Uk Judge in a London court suspends case against Ibori due to lack of evidence

Ibori

The assets confiscation hearing of former Delta State Governor James Ibori came to an abrupt end yesterday, as the Judge, Anthony Pitts, granted the crown prosecution’s request to adjourn for retrial.
The prosecution said it needed time to get more evidence against the former governor after both the prosecution and defence have made their submissions in the hearing.
Judge Pitts said: “I feel that this case inevitably requires decision that is probably based on proper evidence. This matter must proceed in a way to make proper decision. It seems to me to hear some more evidence. I need to be in a much better position more than I am now to make a better position. I am going to adjourn this proceeding till early next year.”
The lead counsel to the former governor, QC Krolic said: “The making of confiscation determinations is governed by different procedural requirement from trial procedures and different standard of proof to be applied.
“When it comes to trial and sentencing, the court is not concerned with numbers.”
But Judge Pitts said: “Number is also considered.”
Explaining to the Judge, Krolic said: “In confiscation, difference in number is important because the issues in confiscation are quantitative.”
Judge Pitts cut in, saying: “I fully agree that we are not bound by the pleas of guilt here….but we are in a different situation.I am being asked by you to ignore his guilty pleas and look again if he is actually guilty, I know you are not saying that, but it really seems so close.”
Krolic cited many authorities to support his case that a guilty plea in Confiscation does not mean that the defendant has the full benefits of the guilt.
He said: “The burden lies on the prosecution to prove to what extent the defendant has benefitted from the offence and in this case, we are relying on the prosecution’s own evidence that is set out in section 73 as provided in their 63,000 pages evidence before this court from the start of these proceedings.”
Krolic, relying on the case of Mcintosh and Rezvi 2010, said: “The court held in paragraph 22 that a plea of guilty did not amount to an admission from which a conclusive inferences can be drawn pursuant to section 10CJA 1967. Where the defendant has pleaded guilty, it is important for the prosecution to prove their case. I have shown you that what the prosecution has put forward in their 63,000 pages trial bundle is not supported by any evidence.”
The lead Crown prosecutor Sasha Wass, who only turned up for the day’s proceedings after the court’s lunch break and briefed by her junior counsel, Esther Schutzer-Weissmann that the Judge was intending to adjourn the case for more evidence to reach a conclusion, said: “Your honour, we will ask that these proceedings are brought to a halt and list it for another hearing so that we may call more witnesses.”
Krolick, not satisfied with the crown prosecution’s request for a halt of the court proceedings for a retrial, urged the Judge to continue to hear the case and give judgment based on the submissions made by both the
Krolick said: “We do not say that the conviction should go, we do not attack the conviction; we are only concerned by what has been obtained by Ibori in connection to the charge. We are not even suggesting that witnesses are required… We are only saying that Ibori did not obtain what he has been accused of obtaining and that the prosecution does not have evidence to link funds from Delta State to him and that the court should make its decision on that basis.”
The court adjourns till Dec 19 for preliminary direction of the confiscation proceeding.
A report quoted Ibori as reacting to the development thus: “After 8 years of criminal investigations, five adjournments and over fifty trips to Nigeria, the prosecution failed to provide any tangible evidence to support their claim that I defrauded Delta State, their case collapsed to such an extent that on the last day of a three weeks hearing, they were humbled into making an application to the judge for permission to start again which he Judge unceremoniously granted.”

APGA, Peter Obi, Victor Umeh Launches Candidate Obiano at a rally

 

•Obi, Umeh describe APGA’s candidate as best

All Progressives Grand Alliance’s (APGA’s) governorship candidate in the November 16 election in Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, yesterday launched his campaign.
The event was held at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, where Governor Peter Obi and the National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh, described the APGA’s standard- bearer as the best.
Absent at the rally was one of the aspirants to the APGA’s ticket and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
Also absent were former minister of Information, Prof Dora Akuniyili and wife of the late Ikemba Nnewi Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu.
One of the aspirants to the APGA’s ticket and a member representing Anaocha, Njikoka and Dunukofia Federal Constituency, Uche Ekwunife, hailed the leadership style of Obi and urged the APGA candidate to emulate him.
She said with the crowd at the event, it would be difficult for APGA to lose the governorship seat.
The highlight of the rally was the redemption of the N10 million campaign promise made in Aguleri at the weekend to APGA by the party’s chieftain, Dr. Boniface Emengini.
Emengini also donated a new Toyota Hiace and Toyota V-8 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to the APGA candidate’s campaign organisation.
He said he pledged the money during the fund raising dinner at Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government at the weekend.
Obiano thanked Emengini and assured him that he would never forget those who assisted APGA during the campaign.
“This is the time for us to forget our differences and come to the reality of time. APGA is the only party that represents the interest of Ndigbo,” Obiano said.
A minute’s silence was observed by the party faithful for the late APGA leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwun Ojukwu, whose son Emeka (Jnr) attended the rally with former Minister of Health Dr. Tim Menakaya.
The National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, who listed the achievements of Governor Obi, said the party had delivered in Anambra State. He described the state as the headquarters of Ndigbo.
Former state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ifeatu Obi Okoye, defected to APGA with over 20 members of his former party. Another defector, Peter Nwosu, led Labour Party supporters to APGA.
Chief Anayo Obiakor left the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) with his members to APGA.

APC-Anambra 2013: Governors, Akande, Tinubu, others for Ngige’s campaign launch today

Chris Ngige

•Nwoye knows fate
The All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) governorship candidate in the November 16 poll in Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, will launch his campaign today.
APC chieftains are expected to attend Ngige’s campaign launch, which is holding at the Holy Trinity Ground, Onitsha.
The Labour Party’s (LP’s) standard- bearer, Ifeanyi Ubah, launched his campaign over three weeks ago at the same venue.
Ngige came up with his manifesto of 12-point agenda in Awka at the weekend.
The senator, who promised free primary and secondary education and 50 per cent reduction in school fees in the Anambra State University, said he was coming back to complete his unfinished projects.
APC’s campaign launch has created fears among supporters of other parties.
The Nation learnt that Imo, Osun, Edo and Nasarawa governors will attend the event.
Others expected are the Interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande, a National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, senators and members of the House of Representatives.
Speaking at Awka, the Chairman of Ngige Campaign Organisation, Chief George Muoghalu, said the party was ready to receive the APC bigwigs.
He said: “The event will take place on Tuesday at the Holy Trinity Ground in Onitsha. Our national leaders will be in attendance. We are not leaving any stone unturned.”
Ngige’s campaign office, opposite Anambra State Government House, Awka, was a beehive of activities at the weekend.
Muoghalu and members of the campaign team from the Southeast put finishing touches to the programmes and Ngige briefed reporters on his 12-point agenda.
The launch was earlier scheduled for October 3, but was postponed to enable guests from other geopolitical zones get prepared.
One of the contestants for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) ticket, Comrade Tony Nwoye, will know his fate today at the Appeal Court in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
His case against Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, another aspirant, will be decided to determine the party’s candidate.

President Goodluck Jonathan Inaugurates Advisory Committee On Sovereign National Dialogue ...TV

watch..

 President Jonathan and members of the Advisory Committee on National Dialogue in a group photograph

By Reuben Abati

      

1.     Today, we are taking historic and concrete steps that will further strengthen our understanding, expand the frontiers of our inclusiveness and deepen our bond as one people under God.
2.      In my address to the Nation on the occasion of our 53rd Independence and Golden Anniversary as a Republic, I announced that in response to the yearnings of our people, we had decided to take on the responsibility of decisively and genuinely exploring the option of a National Conversation.
3.    In furtherance of this objective, Government announced the names of some Nigerians, with wide experience from various disciplines, to form membership of an Advisory Committee to facilitate a most acceptable process that will bring our aspirations to fruition. Our gathering here today is to formally inaugurate this child of necessity, the Advisory Committee to midwife this Conversation.
4.    Permit me to very quickly review the foundational principles that drive our action, and also address a few matters arising. Firstly, let me emphasize that this is a National Project, a sincere and fundamental undertaking, aimed at realistically examining and genuinely resolving, longstanding impediments to our cohesion and harmonious development as a truly united Nation.
5.            There is a view by some of our people that we do not need to sit together to dialogue over the socio-political challenges facing our country. Some believe that because we have held several Conferences in the past, we do not need to hold another one. I was one of those who exhibited scepticism on the need for another Conference or Dialogue. My scepticism was borne out of the nomenclature of such a Conference, taking into cognizance existing democratic structures that were products of the will of the people.
6.            However, we are in a democracy, and in a democracy; elected leaders govern at the behest of the citizenry. As challenges emerge, season after season, leaders must respond with best available strategies to ensure that the ship of state remains undeterred in its voyage.
7.            Nations rise to the challenges that each epoch presents. It is imperative therefore, that in our march to nationhood, we have to be dynamic in our approach and response to the problems, even as we seek solutions to them. We cannot proffer yesterday's solutions to today's problems.
8.            Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let us remind ourselves of the gains from previous Conferences and Dialogues. The Conferences that were held before 1960 were designed to produce a political system and a roadmap to Nigeria's independence.
9.            The Constitutional Conference of 1957 in London, for example, effectively prepared Nigeria for Independence. The Eastern and Western regions were granted self-government in 1957, while the Northern region got its own in 1959. The Office of the Prime Minister was created and it was also decided that the Federal Legislature would be Bi-cameral.
10.       Furthermore, the Constituent Assembly of 1978 gave us the 1979 Constitution and also created the current Presidential System with its attendant checks and balances and Fundamental Human Rights provisions. The 1999 Constitution we operate today, is a successor to the 1979 Constitution and records show that the 1999 Constitution also benefited from reports and recommendations arising from the 1994/1995 Constitutional Conference.
11.       Although not enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the idea of the current Six Geo-Political Zones that have become one of the avenues for equitable distribution of projects and public offices in Nigeria was also a product of Dialogue that emerged from the 1994/1995 Constitutional Conference.
12.       The 2005 National Political Reform Conference produced a number of key recommendations that were sent to the 5th Assembly, which were however not perfected. In 2010, I reasoned that the outstanding recommendations from the 2005 Conference be revisited.
13.       It was my view that Government is a continuum and that we must find ways to strengthen the foundation of our Union. I proceeded to set up the Justice Alpha Belgore Committee with a mandate to review the report for possible implementation, especially the areas where there was a common agreement. The committee worked hard and came out with its report that included a number of Bills, which were forwarded to the National Assembly.
14.       We believe that these Bills will form key components of the on-going Constitutional Review by the National Assembly.
15.       Clearly, every dialogue adds something valuable to our evolving Nation. The urgency of a National Conversation in the present therefore, need not be over emphasized.
16.       Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as we continue to strive to build a strong and virile Nation, especially in the midst of agitation and tensions, we cannot deny the fact that sitting down to talk is one right step in calming down tensions and channelling our grievances, misgivings and suggestions into more positive use for the good of our Country.
17.       Let me use this opportunity to thank the Senate President, and the leadership and members of the National Assembly for the support they have given to this important National Project.
18.       The concept of participatory democracy is such that even after the people have given their representatives the mandate to make laws and act on their behalf, there is also a space for the governed to make further input into the political processes, without undermining the authority of the statutory bodies. Sovereignty continues to be with the people even as the people evolve strategies and tactics to strengthen its foundation for the benefit of successor generations.
19.       It is this sort of collaboration between the people and established institutions of government, that will allow for a robust outcome that leads to greater understanding and a more cohesive and inclusive Union. For me, there is no alternative to inclusivity, equity and justice in a modern democratic state.
20.       I will therefore like to allay the fears of those who think the Conference will call the integrity of Nigeria into question. This National Discourse will strengthen our union and address issues that are often on the front burner, and are too frequently ignored.
21.       Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Committee Members, this is a serious task, and history beckons on you not to disappoint our people. I want to charge you to consult widely before sitting down to develop the framework that will guide and guard the proceedings of the discussions.
22.       In the task before you, no voice is too small and no opinion is irrelevant. Thus, the views of the scepticsand those of the enthusiasts must be accommodated as you formulate this all important framework. This Conversation is a People’s Conversation and I urge you to formulate an all-inclusive process that protects the people’s interest.
23.       Let me also urge the Advisory Committee not only to be alive to the expectations of our people, but to bear in mind, that what we desire is what can work for the good of our people and country.  The goal is to bequeath a better and a greater Nigeria to the present and the generation that is to come.
24.       Ladies and Gentlemen, We have wasted too much time and resources, bickering over sectional versions of what define reality. This is an open-ended luxury we can no longer afford. Let us move forward, with honest conviction and patriotic courage, to strengthen this Republic, and get it to work better and brighter, for all of us, to the glory of God.
25.       On this note, I hereby inaugurate the National Advisory Committee on this significant National Assignment and give the Committee six weeks to submit its report. I thank you for accepting to serve and I wish you the very best of wisdom in this very important call to duty.
 
26.       Congratulations. I thank you.

        President Goodluck Jonathan and Senator Okunroumu

National Conference: Jonathan Inaugurates Advisory Committee

Air Crash Survivor Feyi Agagu says Plane really looked old at first sight ..

 Feyi Agagu, the son of the late Dr Agagu who is one of the survivors of the crashed Associated Airline, that was carrying his late father’s corpse, told a family member that he was uneasy about the plane the minute he laid eyes on it at the airport but he was reassured by his brother-in-law, Femi Akinsanya, who later became the first person to walk out of the crashed plane alive.

Out of fear and concern, Feyi took a back seat in the plane. Below are the revelations:

“The young man said that once they got to the tarmac before boarding and once he sighted the plane, what struck him was the seemingly very old look of the plane.

“Feyi said he didn’t like the looks of the plane. He also said but for the importance and significance of the trip, his inner sense didn’t feel comfortable boarding the plane.

“In fact, Feyi said he told another survivor, Femi Akinsanya, that the plane looked too old and he didn’t feel like boarding. But Feyi said he was told not to get himself worked up needlessly since this was not going to be his first time aboard a plane neither would this be the first old-looking plane that he would board.

“That was how he said he boarded the plane. Why Feyi chose the back seat was more a function of his state of mind about the state of the plane rather than a preference for taking a back seat.

“When they sat down, Feyi told me that he and Femi simply prayed that they should just take off and land safely, oblivious of what lay ahead of them. Feyi said once they took off, everything happened so fast.

“What he also told me was that both he and Femi noticed what looked like a crack not far from where they sat at the rear end of the plane.

“He said everything happened so fast that by the time the plane crashed on the ground, it was that crack that had been noticed earlier that transformed into a gaping exit point upon impact on the ground.

“Feyi said the exit point created was where he and Femi escaped through”.

Man files for Divorce after finding out wife for 19 years was a Man with sex change **Photo

A 64-year-old Belgian man wants to have his marriage annulled after he discovered that his Indonesian wife of 19 years had been born a man and had later undergone a sex change.                     

The man, only named as Jan, married Monica, his family's former au pair in a previous marriage, in 1993 despite legal difficulties raised by the Belgian immigration authorities.

But it was only in recent weeks that he discovered that his wife had originally been a man and had undergone a sex change.

"I feel I've been assaulted," he told the Het Nieuwsblad newspaper.

"I brought her to Belgium. That was not easy. The Belgian courts had serious doubts about the authenticity of her birth and her identity papers, but eventually they accepted it anyway. I thought she was an attractive woman, all woman. She had no male traits."

Jan, 64, said that he and his wife had decided not to have children because he had two by his previous marriage and she fooled him by pretending to menstruate, using sanitary towels, "to conceal the truth".

"Even during sex, I never noticed anything," he said.

For many years the couple lived a normal family life and Monica, 48, was like a "big sister" to his children until their marriage started to come under strain when she got a new full-time job.

"Monica began to change very much," he said.

"My oldest son saw her sometimes at a nightclub. She began to wear very flashy clothes, those ultra-short skirts or tiny tops, so her abdomen was completely exposed."

Finally rumours began to surface and after Jan found "amorous messages" from other men on her computer, he confronted her in a violent row that led to the police being called.

"A friend told me that he had heard that Monica was actually a sex-changed man. I could not believe it. My son heard similar rumours," he said.

"I pushed her against the wall and said: Now I know the truth. Are you a man? She then announced that she was born as a boy and that she had been operated on. She was now a woman, and so she did not need to tell me about her past as a man. My world collapsed. That evening came to blows. The police came."

Jan, who is undergoing psychiatric treatment following the discovery, has started legal proceedings to have the marriage annulled but the Belgian courts have so far refused to allow him to turn her out of the familiy home.

"That person has deliberately deceived him for years, even scammed. Presumably she has also forged documents used here to get a residence permit. The children, who for years have lived with her, are devastated," said his Liliane Verjauw, his lawyer.

Femi Kuti pulls over on Third Mainland Bridge due to strange Lizard in his SUV

Femi Kuti

Posted by: Victor Akande in Entertainment 4 hours ago

A crowd gathered around the car of legendary Afrobeat King, Femi Kuti, at the weekend, as the disturbed musician sought help to locate a reptile that almost caused him an accident on the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge.

Narrating his ordeal, Kuti, who arrived late to the MUSON Center, where he was a guest artiste at the pre-event press briefing on the coming MUSON anniversary concert, described the experience as horrifying.

He said the reptile; a lizard appeared all of a sudden, from the dashboard of the car, while he was at top speed, starring at him snappily before ducking away.

In no time, the search party increased around the Black Prado Jeep. Perhaps then, it dawned on the musician, how seriously he had painted the scenario. The crowd, including his colleague, Yinka Davies begun to get amused, and Kuti, tried to make a joke of the situation.

“You know, it could have been a disaster if the lizard had run through my trousers, climbing to my private part. You can imagine how jumpy I could have reacted, trying to protect my manhood. Because, that to me is an important part of who I am, I can’t joke with it.” The crowd roared with laughter.

“Evil people could be at work,” added the musician jocularly, still wondering how the lizard got into his car.

After the event, the award-winning artiste would not drive his car until the lizard was fished out.

Photos: Illfated Associated Airline hostesses battle for life in Ikeja hospital

Two crew members of Associated Airline survived the plane crash that happened on Thursday morning. Toyin Samson (pictured above) and Queeneth Owolabi (pictured after the cut) were siting at the back of the plane when it went down. They are currently being treated for third degree burns at the Ikeja General Hospital. Queeneth is in a worse shape than Toyin who can talk and communicate with visitors. See a pic of Queeneth, who is a mother of two.

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Anambra Governorship Candidate for Nov 16th Polls Kidnapped !!

A cleared candidate Chief Leonard Uchendu, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate for the Nov 16th Anambra governorship election has been kidnapped.

He was kidnapped in the early hours of Sunday in Awka the state capital, a development confirmed by his party.

Incidentally, the NNPP had on Friday raised the alarm over alleged intimidation of its governorship candidate in the November 16 governorship poll.

It said the state government had asked Uchendu to step aside as the President-General of Umuawulu in Awka South Local Government, Anambra State.

Addressing a press conference in Lagos, the NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, stated that the letter requesting Uchendu to step aside as President-General of Uwuawule Town, was a deliberate move by Governor Peter Obi-led All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) to witch hunt the NNPP candidate.

The Anambra State government, had in a letter signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, Dr. G.N. Muotolu, on September 18 requested Uchendu to humbly step aside as the President-General of Umuawulu pending the conclusion of the investigations being carried out against him over a petition that he is using the town’s vigilante outfit to molest, intimidate and harass people in his community.

Aniebonam said that the party through a letter written to Governor Obi on October 3, has already called on Anambra State government to immediately withdraw the letter of suspension of Chief Uchendu and restore the Uwuawulu vigilante group which to all purposes and intent enjoyed the support of the members of the community it was so ably protecting.

His words: “From every indication it is obvious that the popularity of our Candidate in the forthcoming Gubernatorial election may be giving sleepless nights to some members of APGA because we are reliably informed that over 75 per cent of the President-Generals of the various towns in Anambra are working with him at the moment. It is also a fact that the present majority leader in the State House of Assembly who happens to come from the same town Umuawulu with our Candidate may be feeling threatened by the popularity of our Candidate.

“It is now very clear that the idea of asking him to step aside as the President-General of Umuawulu is merely an intimidation with an intent to wear him down using government machinery and apparatus.”

“The genesis of our Candidate’s problems started from when he declared his intention to run for the position of Governor in the November 2013 election in Anambra state. There are indications that some people who felt threatened by his position ganged-up with some other people with whom he is having a case in court to write a spurious and trumped up petition against him that he was using the Uwuawulu Vigilante group to harass, intimidate and threaten the citizens of Umuawulu.

“We believe that when people try to act out an evil script, they are usually blinded by all that is equitable and legal. For the Special Adviser in charge of town union matters in Anambra state to act in such a brazen and disrespectful manner to the court of law is not only illegal but constitutes a contempt of the court.

“We want to crave the indulgence of Governor Peter Obi to urgently call the officer in charge of Town Union matters to immediately withdraw the letter of suspension of Chief Uchendu and restore the Uwuawulu vigilante group who to all purposes and intent enjoyed the support of the members of the community they were so ably protecting. This action would not only be commendable but Godly.

“In the interest of peace and tranquillity, we call on you to urgently look into this matter and cause the immediate withdrawal of the letter advising Chief Leonard Uchendu to step aside as the President-General of Umuawulu, as the allegation against him are merely trumped up and did not offer him any chance to defend himself over the allegation of intimidation, molestation and harassment of Umuawulu indigenes with the Vigilante Group.”

Presently, no demand for ransom had been made by the kidnappers.

The Anambra state Police Command has not responded  to the incident. 

Late Dr Olusegun Agagu, Finally Laid to Rest.

The widow of Late Dr Olusegun Agagu, Funke, is seen here praying for here darling husband shortly before he was lowered into his grave. 

From left: Dr Tunji Abayomi, Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, Engr.Segun Oni former Ekiti State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Osun State Governor and Mr Femi Agagu.

From left: Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, his wife Shade and Prince Yemi Adefulu.

Former Oyo State Governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala and his wife Kemi.

Former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and his wife Funke.

WATCH THE VIDEO OF CASKET BEING RETRIEVED HERE :

- See more at: http://eagleyereportconnect.blogspot.com/search?q=AGAGU#sthash.UAqxvvwi.dpuf

(SDP) , Olu Falae's Party To Back Goodluck In 2015

The National Chairman, Social Democratic Party, Chief Olu Falae, has said the party would support the second term agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan for progress and stability of the nation.

Falae, who was represented by the state Chairman of SDP in Ekiti State, Ayo Adekola, at the party’s Southern Senatorial District meeting in Ikere Ekiti on Thursday, described continuity as a vital tool for development.

On the 2014 governorship election in the state, he said SDP would concede the governorship ticket in Ekiti State to the South Senatorial District to bridge the gap with other zones that produced governors for two terms each.

He said, “We are aware that the majority of people in this zone are clamouring for change.

“The newly revived party will bring about desired change. We shall take over governance from the All Progressives Congress in all the states of the South-West.”

Saying SDP took its roots from Afenifere and the old Unity Party of Nigeria, founded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he added, “We have agreed to concede the governorship slot of the party to the South senatorial district.

“This is the only senatorial district in the state, which is yet to get a taste of the governorship slot of the state.”

He added that the SDP government would not deduct from the allocation meant for the local government councils in the state if voted to power.

Falae said, “We will not tamper with the allocation of the councils, our government intends to establish cottage industries in different parts of the state.

“Welfare of workers and teachers will be our priority and we will provide employment for the teeming masses.
”

"I’ve lost my successor" ... Chief Olu Falae Mourns Son

 FORMER Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae, has said the death of his son, Deji, had created a big vacuum in his life as he has lost a political successor.
Addressing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, who paid a condolence visit to his residence, the Afenifere chieftain said he had always looked at Deji as one who would take over from him.
Deji, who was the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Ondo State, was among the people who died in the ill-fated aircraft belonging to Associated Airline on Thursday while bearing the corpse of the immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Agagu from Lagos to Akure.
Falae said he had reached the peak of his political career and considered Deji to be worthy of succeeding him after quitting politics.
The former Minister of Finance said, “I was looking forward to seeing Deji take over from me, because I have reached the peak of my being in politics. I will miss him so much,”.
He however noted that he would submit to the Almighty God as he could not question God over the death of his son.
The Speaker however said Deji was his friend and had sent useful text messages to him on how to move the country forward, four days before the unfortunate incident.
He prayed that God would grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Also addressing some traditional rulers that paid him condolence visit, Falae said his son had earned his place in the present Government of Ondo State.
According to him, in spite of his political stature, he never influenced Deji’s appointment as Commissioner, saying that Deji was a friend of the state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and has appointment had nothing to do with his person.
The traditional rulers, led by Olukare of Ikare-Akoko, Oba Akadari Momoh, however consoled the elder statesman, urging him to have faith in God.

Sovereign National Conference, Waste Of Time And Nigeria's Resources- Kwankwaso

Governor of Kano State Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso  has condemned the call for a national conference, saying the conference will be a Pandora’s Box that will create disunity among the Nigerians. During a media chat in Hausa, that was broadcast live by Radio Kano, Freedom Radio and Rahma Radio in Kano, to mark the 53rd anniversary of the Nigeria’s independence, Governor Kwankwaso explained that the conference is not only unconstitutional but also a waste of time and resources.
He said that with the presence of the National Assembly there is no need of such a conference, as members of the two chambers have the constitutional mandate to deliberate on national issues and take action accordingly. “In my opinion the national conference is a colossal waste of resources that ought to be utilized to solve the socio-economic problems clogging the progress of our country”, governor Kwankwaso said, adding that the resources that will be wasted in organizing the conference will be channeled to improve other sectors. He added that such conferences were held during Obasanjo and Abacha regimes and nothing happened after that asserting that “anybody who thinks that Nigeria will breakup is wasting his time as the nation will remain one no matter the pressure”.
On the current dilemma facing the PDP, Governor Kwankwaso said the crisis is associated with agitations for good governance obtained in real democracies, pointing out that the meeting between two contending factions of the party, slated for 7th October, 2013, will be crucial. He said that the G7 governors will attend the meeting and they are ready to defend their positions in whatever action they take during the agreed cease fire period, emphasizing that if consensus was not reached, Nigerians should wait and see what will happen. Speaking on local government elections in Kano state, Governor Kwankwaso assured people of the state that government is ready to hold the elections explaining that plans are being worked out to create good environment for credible local government elections.

OBAMACARE Vs AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE ACT and the Ignorant Yankees

OBAMACARE Vs AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE ACT 

VIDEO

 Even in liberal Los Angeles, Kimmel’s crew found plenty of people who think Obamacare is “un-American” but are all for the Affordable Care Act.Los Angeles, Kimmel’s crew found plenty of people who think Obamacare is “un-American” but are all for the Affordable Care Actw

Which plan to fix America’s ailing health care system to do you like more, the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare? That’s the question that correspondents from Jimmy Kimmel Live asked unsuspecting pedestrians on Hollywood Boulevard Monday. As Jimmy Kimmel explained to his audience, “as you may know Obamacare is just a nickname for the Affordable Care Act, they’re the same thing.”

Apparently not too many people walking the streets of Hollywood are aware of this fact. Even in liberal Los Angeles, Kimmel’s crew found plenty of people who think Obamacare is “un-American” but are all for the Affordable Care Act.

Ultimately, the show proved what pundits like Chuck Todd and others have been saying for months. As Todd told WNYC’s “On The Media” this past week, the Obama Administration made a “complete mistake” in embracing the “Obamacare” label because it “politicizes” something that should be above politics.

And it’s not just people in Hollywood who are confused. A recent CNBC poll found that 46% of Americans oppose Obamacare while only 37% oppose the Affordable Care Act.

WE WILL NOT ALLOW JONATHAN FIGHT US WITH OUR WEAPON-LAMIDO

Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State has said the breakaway faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Alhaji Kawu Baraje, would fight the injustice in the party to the very end of the struggle.

He made the declaration Thursday, while swearing-in the newly-elected Chairman of Ringin Local Government Area of the state, Alhaji Yusha’u Abubakar, who replaced the former chairman, Hon. Muhammed Abubakar, who was elected into the state House of Assembly.

According to Lamido, "Indeed the next three months would be a tough one for the members of the new PDP, but we would fight no matter what and we would see to the end of it all".

The governor affirmed: “We are loyal to PDP under Kawu Baraje”, adding that the tussle in the party was aimed at rescuing it from those, he said, had hijacked it. In his word: "PDP is not owned by anyone, regardless of whether they are the president of this country or anything, and there are no qualms that we belong to the Baraje faction of the PDP.

"There is no way we would allow the president of the country to use our own weapon which is the political platform to fight us".

He attributed the success recorded by the party in the state to the current leadership of the new PDP, which he said, was gearing towards entrenching democracy in the whole country, “no matter the oppression by President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

“The PDP is far above Jonathan or Bamanga Tukur. It is a party for all Nigerians and it must be rescued from the hands of dictators or brigands that have dominated the party today,” Lamido said.

While berating the All Progressives Congress (APC) for trying to square up with the PDP in the state, Lamido noted that the margin of victory at the by-election was a proof that the party was in charge of the state.   “APC was most unfortunate for testing their strength now and they now understand that it is a no-go area for them as they are dead on arrival, having crash landed, the governor said.”

Abubakar before his appointment yesterday was the Vice-Chairman of Ringim Local Government Area and was elevated to the office of the chairman to replace Alhaji Murtala Abubakar, the former chairman, who emerged victorious at the just concluded by-election into the assembly as a result of the death of Alhaji Sule Udi, the Deputy Speaker, who lost his life in a ghastly motor accident months ago.

The governor said despite all the political hoopla, the new PDP under Baraje was solid and very vibrant at the grass roots and would not leave any stone unturned in proving her supremacy over and above any party in Nigeria.

He said the PDP was a party that always opened its doors to all manner of people and had accommodated every Nigerian and given them the opportunity to partake in the political activities of the country without any prejudice or segregation based on tribal, religious or ethnic consideration.

Lamido  enjoined  the new  chairman and state legislators to value the confidence reposed in them by the people of Ringim and work according to the constitutional provisions of the PDP and the law.

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