung corners from the globe. Many people wish to get prime quality info and analyses in order that they'll understand how the planet news has an effect on in politics of any nation.
A number of world-wide newspapers supply various forms of announcement/activities online and offline edition. When you need to study ancient information tales/ gossips, then on the net edition is the very best possibility. News internet sites present interesting editorials, capabilities, essay, Hollywood gossips /fluff, intercontinental overall economy, International crime, industrial marketing and a lot of a lot more.







Nutrition Announcement/News
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Festus Ojagbemi, Nigerian Doctor In UK Committs Suicide After Plan To Marry Two Women Exposed

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Lover: Dr Festus Ojagbemi, 49, known as 'Wally', who had a surgery in Strood, Kent, lived with long term partner Jackie Hammond in the week and Bamidele Ayeni (pictured) on the weekends - for seven years

A cheating Nigerian-born GP who led a double life with two women for seven years and promised to marry both of them one month apart hanged himself when his secret was exposed, an inquest heard.

Dr Festus Ojagbemi, 49, known as ‘Wally’, who had a surgery in Strood, Kent, lived with long-term partner Jackie Hammond in the week and lover Bamidele Ayeni on weekends - for seven years.

He fathered a child with Miss Ayeni - a Nigerian juju singer known as Dele Achiever - and said he would wed them both, while racking up thousands of pounds worth of debt taking them on holidays
But when the secret was discovered by Miss Hammond he stabbed himself twice in the chest at his surgery, St Mary’s Medical Centre, the inquest was told. But he survived that attempt on his life.
While recovering in hospital he told police and both women he was attacked by a stranger. But he eventually confessed the truth to officers - only to take his own life four days later on February 12.
Miss Hammond later found him at the detached house they shared in Hempstead, Kent. A note signed with his nickname was on the TV cabinet near where he was found in the conservatory.

The cost of leading the double life emerged after his death, the inquest in Maidstone, Kent, heard. Miss Hammond said a credit card firm phoned after he died, claiming he owed them £10,000.

She said: ‘I started phoning and everyone told me how much he owed them. By the time we got to the 10th or 11th, the bill was huge. We just couldn’t get our heads around it.

‘I work, I get paid, so we don’t talk about finances. If we go on holiday he would be the one that pays.’

The couple had planned their wedding for this May after almost 20 years together.

Miss Hammond said he killed himself because he felt guilty after the double life was uncovered, adding: ‘He just wanted me to notice he was hurting because of what he had done to me.’

Miss Ayeni did not appear at the inquest but the hearing was told of evidence she gave to police. She claimed Dr Ojagbemi proposed last October and that they were planning a wedding in April.

They had a child, he rented a flat for them, visited on weekends and they would talk six or seven times a day, she said.

Miss Ayeni, who sings Juju and pop music, said she knew about the other partner, but he told her he ‘did not love her any more’. She told officers: ‘I would call him “baby” because he was my baby. I would also call him my "husband".
‘He’s intelligent, loving, caring, he buys me lots of things. Why would he do this to himself? Wally told me not to give anyone the news that we were getting married in April because everyone would go on about it.’

'He’s intelligent, loving, caring, he buys me lots of things. Why would he do this to himself?'
The court heard how the doctor, who also had two other children to two other women, had been off sick from work since December 2011, suffering from high blood pressure and vertigo.

The inquest was also told he had called Miss Ayeni on the day he died to tell her he loved her - and even discussed a wedding photographer with Miss Hammond on the morning he killed himself.

Recording a verdict of suicide, assistant deputy coroner Gail Elliman, said: ‘I am satisfied Dr Ojagbemi took his own life. I won’t go into any speculation about the reasons for doing so.’

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Many feared dead as gunmen attack Yobe village

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Many feared dead as gunmen attack Yobe village

Unknown gunmen have attacked Dogon Kuka village in Yobe State, killing and injuring an unspecified number of people.

The gunmen invaded the village on Saturday, and started firing indiscriminately.

Two people died immediately, the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, Patrick Egbuniwe, confirmed to Agence France Presse.

“A group of unknown gunmen stormed Dogon Kuka village and opened fire on residents. From all indications, they were on a shooting spree. From reports reaching us, some people might have been killed,” Egbuniwe told AFP.

The state police commissioner said he could not put a figure on the number of deaths.

“I don’t have details yet but we have deployed security personnel to the village to ascertain the nature and extent of the attack,” he said.

He declined to say if the attackers were members of the extremist Boko Haram, which has been blamed for a string of deadly attacks in several parts of Yobe State and neighbouring Borno State.

The village is about 70 kilometres (45 miles) from Damaturu, the state capital.

More details later.

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To Those Who Cast Stones: Comments On The Northern Elder’s Forum On Nigeria at 52 By Alh. Gambo Jimeta

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 “Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe.  No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise.  Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except all those others that have been tried from time to time.”  ~Winston Churchill

I wish to congratulate all Nigerians as we place another candle on the proverbial national birthday cake to celebrate 52 years independence. Indeed, 52 years ago today, I was privileged enough to witness the brand new flag of our great nation Nigeria being raised as the Union Jack that had dominated our skylines for almost a century was lowered and folded away. The green white green waving in the cool breeze against the backdrop of fireworks, huge cheers and celebration marked a turning point for millions of young Nigerians like me who were looking towards the future with great hope and excitement for better things to come. Sadly, many of the friends and colleagues I celebrated with on that historic day died without witnessing the fulfilment of the dreams of our founding fathers.

As the years past, I witnessed the gradual emergence of new generations of Nigerians who despite many disappointments and truncated national aspirations, continued to celebrate every October 1st still carrying the same sense of optimism that the next independence day would be better than the last. Even after our troubling history and the recent upheavals that have put the nation through trying times,the Nigerian spirit of resilience has kept faith, love and pride alive in our determination to remain united. I want to urge all Nigerians to take courage and remain steadfast in their prayers to support President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in his efforts to restore hope, justice and good governance to our nation.

It is heartening to note that Nigerians are beginning to find their voice in this young democracy in their demands for their rights and better governance. We all as Nigerians have the responsibility to build on this opportunity to forge our own destiny. We must all increase our collective effortsby actively participating in building a better nation where all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, tongue or creed will have a better quality of life.

As for the unfortunate comments credited to the Northern Elder’s Forum that, “Jonathan’s Government is worse than Obasanjo’s” (Leadership Newspaper, October 1, 2012, pg11), it is disappointing to note that other Nigerians who should have been steering the course of nation building decided to pull those pillars down by sowing the seeds of enmity, divisionism, and political hypocrisy in order to distract Nigerians from the truth. Rather than rolling up their sleeves to actively find solutions to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, they chose to pull us backward again and force us to play the blame game. The hydra headed monster of collective responsibility in the nation’s downfall also has thousands of fingers pointing straight back at those who sit in judgement in the Northern Elder’s Forum. For they have all, at one point or another contributed to the quagmire we find ourselves today. For as Robert Bloch (an American Author)once wrote “The man who can smile when things go wrong has thought of someone else he can blame it on.” Wasn’t it recently that Obasanjo himself was quoted as saying, “I just dey laugh…”?

How short is the memory of these Nigerians that they would choose to sweep away the cases of massive corruption that plagued the Obasanjo administration or the flagrant disregard of court judgements? What about the elections that brought violent ethnic and religious crisis? The Jos and Kaduna crisis all happened under his watch! Have they so easily forgotten the crisis in the aviation industry that saw a season of death through multiple air crashes? What ever happened to the power sector he bequeathed to Nigerians that both the Yar ‘Adua and Jonathan administrations were left with? Or did they suddenly forget that an investment of $16 billion after 8 years in office did nothing to end power failure? What about the privatisation drive that has been riddled by shady deals and political intrigues, the repercussions of which are still being felt today? What about the Niger Delta crisis that raged on in full force during Obasanjo’s reign? Or did they also forget to realise that the solution to the Niger Delta crisiswas brought about thanks to the establishment of the amnesty programme by President Yar’adua and which was continued by President Jonathan? And where were they when the “Third Term Agenda” was being rolled out of the propaganda machine? How many of them were courageous enough to stand up against the manipulation of the nation’s constitution to serve one man’s selfish ambition for power? This was part of the messy legacy that the Obasanjo administration left for his successors to clean up after him and for which Nigeriansare still suffering from today.

Besides that, the story doesn’t end there. Obasanjo has managed to design his resurrection in such a way that he continues to haunt the corridors of power to whisper into the left ears of his cronies. He continues to manipulate the system to put stumbling blocks in the path of progress in Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s administration all in a bid to perfect his own will and ambitions.

The analysis of the nation state by the Northern Elders Forum that President Jonathan’s Administration has been the worst since independence can best be described as naïve, highly subjective and mischievous. I am surprised that such conclusions could be drawn by so called eminent and scholarly elder statesmen whom ordinarily should have known better than to drag the national discourse into the gutter. Instead of standing up against tyranny and hypocrisy to find real solutions to the nation’s problems, they chose the cowardly path of using this blame game as a distraction to create confusion and mistrust…or are they also playing to a piper’s tune?

As Werner Finck once said, “Everybody wants to eat at the government's table, but nobody wants to do the dishes.” 52 years ago, independence was not given to us on a platter of gold. Most of our founding fathers not only washed dishes, they swept floors, washed toilets and shed their own blood. Let us not let their legacy die in vain. We must also roll up our sleeves and work towards building the nation we want to have.

It is time for all of us to shun treachery, intrigue, religious bigotry, tribalism, hypocrisy, corruption, all types of prejudice and violence and support President Jonathan in trying to correct the ills of the past and the present. For as Almighty God in His infinite Wisdom decided to place President Goodluck Jonathan on the mantle of leadership, he should also take courage in the fact that he has the authority to take bold action against any evil political manipulations that might pose a threat to the nation’s unity. President Jonathan should take this opportunity to break down all the ethnic and religious barriers and reunite Nigerians under one family with a commitment for peace and justice for all. We all have a collective responsibility to contribute to a better future for our children, our people and our Nation.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

October 1st 2012

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VIDEO: KCee ft Flavour – Give It 2 Me

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VIDEO: KCee ft Flavour – Give It 2 Me -

Friday, October 5, 2012

Dpzle ft. Sinzu, May D & Davido – Way You Whine (Remix) -

Friday, October 5, 2012

One Mic Naija Independence Day Special -

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Saeon performs for Nigerian Ambassador to France & UK At NEL Awards. -

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

T-KROSS “YE MO” Premiere “Free Download” -

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

MOELOGO DEBUTS BRAND NEW SINGLE “BO SI TA” -

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

World Premeire: PUCADO – NAIJA SOCA -

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

New MUSIC: Dokta Frabz – Kowole -

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Exclusive : Albino Flash ft Zoro – i’m Sorry -

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

CAP B – BADDA DAN DEM (NEW MUSIC) -

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

ICE PRINCE – ABOKI (OFFICIAL VIDEO) -

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

DJ FRIZZIE presents 2SHOTZ FT TIMAYA & RIHANNA IN “WE DESIRE TO FIND LOVE” -

Friday, September 28, 2012

ShoCash Ft Autonomous Queen and ChiiDo- Dance To The Streets -

Thursday, September 27, 2012

JJohnson Sunbebe -

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Sultan Marshall Feat Kwam 1 – Talazo -

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

New Music: Brymo – Go Hard -

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

iROKO Partners and Rancard join forces at Nigeria Com -

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Unchained – “City on a Hill” NEW GOSPEL GROUP -

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Adey: Back for the 1st time – The documentary -

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WED EXPO PLANS BIG FOR WED EXPO 2013 -

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

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This Green-white-green groove!

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There was no better way to have celebrated a nation at 52 years. Last Monday, in keeping with its annual tradition in the last five years, the Encomium magazine and Primetime Entertainment staged the Green and White Groove. The soiree that held at the Anchor Event Place, Ikeja was witnessed by eminent Nigerians.

The hosts

The publisher of Encomium magazine, Kunle Bakare, and the Primetime entertainment duo of Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye proved to be the most charitable hosts. In their green and white attire, they ensured guests had a good time.

Queen Ure gets groovy again

Following her marital troubles, banker turned pastor turned musician is gradually finding her feet in the social circuit again. The very light complexioned Queen Ure whose controversial marriage to her younger lover, Soul E dominated social discourse while it lasted was at the party looking refreshed.

Now trying out her hands at music, her new slim silhouette turned many heads.

Ishioma Onyebo’s bright looks

Since debuting on the modelling scene via Mnet Face of Africa, Ishioma Onyebo has maintained a pleasurable presence on the social milieu. One of the most celebrated in this part of the world, the nearly rake-thin model is lighter than never before. Those who sighted her at the groove marvelled at her skin that is now several shades lighter.

What is Rukky Sanda looking for?

Nollywood actress, Rukky Sanda would easily be voted as the most mobile guest at the party. Attired in a short dress that put on display her seemingly long legs, she made quite a show of herself by parading the length and breadth of the hall at close intervals.

Tunde Braimah grooves anew

Affable and stylish politician cum socialite, Tunde Braimah, was also at the party. The former council chairman of Kosofe Local Government during Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first term in office, Braimah after his failed ambition to occupy a seat in the House of Representatives last year had gone underground. Although a friend of the Encomium family having identified with them in previous editions of the yearly groove, many were still surprised seeing him; owing to the no party stance he had adopted in recent times.

Uju Murphy rebrands

Pretty Uju Murphy is not a small fry in the social arena. She has been around for upwards of five years and apart from her ravishing beauty; her carriage amongst other things, instantly draws attention to her. The mother of three became embattled last year when news of her marriage squabbles made the rounds. The pretty woman, unfazed by the episode, was present and let her hair down. She grooved like never before.

Yemisi Alufa and Tokunbo Eko steal show

The two friends have made a habit of identifying with the organisers over the years and this time around, they did not fail to exhibit their affiliation. This year, they chose to be different by way of their dressing and actually stood out of the crowd.

While a large percentage of the guests settled for western attire, they preferred to remain indigenous in their well-sewn traditional attire.

Essence raises the bar

Musician, Essence, seems to be finding her feet already as regards her wardrobe. In the past, she had been subjected to several uncomplimentary remarks owing to her alleged poor dress sense. Having taken it in good faith, she seems to have overhauled her wardrobe.

She arrived at the party looking elegant in her long green form-fitting dress.

Huge turnout

The huge turnout of celebrities at the event did not come as a surprise to those who are conversant with parties hosted by the organisers. The guests were a mixture of musicians, comedians, actors, models, Deejays, on air personalities, captains of industries and designers to mention a few.

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Campaign for PIB intensifies amid fresh controversy

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Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke
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Some provisions of the Petroleum Industry draft Bill are still being criticised, four years after the first bill was prepared. STANLEY OPARA writes on the fresh controversy

The reason for the ongoing reform of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is beyond illusion. It is a fundamental necessity to ensure the survival of the industry for the benefit of the citizenry.

Experts say laws made some 50 years ago cannot adequately envision the reality of today.

In enacting a new legislation or effecting changes to what already exists, every nation’s parliament must place the sovereign interest of the state above any other interests.

According to stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, the Petroleum Industry Bill remains a vehicle for the realisation of this feat.

In 2008, under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, Nigeria began the arduous process of changing the institutional framework governing the nation’s oil and gas industry. The main objective of that effort was to accelerate development of the oil and gas industry for the benefit of all Nigerians. The effort gave birth to what is now known as the Petroleum Industry Draft Bill.

Following  the criticism of the initial draft of the  bill sent by late President Umaru Yar’Adua, President Goodluck Jonathan, on assumption of office ordered a withdrawal of the draft bill to enable the executive to address contentious areas and ensure all stakeholders are carried along.

On July 19, 2012, Jonathan sent to both chambers of the National Assembly a revised version of the PIB for consideration and passage into law.

On resumption of deliberation on the bill by the legislators, there have been criticisms of certain aspects of the draft bill. Chief among the criticism is that the draft legislation vested too much power in minister of petroleum resources; gave discretionary award authority to the President; and failed to adequately accommodate interest of non-oil producing states.

Just last week, Shell Nigeria said the tax terms in the PIB were uncompetitive as they risked rendering offshore oil and gas projects unviable.

The Managing Director, Shell Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, also warned that the bill might stifle investment if its terms were not improved.

However, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, at a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos, said the PIB was an important bill expected to drive the reforms in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, by providing a solid foundation for the regulatory, structural, commercial and fiscal frameworks for the operations of the sector.

According to her, the move will help to halt mismanagement, inefficiency and lack of transparency in the sector, which NEITI has over the years identified as the bane of the industry.

She said, “As an agency set up to develop a framework for transparency and accountability in the Nigerian extractive industries and to ensure conformity with the principles of Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI has legitimate stake in the PIB. The PIB is, therefore, an important milestone in the implementation of EITI in Nigeria.

“We in NEITI believe that the bill must emerge as a law that respects fair competition, efficiency, professionalism, openness and prudent resource management while promoting investors’ interests. NEITI also thinks that financial, physical and governance issues provisions in the PIB should be such that citizens of Nigeria will feel the impact of the natural resources in their country.”

On the minister of petroleum and the President wielding so much powers, oil and gas consultant and Chairman, International Energy Services, Dr. Oladiran Fawibe, said power had to reside with somebody, adding that, “I don’t know what people mean by too much power. There has to be checks and balances and we have to build mechanisms for these.

“For instance, we can’t say the power of the President is too much because there are checks and balances ensuring that the power is not absolute.”

According to the former Minister of Petroleum, King Edmund Dakoru, the major point of divergence between the industry and the government in the PIB is that while it is true that oil prices have risen over the years, costs in Nigeria have also risen dramatically; hence to increase the government take in that situation is to make the business more uneconomic for investors.

However, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum, Senator Magnus Abe, said that Nigerians needed to see better treatment of the environment and better operations by indigenous producers than what the international oil companies do.

His message to the IOCs was that the National Assembly in considering the PIB would want the IOCs to help them to understand how to ascertain the profit per barrel to IOCS as that will be a benchmark that the NASS would apply in assessing the robustness or otherwise of the fiscal provisions of the PIB.

An economist and public policy analyst, Mr. Sanusi Bala, said it was not correct to say that the PIB gave excessive powers to the minister of petroleum resources to make regulations on practically all issues.

He said, “This is not true. Although the draft bill vests powers of coordination and general supervision of all institutions in the industry in the minister of petroleum resources, it nonetheless requires that the minister holds public inquiry before any regulation is made.

“The draft bill further requests publication of notice of the public inquiry in at least two national dailies.”

This provision, he noted, served as a check on the minister because the opinion of stakeholders and the public must be taken into consideration before regulations were made.

He also said, “The conferment of power of discretional award on the President was cited as a factor, which may impede transparency in the industry. However, the draft bill states that the President can only make discretional award in special circumstances.

“This is a buffer against abuse and which will ensure that the exercise is in the interest of Nigerians. It should be noted that discretional award by the President is not peculiar to Nigeria. The Norwegian petroleum industry law, for instance, provides for discretional award by the King.”

Throwing more light on the subject, Bala said PIB critics were also miffed about the proposal in respect of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund.

“Their concern relates to the clause, which gives the minister of petroleum resources powers to scrap the PEF when it is assumed that its functions are over. Why would they want an agency to exist when there is no obvious need?

“Certain persons from some non-oil producing geopolitical zones of the country were recently quoted to have said that the 2012 PIB, in the long run, intends to replace the Petroleum Equalisation Management Fund as well as its functions with the proposed Petroleum Host Communities Fund, which seeks to compel oil and gas companies to pay 10 per cent of their profit to host communities.

“This is far from the truth as the provision for Host Communities Funds was introduced to promote a sense of stake holding in the communities as a panacea for assuring peace and uninterrupted production operations.

“The power recommended for the minister of petroleum resources to scrap the PEF when it is assumed that its functions are over is consistent with the regulatory and supervisory functions of the minister as enshrined in the 2012 PIB.”

According to him, the insinuation that the 2012 PIB was heavily tilted towards the interest of the Niger Delta region while other components of the country are schemed out is a weak attempt to whip up emotions.

He said the 2012 PIB provided for general development of the country through revenues from oil and gas, and the draft bill only made special derivation provision to accommodate the interest of oil bearing communities in order to tackle unrest and promote development.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, recently said the increase in government stake in the deep offshore blocks from the current level of 61 per cent to a new figure of 73 per cent, as enshrined in the draft PIB, was necessitated by prevailing realities in the global oil and gas industry.

Throwing more light on why the Federal Government was proposing a review of the fiscal terms in the Production Sharing Contracts for deep water fields in the draft PIB, she said, “I like to state once again that the proposed increase of government take to about 73 per cent is not only competitive but considerate when we look at the scale of other entities around the world like Norway, Indonesia and even Angola with even higher government take.

Alison-Madueke noted that based on prevailing realities in the global oil industry, it was only natural to review the terms of the PSC to reflect the current trend, adding that the novel 1993 PSC agreement was based on $20 per barrel price for crude oil real time but records indicated that since the start of production in the PSC fields crude prices had been on the upward swing, thus the consensus to have a review of the terms.

Alison-Madueke also stated that the new PIB provided for a refreshing fiscal regime, which has strong incentives for enhanced exploration of new frontiers especially in the Inland Sedimentary Basins as well as providing strong support base for the complete activation of the Gas Master Plan.

Under the new arrangement, the minister had said the fiscal regime was anchored on royalty and tax, which is now predicated on production as opposed to terrain and investment as was previously done.

The PIB is meant to overhaul everything from fiscal terms to the NNPC. Its comprehensive nature has sparked disputes among lawmakers, ministers and the oil majors that have held it back for more than five years. A previous draft never got through parliament.

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70 year-old man gets two years for molesting five-year old girl

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A 70 year-old man, tailor by profession, Mr. Pius Agu has been sentenced to two years in jail by Magistrate court sitting in Benin for molesting and defiling a five-year old girl (names withheld) on Wednesday in Edo state, Nigeria.

He was charged under Section 360 of the Criminal Code, which stipulates two year jails term for anyone who unlawfully and indecently assaults a woman or a girl.
Agu who pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of sexual assault allegedly assaulted the minor on August 15' 2012, when she went into his room to watch video/television. He was found guilty for dipping his finger into the private part of the little girl.

Mother of the victim, told the court that she returned from the market on the fateful day and heard her five year old daughter crying while coming towards her.
She further told the court that after a close examination of the girl, she discovered blood coming out from her private part, after which she raised alarm that attracted the neighbour’s attention to the scene.

Testifying before the court, a police pathologist attached to central hospital, Benin, said he examined the girl’s external genital and observed bruises on the wall of the virginal with a tear on the anal, an indication of forceful penetration into the virgina because there was no free flow of the penetration.

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Keshi unveils squad against Liberia

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Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi on Saturday named Godfrey Oboabona and six others from the Nigerian Premier League for next weekend’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against Liberia.

Also invited are Chigozie Agbim of Warri Wolves and his teammate Azubuike Egwueke, Enyimba’s Henry Uche, Benjamin Francis of Heartland , hardworking Kano Pillars central defender Umar Zango and dare-devil Rangers winger Ejike Uzoenyi.

The list was announced to the players at lunch time after they were again held to a 1-1 draw in a second tune game against Pro League side FC Abuja, in a match played at the practice pitch of the Abuja National Stadium, mtnfootball.com reports.

It leaves 15 home based players stranded and they have since left camp, but Keshi made them a firm promise even as he questioned their fitness as a result of the break of the Nigeria Premier League, “Keep yourself busy and fit football-wise because we have a friendly soon and we have other qualifiers that you will again be called upon to come and fight for a shirts.”

Before the announcement, the players showed some lethargy when they took on a more forceful FC Abuja Saturday morning in a game that spoils were evenly shared, which led the technical crew to order for training after the game to jerk up the players’ fitness level.

After near misses by Saviour Fidelis-header, Sanni Sanusi-over the bar and Philip Asuquo’s miskick, Tony Okpotu finally rose to the occasion when he nodded home a well taken angular from Asuquo in the 37th minute of the game.

FC Abuja responded through Awolo Shuaibu and midfield anchor, Peter Adah, but the half ended 1-0, in favour of the Eagles.

The Eagles continued their wastefulness in front of goal when centre referee Aniete Okoh, restarted the game with Ejike Uzoenyi, Brendon Ogbu and Sunday Mba, the fresh culprits. It was no surprise when rampaging Awolo of the Abuja side connected an Adah cross with his head to even scores in the 80th minute. The scoreline stood like that till the referee’s final whistle.

Keshi said he was not surprised at his side’s display, as most of them were called back from holidays but advised them as professional footballers they must never play with their level of fitness.

The team will depart for Calabar, venue of the match on Monday.

Dropped Players are: Akpeyi Daniel-Heartland,Stanley Okoronkwo-Sharks, Kalu Orji-Heartland, Ezekiel Bassey-Lobi Stars, Kingsley Udo-Heartland, Mba Sunday-Warri Wolves, Christian Ofili-ABS, Kwara, Jabason Solomon-Akwa United, Sanusi Sanni-Gombe United, Philip Asuquo-3SC, Brendan Ogbu-Heartland, Anthony Okpotu-Lobi Stars, Ubale Manir-Kano Pillars, Ohanduku Gomo-Sharks, Fidelis Saviour-Nasarawa United.

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Record-breaking mum has three sets of twins in 10 years

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Record-breaking mum
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Any mum or dad of twins will tell you it’s one of life’s most thrilling and exhausting ­experiences.

But Sara Jones, 33, knows just how true that is… a record THREE times over.

That’s how many sets of twins Sara has had in the space of 10 years. She’s the only woman in Britain to achieve that feat, beating odds of 500,000 to one.

She even had her last two pairs only 10 months apart.

Most parents would gasp at the thought, but Sara, who has four other children – says: “For most families having twins is something out of the ordinary.

“But it’s so ­normal for our family. It would almost be weird for me to fall pregnant and NOT have twins.

Sara’s road to the record books began in November 2001 when she gave birth to Liam and ­Niamh. She split from their dad Rhys but found love again with Craig Morgan, 31, who is now her ­fiance. In 2010 she discovered she was expecting another twin boy and girl. Shay and Aoife, now two, were born that June. To cap it all, along came identical twin girls Keeva and Ceira, born in April last year.

Add to that a few single births in the shape of Brogane, 16, Siobhan, 13, Calam, 12, and Sean, four, and it’s easy to see why Sara and unemployed furniture salesman Craig’s home life is a bit of a whirlwind.

“They keep me on my toes,” says Sara. “Some families can’t have children, so I see every single one as a blessing. The second time I had twins I was a bit daunted… but by the time the third pair came along I knew what I was doing.

Life is twin-credibly hectic at their three-bedroom semi in Southport, Merseyside, with all the boys sharing one bedroom.and the girls in another.

Each day the family get through eight pints of milk and two loaves of bread, plus two bulk packs of ­nappies a week.

“We have to budget very strictly,” says Sara. “I try to get everything for about £100 a week, but every day I go to the supermarket and spend ­another £15 to top up.”

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UPDATE:MOBBED UNI-PORT STUDENTS DID NOT STEAL PHONES or LAPTOPS [FULL STORY]

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Yesterday, News Suurfaced Online about some students in university of port-harcourt being mobbed after stealing Phones and laptops . The story went viral online on blogs platforms and social networks with so many comments from people. TON Contacted a student who witnessed the whole act and he gave us Full details about what happened. According to him, The Students involved are Cultists, They went to Attack Someone, they were about 5 in number, , so on their way out, A girl saw them and screamed, these alerted people and they attacked them..