Saudi Arabia Changes Weekend To Be In Line With The Rest Of The World

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Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud changed the kingdom’s official work week to Sunday through Thursday, citing “lost economic opportunities” from being out of synch with the rest of the world on the Saudi weekend.

The switch from Saudi Arabia’s Saturday-to-Wednesday work week, and Thursday-Friday weekend, was announced on Sunday in a royal decree carried on state print and broadcast media. The change overrides years of objections from religious conservatives that Saudi Arabia, home of the most important two sites of Islam, should keep a weekend distinct from that of the West.

“We will be copying the Jews and the Christians,” prominent Saudi businessman Abdul Rahman Al Jeraisy said in 2007, when the king’s Shura advisory council considered the change.

13 Teenage Chinese Prostitutés Arrested In An Apartment In Ikeja, Lagos

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On Emina Crescent, off Toyin Street, Ikeja, 13 teenage Chinese prost-itutés have been arrested and detained by the Nigerian Immigration Service following a raid of their base. The young girls were said to have been brought in for the sake of Politicians, business executives and expatriates to hire for s-éx at the cost of between $1,000 and $2,500. The dirty business was said to have been run by Sun and Yin Li.

The couple running the business, alongside the other girls are said to be in hiding now as only 13 girls were successfully picked up from the scene.  The arrest was confirmed by the NIS spokesman, Joachim Olumba, who said the girls are in their custody. He also said they are on the trail of the kingpin of the s-éx ring. And after investigations, they will either deport the girls or hand them over to their embassy here in Nigeria for appropriate action

FULL UPDATE: Snowden On the run to 'third country' via Moscow. (PHOTOS)

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Edward Snowden, a former CIA employee charged with espionage in the United States, is flying to Cuba via Moscow. A source with the Aeroflot airlines confirmed that the a man named Snowden was listed among passengers of Flight Su213 bound for Moscow. According to the source, the same passenger is to leave for Cuba on June 24 aboard Aeroflot Flight SU150.

Edward Snowden, a former CIA employee charged with espionage in the United States, is flying to Cuba via Moscow, a source close to Snowden said.

"He has departed on a direct flight for Moscow and will be there in the evening. But he will not stay in Moscow long. He discussed an option of further transit to Cuba," the source added.

Continue After The Break.

Passengers Escape Death As Power Cut Stops Arik Plane From Landing In Uyo

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What could have amounted to another major air disaster in the country was averted on Friday evening when an Arik aircraft aborted landing at Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital barely about 500 meters from the tarmac due to power cut at the airport.

The sudden power outage forced the pilot to hurriedly terminate his landing plan and fly back to the sky where it hovered for about 30 minutes before flying back to Abuja because the person to turn on the alternative power source was not available.

The passengers on Arik Flight W3 533, including the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi odinkalu, and some unnamed federal lawmakers, said to be heading to Uyo for a retreat.

US Senator warned #Russia of 'serious consequences' if country wouldn't send NSA whistle-blower #Snowden back to US

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As Snowden landed in Moscow after leaving Hong Kong, where the US
 had requested his arrest, leading Democratic senator Chuck Schumer
accused the Russian president of sticking a finger in the eye of the US.

US Senator warned Russian president Vladimir Putin of 'serious consequences' if country woudn’t send NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden back to US.

As Snowden landed in Moscow after leaving Hong Kong, where the US had requested his arrest, leading Democratic senator Chuck Schumer accused the Russian president of sticking a finger in the eye of the US, The Guardian reports.

"The bottom line is very simple: allies are supposed to treat each other in decent ways and Putin always seems almost eager to put a finger in the eye of the United States, whether it is Syria, Iran and now of course with Snowden," Schumer said on CNN's State of the Union.

Jonathan Places Ministers, Public Officers Under Watch Over Lavish Lifestyles

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Apparently piqued with the ostentatious lifestyle of some members of his cabinet, President Goodluck Jonathan has directed the security agencies, particularly the anti-graft commissions, to keep an eagle eye on ministers and publicofficials in the habit of throwing lavish parties at home or abroad.

This directive is coming on the heels of the recent removal of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. AbdulAzeez Musa, who allegedly threw a lavish wedding ceremony for his daughter in Dubai, United Arab Emirates a fortnight ago. President Jonathan said such ostentatious ministers must abide by the Code of Conduct for public officers or throw in the towel immediately.

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AUDIO: The U.S. is violating the Treaty of Svalbard – Bruce Gagnon

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Kiruna Sweden will be hosting the 21st International Space Conference from the 27th to the 29th of June 2013, during which U.S. and NATO violations of the Treaty of Svalbard will be one of the hottest topics of discussion. Bruce Gagnon, one of the key organizers of the event spoke to the Voice of Russia about the event and the U.S.-NATO militarization of the far north.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE:

Concerned activists and writers from around the world will gather in Kiruna, Sweden on June 27-29 to discuss how the ‘High North’ of Sweden has become one of the largest training places (called NEAT) for NATO war exercises and advanced weapons testing.

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Federal road in Kogi becomes Paradise for robbers, rapists ....

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Abu Micheal, Chief Press Secretary to Kogi State deputy governor, looks at the hardship faced by people and commuters who ply Lokoja- Kabba-  egbe – Ilorin Road and stated the need for the Federal Government’s timely intervention to end the suffering of the people.

Bad roads are responsible for most of the accidents that happen on our roads. At the same time, bad roads hasten the process of tear and wear of various cars and impoverish the owners. Also, pothole infested roads are increasingly becoming the operational zones of criminals particularly, armed robbers.

This is true of the Obajana-Oshokoshoko-Kabba-Mopa-Isanlu-Egbe Road. This is a federal road that links most parts of the West Senatorial District to the rest part of Kogi State. It is also the fastest link between Kwara and Kogi states. The road is now in a deplorable state and it has also become a safe haven for armed bandits who now subject motorists plying the route to harrowing experiences.

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Shocking: I am not PDP Speaker, Tambuwal fires critics over pro-Aregbesola Statements

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The Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday, shocked his audience when he tongue lashed members of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) who  criticized him  for speaking glowingly about the administration of the governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, urging them to see performance in governance beyond partisan politics.

Members of the Osun PDP had, some weeks ago, condemned  the Speaker for eulogizing Aregbesola  during his visit to the state.

FULL UPDATE: Brazil protests continue despite president’s plea

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Massive rallies continued into the night in Brazil’s Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Sao Paolo and dozens of other major cities following a hike in transport fares, media report.

Across Brazil police estimated about 60,000 demonstrators to have gathered in downtown Belo Horizonte, 30,000 shut down a main business avenue in Sao Paulo and another 30,000 rallied in the city in southern Brazil where a nightclub fire killed over 240 mostly university students.

Demonstrators took to the streets in the cities hosting Confederations Cup matches despite President Dilma Rousseff’s plea for peace as she vowed to introduce a package of reforms, including a draft plan to benefit public transport and allocate all oil royalties to education.

A crowd reportedly tried to break through a perimeter set by the police around Belo Horizonte’s Mineirao stadium, where Mexico and Japan faced off in the Confederations Cup. The trouble escalated after dark when car dealers had windows broken, some shops were looted and protesters set fire to a car and several other objects on the streets.

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#GoodPeopleThings: Africa’s youngest billionaire to invest in Cross River

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Given the conducive business environment put in place by the Cross River State Government, Africa’s youngest billionaire, Ashish J. Thakkar has made known his intention to invest in Calabar.

Thakkar, who is president, Mara Group stated this while delivering a key note address at the 2013 edition of the Africa CEO Roundtable and Conference on Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (AR-CSR) at Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Calabar.

According to the Ugandan, the decision to establish his presence in Calabar was based on what he has seen and heard of Cross River, which remains a veritable place to invest.

Snowden leaves Hong Kong on Aeroflot flight to Moscow

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US whistleblower Edward Snowden is en route to Moscow from Hong Kong on an Aeroflot flight, reports AFP.

Former US intelligence technician Edward Snowden is en route from Hong Kong to Moscow heading to a third destination, the South China Morning Post reported Sunday.

"US whistleblower Edward Snowden has left Hong Kong on an Aeroflot flight to Moscow, credible sources have confirmed to the South China Morning Post," the newspaper, which has carried exclusive interviews with Snowden in Hong Kong, said in a brief report on its website.

"Moscow will not be his final destination," it said, raising the possibility of Iceland or Ecuador as Snowden's final destination.

See More Updates After The Break.

How Armed Men Rob Husband and Wife; Strip Them Naked

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“After parking, they marched us further about 200 metres into the bush. Their own car did not follow and it was only four of them that came in my car that were there. When we got to a thick part of the bush, they stripped us naked and ordered us to lie down...

My wife was left with only her panties and her bra was used to tie my hands behind my back. They went with everything, including our clothes.

“I suspect that they were not military men; they were only criminals in military uniform. But each time I think about it, I feel cheated. That night, I took sleeping pills, but I still couldn’t sleep. During the ordeal, they even asked us to pray for them, which we did because we didn’t have a choice."

The spate of robbery incidents seems to be on the rise in parts of Ogun State, with the recent experience of the general manager of a car company in Lagos, Mr. Lanre Bammeke.

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Nigeria arrests illegal immigrants

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Culled From PM News

No fewer than 400 illegal immigrants were discovered by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Command in Kano, northwest Nigeria, in an operation launched Friday. NIS Comptroller in Kano, Alhaji Hamisu Maishanu told newsmen on Saturday that the exercise of mopping up the illegal immigrants will end on Monday.

According to him, during screening of the illegal immigrants, it was discovered that 384 of them are Nigeriens, while 16 others are Chadians. Maishanu said repatriation of the aliens will commence immediately after the mopping up exercise on Monday.

He noted that the Service will not allow illegal aliens to gain entry into the country without proper documentation and data bank because they are just killing the economy. Maishanu warned that any illegal immigrant caught without relevant documents would henceforth be repatriated to his or her country with immediate effect, adding that the exercise would be a continuous, in line with the new leadership of the service under Mr David Paradang to flush out illegal immigrants from the country.

Pretty Sad Love Story One Should Learn From!

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Its a long one, but take your time to read it.

A Sad Love Story telling us not to be afraid of expressing our Feelings.

I have a boyfriend who grew up with me. His name is Vin. I always thought of him as a friend until last year when we went to a trip from a club. I found that I fell in love with him. Before that trip was over, I took a step and confessed my love for him. And soon, we became a pair of lovers, but we loved each other in different ways. I always concentrated on him only, but by his side, there were so many other girls. To me, he was the only one, but to him, maybe I was just another girl…

“Vin, do you want to go watch a movie?” I asked.
“I can’t”
“Why? You need to study at home?” I felt disappointment grabbing me.
“No… I am going to meet a friend…”

Continue After The Break.

Five Customers Feared Dead As Robbers Storm First Generation Bank In Delta, Cart Away Millions

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Five persons were feared killed yesterday when an 11-man robbery gang attacked a first generation bank in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, and carting away unspecified amount of cash.It was learnt that the dare-devil robbers, armed to the teeth with sophisticated weapons, blew-up the bank vault.

According to eye witness accounts, the robbers shot sporadically into the air to scare bystanders away just as customers who were inside the banking hall doing transactions scampered for safety.he incident, which took place in the morning lasted for several minutes and the men of the underworld had a field day despite the fact that security operatives were stationed some few metres away at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Agbor.

Confirming the incident, State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Lucky Uyabeme, said the police command has intensified a full-scale manhunt for the fleeing robbers.

Ramadan: Sokoto Sets Aside N56.7m For Grains, Clothes

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The Sokoto State Government has earmarked N56.7 million to buy food and clothing materials for indigent persons during the Ramadan, an official said on Saturday.

Alhaji Lawal Maidoki, the Chairman of Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Committee, made the plan known  in Sokoto.

Maidoki said the items included 6,300 bags of grains and 6,420 clothing materials, adding that the grains, namely millet, maize and guinea-corn, would cost N 50.4 million.

“No fewer than 6,300 indigent persons, both men and women, including widows and widowers, would benefit from the annual gesture by the state government.

Teachers suspend strike In Ogun State

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The strike action embarked upon by both the public primary and secondary school teachers in the western Nigerian state of Ogun has been suspended. The teachers under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, had directed that all teachers in the public schools across the State should down tools from 1 June, 2013 to press home their demands for welfare enhancement.

One of the grievances of the teachers is non payment by government of the 27.5 peculiar teachers allowance.
In a meeting held today at the office of the Head of Service, Mrs Muibat Adekunle at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta with the representatives of the Union in the State,it was unanimously agreed that the strike action be suspended with immediate effect from today, Friday 21 June, 2013.

In an agreement released after the meeting, the State government has agreed to commence payment of 15 percent of basic salary as Teacher’s Peculiar Allowance to both primary and secondary school teachers the state.
source:

Train and truck Jam Each other in Lagos

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A train and a truck collided last night at the PWD railway crossing in Ikeja. The truck (seen above) was trying to cross the railway line when a speeding train coming from Ebutte Metta and heading to Agbado rammed into it. Fortunately no life was lost but a few people sustained serious injuries and were immediately rushed to the hospital. After the accident, the train had to terminate its journey, leaving its passengers stranded.

CIA and US special forces secretly training Syrian rebels - report

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The CIA and US special forces have been secretly training Syrian rebels since last year at bases in Jordan and Turkey, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

The Free Syrian Army was involved in two-week training programmes that included work with anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, a US official and a Syrian rebel commander told the Times.

White House spokesman Jay Carney would not comment on the report and also declined to outline what weapons the US could provide to the rebels, except to say "I cannot inventory for you all the elements of that assistance."

"The important point here is that, because of the actions we have seen the Assad regime take, we have decided to increase both the scope and scale of our assistance to the opposition, and we've been very clear about that over the last weeks and months," he said.