Opinion: Fashola’s policy on okada: A signal metaphor

 

It appears to me that adequate consideration was not given to the economic and social implications of criminalising and the destruction of okada. The thousands of okada operators demobilised will not all die. They are not likely to leave Lagos. That means they will relocate to other businesses that can immediately provide a living.

Given his presence in the media, Governor Babatunde Fashola appears to be doing well in his sought task of governing Lagos State. In normal climes, such press certification puts the subject in good potential stead of advancing the political leadership ladder up to the pinnacle of the presidency of the nation. This is the reason why the mindset, policies and performance of such individuals (and implicatively their political platform) should be a subject of critical analysis. Such analysis could serve two of many purposes. One, the public may be assisted in discerning the reality of the individual beyond propaganda such that they are not sold a pig in a poke. The other is to assist the individual to make adjustments or confirm persuasion of his chosen track.
That being the case, there are signal activities of Fashola since he became Governor which are disturbing about his evaluation and treatment of the citizens he governs; and about the relationship of his state to the federation.

$3 Million Bribery: Otedola Defeats Lawmakers In Preliminary Case

A Lagos-based oil magnate and the Chairman of Zenon Oil and Gas, Femi Otedola has floored the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and former Chairman House Ad hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Probe Farouk Lawan in the N250 billion harassment, intimidation and business losses suit he instituted against the two lawmakers.

An Abuja High Court on Thursday upheld Mr Otedola’s case against Messrs Tambuwal and Lawan ordering both men to file their defence immediately while dismissing their two separate objections to the legal action.
The two lawmakers had objected to the hearing of Mr Otedola’s case on the ground that they are protected by House immunity and cannot be taken to court for either civil or criminal matters on any of their actions on the floor of the House.
They had asked the court to dismiss the suit for being too hasty because the House had not adopted the report on the subsidy probe and that there had been no white paper yet on it.
Missrs Tambuwal and Lawan also contended that being agents of the House, they can only be sued in a Federal High Court because the House is an organ of the Federal Government and as such no Abuja High Court has jurisdiction on the suit.
They also claimed that Mr Otedola freely gave out the bribe and cannot turn around to allege harassment and intimidation against them.
However, in his ruling, Justice Peter Kekemeke upheld the submission of Babajide Koku, counsel to Mr Otedola that the defendants cannot use House immunity as escape route to shield themselves from legal action for wrongful acts carried against the plaintiff outside the confinement of the House.
The judge agreed with Mr Koku that it was not part of the terms of reference of the Farouk Lawan committee to source for bribe from anybody and as such cannot hide under the immunity conferred on them while on the floor of the house to void the case.
Hearing of the suit has been adjourned to 20th March, 2013.
Mr. Otedola had sued the two lawmakers claiming the sum of N250 billion as general and exemplary damages for acts of intimidation, harassment, loss of goodwill, patronages, oppressive and arbitrary actions carried against him by the two defendants while allegedly demanding for $3 million dollar bribe.

GRIP Muzik (Yung L, Endia & J.Milla) – Bad Bad Bad ft J.Maverik

 They are here again. GRIP MUZIK (Yung L, Endia, J Milla  and Chopstix).  We are still Rocking to Yung L’s Red Rose, Fever and FreeVybe, while Endia’s Smash Hit “48″ keeps getting bigger. J.Milla is on his way and Chopstix has been responsible for most of the productions including “Aboki” and “Truth” by Ice Prince.
The 4 of them team up for this Sexy sweet music tilled Bad Bad Bad. All the bad Gyalz report to the dance floor. “That Girl iz Bad Bad Bad | See the way she Roll Roll Roll”. You can hear Fast rising Video Director James Maverik doing a good hype job on the song.  Grip Muzik Sweet Muzik

Promasidor flags off new Loya Milk promo, customers to win cash, cars

 

Kachi Onubogu, Commercial Director Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Don Jazzy and Keith Richards, MD/CEO Promasidor Nigeria Limited

Loya Milk, a brand from the stable of Promasidor Nigeria Limited has launched a new consumers’ promo tagged ‘It’s What’s Inside That Matters.’ The new promo which will run from February 1st to May 31^st  was unveiled at a press briefing in Lagos which was attended by many dignitaries including Loya Milk brand Ambassador, Don Jazzy.

 

Speaking at the event, Commercial Director of Promasidor Nigeria, Mr Kachi Onubogu stated that the promo was a way of rewarding loyal consumers of the brand.

“The Loya ‘It’s What’s Inside That Matters’ promo has been designed to reward our loyal consumers who have brought us thus far. Today, we are unveiling another fantastic activity to reward and excite our consumers all over Nigeria as we give out millions of cash and 12 brand new cars over the space of four months from 1st February to 31st May.’

Explaining the promo mechanics Onubogu said there will be no draws; all the prizes will be won instantly.

Charles Igbinidu, Managing Director, TPT International, Don Jazzy and Kachi Onubogu

 “Our Lucky consumers have to look inside any Loya 400g or 900g promotional pack to find their coupon or sticker with a unique code. It could be an instant cash prize of N1,000; N2,000; N10,000; or N20,000 which can be redeemed at any branch of Zenith Bank nationwide . It could also be the star prize of a brand new car. We will be giving out three brand new cars (Hyundai i10AT) every month to lucky consumers redeemable here in our office.”

In his address of welcome, Managing Director, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Chief Keith Richards said Loya Milk has risen to be  Nigeria’s fastest growing brand.

“Since its re-launch in 2010, Loya Milk has gained the hearts of its target audience and has risen to be  Nigeria’s fastest growing brand. This has been made possible by the immense support we receive from our media and trade partners. For this, I extend our unreserved gratitude. Our story of success cannot be complete without mentioning our passionate and loyal consumers who have stayed with the Loya Milk Brand despite choices available to them. That is why in Promasidor Nigeria, we always find a creative way to reward our customers and consumers for their patronage and loyalty. ”

It would be recalled that  Don Jazzy whose real name is Michael Collins Ajereh was recently named  the  brand ambassador of Loya Milk in Lagos.

Loya is a premium milk brand on the stable of Promasidor. Its brand promise is to deliver a consistent, premium quality milk powder that assists in keeping the family strong and healthy and it contains calcium, proteins and Vitamins A and D, essential for the growth of a healthy body.

Photo: Wizkid and Tinnie Tempah Shutdown Cokobar in London

Nigerian-born International music artistes , Wizkid and Tinnie Tempah on January 26, set Cokobar in London on fire at ”D’African Kings of Comedy” Show.

Winners Church pastor arrested for illegal possession of gun

The resident pastor of the Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, Pastor Collins Obuh, in Katsina-Ala town of Katsina- Ala Local Government Area of Benue state has been arrested by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the state for illegal possession of fire arm.
Pastor Obuh allegedly tried to kill the church Accountant, Mr. Philip Toryila with a gun during a serious disagreement over money in the church yard.
DailyPost garthered that the incident occurred on Tuesday evening when the pastor reportedly ordered the church Accountant to handover church monies to him for execution of a project and he
refused while another version said the pastor wanted to use the money for a project that the church council was not aware of.

The Head of SARS in the area, Inspector Godwin Utenge disclosed that the accountant had, during the incident, shouted loudly for rescue, a development that attracted the attention of another church official who alerted the police. The police quickly drafted some armed men to the place and arrested the pastor.
However, it was gathered that the pastor had unlawfully used the gun as a threat, warning that he would kill the accountant should he refuse to release the church money to him. The Accountant sustained major injury on the face and other parts of his body and has since been rushed to a private hospital in Katsina-Ala where he is currently been treated.

Champagne, Fashion, Music & Horses! Photos of Eku Edewor, Burna Boy, Temi Dollface, Olisa Adibua & More at the Lagos Polo Club’s Annual President’s Cup Tournament

The 2013 edition of the Lagos Polo Club’s annual President’s Cup turned out to be one of the most exciting tournaments at the Lagos Polo Club in recent times.

The event supported by Veuve Clicquot, was attended by polo connoisseurs as well as some of your favouirte socialites and celebrities including Studio 53 Extra co-host Eku Edewor, music acts Burna Boy, Temi Dollface and Black Magic as well as on-air-personality Olisa Adibua.

During the day session, a series of fiercely contested matches got players and supporters thrilled with delight. Later at night, BlackMagic and Burna Boy entertained all while design labels like Grey and House of Nwocha presented their collections.

Ok we admit, we would have loved to see all the female attendees in their couture hats and midi length dresses but we love how they opted for chic and colorful print and chiffon dresses, denims and jumpsuits while the men wore polo shirts, chequered shirts and shorts.

Check out all the photos from the event!

Married Man With 5 Kids, 2 Others Rape 13 Year Old Girl

Policemen at Makinde Division in Lagos, have arrested three men who allegedly raped a 13-year-old girl, last August in Mafoluku area of Oshodi.
The victim, a Junior Secondary School student (names withheld), was reportedly invited into one of the suspects apartment at 19, Majaro Street, Mafoluku.
Report said when she got inside, the owner of the apartment Emenuwa Achonam, a married man with five children, whose family was away, had carnal knowledge of her, alongside his two friends, Godwin Udoh, 22, and Emenike Orji, 20.

She was, thereafter, instructed not to tell anyone and also  threatened to kill her if she did.
But the bubble burst after the teenager fell ill and was taken to the hospital only to be confirmed that she was pregnant, a development that reportedly threw her parents off balance.

Real Madrid CF vs Barcelona Barcelona Pre Match January 30, 2013 9:00 PM WAT

REAL MADRID Adan Arbeloa, Albiol, Varane, Marcelo Khedira, AlonsoOzil, Modric, Ronaldo Benzema

BARCELONA Pinto Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba Xavi, Busquets, FabregasPedro, Messi, Iniesta

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has a number of selection problems heading into Wednesday's Clasico showdown against Barcelona. Iker Casillas (broken hand) and Pepe (ankle) are out, meaning Antonio Adan and new signing Diego Lopez battle it out in goal, while Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao and Angel Di Maria all serve suspensions. However, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to start despite hurting his ankle in Sunday's 4-0 win over Getafe. Gerard Pique returns from suspension for Barcelona, who have a fully-fit squad at their disposal. Jordi Alba, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas are all likely to be recalled to the starting XI after they were rested for the weekend victory over Osasuna.

Obi Mikel fires warning at Elephants

John Mikel Obi has warned Ivory Coast not to write off Nigeria ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash on Sunday. The Super Eagles…
The Super Eagles needed two late penalties from Victor Moses to overcome Ethiopia 2-0 and book their last eight place on Tuesday.
However, as they finished second behind Group C winners Burkina Faso, their reward is a meeting with the Elephants.
Obi believes Nigeria can prove their doubters wrong by beating the Ivorians.

“The media keep reminding us that Ivory Coast are unbeatable ” John Mikel Obi Nigeria midfielder

"Playing against Ivory Coast is going to be both tough and exciting and some of our opponents are my friends, especially Didier Drogba," said the 25-year-old Chelsea star.

"People who write off Nigeria do so at their peril. This is a knock-out match that we can definitely win.
"The media keep reminding us that Ivory Coast are unbeatable - we shall see.
"Ethiopia was a do-or-die game for us and we did really well, especially in the second half.
"Having conceded late equalisers against Burkina Faso and Zambia, we told the defence to improve their concentration and they did."
Ivory Coast hold a slight edge over Nigeria at Cup of Nations tournament clashes, winning two and losing one of five meetings that produced a meagre seven goals.

Yvonne Ekwere launches “Vixen Red Carpet” YouTube Channel | Check Out the Debut Ad Campaign

 
TV Personality Yvonne “Vixen” Ekwere launched her YouTube Channel – “Vixen Red Carpet” just a few weeks ago and since then the channel has racked up thousands of video views. Showbiz fans have eagerly clicked to check out the latest videos from events, on-the-spot celeb interviews and more.

Here is the first Ad Campaign for the show and Vixen tells us the catchphrase for this campaign is “… Anything, Anytime and Anywhere“

Check out the Free Spirit shoot below. It comprises of the Urban HipHop Scene, the Earthy Mountain Scene, the Bohemian head Shot and the Crimson red carpet Starlette 3D Scene.
“These photos are meant to depict Vixen’s sense of style and red carpet persona placed in different environments.“

Boko Haram Declares Ceasefire

The Jama’atul Ahalis Sunna Lida’awati Wal Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram… Islamic sect has agreed to cease fire for peace to prevail. This is coming after the group terrorized Nigerians, mostly in Northern states for three years, killing hundreds 

Musician Kicked Out Of Home 3 Weeks After Marriage For Battering Wife In Public

 

An upcoming musician, Gbemi Adetuberu, married to Ibadan society lady and interior decorator, Laide, has been booted out of the latter’s apartment allegedly for physical assaults barely three weeks after their society wedding on November 8, 2012, at one of the Akure branches of RCCG. Mrs Olaide Adetuberu reportedly sent her husband, Mr. Gbemi Adetuberu, out of her apartment for allegedlly making the heat in the kitchen unbearable for her with his endless beatings.
It was alleged that Gbemi was seen 20 days after the N4m wedding, beating the living daylight out of his wife in Lagos during an event that had foreign guests in attendance. The interior decorator was said to have kept mum over the battery allegation but eventually did opened the Pandora box after getting the nod of her lawyer.
 

 

Iyanya’s manager’s car side mirrors stolen at local airport Lagos

Iyanya and his manager/business partner Ubi Franklin parked two of
their cars, a Range Rover and a Honda 2010 car at the local airport on Saturday January 26th for two nights on their way to Asaba for an engagement.
They flew
back this morning to pick up their cars and

Agbani Darego Covers ThisDay Style – Reveals to ThisDay Exclusively The Launch of AD by Agbani Darego

               Stunning on This Day Style Magazine

Photos from Maureen Ahize’s baby shower

Catholic Church of Nigeria withdraws from the Christian Association of Nigeria

The Catholic Church of Nigeria yesterday temporarily withdrew its membership from the Christian  Association of Nigeria (CAN). Their reason? That CAN under Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has been compromised. Also because of some uncouth statements by some Christian leaders, and the use of money in CAN elections and several court cases involving state chapters of CAN.

Spokesperson of the Church, Rev. Fr. Dr. Cornelius Omonokhua, said:

"You just can't save people who are drowning, if you are drowning with them. CAN is being dragged into partisan politics thereby compromising the ability to play its true role as conscience of the nation and the voice of the voiceless. We will be happy if CAN leadership can show moderation. Common sense dictates that they do that.”

The Catholic church said they would review their withdrawal from CAN after the annual meeting of the Conference of Bishops in February. See more after the cut...



Meanwhile CAN has reacted to CCN's withdrawal, calling it good riddance. A rep accused the Christian denomination of arrogance, saying they were merely angry because the presidency of the association had moved to another bloc of the group.

Spokesperson for the 19 Northern chapters of CAN, Sunny Oibe, told Punch:

“There are some certain elements in the leadership of CAN led by Cardinal John Onaiyekan because he lost CAN Presidency to Oritsejafor who has a lot of achievements. There is no need for anybody to lose sleep over the threat by Catholics to pull out of CAN because without them CAN will still continue. The constitution of CAN makes provision that membership can be terminated by any group that is misbehaving or any group can also terminate their membership.

“Why is it that when Catholics were in the leadership of CAN, every bloc supported them, but now because power has changed hands, they are threatening to pull out and causing confusion?

"They have been agitating that the Presidency of CAN must come from the South. They are appendage of PDP and PDP themselves. They are known for double standards. A man of God should not be double speaking.”

NIGERIA VS ZAMBIA, 4:00pm GMT 16:00

'Zambia is a strong team but we're ready'

The last time Stephen Keshi came up against Zambia in a competitive match was in the final of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.
Even though he was suspended for that game where the Super Eagles triumphed 2-1, the captain he received the trophy in Tunis alongside his assistant Austin Eguavoen.
Nigeria have not tasted victory on the continental stage since. Nineteen years later, the story has changed. Zambia are the defending champions as Nigeria failed to qualify for the last tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Both teams will go up against each in Friday’s second round match of Group C in a most anticipated clash of two great sporting countries in Mbombela. Tickets are sold out already according to officials.
Speaking ahead of the game on Thursday during Nigeria’s press conference, Keshi and defender Joseph Yobo cast their minds nostalgically back.
“1994 was 19 years ago and it is gone, it’s not the same game for tomorrow, it’s not the same generation of players. It’s a different ball game that is going to happen tomorrow,” said Keshi.
“There’s a great deal of respect I have for them, it’s a very good team. Zambia against Nigeria is always an interesting game. We will go out there with all we have.”
Present captain Yobo was only 14 years old when Keshi and the Super Eagles got that famous victory.
“I watched football but it was only when they won the tournament that I can remember because of the whole celebrations in Nigeria. That’s a long time ago now,” said Yobo.
“I played against Zambia when [Keshi] took over in a friendly game before they won the Nations Cup [in 2012]. It was a good game and we won 2-0, but it was a friendly game. They’re defending champions now and it’s going to be a special game.”
Nigeria have only lost once to defending champions in the past, a 3-1 defeat suffered in the hands of Egypt at Angola 2010. In that same tournament they defeated the Chipolopolo via penalties in the quarter finals.
They will be hoping that Friday’s encounter helps them to regain confidence after conceding late to draw with Burkina Faso on Monday.
“The team is okay, we’re back focusing on the game ahead of tomorrow. The atmosphere is good. We’re just waiting for tomorrow to come,” said Keshi.

 

Peter Okoye Congratulates May D On Birth of Son

Jennifer Lopez:covers of Harper Bazaar

Jennifer Lopez,covers Harper Bazaar February issue wearing a very stunning dress by Versace, shoes and gold necklace all by Versace.

The Big Friday Show Begins New Season With MTV VJ Search Finalists

Nigeria’s number one entertainment TV program, MTV’s The Big Friday show, has kicked off an all new season with a big bang!
To usher in the new season, MTV Base VJ search finalists Ehis, Ada and Kemi will co-host this week’s edition with popular comedian and host, Basketmouth. The trio will battle to become the next MTV Base Nigeria VJ and win a 10 million Naira contract, a brand new car and other exciting prizes.

18 shot dead in Borno market massacre

No fewer than 18 people have been shot dead in a local market in Damboa, South of Borno by gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect even as the town was deserted yesterday, being the second day of the deadly attack. Sources said the victims, mostly local hunters were at the Damboa market on Monday, being the market day to sell wild pigs and monkeys when the gunmen stormed the area and opened fired on them.
“The market was thrown into confusion as everybody ran helter skelter,” a resident hinted. Damboa, Headquarters of Damboa Local Government is about 90 kilometres away from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Zanna Umar Mustapha, who was on his way from Biu, along same road and about 100 kilometres away from Damboa, the centre of the attack, on condolence visit was forced to stop in the town having observed that the entire area was deserted with the presence of military personnel in the town.
Briefing the deputy governor, who came to inquire about the unusual quietness of the bustling community, the District Head of Damboa, Alhaji Abba Ahmed said the gunmen came to the market on Monday afternoon at the peak of business activities and drove straight to the spot where local hunters were selling bush meat, opened fire on them and fled. Alhaji Ahmed disclosed that 18 of the local hunters were shot, adding that 13 died on the spot while five died later in the hospital.
He said the hunters were engaged in the business of selling bush meat especially wild pigs and monkeys, stressing that residents claimed some unknown persons had earlier warned the local hunters against selling the type of the bush meats apparently for religious reasons.
The district head also said reports from eyewitnesses indicated that the gunmen were not residents of the town but assailants who rode to the market in a Golf car, carried out the attack and disappeared.

Opinion: Democratising CBN is long overdue

 

 Nigerians have made it clear to their lawmakers that anything short of proper oversight of the bank should be unacceptable.

The havoc the 2008 financial crisis brought to Nigeria would have been minimal, had it not been that the breakdown in the Central Bank of Nigeria’s oversight and surveillance system, allowed the country’s banks to engage in Ponzi scheme banks; had it been that the CBN ran as if it was an academic institution, with idealised neoclassical monetary policy, allowed banks to freely cook their books!

EFCC Press Release: Retired Army Colonel Docked Over N34m Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday January 17, 2013 arraigned Eugene Okpala, a retired Colonel, before the Federal High Court, Enugu on a seven count charge of forgery, and obtaining money under false pretences.

Breaking News: President Jonathan Makes Unscheduled Visit to Police College In Lagos

 

On the way to an ECOWAS meeting in the Ivory Coast, President Goodluck Jonathan's plane was diverted to Lagos where he made a surprise visit to the police college in Ikeja. Sources say that even his top aides were taken unaware by the unscheduled stop.