BN Bytes: Yvonne Nwosu pulls an “Angelina” in Vonne for the 2012 YNaija Black Ball

At the 2012 Oscars, Hollywood star Angelina Jolie created a media sensation by stealing the show with the thigh high split of her dramatic floor-length black velvet dress. Fast forward a few months to the YNaija Black Ball… which took place at the Landmark Village Events Centre in Lagos last night. Designer Yvonne Nwosu of Vonne rocked a long sleeved off-shoulder black dress with an equally dramatic thigh-high split. Yvonne’s bold red lips, highlighted side parted waves and spiked pink nails completed her pinup look!

President Jonathan’s Effort to Purchase Another Hawker 4000 Jet Tied Up In New York Bankruptcy Court

In addition to the two new luxury helicopters ordered by President Goodluck Jonathan from the Anglo-Italian AgustaWestland at a cost of $40 million, as SaharaReporters reported earlier today, we have learned that the government made a deposit of another $9 million for a Hawker 4000 jet.
In 2012 budget an additional $12 million was budgeted to complete the purchase of the jet.
But that money is now tied up in court, as our investigation has revealed that the manufacturer, Hawker Beechraft, entered into bankruptcy proceedings in the US District Court of Southern New York last May.
Curiously, the purchase notice was initiated by one Group Captain Ma Yakubu, who gave away the $9 million using the address of “Nigerian Presidential Wing, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Presidential Air Fleet Abuja, Nigeria.”  His phone number and email addresses were listed as follows:  +234 8052088048 and Maminuyana@Yahoo.Com.
Our sources say this is highly unusual, as the purchase order would normally have emanated not from an airport, but from within the presidency, the Ministry of Aviation or the Nigerian Air Force.
Yesterday’s crash of a Nigeria navy executive Agusta 109E helicopter, which killed Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa, former NSA Andrew Owoye Azazi and four others, while doing private errands for presidential aide Oronto Douglas, demonstrates how public property is routinely converted to private benefit especially in a corrupt administration.
The presidency currently has at its disposal about 11 jets, many of them running errands on a daily basis for privileged officials and their relatives.  When those are not enough, they call for similar equipment that belong to the armed forces, the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, and similar offices.
“Yesterday, the naval helicopter was abused throughout the day, like a free taxi cab, until it simply fell out of the sky,” an analyst told SaharaReporters.
The two helicopters on order by Mr. Jonathan will cost Nigeria $40 million, but it is unclear how many similar equipment may be on order around the world, or have already been bought or delivered, because government officials often account to nobody.  The tracking of most contracts is non-existent after they have been awarded.
SaharaReporters has written to Group Captain Yakubu in an effort to obtain further information about the aborted purchase of the Hawker 4000 jet.
The US District court has approved Hawker Beechcraft’s plan to emerge from bankruptcy as a slimmer corporation, also last week the court authorized the company to sell off its entire inventory of Hawker 4000 jets at $20 million each.

Chika Ike Show WAEC Certificate to Prove Her Real Age

The actress recently clocked 27 and people's are saying she is older than that, lol.

Yero sworn in as governor of Kaduna State

Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, deputy governor to the late Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa was yesterday sworn in as the substantive governor of the state following the death of Yakowa in a helicopter crash last Saturday in Bayelsa State. Yero, 44, who appeared in a white traditional agbada (big gown) with white cap to match was sworn-in by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Rahila Cudjoe at about 1.05 pm in the chamber of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, the seat of power of the state government

I Regret not Praying with my Husband before his Trip ––Yakowa’s Wife

Amina, widow of the late Patrick Yakowa, amid sobs narrated how her husband left the house on Saturday without the usual ‘prayer of agreement’:
“Everyday, we normally hold our hands to pray before he steps out of the house to the office. But on Saturday, when he told me he was leaving for Bayelsa State. I just bid him farewell and we said we would meet in Abuja for the thanksgiving ceremony of President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife, Patience. I regret that we could not pray as usual. After that he came down and left for Bayelsa.
“We used to wake up every morning to pray. Before yesterday (Saturday), he used to insist that we pray before he would step out of the house for any engagement. On December 23, we would have celebrated our 34th year of marriage but for death.”
She told the congregation at a Church Service organised for the late governor inside the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House that her worst regret was not praying with her late husband.
Recall that Governor Yakowa; ex-National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Azazi , and four others died when a Naval Augusta 109 Helicopter in which they were travelling crashed in Nembe-Okoroba in Bayelsa State.

Nkiru Sylvanus kidnapped. Nollywood star actress

 
4The Special Assistant to the Imo State Governor on Public Affairs and popular Nollywood actress, Nkiru Sylvanus has been kidnapped in Owerri, the Imo State capital. Sources close to the actress said she was kidnapped last Saturday night around Concorde Hotel, where she was believed to have gone for an undisclosed engagement.
It was further gathered that contact had been established with her abductors and a ransom of N100 million is being demanded for her release. Though the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Vitalis Onugu said the police was yet to be informed, impeccable Government House sources had confirmed it.
Nkiru Sylvanus was in a recent cabinet reshuffle by Governor Rochas Okorocha redeployed her from prevous position as the special assistant, Lagos Affairs to Imo State, where she assumed her new portfolio until her kidnap. Meanwhile, a prominent music producer, popularly known as Bruno was also robbed in Owerri and dispossessed of substantial valuables.

Primate Adetiloye Kicked the Bucket (DEAD)

 Retired Archbishop and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye, 83, is dead. He died 1 a.m. today at his hometown in Odo-Owa, Ekiti State. PrimateAdetiloye
His son, Adeola Adetiloye, confirmed the death to P.M.NEWS. Adeola described his father as a man who dedicated his entire life to one dream, one purpose, one vision, the church.
“He often tell us that his failed marriage was a blessing in disguise and that if it hadn’t failed, he wouldn’t have devoted his life like he did to the church.Infact, he was married to the church,” he said.
In his own tribute, Venerable Levite Egbuchulem Okpara of the St. Paul Anglican Church, Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, described Adetiloye as a great man.
“We’ve started mourning him. I used to go to his home town to talk to him. He made me what I am today. He made me a Canon. I was like a member of his family,’’ he stated.
On what he would remember the deceased for, he said: “I will remember him for his punctuality at every event. He neve came late to any meeting. He also fought the gay movement and started the creation of missionary dioceses in the country. He was an upright man.”
Reacting to his death, Dr. Ola Makinde, Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, said the nation has lost a great man of purity and a church administrator.
“We have lost a great church administrator, a theologian, a noble man and a man who dedicated his life to the service of God.
“The Christians in Nigeria have lost a man of humility. The Methodist Church Nigeria sent its condolence to the Anglican Communion,” Makinde stated.
Pastor Akin Akande of the Men of Purpose Ministry described Adetiloye as a man who did exploit in the nation, saying that his achievements could not be forgotten.
According to Akande, Adetiloye represented another brand of Christianity that “we cherish in this nation. The nation has lost a great man.”
Adetiloye was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1929, in the small town of Odo-Owa, Ekiti State. He hailed from an economically depressed area and from a poor home. His father, a polygamist who also could prescribe herbs for treatment and cure illness, died when he was just three years.
Therefore, he could not enjoy the privilege of formal education until he was eight years old, when he started his primary school education at Ijero-Ekiti from 1937 to 1942. He later took a  teaching appointment until 1950.  The former primate started his church ministry in 1951 when he gained admission into Melville Hall (Anglican Training College), Kudeti-Ibadan. After his training, he was made a deacon in Lagos in 1953 and served as a curate at St. Peter’s Anglican Church Ake-Abeokuta from 1953 to 1956 when he left for England for further studies. He returned to Nigeria and was placed at Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan during the 1961/62 academic session as a lecturer. He served until 1965.
He became the provost of St. James Cathedral, Oke-Bola Ibadan in 1965 and got married in 1967. But his dream of a happy married life was changed eleven months later when his wife fell ill and died. The marriage was blessed with a son,  Adeola Adetiloye, who later qualified as an engineer.
He became the second bishop of the Ekiti Diocese in 1970 and served until 1985 when he became the sixth bishop of Lagos. In 1988, he became the second archbishop and primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the position he held until his retirement from active service in December, 1999.

LUTH Doctors’ Strike Frustrates Patients

Patients at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, on Thursday expressed frustration over the indefinite strike embarked upon by doctors in the hospital this week.
The doctors, under the aegis of Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), on Tuesday had embarked on an indefinite strike over a new tax law which they described as exorbitant and lacking uniform application.
They alleged that LUTH management had been deducting huge amounts from their monthly salaries as tax.
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) check at the hospital showed that only the consultants, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians and cleaners were on duty.
The patients appealed to the doctors and the hospital management to reach an agreement and resolve the impasse soon.
Mr Laolu Popoola, one of the patients, said the strike was becoming a recurring decimal in a sector where it should be avoided because of the lives involved.
“Strike is taking place too often in our hospitals, and this is very grievous because lives of people are involved.
“Government should avert strikes in the hospitals at all cost.
“I came here early this morning unaware of the strike, and I am yet to see a doctor because only the senior doctors are on duty,” he said.
Another patient, who simply gave her name as Uche, said: “I am so used to the quality of service I get in LUTH.
“I do not like to visit private hospitals where I may not get a specialist.
“Besides, going to private hospitals is very expensive and you might not even be adequately treated.”
Miss Sholape Disu, another patient, said the strike had frustrated her effort to see a doctor.
“I came here yesterday to find out that the doctors are on strike and I spent the whole day without seeing a doctor because only the senior doctors are in attendance.
“I decided to come early today hoping I will see one doctor to attend to me on time, but it is still the same because there are not enough doctors.
“I am so disappointed. I had to take time off work to come to the hospital and going to a private hospital is expensive,” she said.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Akin Osibogun, told NAN that efforts were being made by the management and other medical teams to ensure smooth running of the institution.
“The doctors have the right to sue if they wish to do so.
“It is even better to take legal action if an agreement could not be reach after peaceful dialogue.
“We are only doing what the law stipulates we should do and failure to comply attracts a penalty.”
Dr Olatunji Adenekan, president of the association, however, could not be reached for comment.
The striking doctors had on 4 December embarked on a three-day warning strike to seek a review of their tax.
NAN reports that when they could not reach an agreement with the hospital management, they decided to go on an indefinite strike on 11 December.

Tonto Dikeh Vs Yvonne Nelson Fight on Twitter Accounts

Omotola Wins BEFFTA Award

 

Actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde picked a BEFFTA Film Icon award at a private presentation at London’s leading film studio, East End Studios, recently.
The star actress expressed her gratitude for being honoured with such a high profile award.
Omotola is the first movie star to be awarded with the special BEFFTA honorary award in the film category. “This is the best award I have received on a global level. It is such an honour and I’m truly humbled that 16 years of my work in the film industry have been rewarded in a special way internationally. There are so many people to thank for bringing me to this level. Special thanks goes to my husband for always being there, everyone that I have worked with but most importantly, my fans. I love my fans so much, they are very supportive,” Omotola said.
Another high profile receipent of a  BEFFTA special awards this year is Sir Trevor McDonald, OBE, who received BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement award.
BEFFTA founder, Pauline Long, commended Omotola for her contribution to the film industry and also for her involvement in charity.
The BEFFTA Film Icon award was presented to Omotola by PR guru, Theodora Ibekwe.

Crude Oil Theft: Oshiomhole Destroys 11 Oil Tankers

 
To send a strong warning to pipeline vandals and to discourage crude oil thefts and illegal oil bunkering in the state, Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State yesterday ordered the destruction of 11 oil tankers seized by men of the Operation Thunder Storm of the Nigerian Army in various parts of the state.
Governor Oshiomhole who appealed to the people to be vigilant, expressed displeasure at the rate at which vandals steal crude oil and other petroleum products from the pipelines regardless of the risks involved.
“It is a shame that we still have criminal elements in our midst who inspite of the fact that it has claimed so many lives, involve in pipeline vandalism,” he said.
He commended the security agencies for apprehending people involved in pipeline vandalism and theft of crude oil and petroleum products.
He appealed to the public to contribute by complementing the efforts of the security agents and ensure that government properties are protected.
According to him, the arrest of the criminals and the trucks being used to commit the heinous crimes will serve as a deterrent to other criminals.
“This is to make the point that anybody who wants to use their vehicles for criminal activities should know that when they are apprehended they will be destroyed,” he added.
Also present at the destruction of the seized oil tankers was the Commander of 4th Brigade, Brigadier-General Abel Umahi

40-year-old Hla Htay Breastfeeds Bengal tiger cub

 

Two cubs, a male and a female, were taken from their mother at Yangon Zoological Gardens in Burma after she killed the third in her litter. The two are now being raised on bottled milk as well as Hla Htay's milk four times a day.

Ms Htay, the partner of an employee at the zoo, told local newspapers this week she felt sorry for the animals and offered her services, at least until the cubs grew teeth.

Hillary Clinton Seriously sick

Hillary Clinton: sidelined by stomach virus

The normally indefatigable, globe-trotting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was Wednesday still laid low by a nasty stomach bug which has kept her out of the public eye since the weekend.As the rumor mill kept up steam over whether she plans to run for president in 2016, the usually tireless Clinton remained out of sight after falling sick at the end of a tour of Europe.
“The secretary’s been really very ill. I mean, very. This stomach virus is a pretty vicious one,” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said.
But she hastily clarified that the popular top US diplomat was not suffering from any life-threatening illness.
Clinton arrived back from a trip to Europe late Friday, but was forced to cancel a planned visit to Morocco this week for a key Friends of Syria meeting when she fell ill.
Since taking up her post almost four years ago, Clinton has kept up a relentless pace, visiting some 112 countries and on track to rack up a million miles on the job, making her the most traveled secretary of state ever.

Club World Cup: Chelsea Beat Club Monterrey 3-1

Juan Mata and Fernando Torres scored a goal each in the 3-1 defeat of Monterrey FC Thursday afternoon, and handed Chelsea a place in the final of the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup holding in Japan.Mata netted the opener in the 18th minute, while Torres scored the second in the 46th minute. Chelsea’s third was an own goal through Darvin Chavez, who was under pressure in the game

Eden Hazard and David came close to scoring early in the tie, but their shots went off target in the one-sided clash.

African Cup of Nations bound Nigerian star, John Mikel Obi, whom the commentator described as a goal-shy player, unleashed a shot in the 32nd minute but the effort did not hit target.

Chelsea created many other chances but failed to convert them, while Monterrey also got their share when Aldo De Nigris’ header beat goalkeeper Petr Cech but went wide.

With the game getting out of their grip, Monterrey came out fighting to get something from the tie. De Nigris, who threatened Chelsea’s rear with his daring incursons however scored a stoppage time consolation goal against the Blues.

Chelsea will now face Brazil’s Corinthians in the final on Sunday, 16 December, while Monterrey play losing semi-finalists, Al-Ahly of Egypt in the third-place playoff

 

Babalakin’s lawyer Withdraw

The much-touted arraignment of the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Limited, Dr. Olawale Babalakin (SAN) over alleged money laundering suffered a setback yesterday as his lead counsel, Chief Ebun Sofunde (SAN) withdrew from the case.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had slammed a 27-count charge against Babalakin, Alex Okoh, Stabilini Visinoni Ltd, Bi-Courtney Ltd and Renix Nigeria Ltd for fraudulently assisting convicted former governor of Delta State, Mr. James Ibori to transfer about N4.7 billion through a third party to some foreign accounts.
At the resumed hearing of the case yesterday before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, Sofunde announced his withdrawal from the matter, citing personal reason. His withdrawal, which was contained in an application dated December 4, 2012, took everyone in the court by surprise. But the senior advocate said he was ready to make his reason for withdrawal public if his client wished to challenge his action.
At the last sitting of the court on the matter on November 29, Sofunde had told the court that his client (Babalakin) was on admission at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) over an undisclosed ailment, hence his absence in court. He told the court that he had earlier forwarded a letter to the registrar of the court in which there was a medical report by one Dr. Charles Harmon on Babalakin’s health condition.
He also informed the court then that Babalakin’s health deteriorated immediately after he appeared at the Abuja office of the EFCC on November 26, for questioning. He further asked the court to adjourn the matter to allow his client recover from the undisclosed sickness. But at the resumption of the matter yesterday, Sofunde took everybody by surprise when he announced his withdrawal from the defense team. Justice Onigbanjo granted the request of Sofunde but later stood down the case as requested by EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) to enable him attend to a sister case filed by Babalakin at the Federal High Court, Lagos, seeking to stop EFCC from prosecuting him.
When the court resumed hearing on the matter, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), who took over from Sofunde told the court that two applications were pending before the court dated December 11, 2012, seeking for adjournment of the trial and for the court to admit the first defendant (Babalakin) to bail. Ayorinde, however, drew the attention of the court to EFCC’s bombardment of LUTH, which he said was against the directive of the court that asked EFCC to verify Babalakin’s health status.
He said the application for bail was premised on the health condition of the first defendant. EFCC’s counsel, however, said the alleged siege by the operatives of the anti-graft commission was meant to put the agency on alert to avoid James Ibori’s scenario. Jacobs urged the court for time to respond on the applications as they were only served on him on Tuesday’s evening.
His request got the support of other counsel in the matter, which included Tayo Oyetibo, Dr. Joseph Nwobike and Roland Otaru, all senior advocates, who also demanded for more time to either be served with the court processes or to respond to them. January 17, 2013 was later fixed for the hearing of the pending applications and possible arraignment of the defendants.

I Went into this Crime in Order to Enjoy Christmas with My Children

 

“I told her that I was not interested in illegal product but she insisted that it was genuine and I joined her in the business. I was introduced to Florunso and one Taye, who sold 50 litres of Diesel for N4,800. 

“It was later that I discovered that I was buying illegal products. Initially I wanted to stop but because Christmas is fast approaching, I decided to do one more deal. It was while we were on our way out of Konu that the police on patrol arrested us.” 

On how much the products are sold, Kareem said each 50-litre keg of petrol sold for as low as N6, 000.

“If you go to a filling station, you will buy 50 litres for N7, 750. This explains why we have so many customers. We also sold to some petrol stations,” he said.

Kareem admitted that greed, made him to patronise vandals.
“I am so sorry, I only did it to raise more fund in order to enjoy Christmas. My children will be so disappointed in me. Please forgive me for the sake of my children,” he said.

Other suspects arrested alongside Kareem in Konu area of Ikorodu, Lagos, are; Musiliru Ashiri, Ahmed Lamidi, Jelilat Olalekan and Elizabeth Folorunsho.

Confirming the arrest, Friday Ibadin, the officer in charge of the Task Force, said the need to reduce pipeline vandalism made the Task Force to intensify surveillance of target areas. 

EFCC Arrests Gov. Sule Lamido’s Son of Jigawa State Over Money Laundering

 

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested the eldest son of Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Lamido over alleged case of money laundering.

Aminu Sule Lamido, it was gathered, was arrested on Tuesday night on his way to board an Egypt Airline.

He is believed to be on his way to Cairo, the capital of Egypt.

Daily Sun gathered that he was held having been found in possession of $40,000 (N7.5 million), an amount which was said to be in excess of the authorized $10,000 allowed by law for travellers on a trip abroad.

Spokesman of the commission, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the report, saying Alhaji Aminu Lamido had been taken into custody.

He also confirmed that he was arrested at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano trying to travel to Cairo with an amount of foreign money in excess of the approved figure by law.

He said upon his interrogation, he presented them the sum of $10,000, adding that in the course of further interrogation, they found yet another $40,000, which brought the total sum of money found in his possession to $50,000.

The spokesman of the commission held that they had since taken the accused person into their custody in Kano office, adding that the commission would announce at an appropriate date, the day he would be arraigned in the court of law.

Efforts to reach the spokesman of the Jigawa State Government, Alhaji Umar Kyari, or the state Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Babandi Gumel, did not succeed.

…My son wasn’t on money laundering mission – Lamido

From ISMAIL OMIPIDAN, Kaduna

Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State has said contrary to the impression being created by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC), his son, Aminu Sule was not embarking on a money laundering mission on his behalf.

Rather, the governor said the son was travelling abroad as a follow up to previous medical trips, in respect of the treatment of his grand-daughter, who had a spinal cord problem, insisting that the impression being created by the EFCC was “false and mischevious.”

In a release, signed by the governor’s Director of Press Affairs, Umar Kyari Jitau, the governor said: “I have read from Sahara Reporters that my son, Aminu Sule Lamido, had been arrested at the Malam Aminu Kano Airport for carrying 50, 000 USD on him while on his way to Egypt.

“For the purpose of removing the notion that he was embarking on money laundering mission on my behalf, that I find it necessary to clarify the allegation.

“Aminu Sule has a daughter born with a spinal problem and was taken to Cleopatra Hospital in Cairo, Egypt last year. She was in the hospital for three weeks for the treatment and was asked to be returned after three months for the second phase of the treatment and this was done about four months ago.

“At the end of the second phase of the treatment, they were asked to return to the hospital for final examination after three months. It is on the third leg of the visit that Aminu Sule was arrested by the EFCC while trying to board Egypt air on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at about 11.30pm.

“The impression the EFCC gave to Sahara Reporters that he had been embarking on several trips overseas on money laundering on my behalf is therefore false and mischievous.

Annie Idibia at the Playa’s Ball Exclusive Party on Sunday

 
                                                        HOT OR NOT

Pretty Uru Eke Graces the New Edition of Exquisite Magazine

Fast-rising actress, Uru Eke, flashes a gorgeous smile on the cover of the new issue of Exquisite magazine. The actress opens up on her journey into Nollywood, her sense of style, her many exciting phases in life, and her commitment to supporting a good cause.

Fresh off the announcement of endorsing House of Dorcas as its Style Ambassador, the chic actress brought her beauty and verve to the cover. Here’s what she had to say about her daily beauty routine: “Obviously a bath, brush the teeth and gargle with Listerine. I use a range of products called ‘Origins’, I use the tonic to cleanse, then the microdermabrasion scrub, and finally the face wash to get the stubborn bits out. Once I’ve done that, my face and body feels nice and fresh; I’m good to go.”

Tweet of the Day: from Chuddy K

 

Rita Dominic Wins at Kalasha Awards after Her Performance in Kenyan Movie

Barely a week after she was named most stylish actress at the FAB awards in Lagos, Nigeria, Africa’s screen Siren Rita Dominic was yet again announced a big winner at the fourth edition of the KALASHA film and Television awards on Saturday December 8, 2012. 

The University of Port Harcourt graduate of Theatre Arts emerged Best Actress for her performance in the Kenyan film “Shattered”.

 

“I dedicate this award to God for his mercies, the media for their immense support, my team for their continuous sustenance, and making me believe that the sky is just a starting point.  A special thanks to my Kenyan friends for voting for me and to the Kenyan Film Commission for this award ” she stated from her base in Lagos, Nigeria.

After a brief hiatus from the film industry, Miss Dominic returned to the silver screen this year, and has clearly had a good year. In April, she went home with an AMAA for Best Actress in a leading role for “Shattered”.   In October she premiered THE MEETING, her first outing as co-producer.  Since hitting cinemas late November, the film has been described as one of the best movies of 2012 by critics and pundits.  “It keeps getting better and better, The Audrey Silva Company is dedicated to cementing its place as a first class production company, and we look forward to an even better 2013.” She concludes.

Rita Dominic headlines “Streets of Calabar”, another big budget film slated to premiere in Nigeria on December 21, 2012.

Photo: up coming singer Tiwa Banks Stabbed by her Landlord's Son

Up and coming singer, Tiwa Banks, (pictured above) was allegedly brutally assaulted yesterday Monday December 10th by her landlord's son; some guy named Tobi Obadina.

According to the people who sent out the story, Tiwa was attacked last night in her apartment at 20, Yusuf Street, Araromi Bus/Stop Alimosho by Tobi after they had a misunderstanding earlier in the day. They said he broke a bottle on her head then stabbed her.

Tiwa was rushed to UETA hospital where she's still receiving treatment, and I hear Tobi was arrested this morning and is being held at Moshalashi Police station.

I don't know who this lady is or know anyone that knows her, but I will look for her and get more details about this incident. Violence against women should never be tolerat

Lagos Chief Judge frees 46 prisoners from Ikoyi Prisons thank God

 The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, yesterday Tuesday December 11th released 46 prisoners, including 75-year-old man, from the Ikoyi Prisons in Lagos during her visit to the prison.
Justice Ayotunde Phillips released 233 prisoners just four months ago after reviewing their cases during a visit to the prison in September. She said the gesture was aimed at de-congesting the prison in order to alleviate the sufferings of the inmates.

NDLEA: Why We Appointed Stella Damasus, Lamboginny

https://www.facebook.com/#!/akeemholla

 
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said on Tuesday that it appointed Nollywood star, Stella Damasus and music act, Lawanson Yinka Lamboginny, as anti-drug abuse/trafficking ambassadors because of their proven track record.
NDLEA Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said today that the appointment is for one year and renewable.
“So far there has been no dent on their reputation. We chose them because of their track record. The idea is to reach out to young people who look up to both as role model,” Ofoyeju said
The presentation of certificates as anti-drug abuse/trafficking ambassadors is to enhance the quality and reach of the anti-drug awareness campaign by engaging renowned celebrities, NDLEA said in a statement yesterday.
According to the anti-drug agency, the development is a remarkable step by Nigeria aimed at enlarging its partnership coast in anti-drug abuse/trafficking sensitisation efforts.
“Using champions, advocates and goodwill ambassadors will help to fill the huge need for public education on the dangers of illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse,” said Ahmadu Giade, NDLEA Chairman.
Entertainment, he said, has a strong appeal particularly to youths.
“This is why we are using this medium in conveying our message to youths who are most vulnerable to drug abuse and trafficking,” Giade said.
The Director General of NDLEA, Otunba Femi Ajayi, who made the presentation of certificates to the new ambassadors, noted that they are active champions of efforts against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
Responding to the remarks of the DG, Stella said “we want to partner with NDLEA in saving lives. There is so much work to be done in public education on drug use and related harmful habits”.

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Eto'o: Messi is a god

The pair spent five years together at Barcelona between 2004 and 2009 and having formed a firm friendship with the Argentine off the pitch, the Cameroon international is desperate to see him add international honours to his trophy cabinet.

"Messi is a god, as a person and even more as a player," he told RT.

"I hope that he wins the World Cup with Argentina. To the gods of the world, all I ask is that you give him that chance because I have seen him grow. I can only hope for the best because I have seen and know what a good boy he is."

The 31-year-old also spoke about the effect former Blaugrana team-mate Ronaldinho had on him during his time with the Catalan club.
"He is a genius, and not just in football. The day I was upset, I did not play well, but when you saw him arrive in the locker room with a smile on his face, you knew he was going to roll," he added.

Eto'o moved to Russian club Anzhi in 2011 after a two-year spell with Inter.

E-Rave set to host NMVA nominees’ party

E-Rave will host this year’s edition of Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) nominees’ party, which holds on December 13 at Club Rumors, Ikeja, Lagos. Among others, nominees will give a summary of how they began and what their fans should expect from them in the nearest future.

There will also be performances from top artistes and comedians E-Rave has in previous editions hosted Trybe Records’ eLDee Da Don, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Julius Agwu, Tonto Dike and Uche Jombo.
The NMVA holds on December 20 at the Exhibition Hall of Eko Hotels and Suites. Basketmouth and Tiwa Savage will host this year’s edition

Injured Fabregas Out For 4 Weeks

 



Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas could be out of action for up to four weeks after tearing a thigh muscle in yesterday’s 2-1 win at Real Betis.
The former Arsenal star came off after just nine minutes of the match in Seville, a game which saw teammate Lionel Messi score twice to set a new record of 86 goals in a calendar year. The Spain international, who has been in excellent form over recent weeks, had to be replaced by Alexis Sanchez.
“He’ll be sidelined for three to four weeks. Therefore, he’ll miss the team’s last three games in 2012 — the two Liga matches against Atletico Madrid and Valladolid and the away leg of the Copa del Rey against Cordoba,” said a Barcelona statement.
“He could also miss the first games of 2013, against Espanyol and the return leg of the Cup at the Camp Nou.”
Captain Carles Puyol was taken off at half-time after he suffered an injury his right leg.

Frantic Search For Okonjo-Iweala’s Mum

The police in Delta State have launched a frantic search for Professor Kamene Okonjo, the 82-year old mother of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.P.M.NEWS gathered that detectives have started combing the nooks and crannies of Ogwashi-Uku where the woman was kidnapped.
Already, the police have arrested a man in connection with the kidnap.
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State said on Channels TV this morning that he has given an order for the rescue of Professor Kamene Okonjo within 24 hours.
Professor Okonjo, wife of Professor Ukachukwu Okonjo, a professor of economics and also the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Ukwu in Delta State, was kidnapped by about 10 armed men in her husband’s palace yesterday.
Uduaghan, whose state has witnessed a series of high profile abductions, did not give details.

“I have given the orders that she (Professor Mrs Kamene Okonjo), must be fished out within the next 24 hours,” he said on Channels TV Sunrise Breakfast programme today.
Pressed further, he declined comments, saying, “I don’t want to discuss about the kidnap because of the nature of the person involved. Let’s just leave it at that,” he said.
The Delta State Police Command also said that it is on the trail of kidnappers who abducted the 82-year old Professor of Sociology.
Spokesman, Charles Muka, said the police have information that will lead to the arrest of the kidnappers.
Professor (Mrs) Kamene Okonjo was abducted by about 10 gunmen from her home in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State at about midday on Sunday.
A statement by the Minister’s personal assistant, Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu, confirmed the kidnap and further speculated that the masterminds could be the people on whose toes the minister had stepped, in her efforts to stop further depletion of Nigeria’s treasury.

“It is yet to be confirmed if those behind the kidnap are the same people who have made threats against the coordinating minister in recent past or other elements with hostile motives.”
Up till this morning, the kidnappers have not made any contact with the family of the victim.
Investigations revealed that Prof. Kamene Okonjo was seized by a gang of armed men in the afternoon and bundled into a waiting Golf Volkswagen car in front of the palace at Ogbe-Ofu, Ogwashi-Uku.
A witness in the palace revealed that the 10 gunmen were lurking around the palace until the woman and her maid came out to serve soft drinks to some construction workers who were fixing interlocking tiles at the gate.

8 year-old Amarachi wins Nigeria’s Got Talent show

 

Amarachi Nyanne was nothing short of stunning. She wowed the crowd everytime she was on stage and when she was announced the winner of the maiden edition of the Nigeria Got Talent show it came as no surprise. The
eight-year beat nine other contestants to win the grand prize of N10 million.
Amarachi, a dancer and singer from Benin City, Edo State, emerged winner after winning the highest number of votes from viewers. The grand finale was held at Bamako Studios, Ikeja, Lagos. Amarachi became the fans
favourite after churning out superb performances all through the contest.
Although she is eight, she has plans for her prize money. “I want to study abroad with the money I won and I also want to help orphans and the needy,” she said. She believes that it was God that helped her all through the
duration of the reality television show. “I never thought that I will win. I thank God for helping through it all,” she explained.
Judges Yibo Koko, Kate Henshaw and Dan Foster were happy with the result although Foster believes that many of the youngsters got to the final because the voters were emotional.
“This reality show is about talent and not emotions but many people seem to be emotional when voting,” he stated.

Jonathan’s foreign trips gulp N3.3bn….travelled 20 times in 2012

Billions of naira of taxpayers’ money have been expended on the foreign trips of President Goodluck Jonathan despite his January promise to cut down on such trips.

This newspaper’s findings show that the President and his entourage have spent not less than N3.354bn on foreign trips since 2010.

Our correspondent learnt that in the first 11 months of 2012, the President had travelled out of the country at least 20 times, including his trip to Sierra Leone in October and the D8 Summit he attended in Pakistan in November.

In September alone, Jonathan travelled out of the country four times. He travelled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for a two-day visit on September 1 for the burial of late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

Nine days later, he went to Malawi and Botswana in a cumulative three-day visit for enhancement of bilateral relationships.  The President ended the month of September with another trip to New York, United States for the United Nations General Assembly

From February, 2010 when he became the Acting President to December 2010, Jonathan              spent N970.891m on foreign travels.

Although the 2011 budget was silent on the expenses for the President foreign travels, investigations showed that about N1.7bn was spent on foreign trips.

According to the 2011 budget, N1.145bn was budgeted for Vice-President Namadi Sambo’s foreign trips.

In 2012, N N684.74m was budgeted for Jonathan’s foreign travels and he had travelled out of the country 19 times.

Although the 2013 budget recently submitted to the National Assembly by Jonathan suggested that N2.6bn would be spent on his foreign trips next year, investigations have shown that much more than the quoted figure will be spent and is being spent judging by the expenses the country incurs during such trips.

The expenses incur include and are not limited to airfares for members of the President’s delegation who will travel on commercial flights, cost of procuring travel visas for them, estacodes for members of the delegation, fuelling of the presidential jets as well as other logistics.

Only the President and his very top aides fly on the presidential jets.

Industry source told one of our correspondents that airfare to and fro any European countries in the Economy category could vary from N110,000 to N150,000 per person depending on the timing and the destinations.

She added that for the Business class, the fare ranged from N600, 000 to N700,000 per person depending on the category of the Business Class (there are three categories), the timing and destination.

Prevailing exchange rate at the time of purchase is also said to be a factor.

The source added that corporate purchase like Aso Rock would do, could also attract discounts.

The President was said to have jetted out to different destinations in Africa, Europe, Asia, North America and South America during his Presidency.

Jonathan, in 2011 alone, visited several countries including United States, France, Uganda, Australia, Ghana, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and Ethiopia among others.

The size of his entourage varies depending on the country he is visiting and the purpose of such visit.

While top aides and officials of the Presidential Villa are regular faces on such trips, ministries relevant to the purpose of his overseas trips also send delegations.

Lately, the President had also resolved to always go on foreign trips with two members of the National Assembly (one from each chamber) who serve on the committee related to his purpose of visit.

State governors are also on the entourage.

For example, an online news site, Saharareporters, had in June reported that Jonathan travelled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the United Nations’ Earth Summit with 116 government officials.

Although the Presidency faulted the number, it did not offer the exact number despite a request made by the news site.

The breakdown of the delegation was given as 25 personal aides, 18 aides of Mrs. Patience Jonathan, two members of the National Assembly, five ministers, two state governors, and 63 officials from the Ministries of Environment, Foreign Affairs, National Planning and Petroleum Resources.

When the President visited Brussels for the World Customs Conference in the same month, the same medium reported that he went with about 57 people, including 26 aides, three ministers, eight members of the National Assembly, and 20 other government officials.

The same month, Patience Jonathan was in Maryland, United States, to attend a UNESCO First Lady’s “Youth Infusion” Summit and was reportedly accompanied by 36 people: 18 aides, four wives of state governors, and 14 friends and associates.

Investigation showed that in September 2012, Jonathan jetted out of the country four times. He visited Ethiopia   Malawi, Botswana and New York, United States for the UN General Assembly.

He had reportedly visited Trinidad and Tobago earlier with a 70-member delegation.

Jonathan had said in a national broadcast in January, “I have directed that overseas travels by all political office-holders, including the President, should be reduced to the barest minimum. The size of delegations on foreign trips will also be drastically reduced; only trips that are absolutely necessary will be approved.”

Kidnappers jailed for taking away illegally, senator’s daddy

Four persons yesterday paid the price for kidnapping the father of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa represent Delta North Senatorial district, Pa Arthur Okowa, as they were sentenced to 45 years imprisonment with hard labour by the state High Court sitting in Owa-Oyibo in Ika North East Local Government Area. Presiding judge, Justice Christiana Ogise handed down the sentence to the convicts who included Fresher Aiwiro, Victor Ajulor, George Ogala and Bright Onyemari, all in their 30s.
They were found guilty in the four-count charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping, prefered against them. Justice Ogise held that having listened to the humble plea of the counsels to the accused persons to temper justice with mercy, the court found them guilty as charged. “They will be in jail, with hard labour, for 35 years each for the first and second count charges and 10-year jail term each for the third and fourth count charge, the jail terms are to run concurrently,” she held.
Meanwhile, the counsel to the convicts, Kaliku Ikechukwu, said the judgment would be studied before appropriate action was taken, saying: “As lawyers, we have done our best. It is left for us to study the judgment, before taking sound step against it. I can assure you, we will appeal the judgment.” Pa Arthur Okowa, said to be in his 70s, was kidnapped on July 20, 2008 in his Owa-Oyibo residence and whisked to an unknown destination and in the custody of the hoodlums.

Tuface Declared: why I Chose Annie Above other Ladies

"Annie is my first and true love. I had known her before I met the other women in my life. As a Christian, I had to marry one woman and it just had to be Annie. We had a secret wedding after we had reached an agreement and amicable understanding about the mothers of my children. It was a tough decision to make, one of the toughest in my life.

“I secretly married her because I have so much respect for my other babies’ mothers; I cannot afford to hurt their feelings with a sudden society wedding with Annie, not now. I chose her above the others because she has been through it all with me.” 

Drogba Blows N202m On Rings For Chelsea Pals

Didier Drogba has given his old Chelsea team-mates and backroom staff rings worth in excess of £800,000, about N202 million.
The Blues legend handed out the jewellery to commemorate their Champions League triumph in May.
But Fernando Torres and sacked boss Roberto Di Matteo were no-shows for the Chelsea Harbour Hotel event hosted by Drogba yesterday. The Ivorian set up the special dinner to raise spirits after they became the first Champions League winners to be knocked out in the group stages the following season.
The gold rings were specially designed with diamonds and sapphires.
Every player’s name and squad number was also inscribed, along with the date they defeated Bayern Munich and the score.
Skipper John Terry, who was suspended for the final, attended along with Paulo Ferreira, Daniel Sturridge, Ryan Bertrand, David Luiz, Ashley Cole and Branislav Ivanovic.
Drogba said: “I am very proud of what the club achieved that night and wanted to give something to the team so we can all look back and remember that moment.”
Terry responded: “You’re my hero and everyone at Chelsea loves you.”
Shanghai Shenhua’s Drogba is training with Chelsea ahead of Ivory Coast’s African Nations Cup campaign.
Torres may have stayed away as it was his son’s second birthday yesterday. Juan Mata and Petr Cech also did not attend.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JOHN TERRY

 
 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CAPTAIN J TERRY, THE CHELSEA DEFENDER AND ENGLAND CAPTAIN.

WISH U MANY RETURN

Iyanya Breaks Record! Gets 3million Caller Tune Downloads

FG seeks N’Assembly’s approval over $9bn foreign loan

The Federal Government has asked the National Assembly to approve another $9.005 billion foreign loan just as some governors yesterday stormed the National Assembly, demanding for their share of previous $3.39 billion foreign loan. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Loans and Debts, Ehigie Uzamere, has however, threatened to decline approval for state governments that do not appear before the committee to defend their loan proposals.
In a breakdown of the loan profile, practically all the states applied for their shares of the $3.39billion loan while the Federal Government applied for another $4.8 billion Continuation of Eurobond Issuance $1 billion; Diaspora Bond $0.1 billion, totaling at $9. 005.69 billion loan. Government will borrow $300 million to support the provision of affordable houses by the private sector at low interest rate with a long-term repayment period to provide cheap funds for buying or building houses by the public. Also, $200 million will be deployed to support agriculture. The money will provide for seeds, fertilizers and agrochemicals.
It will also be used to develop a data base and conduct research through the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Project. Early this year, the Federal Government forwarded a $7.9 billion loan request to complete pipeline projects which the National Assembly has now incorporated in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (M-TEF).
Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Jigama, told the committee that the repayment period is about 40 years and it is a concessional loan which is quite different from the one Nigeria had borrowed. He insisted that the loan is interest-free, noting that all the states have been banned from negotiating individually to ensure that the interest rates of the loan are the same.
At the presentation, Imo State Commissioner for Finance, Chike Okafor, submitted a proposal of $45 million and $20 million respectively being the cost of erosion management and youth empowerment support projects. Many commissioners who represented their various state governments complained of their inability to get disbursements on the amount approved last year even though all procedures were met. But Ondo, Rivers and Delta states did not send any representatives to defend their loan requests before the Senate.

CAF Award: Drogba Makes Top 3 Shortlist

 

The confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Didier Drogba among the top three candidates for this year’s Glo/CAF African player of the year.
Reigning footballer of the year, Ivory Coast and Manchester city Midfielder Yaya Toure is joined by the fellow Ivorian, Drogba and Cameroonian midfielder Alexander Song.
Drogba had an eventful 2011-2012 season with both club and country. He scored the equaliser and winning penalty to give Chelsea the European Champions League title and missed a penalty in 2012 African Cup of Nations, AFCON final during regulation time. His goals took Ivory Coast to 2012 Nations Cup finals were they finished  second to Zambia. He scored the winning goal in the English FA cup final for Chelsea in what became his last season with the English club before he signed for Shanghai Shenhua in China.
The winner of the award will be announced on 20 December at the Awards Gala in Accra, Ghana.

Rita Dominic's The Meeting enjoys positive reviews at the cinemas

Following a show stopping movie premiere last month,The Meeting is exhibiting its true potential again as a crowd puller drawing remarkable reviews from moviegoers since hitting the cinemas last weekend.

For the cinema audience, it has been sweet romance since the movie hit the cinemas in style, large number of them have been showering accolades on the cast and crew of the popular movie.

The Meeting is directed by Mildred Okwo, produced by Rita Dominic and Mildred Okwo and written by Tunde Babalola. The story set in Abuja follows the trials of Lagos-based corporate executive, Makinde Esho (Femi Jacobs) who finds himself at the mercy of political patronage, bureaucratic red tape and Cupid's arrow while in hot pursuit of a 'meeting' to secure a government contract. 

The Meeting is still showing in cinemas in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Uyo. It recently opened at the Ikeja Cinema inside Ikeja Shopping Mall.

Mandela’s Doctors Die In Plane Crash

A military plane has crashed in South Africa’s mountainous east, killing 11 people, several media said Thursday, with one unconfirmed report saying the victims were members of Nelson Mandela’s medical team.
The Dakota air force plane, which crashed late Wednesday, was transporting medics making a routine visit to the 94-year-old anti-apartheid icon at his rural hometown, according to the EWT news agency.
An army spokesman contacted by AFP could not confirm or deny the report.
“I was informed that the carcass (of the plane) has been found,” said Xolani Mabanga. “I will give more information later, when I receive information from the team on the ground.”
The plane had reportedly left Pretoria for Mthatha, a small airport in the Eastern Cape province that is the closest to Mandela’s rural homestead of Qunu, where he has lived since retiring from public life.
Rescue helicopters were dispatched to the mountainous region after the plane was reported missing, but had to be called back because of bad weather, reports said.
Ground rescue teams were also sent to the area.

Mikel Renew his contract with Chelsea

 

John Mike Obi has signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea, The Super Eagles Midfielder.

Alleged rape of ex-NYSC member: Osun oba now to open defence

 

 

The Alowa of Ilowa in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Adebukola Alli, who was standing trial over an alleged rape of a 23-year-old ex- National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who served in his domain, has told an Osogbo High Court of his readiness to open his defence.
Alli had been standing trial for allegedly having unlawful sexual intercourse with the former corps member, Miss Hellen Okpara at his private residence in Osogbo, on March 23, 2010 when he invited her to his Osogbo residence. Justice Oyejide Falola had recently ruled that the accused monarch, who had earlier told the court that he made love to Okpara and that they both enjoyed it, had a case to answer. The judge ruled that Alli should open his defence on the rape charge. But the order apparently, did not go down well with Alli, who through his counsel, Mr. Taofeek Tewogbade, filed a motion on notice for leave to appeal the judgment.
The prosecution lawyers led by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the state, Dapo Adeniji, filed a notice of preliminary objection. However, at the resumed hearing of the case yesterday, Alli bowed to pressure when his lawyer informed the court of their intention to withdraw the motion for leave to appeal, thus opening their defence. Tewogbade told the court ,“My Lord, I want to withdraw the application and proceed to defence.” The court, however, struck out the two applications of the defence and prosecution and adjourned the case till January 14, 2013 for the defence.
 

Nigeria Now 7th Most Terrorised Country in the World

Nigeria has sunk deeper into the abyss of terrorism and is now the 7th most-terrorised country in the world, according to the latest ranking of the Global Terrorism Index (GTI).

From the 16th slot in 2008, Nigeria went down to 11 in 2009; 12 in 2010; and now seven with a GTI of 7.24. According to the report, Nigeria recorded 168 incidents of terrorism in 2011 from which 437 persons died, 614 people sustained injuries and 33 properties were destroyed.

Failure of security in Nigeria has been Rampant

 

One of the most distressing things that have happened to Nigeria since the security threat posed by Boko Haram got out of hand is the seeming inability of the country’s security agencies to square up with the challenge. But the failure becomes even more appalling when the terrorist sect, in an act of dare-devilry, infiltrates the base of our security agencies and deal devastating blows to the people and facilities therein.
This ugly scenario has played itself out on a number of occasions. But the most recent was the twin attacks on the headquarters of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Abuja and the military cantonment in Jaji, Kaduna State. The two attacks were not only devastating in terms of the damage recorded, it was embarrassing to the military establishment, considering the clinical efficiency with which the attackers carried out their dastardly act.
We have had cause to say on a number of occasions that the Federal Government has demonstrated its incapacitation in the face of terror. The government has severally failed to arrest the slide in security despite all the arsenal at its disposal. Almost on daily basis, parts of the North are subjected to bombings and shootings which leave death and destruction in their wake. Clearly, the country is in a state of siege owing to the nefarious activities of Boko Haram. Government security network has failed to tackle this menace.
The much the people get are mere assurances that terrorism will be stamped out. But the real tragedy in all of this is the inability of the police and the army to protect even their own territory. If they are taken unawares in their bid to protect the generality of Nigerians, we expect that their bases should be adequately protected from external assault. So far, our expectations in this regard have been misplaced. The embarrassment which this failure engenders in the psyche of Nigerians was replayed last week with the bombing of SARS office and Jaji military cantonment.
In the case of Jaji, the Defence Headquarters has taken some actions to register its disappointment with those whose responsibility it is to ensure security of life and property at the cantonment. Principal among them are the immediate redeployment of the Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Abdullahi Kure and the Corps Commander, Infantry Corps Centre, Major General Mohammed Danhonne Isa. The Defence Headquarters has also raised a Board of Inquiry to unravel the circumstances of the bomb explosion which rocked St. Andrew’s Protestant Church at the Jaji military cantonment.
As the inquiry goes on, there are also speculations that the bomb which exploded in Jaji may have been manufactured within the cantonment. Whatever may be the case, and without prejudice to whatever the findings of the Board of Inquiry may be, one fact that cannot be discountenanced is that there was failure of security at the cantonment. If it were not so, the facility would not have been easily overrun by terrorists.
It is the embarrassment that this situation represents that irked the military authorities into taking the steps they have taken. We urge for a thorough investigation into this ugly incident. The authorities should ensure that those who may have played any complicit role in the act do not go unpunished. Nigerians are keenly waiting for the outcome of the inquiry because it will help them to either shore up their waning confidence in our security operatives or make them to lose hope in them completely.
Nigerians need to be reassured, one way or the other, that the country has not surrendered to gunmen and suicide bombers. The situation at SARS headquarters is equally appalling. Reports have it that about 40 gunmen invaded the SARS premises. We consider this invasion a shame on the part of SARS. What happened to military intelligence? Does vigilance still have any place in security matters? The problem here is that our security agencies do not ever imagine that anything can go wrong until it actually goes wrong.
They prefer to react to situations rather than take steps to nip looming dangers in the bud. This incident should equally be investigated with a view to knowing what went wrong. While that is being done, government must rise to the occasion on security matters. This dance of death has become clearly unacceptable.