It's hard to believe he is 44 and she 32.They look younger.She rocked a $2,395 Givenchy top for her night out.
ogbonge entertainment @ ur finger tips
Monday, 30 December 2013
Beyonce And Jayz partying Night Out
It's hard to believe he is 44 and she 32.They look younger.She rocked a $2,395 Givenchy top for her night out.
She finally drops ex-hubby’s surname -Fathia Balogun
The actress on her instagram page now bears Fathia Williams, although her Facebook and Twitter pages remain Balogun.
She didn't give up the name so easily. It took her ex-hubby, six years, countless interviews on all forms of media and finally a legal action.
Fathia only a few weeks ago reportedly vowed to retain the name at all cost but it seems her resolve has weakened. Close sources say she wants to test the waters with this first change, to see how the industry will react and gauge her potency as a sought after actress before finally removing Balogun
Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones Pictured Together for First Time Since Separation
The couple, whose 13th wedding anniversary was in November, were photographed together for the first time since August on Sunday, Dec. 22, in New York City. Both were dressed in black and wearing their wedding bands.
The family of four started their day with lunch at Manhattan eatery Orso, after which they reportedly hit up the Broadway musical Motown and a showing of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
Together since 1999 and married since 2000, the 69-year-old Behind the Candelabra star and the 44-year-old Welsh actress announced this summer that they were "taking some time apart to evaluate and work on their marriage." Douglas was optimistic, though, telling Jay Leno in October that he thought there was still a chance they'd work things out.
"I've been away for a while, but everything should hopefully be on the up and up," he said at the time. "Sometimes people take a little bit of a break, but it doesn't necessarily mean that's the end. So I'm very hopeful."
Reason Why I Cut My Husband's Penis-Banker
"Please, kindly judge this by yourself. As a pregnant woman, will I willingly attempt to cut off my husband's penis? I ordinarily would not have said anything. I did not realise this will escalate to this stage. The case is being handled by my lawyer at the moment.
"My husband is not a hot-tempered man but he gets angry once in a while. He lied that he washes my clothes. He only did that once or twice when I was ill. We had a disagreement that day and he beat me up. My mother came to the house and took away our son.
"Without telling anybody, I went to my hospital and was treated. I did not tell him. But when I got home, he continued to harass me. He said I must ensure his son was returned to the house.
"I was so tired and I went to sleep. But in the middle of the night, he woke me up and asked me again to produce his son. We started fighting and he was beating me. In order to escape his beating, I had to hold his penis. I wanted him to leave me alone. I held on to it until I had a chance to escape."
"Please ask him, which certificate is he even talking about? When I married my husband, he told me he graduated from the Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye, but that he had an accident some time ago, in which his certificates were burnt," she said.
"When I married him, he did not have a job. He said he was working on a CD and all the money I made, I spent on him."
Her husband however told a different story.
He said, "My pastor had advised me against marrying her because of an encounter he had with her. Before we got married, in a meeting with Bimbo, my pastor said he asked her about her past and my wife said, 'How dare you!'
"Of course, I did not believe my pastor at the time because I was in love. But now, I rue the day I met that woman."
Lekan alleged that his wife had been behaving strangely since he lost his job. He stated that he had done everything he could to ensure that she remained happy.
"I wash her clothes including her underwear. Even without a job, I ensure that the proceeds of my gospel music CD are used to take care of her and our son," he said.
The apartment Lekan shared with his wife is a mini-flat. Asked who paid for the apartment, the man said the house belonged to his father.
According to him, he was living in a rented apartment in Ikorodu before relocating to his father's house in Surulere so that it would be easier for his wife to get to work.
Lekan explained that Bimbo was a good woman at the time.
He said, "I married her legally. We did a church wedding, went to court and did the traditional wedding. But when I lost my job, I realised that after a little disagreement, she would rain abuses on me and my family.
"She would sometimes destroy things in the house. There was a time we had a disagreement and she chased me down the street with a stick. During another disagreement, she took my HND certificate to the end of the street and dropped it beside a gate. Neighbours had to plead with her to bring it back."
He narrated to Saturday PUNCH how his wife attacked him.
"That fateful day, I was washing my wife's clothes. She reminded me that she needed some money for foodstuffs and I told her that God would provide for us. Later, she came out of the house and said she had eaten noodles and had fed our son.
"When I finished with the clothes, I was so tired because the clothes were many. I ate the leftover of her noodles. There were about three-spoonfuls left."
Lekan alleged that that did not go down well with his wife who said she still wanted to eat the leftover.
He said he had to go to the street to buy bread for her since she said she was still hungry.
He further explained that he had to go out shortly after to get some money from a salesman who handles his CD sales.
"I came home and informed my wife that I got some money from my CD. She told me that she would like to eat wheat and white soup which I usually buy for her from a restaurant. I bought that for her," he said.
By that time, Lekan said the only thing he had eaten that day was the leftover noodles. He said the remaining money from the CD sales had been used to buy things needed in the house.
But his elder sister who had a shop nearby was to later give him N500 when she noticed that he did not look like he was feeling well.
"I went out to buy rice and when I came in and she saw me eating that, she flared up. She said I lied to her that I had no money. She was shouting but I pleaded with her to calm down so that my people around would not hear. She replied that it would not be well with the people. She abused my relations and parents.
"The following day, a Sunday, I swallowed my pride. I woke up and asked which clothes she would like to wear to church so that I could iron it with mine. When she did not answer, I left for church but came back after the workers' meeting.
"I got home and saw her preparing jollof rice but I went out to buy N60 bread and N40 beans. Trouble started again when she saw me eating that. She said I refused to give her money but I was buying food to eat. She said, 'Before I say anything now, you will go and complain to your useless family.' That was when I told her that it was her whole family that was useless. Had I known, I would have kept quiet. She took the plate of beans and poured it on my head."
But Lekan said even though many men would have pummelled such a woman, he feared he might kill her in anger. The matter died down, or so it seemed.
Around 2am, Lekan said he received a sudden and painful knock that woke him up from sleep and realised that it was from his wife.
"I knew she had decided to start her trouble again. But I did not in my wildest imagination think that she could do what she did next.
"Before I realised what she was doing, I felt a sharp pain in my manhood. I touched it and blood was gushing out. I screamed and my immediate thought was, 'Is this the way I would die?'"
Lekan pointed to a kitchen knife in a corner of his room. He said it was the weapon his wife used.
The wound inflicted on Lekan's manhood was deep but it had been stitched after he was rushed to the hospital by neighbours.
Lekan said he is not pressing charges against his wife.
Britney Spears Perform in Las Vegas
"Britney: Piece of Me" debuted at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino this weekend, almost 10 years to the day that Spears married a high school friend at a wedding chapel just down the Vegas strip.
Her marriage to Jason Alexander lasted just 55 hours before it was annulled, but Spears' new relationship with Vegas is planned for at least two years. She is reportedly earning $300,000 per show -- $30 million for the 100 shows through 2015.
Spears dances on a 100-foot stage, backed by 14 dancers and one of the world's largest video installations. She enters from a spherical cage that descends from above. Near the end, Spears leaps from a giant tree, flying across the stage on a cable.
While her microphone is live and Spears appears to be singing, much of what the audience hears is from pre-recorded tracks of 21 hits from her pop career.
A live four-piece band plays behind Spears, visible on scaffolding at the rear of the stage. But evidence that much of it is pre-produced comes when Will.i.am appears on video to perform "Scream & Shout" with Spears.
Backing tracks for vocals are not new or unexpected, considering that Spears is running around the stage for most of the 90-minute show.
The 4,600 people attending her opening night Friday seemed willing to suspend any disbelief. They also mouthed the familiar lyrics to "Baby One More Time," "Oops I Did It Again," "Toxic," "Circus," "Womanizer" and "Slave 4 U." She includes songs from her just-released album "Britney Jean."
Unlike most Vegas shows, the theater seats are almost unnecessary. The crowd stood through most of the show as if they were in a nightclub dancing to a DJ.
Planet Hollywood describes the remodeled Axis Theater as "part nightclub and part theater." The VIP section includes bottle service, tables and a dance floor.
Sunday, 29 December 2013
Pastor Rejects Cow From The Presidency
Pastor Bakare said that the cow and hampers were dropped at his Save Nigerian Group (SNG) office in Lagos, but he rejected the gift because 'a cow is not what president Jonathan should be giving to people now but a country that works'.
"I was prevailed upon not to return the gifts like the late Gani Fawehinmi did to (Buba) Marwa, when Marwa was the military governor of Lagos State. I don't eat such meat. That does not mean that I will not tell the President to face his work and do it well. We need good roads; not cow. We need water, power supply; not cow meat," he said.
Nobel Laureate Daughter Dies
Iyetade Soyinka, a daughter of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, has died. Ms. Soyinka, who was born June 6, 1965, died at the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital where she was being treated for an undisclosed ailment.
The death was disclosed in a statement signed by Jahman Anikulapo, an aide to Mr. Soyinka, one of the world's foremost dramatists and winner of the 1986 Nobel Prize in literature. The statement noted that the late Iyetade Soyinka was a student at the Staff School and Queens School, Ibadan before she studied Medicine at the University of Ibadan.
Mr. Anikulapo's statement described the deceased as "affable, intelligent and sometimes capricious," adding that she "struggled with her health in recent years." Despite her health woes, the late Iyetade Soyinka "greeted every day with a smile and doted on her two children."
The statement, which was issued on behalf of the deceased's family, revealed that Ms. Soyinka "took ill quite suddenly and passed away while being treated at UCH, Ibadan.
"Iyetade leaves behind two children, both parents, numerous siblings, nieces and nephews."
No funeral arrangements were announced in the statement. SaharaReporters was unable to reach Professor Soyinka before press time.
The death was disclosed in a statement signed by Jahman Anikulapo, an aide to Mr. Soyinka, one of the world's foremost dramatists and winner of the 1986 Nobel Prize in literature. The statement noted that the late Iyetade Soyinka was a student at the Staff School and Queens School, Ibadan before she studied Medicine at the University of Ibadan.
Mr. Anikulapo's statement described the deceased as "affable, intelligent and sometimes capricious," adding that she "struggled with her health in recent years." Despite her health woes, the late Iyetade Soyinka "greeted every day with a smile and doted on her two children."
The statement, which was issued on behalf of the deceased's family, revealed that Ms. Soyinka "took ill quite suddenly and passed away while being treated at UCH, Ibadan.
"Iyetade leaves behind two children, both parents, numerous siblings, nieces and nephews."
No funeral arrangements were announced in the statement. SaharaReporters was unable to reach Professor Soyinka before press time.
Kanye West Buy North a Mini Lamborghini
1) Kim Kardashian's Daughter North West Gets Matching Lamborghini Car Like Dad Kanye West
Only the best for his little girl! Baby North West got her very own mini Lamborghini car over the holidays -- just like her dad Kanye West! Kim Kardashian shared the adorable picture of the 6-month-old's new wheels via Instagram on Friday, Dec. 27.
2) Jennifer Aniston And Courteney Cox Flaunt Bikini Bodies in Mexico:
They may be there for each other when the rain starts to pour, but on Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox's Mexico vacation, the sun was shining and the former Friends costars were soaking it up in their bikinis.
3) Patrick Swayze's Widow, Lisa Niemi, Engaged to Jeweler Albert DePrisco
Lisa Niemi will soon be a new bride. Patrick Swayze's widow is engaged, her rep confirms to Us Weekly. The actress and dancer is gearing up to tie the knot to jeweler Albert DePrisco.
4) Zac Efron Shows Off 6 Months Sobriety Chip From AA Post-Rehab at a Basketball Game
He may have his head in the game, but fans were focused on what was hanging around Zac Efron's neck at a Laker's basketball game on Dec. 20. The former High School Musical star wore his blue AA sobriety chip around his neck while cheering for the Los Angeles team.
5) Miley Cyrus, Kellan Lutz Party Together After Britney Spears' Vegas Show With Katy Perry, Selena Gomez
Britney Spears' first Vegas show Friday night drew in several stars! Shortly after watching the pop diva take the stage, Miley Cyrus headed over to host a party at Beacher's Madhouse, where she spent time with Katy Perry and reunited with her latest Hollywood fling -- Kellan Lutz.
More than 10 dead in Russian trolley blast
An explosion hit a trolleybus in the Russian city of Volgograd on Monday, killing at least 10 people, the state-run news agency RIA Novosti reported.
The trolleybus blast took place the day after an explosion at a train station in Volgograd killed 17 people.
Russian federal investigators say they suspect a female suicide bomber caused the Sunday blast in the train station, which wounded at least 34 people.
The deadly explosions come less than six weeks ahead of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, which is situated less than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from Volgograd.
The trolleybus blast took place the day after an explosion at a train station in Volgograd killed 17 people.
Russian federal investigators say they suspect a female suicide bomber caused the Sunday blast in the train station, which wounded at least 34 people.
The deadly explosions come less than six weeks ahead of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, which is situated less than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from Volgograd.
Saturday, 28 December 2013
Fela’s Kalakuta Republic was searched of missing girls — Babankowa
Former police commissioner, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Babankowa, recounts how the police raided Fela Anikulapo-Kuti's Kalakuta Republic. He also speaks on issues concerning the National Conference, among others.
Excerpts:
Is there any need for the National Conference being spearheaded by the Federal Government?
I share the belief of those that say it is not necessary. It is absolutely unnecessary. Whatever that comes out of the conference will eventually return to the National Assembly for ratification otherwise you have done nothing. It is like constitutional amendment. In Nigeria today, we are living on a fake and false foundation. The Constitution is supposed to be the supreme law guiding this country, but the Constitution we have now is not a people- oriented one; it was foisted on us by the military. If you remember; during the Sani Abacha era between 1994 and 1995; there was a constitutional conference which saw members being elected by the grassroots and were in the conference for months and produced a Constitution. The members were people of honour, people of impeccable character. The members were housed in the present Apo Legislative Quarters then. It has been sold out now I am told. They produced the document which was supposed to be our
Constitution. After that tedious exercise, there were some grey areas and people advised the government of the day that there should be constitutional review committee to look at the draft again and iron out the grey areas. One person from each state was taken; aside that, eight people were taken from the constitutional conference, four each from the South and the North to join the review committee. And the reason was simply because the eight were party to the drafting of the Constitution from the beginning and if there was anything that probably was not clear to the review committee members, these eight could be of help. And so the Constitution was produced. I was a member of that review committee representing Jigawa State. The report was submitted to General Abacha. Four days to signing the draft, he passed on. The government of Abdusalami Abubakar came and, instead of looking at it and if need be get another committee to look into it again, it threw
it into the dustbin. I think that action was a terrible one. Not only that, he now organised a committee of not more than 10 to 15 people to draft a new one…(loud laughter) and that is the 1999 Constitution we now operate. That is why I said we are operating on a false foundation. What I would have expected this government to do was just to bring out the draft Constitution of the Abacha era and take a look at it again because there is nothing that can ever be discussed that you cannot find in that draft Constitution. And this is why I am of the opinion that this action of government is of no use. We are just dancing round the circles. This conference is of no use.
So you will rather go for that 1994 draft Constitution rather than the new one they are contemplating now.
Yes. I will go for the 1994 draft because it was done by all Nigerians. We are just about wasting resources, time and man power in this exercise. This one has already been done, reviewed and amended, all you need to do is, especially if you need to review it again, form another committee and let it look at the areas you feel may not be necessary.
What is your take on the defection of some PDP governors to the APC?
I think it is a good thing that the PDP governors are merging with the APC. This will narrow the problems of politicking in the country. It will now be just two major parties in the country like you have in the U.S and the U.K. But let us wait and see because you can never totally rely on Nigerian politicians.
Why did you say so?
You find out that someone is in a political party today, tomorrow he is in another party, the next day, he returns to his previous party. Another time, he goes to form his own political party. It is only in Nigeria that you see this happening. You don't find it elsewhere. I think once you say you are a member of a political party, the normal thing for you is to stick to that party like it is done in other climes. Where did you hear that a Conservative has joined Labour in the UK? It is unheard of. So let us wait so that time can be the judge of all the decisions taken so far.
With this merger, do you see the strength of the ruling party reduced?
Even if it is one governor…….. Let us take Kano State, if it is only Kwankwaso who will be moving his people into APC, it will definitely affect the PDP not to talk of when you have five governors. In Kwara State, I was watching on television where the chairman of the PDP was saying the whole of the party in the state has merged with APC, will that not greatly reduce the strength of the party in the state? So I think this is the first danger they are going to face in the last 15 years.
How true is the claim that APC is mostly populated by Muslims and are more influential in the party?
I don't think that is true. I don't know why we always like to play the religious card in politics. It is damaging to our democracy. I think what we should be talking about is who has the capability to move the country forward. Whether he is a Christian, pagan or Muslim should really not matter. We should be more concerned about what he is bringing to the table. This sentiment of religion or ethnic colouration should not be brought to the table because these sentiments, on the long run, is one of the reasons why we are where are presently. If we have a pagan or even an atheist who can do the job of taking us to the next level, why not try him? General Gowon a Christian ruled this country for eight years. He is from the North but nobody raised any alarm because he was doing the job. I schooled in America where you can abuse an individual, call him a monkey or donkey, he might not be bothered, but say something negative about his country, America, and
see what happens to you. That is the kind of value they place on their country. So we should put our country before any other thing; not ourselves, tribes or religion before our country. We are always marching backward instead of moving forward.
You met the late Fela Anikulapo in the course of your job.
Yes I did. I must say the man was extremely talented, very talented indeed except that he was using his talent in a way that I don't think was right. He was said to be harbouring all sorts of girls including daughters of highly placed people. I liked him as a person.
And you led the team that raided his house then.
Oh yes. I led the team. I was in Mushin Division then. Kalakuta Republic was located within the division. I was asked to lead the team to Fela's house by the IG. Isa Adeju was the commissioner of police. The IG through Adeju asked me to lead the team. Kam Salem was the IG then.
What was the basis for the raid as explained to you by your bosses then?
The information received by the police was that there were children particularly girls who ran away from their parents and were living with him. That was the allegation. It was said that there were High Court judges daughters among those living in his house. They made complaints to the IG and that is why we raided the house in order to rescue the girls and also to arrest Fela for harbouring them.
I thought that arrest had more political undertone than criminal?
Not at all. Forget about his songs which were political. That was not the reason for which he was arrested. He was arrested mainly because of the reason given earlier. He was in his usual pants when we arrested him. We took him to Alagbon.
Which of the events during your career would say was the toughest?
The first of them was the Tiv riot where six of my colleagues were beheaded. This was 1964 or 65. The second was the Tafawa Balewa sight. What I saw that day was terrible. The third was the Maitasine riot in Kano during the Shagari era. We discovered a mass grave.
Do you have any regret?
Not at all. I have served my country. I have satisfaction of that service rendered. If every policeman would put as much as I have done, Nigeria would not have been what it is now. People are no longer working to help the country; all they are after is money. Everything in this country has been devalued. The level of corruption in our country today is something else. Corruption has become a fashion, but I know it will not continue like this because there will be change somehow.
This change you are talking about, is it the one APC is talking about?
Yes. By the grace of God, they will change this country. They have good intentions for Nigeria.
The late Abacha was your friend.
No, he was not really my friend. He was my junior in secondary school. He respected me highly just as I did to him as well. You see the noise about Abacha being corrupt, I tell you, it is because he is not alive. If he were alive, I can tell you, there won't be anybody talking about this. Like the corrupt leaders we have in this country presently who have done more atrocities even worse than Abacha, they are alive and nobody is saying anything about them. They can say anything about Abacha because he is not alive. If you take one of the leaders, I don't have to mention any body's name, and you open him up and see the kind of damage he has done to this country, it will triple what Abacha has done. The way the country is run now, if you are not corrupt you cannot go anywhere. That is the way things are done now. I have two things which I thank God for. I have patience. Whatever you do to me I will leave you to God, no matter how bad it may be. I
have contentment. I stay within the limit of my resources. That is why I am always happy. I have no fear of somebody coming here to come and kill me. I used to have a policeman at my gate, I asked him to go.
Are you fulfilled.
100%. If I pass on today I will die a fulfilled person. I have no regret in life.
Are you ready to die here and now
I swear to God, if it comes now, I am ready. What am I looking for again? Money? What am going to do with it? House? Wife? Whatever that is being done with money in life I have done it in my own small way. That is why I said I am contented. God has blessed me with age and good health and kept me alive and upright. I have trained all my children to the university level. What else am I waiting for? Let me die now if death would come.
Excerpts:
Is there any need for the National Conference being spearheaded by the Federal Government?
I share the belief of those that say it is not necessary. It is absolutely unnecessary. Whatever that comes out of the conference will eventually return to the National Assembly for ratification otherwise you have done nothing. It is like constitutional amendment. In Nigeria today, we are living on a fake and false foundation. The Constitution is supposed to be the supreme law guiding this country, but the Constitution we have now is not a people- oriented one; it was foisted on us by the military. If you remember; during the Sani Abacha era between 1994 and 1995; there was a constitutional conference which saw members being elected by the grassroots and were in the conference for months and produced a Constitution. The members were people of honour, people of impeccable character. The members were housed in the present Apo Legislative Quarters then. It has been sold out now I am told. They produced the document which was supposed to be our
Constitution. After that tedious exercise, there were some grey areas and people advised the government of the day that there should be constitutional review committee to look at the draft again and iron out the grey areas. One person from each state was taken; aside that, eight people were taken from the constitutional conference, four each from the South and the North to join the review committee. And the reason was simply because the eight were party to the drafting of the Constitution from the beginning and if there was anything that probably was not clear to the review committee members, these eight could be of help. And so the Constitution was produced. I was a member of that review committee representing Jigawa State. The report was submitted to General Abacha. Four days to signing the draft, he passed on. The government of Abdusalami Abubakar came and, instead of looking at it and if need be get another committee to look into it again, it threw
it into the dustbin. I think that action was a terrible one. Not only that, he now organised a committee of not more than 10 to 15 people to draft a new one…(loud laughter) and that is the 1999 Constitution we now operate. That is why I said we are operating on a false foundation. What I would have expected this government to do was just to bring out the draft Constitution of the Abacha era and take a look at it again because there is nothing that can ever be discussed that you cannot find in that draft Constitution. And this is why I am of the opinion that this action of government is of no use. We are just dancing round the circles. This conference is of no use.
So you will rather go for that 1994 draft Constitution rather than the new one they are contemplating now.
Yes. I will go for the 1994 draft because it was done by all Nigerians. We are just about wasting resources, time and man power in this exercise. This one has already been done, reviewed and amended, all you need to do is, especially if you need to review it again, form another committee and let it look at the areas you feel may not be necessary.
What is your take on the defection of some PDP governors to the APC?
I think it is a good thing that the PDP governors are merging with the APC. This will narrow the problems of politicking in the country. It will now be just two major parties in the country like you have in the U.S and the U.K. But let us wait and see because you can never totally rely on Nigerian politicians.
Why did you say so?
You find out that someone is in a political party today, tomorrow he is in another party, the next day, he returns to his previous party. Another time, he goes to form his own political party. It is only in Nigeria that you see this happening. You don't find it elsewhere. I think once you say you are a member of a political party, the normal thing for you is to stick to that party like it is done in other climes. Where did you hear that a Conservative has joined Labour in the UK? It is unheard of. So let us wait so that time can be the judge of all the decisions taken so far.
With this merger, do you see the strength of the ruling party reduced?
Even if it is one governor…….. Let us take Kano State, if it is only Kwankwaso who will be moving his people into APC, it will definitely affect the PDP not to talk of when you have five governors. In Kwara State, I was watching on television where the chairman of the PDP was saying the whole of the party in the state has merged with APC, will that not greatly reduce the strength of the party in the state? So I think this is the first danger they are going to face in the last 15 years.
How true is the claim that APC is mostly populated by Muslims and are more influential in the party?
I don't think that is true. I don't know why we always like to play the religious card in politics. It is damaging to our democracy. I think what we should be talking about is who has the capability to move the country forward. Whether he is a Christian, pagan or Muslim should really not matter. We should be more concerned about what he is bringing to the table. This sentiment of religion or ethnic colouration should not be brought to the table because these sentiments, on the long run, is one of the reasons why we are where are presently. If we have a pagan or even an atheist who can do the job of taking us to the next level, why not try him? General Gowon a Christian ruled this country for eight years. He is from the North but nobody raised any alarm because he was doing the job. I schooled in America where you can abuse an individual, call him a monkey or donkey, he might not be bothered, but say something negative about his country, America, and
see what happens to you. That is the kind of value they place on their country. So we should put our country before any other thing; not ourselves, tribes or religion before our country. We are always marching backward instead of moving forward.
You met the late Fela Anikulapo in the course of your job.
Yes I did. I must say the man was extremely talented, very talented indeed except that he was using his talent in a way that I don't think was right. He was said to be harbouring all sorts of girls including daughters of highly placed people. I liked him as a person.
And you led the team that raided his house then.
Oh yes. I led the team. I was in Mushin Division then. Kalakuta Republic was located within the division. I was asked to lead the team to Fela's house by the IG. Isa Adeju was the commissioner of police. The IG through Adeju asked me to lead the team. Kam Salem was the IG then.
What was the basis for the raid as explained to you by your bosses then?
The information received by the police was that there were children particularly girls who ran away from their parents and were living with him. That was the allegation. It was said that there were High Court judges daughters among those living in his house. They made complaints to the IG and that is why we raided the house in order to rescue the girls and also to arrest Fela for harbouring them.
I thought that arrest had more political undertone than criminal?
Not at all. Forget about his songs which were political. That was not the reason for which he was arrested. He was arrested mainly because of the reason given earlier. He was in his usual pants when we arrested him. We took him to Alagbon.
Which of the events during your career would say was the toughest?
The first of them was the Tiv riot where six of my colleagues were beheaded. This was 1964 or 65. The second was the Tafawa Balewa sight. What I saw that day was terrible. The third was the Maitasine riot in Kano during the Shagari era. We discovered a mass grave.
Do you have any regret?
Not at all. I have served my country. I have satisfaction of that service rendered. If every policeman would put as much as I have done, Nigeria would not have been what it is now. People are no longer working to help the country; all they are after is money. Everything in this country has been devalued. The level of corruption in our country today is something else. Corruption has become a fashion, but I know it will not continue like this because there will be change somehow.
This change you are talking about, is it the one APC is talking about?
Yes. By the grace of God, they will change this country. They have good intentions for Nigeria.
The late Abacha was your friend.
No, he was not really my friend. He was my junior in secondary school. He respected me highly just as I did to him as well. You see the noise about Abacha being corrupt, I tell you, it is because he is not alive. If he were alive, I can tell you, there won't be anybody talking about this. Like the corrupt leaders we have in this country presently who have done more atrocities even worse than Abacha, they are alive and nobody is saying anything about them. They can say anything about Abacha because he is not alive. If you take one of the leaders, I don't have to mention any body's name, and you open him up and see the kind of damage he has done to this country, it will triple what Abacha has done. The way the country is run now, if you are not corrupt you cannot go anywhere. That is the way things are done now. I have two things which I thank God for. I have patience. Whatever you do to me I will leave you to God, no matter how bad it may be. I
have contentment. I stay within the limit of my resources. That is why I am always happy. I have no fear of somebody coming here to come and kill me. I used to have a policeman at my gate, I asked him to go.
Are you fulfilled.
100%. If I pass on today I will die a fulfilled person. I have no regret in life.
Are you ready to die here and now
I swear to God, if it comes now, I am ready. What am I looking for again? Money? What am going to do with it? House? Wife? Whatever that is being done with money in life I have done it in my own small way. That is why I said I am contented. God has blessed me with age and good health and kept me alive and upright. I have trained all my children to the university level. What else am I waiting for? Let me die now if death would come.
Hustle Gang Rapper Dies at 22 In Alabama Club Shooting
According to local news station WSFA, Glenn Thomas, known as Doe B, was taken to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead after suffering from gunshot wounds. The incident occurred at Centennial Hill Bar and Grill in Montgomery, with another left dead and six injured.
"I believe it is not a matter of 'if', but 'when' the next tragic incident occurs at this business," Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange said in a statement. "That is unacceptable, and that is why we have ordered the business to be closed effective immediately."
Doe B was signed to T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records. "RIP to my lil brother Doe B," T.I. wrote via Twitter. "We Love U champ. Always." B.O.B. added: "RIP Doe B…#NeverForgotten."
Friday, 27 December 2013
West Vows to Not "Talk For Atleast Six Month
"Everything I'm saying that's not allowed, soak it in right now. This might be the last time y'all hear me talk s--t for a long time," he told the crowd. "Might be another, like, six months. At least. You're just gonna have to run back the interviews and s--t if you wanna hear some realness!"
"I'm gonna tell y'all right now: All of the ideas, the things they call rants...save those tapes and everything," he continued. "Because I've decided to completely focus everything in 2014 on all the new ideas, all the creative outlets."
The controversial hip hop star went on to address some of his issues with companies like Nike, which declined to give him royalties for his Air Yeezy footwear. "I'm not [going to] ever bring up Nike again. The only way I'll bring them up is in a positive light," he resolved. "Because I actually appreciate the opportunity to have been able to make my own shoe with them, and if I didn't have the opportunity I wouldn't have my deal I have with Adidas right now."
He made a similar promise regarding the Grammys, which earned his ire earlier this month for giving him only two nominations for his critically acclaimed album Yeezus.
"I'll never bring up the Grammys again in a negative light. Because I actually appreciate the 21 Grammys that I did win," he told his cheering fans. "I'm not gonna be the dude who has all the opportunities in the world and just focuses on the negative and complains about it."
"So I'm letting y'all know in this last Yeezus show that this is the last time you'll ever hear me say anything negative about anyone," he vowed. "Because you only get the energy that you put out into the world."
With that in mind, West -- engaged to Kim Kardashian, with whom he has a 6-month-old daughter, North -- plans to focus his passion on his art. "I feel like I really want to be expressive with my work, with my music," he said. "I want to be expressive with this opportunity I have with Adidas, and just go home to my family."
Military officer killed in drive-by shooting
Officials said Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Sweiry was instantly killed today when unidentified assailants opened fire on him in al-Birkah district in Benghazi.
Lt Col Sweiry was working in the military's data department.
A health official said another soldier, a member of the commandos, was shot by unidentified assailants yesterday also in Benghazi.
Much of Libya is experiencing a security vacuum but attacks against the military and security forces are particularly common in Benghazi, a stronghold of militias with roots in anti-Gaddafi rebel brigades.
Plane crash in Siberia kills nine people
A Russian plane crashed in Siberia on Thursday, killing nine people, domestic news agencies reported, citing local emergency service officials.
The Soviet-built Antonov An-12 plane belonging to an aircraft factory in Novosibirsk was carrying six crew and three others on a flight to another factory in Irkutsk, Itar-Tass reported.
The turboprop plane fell on warehouses at a military unit outside Irkutsk, causing a fire, but no casualties were immediately reported on the ground, an emergency service official said.
Technical malfunction and pilot error were seen as potential causes, a security source was quoted as saying.
Russia and other former Soviet republics together have one of the world's worst air-traffic safety records, with a total accident rate almost three times the world average in 2011, according to the International Air Transport Association.
The Soviet-built Antonov An-12 plane belonging to an aircraft factory in Novosibirsk was carrying six crew and three others on a flight to another factory in Irkutsk, Itar-Tass reported.
The turboprop plane fell on warehouses at a military unit outside Irkutsk, causing a fire, but no casualties were immediately reported on the ground, an emergency service official said.
Technical malfunction and pilot error were seen as potential causes, a security source was quoted as saying.
Russia and other former Soviet republics together have one of the world's worst air-traffic safety records, with a total accident rate almost three times the world average in 2011, according to the International Air Transport Association.
Military officer killed in drive-by shooting in Libya
Gunmen opened fire on the military officer in Benghazi, killing him instantly.
Unidentified gunmen have killed a military officer in a drive-by shooting in the eastern city of Benghazi, Libyan officials said.
Brother of Joe Dolan dies on the singer's anniversary
Leopardstown official to survey racecourse tomorrow morning in light of red weather alert
Woman driver dies in single car collision where her car lost control
Officials said Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Sweiry was instantly killed today when unidentified assailants opened fire on him in al-Birkah district in Benghazi.
Lt Col Sweiry was working in the military's data department.
A health official said another soldier, a member of the commandos, was shot by unidentified assailants yesterday also in Benghazi.
Much of Libya is experiencing a security vacuum but attacks against the military and security forces are particularly common in Benghazi, a stronghold of militias with roots in anti-Gaddafi rebel brigades.
Unidentified gunmen have killed a military officer in a drive-by shooting in the eastern city of Benghazi, Libyan officials said.
Brother of Joe Dolan dies on the singer's anniversary
Leopardstown official to survey racecourse tomorrow morning in light of red weather alert
Woman driver dies in single car collision where her car lost control
Officials said Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Sweiry was instantly killed today when unidentified assailants opened fire on him in al-Birkah district in Benghazi.
Lt Col Sweiry was working in the military's data department.
A health official said another soldier, a member of the commandos, was shot by unidentified assailants yesterday also in Benghazi.
Much of Libya is experiencing a security vacuum but attacks against the military and security forces are particularly common in Benghazi, a stronghold of militias with roots in anti-Gaddafi rebel brigades.
Bieber "Isn't Retiring," Tweet Was "a Joke"
"He isn't retiring, clearly," a source close to the "Boyfriend" singer, 19, reiterated.
"It was a joke and he explained in two tweets afterwards!" Continues the insider: "He is basically poking fun of how quickly news spreads without anyone vetting if it is true or not."
The prank was also a great marketing ploy: Believe, Bieber's second documentary film, hit theaters on Christmas day.
Wednesday, 25 December 2013
Justin Bieber Announces Retirement, Ruins Christmas
"My beloved beliebers I'm officially retiring," the singer wrote. "The media talks a lot about me. They make a up a lot of lies and want me to fail but I'm never leaving you. Being a belieber is a lifestyle."
Justin made this same retirement mention during a radio interview last week. Twitter blew up in response with one side celebrating and the other side wondering how to go on living.
"Be kind loving to each other, forgive each other as god forgave us through Christ," Bieber added, concluding his sad message with: "Merry Christmas IM HERE FOREVER."
Of course, Bieber's new movie opens today. Might there be some small chance this is merely a PR move on the artist's part? Let's all hope and pray it is
Sunday, 22 December 2013
Father of three dies as wife survives car lake tragedy
Shane Donnelly (38), from Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, died when the car in which he was a passenger drove off an open slipway in a tragic error during heavy rain.
His wife Aisling (34) was driving the car at the time but it is understood that she was unaware that they were parked so close to the water.
It was dark at the time of the tragedy and a heavy downpour further hampered visibility.
Mr Donnelly was a highly respected local government official and former town clerk at Navan Town Council in Co Meath.
The accident happened at around midnight on Saturday at Grange Lake on the River Shannon near Strokestown, Co Roscommon.
The couple had been attending a family dinner at the lakeside Silver Eel restaurant to celebrate the 40th birthday of Mr Donnelly's brother, along with his parents, two other brothers and their wives.
Shane and Aisling had left their three children, aged six, four and two, in the care of Aisling's parents in Roscommon. Their youngest daughter, Sarah, turns three in February.
It is understood that Shane had driven to the event and that afterwards Aisling was about to drive off to collect the children when the accident occurred.
Unaware that they were parked at the top of a slipway and in the pitch dark, Shane instructed his wife to "drive straight on".
When the car entered the lake, Aisling was able to free herself but was unable to assist her husband, who struggled because of difficulties with his seatbelt.
Swimming to shore, she quickly raised the alarm since another car was exiting the carpark at the time.
They managed to get Mr Donnelly from the car but were unable to revive him and he was subsequently pronounced dead.
Strokestown parish priest, Fr Ciaran Whitney, who attended the scene and administered the last rites, said it was a very tragic situation.
A post-mortem examination will be carried out today at Roscommon General Hospital.
Mr Donnelly worked with Meath County Council as a meetings administrator and was formerly town clerk in Navan.
He is widely credited for many improvements and initiatives in the area, such as the Navan Arts Trail.
Colleagues and friends at the council were in deep grief yesterday as news of his death broke.
Councillor Shane Cassells said he was "absolutely gutted" at the news.
VISIONARY
He had been celebrating his son's christening yesterday when he received the news.
"My heart is broken for him, for Aisling and for their young children," he said.
"We attended each other's weddings. He was a great personal friend as well as a colleague.
"He was an amazing man and a visionary -- an exceptional public servant. The advancements in Navan are in great part due to him. He was a young man with great vision," Mr Cassells said.
He revealed how the family had been living in Navan but in recent years had moved to Ballyjamesduff in Mr Donnelly's home county of Cavan.
Councillor Niamh McGowan worked closely with Mr Donnelly during her time as cathaoirleach with Meath County Council last year.
She recalled emotionally how, having badly injured her back, Mr Donnelly "insisted" on collecting her from her home and driving her to and from the ceremony to name the Boyne bridge for Mary McAleese.
Meanwhile, a young man has died following a single vehicle accident on the Cork-Waterford road in which the weather may have been a factor.
The accident at Muckridge outside Youghal, east Cork, happened at 7.15am on Saturday.
He was named locally as Anthony 'Tony' Dineen (28) who was from east Cork and a keen GAA player.
Mr Dineen played with Eire Og and the club paid tribute to him as "a stalwart club servant and quiet, hard-working man".
The accident occurred on a stretch of the Youghal bypass a short distance from Youghal Bridge over the River Blackwater estuary.
The 28-year-old driver was critically injured when his vehicle went out of control and crashed into a concrete bridge support.
He was treated at the scene by paramedics and airlifted to Cork University Hospital by an Irish Coast Guard helicopter.
However, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Fashion designer was remanded for killing his brother
A 23-year-old fashion designer, Olumide Oluniyi, has been remanded in prison by an Ebute Meta Magistrate's Court for allegedly stabbing his half brother, Olabode Odumesi, to death with a broken bottle.
It was learnt that Oluniyi and Odumesi were brothers from the same mother, but different fathers.
They had reportedly gone to the Alamuju Market in Idi-Oro, Mushin area of Lagos on December 3, 2014 to work overnight.
When it was around 11pm, the duo was said to have been embroiled in a disagreement which culminated in a fight.
In a fit of anger, the Odogbolu, Ogun State indigene was said to have grabbed a broken bottle with which he stabbed 26-year-old Odumesi in the chest.
It was learnt that Odumesi bled from the injury, and could not get medical help before giving up the ghost.
The investigating police officer, Inspector Emmanuel Mbilla, said although the Oluniyi, a fashion designer, made confessional statement to the police, there was still need for further investigation.
The charge read, "That you, Olumide Oluniyi, on December 3, 2013, at 11pm, at Alamuju Market, Idi-oro Mushin, Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial District did unlawfully kill one Olabode Odumesi, aged 26 years, by stabbing him with a broken bottle and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011."
The defendant's plea was not taken.
The police prosecutor, Corporal Cyriacus Osuji, applied for his remand in prison pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution.
"The remand application is pursuant to Section 264 of the Administration of Criminal Justice of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011. This will also help us conclude all investigations in the matter and duplicate the case file for the DPP legal advice," he added.
The magistrate, Mrs Badejo Okusanya, granted the remand application of the police prosecutor.
The matter was adjourned to February 5, 2014 for DPP advice.
It was learnt that Oluniyi and Odumesi were brothers from the same mother, but different fathers.
They had reportedly gone to the Alamuju Market in Idi-Oro, Mushin area of Lagos on December 3, 2014 to work overnight.
When it was around 11pm, the duo was said to have been embroiled in a disagreement which culminated in a fight.
In a fit of anger, the Odogbolu, Ogun State indigene was said to have grabbed a broken bottle with which he stabbed 26-year-old Odumesi in the chest.
It was learnt that Odumesi bled from the injury, and could not get medical help before giving up the ghost.
The investigating police officer, Inspector Emmanuel Mbilla, said although the Oluniyi, a fashion designer, made confessional statement to the police, there was still need for further investigation.
The charge read, "That you, Olumide Oluniyi, on December 3, 2013, at 11pm, at Alamuju Market, Idi-oro Mushin, Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial District did unlawfully kill one Olabode Odumesi, aged 26 years, by stabbing him with a broken bottle and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011."
The defendant's plea was not taken.
The police prosecutor, Corporal Cyriacus Osuji, applied for his remand in prison pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution.
"The remand application is pursuant to Section 264 of the Administration of Criminal Justice of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011. This will also help us conclude all investigations in the matter and duplicate the case file for the DPP legal advice," he added.
The magistrate, Mrs Badejo Okusanya, granted the remand application of the police prosecutor.
The matter was adjourned to February 5, 2014 for DPP advice.
Apple set to signs iPhone deal with China Mobile
US technology giant Apple has signed a deal to bring its iPhone to China Mobile – the world's largest carrier.
The Chinese firm has more than 760 million subscribers and was one of three networks to be awarded China's first 4G licences earlier this month.
Apple has been looking to boost its sales in China, the world's largest smartphone market, but has struggled amid growing competition from rivals.
The latest deal is expected to help it increase its market share.
"China is an extremely important market for Apple," Tim Cook, Apple chief executive, said in a statement.
"Our partnership with China Mobile presents us the opportunity to bring iPhone to the customers of the world's largest network."
Earlier this year, Mr Cook said he expected China to replace North America as Apple's largest source of revenue. The iPhone is the firm's most important product in terms of earnings power.
China is the world's biggest smartphone-using country, with 1.2 billion users.
US technology giant Apple has signed a deal to bring its iPhone to China Mobile – the world's largest carrier.
The Chinese firm has more than 760 million subscribers and was one of three networks to be awarded China's first 4G licences earlier this month.
Apple has been looking to boost its sales in China, the world's largest smartphone market, but has struggled amid growing competition from rivals.
The latest deal is expected to help it increase its market share.
"China is an extremely important market for Apple," Tim Cook, Apple chief executive, said in a statement.
"Our partnership with China Mobile presents us the opportunity to bring iPhone to the customers of the world's largest network."
Earlier this year, Mr Cook said he expected China to replace North America as Apple's largest source of revenue. The iPhone is the firm's most important product in terms of earnings power.
China is the world's biggest smartphone-using country, with 1.2 billion users.
Nevertheless, analysts say the deal has huge potential. Cantor Fitzgerald Research estimates that Apple could sell 24 million iPhones next year to China Mobile customers alone.
Apple sold 102.4 million iPhones globally in the nine months to September this year.
Previously, China Mobile subscribers have not been able to use Apple's iPhone, because the firm's 3G technology was not compatible with Apple handsets.
However, its 4G network will work with the iPhone 5s and 5c.
"This is one of the biggest partnership announcements Apple has made in the past several years," Manoj Menon, managing director of consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, told the BBC.
"It gives them access to more than 10% of the global mobile phone users. It is an incredible growth opportunity for Apple."
However, he added that in order to fully realise the potential of the deal, Apple may need to introduce even more affordable phone models.
The iPhone 5s and 5c will be available to China Mobile subscribers from 17 January.
The Chinese firm has more than 760 million subscribers and was one of three networks to be awarded China's first 4G licences earlier this month.
Apple has been looking to boost its sales in China, the world's largest smartphone market, but has struggled amid growing competition from rivals.
The latest deal is expected to help it increase its market share.
"China is an extremely important market for Apple," Tim Cook, Apple chief executive, said in a statement.
"Our partnership with China Mobile presents us the opportunity to bring iPhone to the customers of the world's largest network."
Earlier this year, Mr Cook said he expected China to replace North America as Apple's largest source of revenue. The iPhone is the firm's most important product in terms of earnings power.
China is the world's biggest smartphone-using country, with 1.2 billion users.
US technology giant Apple has signed a deal to bring its iPhone to China Mobile – the world's largest carrier.
The Chinese firm has more than 760 million subscribers and was one of three networks to be awarded China's first 4G licences earlier this month.
Apple has been looking to boost its sales in China, the world's largest smartphone market, but has struggled amid growing competition from rivals.
The latest deal is expected to help it increase its market share.
"China is an extremely important market for Apple," Tim Cook, Apple chief executive, said in a statement.
"Our partnership with China Mobile presents us the opportunity to bring iPhone to the customers of the world's largest network."
Earlier this year, Mr Cook said he expected China to replace North America as Apple's largest source of revenue. The iPhone is the firm's most important product in terms of earnings power.
China is the world's biggest smartphone-using country, with 1.2 billion users.
Nevertheless, analysts say the deal has huge potential. Cantor Fitzgerald Research estimates that Apple could sell 24 million iPhones next year to China Mobile customers alone.
Apple sold 102.4 million iPhones globally in the nine months to September this year.
Previously, China Mobile subscribers have not been able to use Apple's iPhone, because the firm's 3G technology was not compatible with Apple handsets.
However, its 4G network will work with the iPhone 5s and 5c.
"This is one of the biggest partnership announcements Apple has made in the past several years," Manoj Menon, managing director of consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, told the BBC.
"It gives them access to more than 10% of the global mobile phone users. It is an incredible growth opportunity for Apple."
However, he added that in order to fully realise the potential of the deal, Apple may need to introduce even more affordable phone models.
The iPhone 5s and 5c will be available to China Mobile subscribers from 17 January.
President Goodluck has finally replied former president Obj
His Excellency,
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR
Agbe L'Oba House, Quarry Road,
Ibara, Abeokuta.
I wish to formally acknowledge your letter dated December 2, 2013 and other previous correspondence similar to it.
You will recall that all the letters were brought to me by hand. Although both of us discussed some of the issues in those letters, I had not, before now, seen the need for any formal reply since, to me, they contained advice from a former President to a serving President. Obviously, you felt differently because in your last letter, you complained about my not acknowledging or replying your previous letters. Continue…
It is with the greatest possible reluctance that I now write this reply. I am most uneasy about embarking on this unprecedented and unconventional form of open communication between me and a former leader of our country because I know that there are more acceptable and dignified means of doing so.
But I feel obliged to reply your letter for a number of reasons: one, you formally requested for a reply and not sending you one will be interpreted as ignoring a former President.
Secondly, Nigerians know the role you have played in my political life and given the unfortunate tone of your letter, clearly, the grapes have gone sour. Therefore, my side of the story also needs to be told.
The third reason why I must reply you in writing is that your letter is clearly a threat to national security as it may deliberately or inadvertently set the stage for subversion.
The fourth reason for this reply is that you raised very weighty issues, and since the letter has been made public, Nigerians are expressing legitimate concerns. A response from me therefore, becomes very necessary.
The fifth reason is that this letter may appear in biographies and other books which political commentators on Nigeria's contemporary politics may write. It is only proper for such publications to include my comments on the issues raised in your letter.
Sixthly, you are very unique in terms of the governance of this country. You were a military Head of State for three years and eight months, and an elected President for eight years. That means you have been the Head of Government of Nigeria for about twelve years. This must have, presumably, exposed you to a lot of information. Thus when you make a statement, there is the tendency for people to take it seriously.
The seventh reason is that the timing of your letter coincided with other vicious releases. The Speaker of the House of Representatives spoke of my "body language" encouraging corruption. A letter written to me by the CBN Governor alleging that NNPC, within a period of 19 months did not remit the sum of USD49.8 billion to the federation account, was also deliberately leaked to the public.
The eighth reason is that it appears that your letter was designed to incite Nigerians from other geopolitical zones against me and also calculated to promote ethnic disharmony. Worse still, your letter was designed to instigate members of our Party, the PDP, against me.
The ninth reason is that your letter conveys to me the feeling that landmines have been laid for me. Therefore, Nigerians need to have my response to the issues raised before the mines explode.
The tenth and final reason why my reply is inevitable is that you have written similar letters and made public comments in reference to all former Presidents and Heads of Government starting from Alhaji Shehu Shagari and these have instigated different actions and reactions. The purpose and direction of your letter is distinctly ominous, and before it is too late, my clarifications on the issues need to be placed on record.
Let me now comment on the issues you raised. In commenting I wish to crave your indulgence to compare what is happening now to what took place before. This, I believe, will enable Nigerians see things in better perspective because we must know where we are coming from so as to appreciate where we now are, and to allow us clearly map out where we are going.
You raised concerns about the security situation in the country. I assure you that I am fully aware of the responsibility of government for ensuring the security of the lives and property of citizens. My Administration is working assiduously to overcome current national security challenges, the seeds of which were sown under previous administrations. There have been some setbacks; but certainly there have also been great successes in our efforts to overcome terrorism and insurgency.
Those who continue to down-play our successes in this regard, amongst whom you must now be numbered, appear to have conveniently forgotten the depths to which security in our country had plunged before now.
At a stage, almost the entire North-East of Nigeria was under siege by insurgents. Bombings of churches and public buildings in the North and the federal capital became an almost weekly occurrence. Our entire national security apparatus seemed nonplussed and unable to come to grips with the new threat posed by the berthing of terrorism on our shores.
But my administration has since brought that very unacceptable situation under significant control. We have overhauled our entire national security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, training, funding, logistical support to our armed forces and security agencies, and security collaboration with friendly countries with very visible and positive results.
The scope and impact of terrorist operations have been significantly reduced and efforts are underway to restore full normalcy to the most affected North Eastern region and initiate a post-crisis development agenda, including a special intervention programme to boost the region's socio-economic progress.
In doing all this, we have kept our doors open for dialogue with the insurgents and their supporters through efforts such as the work of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and the Peaceful Resolution of the Security Challenges in the North-East. You also know that the Governor of Borno State provided the items you mentioned to me as carrots. Having done all this and more, it is interesting that you still accuse me of not acting on your hardly original recommendation that the carrot and stick option be deployed to solve the Boko Haram problem.
Your suggestion that we are pursuing a "war against violence without understanding the root causes of the violence and applying solutions to deal with all the underlying factors" is definitely misplaced because from the onset of this administration, we have been implementing a multifaceted strategy against militancy, insurgency and terrorism that includes poverty alleviation, economic development, education and social reforms.
Even though basic education is the constitutional responsibility of States, my administration has, as part of its efforts to address ignorance and poor education which have been identified as two of the factors responsible for making some of our youth easily available for use as cannon fodder by insurgents and terrorists, committed huge funds to the provision of modern basic education schools for the Almajiri in several Northern States. The Federal Government under my leadership has also set up nine additional universities in the Northern States and three in the Southern States in keeping with my belief that proper education is the surest way of emancipating and empowering our people.
More uncharitable persons may even see a touch of sanctimoniousness in your new belief in the carrot and stick approach to overcoming militancy and insurgency. You have always referred to how you hit Odi in Bayelsa State to curb militancy in the Niger Delta. If the invasion of Odi by the Army was the stick, I did not see the corresponding carrot. I was the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State then, and as I have always told you, the invasion of Odi did not solve any militancy problem but, to some extent, escalated it. If it had solved it, late President Yar'Adua would not have had to come up with the amnesty program. And while some elements of the problem may still be there, in general, the situation is reasonably better.
In terms of general insecurity in the country and particularly the crisis in the Niger Delta, 2007 was one of the worst periods in our history. You will recall three incidents that happened in 2007 which seemed to have been orchestrated to achieve sinister objectives. Here in Abuja, a petrol tanker loaded with explosives was to be rammed into the INEC building. But luckily for the country, an electric pole stopped the tanker from hitting the INEC building. It is clear that this incident was meant to exploit the general sense of insecurity in the nation at the time to achieve the aim of stopping the 2007 elections. It is instructive that you, on a number of occasions, alluded to this fact.
When that incident failed, an armed group invaded Yenagoa one evening with the intent to assassinate me. Luckily for me, they could not. They again attacked and bombed my country home on a night when I was expected in the village. Fortunately, as God would have it, I did not make the trip.
I recall that immediately after both incidents, I got calls expressing the concern of Abuja. But Baba, you know that despite the apparent concern of Abuja, no single arrest was ever made. I was then the Governor of Bayelsa State and the PDP Vice-Presidential candidate. The security people ordinarily should have unraveled the assassination attempt on me.
You also raised the issues of kidnapping, piracy and armed robbery. These are issues all Nigerians, including me are very concerned about. While we will continue to do our utmost best to reduce all forms of criminality to the barest minimum in our country, it is just as well to remind you that the first major case of kidnapping for ransom took place around 2006. And the Boko Haram crisis dates back to 2002. Goodluck Jonathan was not the President of the country then. Also, armed robbery started in this country immediately after the civil war and since then, it has been a problem to all succeeding governments. For a former Head of Government, who should know better, to present these problems as if they were creations of the Jonathan Administration is most uncharitable.
Having said that, let me remind you of some of the things we have done to curb violent crime in the country. We have reorganized the Nigerian Police Force and appointed a more dynamic leadership to oversee its affairs. We have also improved its manpower levels as well as funding, training and logistical support.
We have also increased the surveillance capabilities of the Police and provided its air-wing with thrice the number of helicopters it had before the inception of the present administration. The National Civil Defence and Security Corps has been armed to make it a much more effective ally of the police and other security agencies in the war against violent crime. At both domestic and international levels, we are doing everything possible to curb the proliferation of the small arms and light weapons with which armed robberies, kidnappings and piracy are perpetrated. We have also enhanced security at our borders to curb cross-border crimes.
We are aggressively addressing the challenge of crude oil theft in collaboration with the state Governors. In addition, the Federal Government has engaged the British and US governments for their support in the tracking of the proceeds from the purchase of stolen crude. Similarly, a regional Gulf of Guinea security strategy has been initiated to curb crude oil theft and piracy.
Perhaps the most invidious accusation in your letter is the allegation that I have placed over one thousand Nigerians on a political watch list, and that I am training snipers and other militia to assassinate people. Baba, I don't know where you got that from but you do me grave injustice in not only lending credence to such baseless rumours, but also publicizing it. You mentioned God seventeen times in your letter. Can you as a Christian hold the Bible and say that you truly believe this allegation?
The allegation of training snipers to assassinate political opponents is particularly incomprehensible to me. Since I started my political career as a Deputy Governor, I have never been associated with any form of political violence. I have been a President for over three years now, with a lot of challenges and opposition mainly from the high and mighty. There have certainly been cases of political assassination since the advent of our Fourth Republic, but as you well know, none of them occurred under my leadership.
Regarding the over one thousand people you say are on a political watch list, I urge you to kindly tell Nigerians who they are and what agencies of government are "watching" them. Your allegation that I am using security operatives to harass people is also baseless. Nigerians are waiting for your evidence of proof. That was an accusation made against previous administrations, including yours, but it is certainly not my style and will never be. Again, if you insist on the spurious claim that some of your relatives and friends are being harassed, I urge you to name them and tell Nigerians what agencies of my administration are harassing them.
I also find it difficult to believe that you will accuse me of assisting murderers, or assigning a presidential delegation to welcome a murderer. This is a most unconscionable and untrue allegation. It is incumbent on me to remind you that I am fully conscious of the dictates of my responsibilities to God and our dear nation. It is my hope that devious elements will not take advantage of your baseless allegation to engage in brazen and wanton assassination of high profile politicians as before, hiding under the alibi your "open letter" has provided for them.
Nevertheless, I have directed the security agencies and requested the National Human Rights Commission to carry out a thorough investigation of these criminal allegations and make their findings public.
That corruption is an issue in Nigeria is indisputable. It has been with us for many years. You will recall that your kinsman, the renowned afro-beat maestro, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti famously sang about it during your first stint as Head of State. Sonny Okosun also sang about corruption. And as you may recall, a number of Army Generals were to be retired because of corruption before the Dimka coup. Also, the late General Murtala Mohammed himself wanted to retire some top people in his cabinet on corruption-related issues before he was assassinated. Even in this Fourth Republic, the Siemens and Halliburton scandals are well known.
The seed of corruption in this country was planted a long time ago, but we are doing all that we can to drastically reduce its debilitating effects on national development and progress. I have been strengthening the institutions established to fight corruption. I will not shield any government official or private individual involved in corruption, but I must follow due process in all that I do. And whenever clear cases of corruption or fraud have been established, my administration has always taken prompt action in keeping with the dictates of extant laws and procedures. You cannot claim to be unaware of the fact that several highly placed persons in our country, including sons of some of our party leaders are currently facing trial for their involvement in the celebrated subsidy scam affair. I can hardly be blamed if the wheels of justice still grind very slowly in our country, but we are doing our best to support and encourage the judiciary to quicken
the pace of adjudication in cases of corruption.
Baba, I am amazed that with all the knowledge garnered from your many years at the highest level of governance in our country, you could still believe the spurious allegation contained in a letter written to me by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and surreptitiously obtained by you, alleging that USD49.8 billion, a sum equal to our entire national budget for two years, is "unaccounted for" by the NNPC. Since, as President, you also served for many years as Minister of Petroleum Resources, you very well know the workings of the corporation. It is therefore intriguing that you have made such an assertion. You made a lot of insinuations about oil theft, shady dealings at the NNPC and the NNPC not remitting the full proceeds of oil sales to the of CBN. Now that the main source of the allegations which you rehashed has publicly stated that he was "misconstrued", perhaps you will find it in your heart to apologize for misleading
unwary Nigerians and impugning the integrity of my administration on that score.
Your claim of "Atlantic Oil loading about 130, 000 barrels sold by Shell and managed on behalf of NPDC with no sale proceeds paid into the NPDC account" is also disjointed and baseless because no such arrangement as you described exists between Atlantic Oil and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company. NPDC currently produces about 138, 000 barrels of oil per day from over 7 producing assets. The Crude Oil Marketing Division (COMD) of the NNPC markets all of this production on behalf of NPDC with proceeds paid into NPDC account.
I am really shocked that with all avenues open to you as a former Head of State for the verification of any information you have received about state affairs, you chose to go public with allegations of "high corruption" without offering a shred of supporting evidence. One of your political "sons" similarly alleged recently that he told me of a minister who received a bribe of $250 Million from an oil company and I did nothing about it. He may have been playing from a shared script, but we have not heard from him again since he was challenged to name the minister involved and provide the evidence to back his claim. I urge you, in the same vein, to furnish me with the names, facts and figures of a single verifiable case of the "high corruption" which you say stinks all around my administration and see whether the corrective action you advocate does not follow promptly. And while you are at it, you may also wish to tell Nigerians the true story
of questionable waivers of signature bonuses between 2000 and 2007.
While, by the Grace of God Almighty, I am the first President from a minority group, I am never unmindful of the fact that I was elected leader of the whole of Nigeria and I have always acted in the best interest of all Nigerians. You referred to the divisive actions and inflammatory utterances of some individuals from the South-South and asserted that I have done nothing to call them to order or distance myself from their ethnic chauvinism. Again that is very untrue. I am as committed to the unity of this country as any patriot can be and I have publicly declared on many occasions that no person who threatens other Nigerians or parts of the country is acting on my behalf.
It is very regrettable that in your letter, you seem to place sole responsibility for the ongoing intrigues and tensions in the PDP at my doorstep, and going on from that position, you direct all your appeals for a resolution at me. Baba, let us all be truthful to ourselves, God and posterity. At the heart of all the current troubles in our party and the larger polity is the unbridled jostling and positioning for personal or group advantage ahead of the 2015 general elections. The "bitterness, anger, mistrust, fear and deep suspicion" you wrote about all flow from this singular factor.
It is indeed very unfortunate that the seeming crisis in the party was instigated by a few senior members of the party, including you. But, as leader of the party, I will continue to do my best to unite it so that we can move forward with strength and unity of purpose. The PDP has always recovered from previous crises with renewed vigour and vitality. I am very optimistic that that will be the case again this time. The PDP will overcome any temporary setback, remain a strong party and even grow stronger.
Instigating people to cause problems and disaffection within the party is something that you are certainly familiar with. You will recall that founding fathers of the Party were frustrated out of the Party at a time. Late Chief Sunday Awoniyi was pushed out, Late Chief Solomon Lar left and later came back, Chief Audu Ogbeh and Chief Tom Ikimi also left. Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo left and later came back. In 2005/2006, link-men were sent to take over party structures from PDP Governors in an unveiled attempt to undermine the state governors. In spite of that, the Governors did not leave the Party because nobody instigated and encouraged them to do so.
The charge that I was involved in anti-party activities in governorship elections in Edo, Ondo, Lagos, and Anambra States is also very unfortunate. I relate with all Governors irrespective of political party affiliation but I have not worked against the interest of the PDP. What I have not done is to influence the electoral process to favour our Party. You were definitely never so inclined, since you openly boasted in your letter of how you supported Alhaji Shehu Shagari against Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe and others in the 1979 presidential elections while serving as a military Head of State. You and I clearly differ in this regard, because as the President of Nigeria, I believe it is my duty and responsibility to create a level playing field for all parties and all candidates.
Recalling how the PDP lost in states where we were very strong in 2003 and 2007 such as Edo, Ondo, Imo, Bauchi, Anambra, and Borno, longstanding members of our great party with good memory will also consider the charge of anti-party activities you made against me as misdirected and hugely hypocritical. It certainly was not Goodluck Jonathan's "personal ambition or selfish interest" that caused the PDP to lose the governorship of Ogun State and all its senatorial seats in the last general elections.
You quoted me as saying that I have not told anybody that I will seek another term in office in 2015. You and your ambitious acolytes within the party have clearly decided to act on your conclusion that "only a fool will believe that statement" and embark on a virulent campaign to harass me out of an undeclared candidature for the 2015 presidential elections so as to pave the way for a successor anointed by you.
You will recall that you serially advised me that we should refrain from discussing the 2015 general elections for now so as not to distract elected public officials from urgent task of governance. While you have apparently moved away from that position, I am still of the considered opinion that it would have been best for us to do all that is necessary to refrain from heating up the polity at this time. Accordingly, I have already informed Nigerians that I will only speak on whether or not I will seek a second term when it is time for such declarations. Your claims about discussions I had with you, Governor Gabriel Suswam and others are wrong, but in keeping with my declared stance, I will reserve further comments until the appropriate time.
Your allegation that I asked half a dozen African Presidents to speak to you about my alleged ambition for 2015, is also untrue. I have never requested any African President to discuss with you on my behalf. In our discussion, I mentioned to you that four Presidents told me that they were concerned about the political situation in Nigeria and intended to talk to you about it. So far, only three of them have confirmed to me that they have had any discussion with you. If I made such a request, why would I deny it?
The issue of Buruji Kashamu is one of those lies that should not be associated with a former President. The allegation that I am imposing Kashamu on the South-West is most unfortunate and regrettable. I do not even impose Party officials in my home state of Bayelsa and there is no zone in this country where I have imposed officials. So why would I do so in the South West? Baba, in the light of Buruji????s detailed public response to your "open letter", it will be charitable for you to render an apology to Nigerians and I.
On the issue of investors being scared to come to Nigeria, economic dormancy, and stagnation, I will just refer you to FDI statistics from 2000 to 2013. Within the last three years, Nigeria has emerged as the preferred destination for investments in Africa, driven by successful government policies to attract foreign investors. For the second year running, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Investments (UNCTAD) has ranked Nigeria as the number one destination for investments in Africa, and as having the fourth highest returns in the world.
Today, Nigeria is holding 18 percent of all foreign investments in Africa and 60 percent of all foreign investments in the ECOWAS Sub-Region. Kindly note also that in the seven years between 2000 and 2007 when you were President, Nigeria attracted a total of $24.9 Billion in FDI. As a result of our efforts which you disparage, the country has seen an FDI inflow of $25.7 Billion in just three years which is more than double the FDI that has gone to the second highest African destination. We have also maintained an annual national economic growth rate of close to seven per cent since the inception of this administration. What then, is the justification for your allegation of scared investors and economic dormancy?
Although it was not emphasized in your letter of December 2, 2013, you also conveyed, in previous correspondence, the impression that you were ignorant of the very notable achievements of my administration in the area of foreign relations. It is on record that under my leadership, Nigeria has played a key role in resolving the conflicts in Niger, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Guinea Bissau and others.
The unproductive rivalry that existed between Nigeria and some ECOWAS countries has also been ended under my watch and Nigeria now has better relations with all the ECOWAS countries. At the African Union, we now have a Commissioner at the AU Commission after being without one for so long. We were in the United Nations Security Council for the 2010/2011 Session and we have been voted in again for the 2014/2015 Session. From independence to 2010, we were in the U.N. Security Council only three times but from 2010 to 2015, we will be there two times.
This did not happen by chance. My Administration worked hard for it and we continue to maintain the best possible relations with all centres of global political and economic power. I find it hard therefore, to believe your assertions of untoward concern in the international community over the state of governance in Nigeria
With respect to the Brass and Olokola LNG projects, you may have forgotten that though you started these projects, Final Investment Decisions were never reached. For your information, NNPC has not withdrawn from either the Olokola or the Brass LNG projects.
On the Rivers State Water Project, you were misled by your informant. The Federal Government under my watch has never directed or instructed the Africa Development Bank to put on hold any project to be executed in Rivers state or any other State within the Federation. The Rivers Water Project was not originally in the borrowing plan but it was included in April 2013 and appraised in May. Negotiations are ongoing with the AfDB. I have no doubt that you are familiar with the entire process that prefaces the signing of a Subsidiary Loan Agreement as in this instance.
Let me assure you and all Nigerians that I do not engage in negative political actions and will never, as President, oppress the people of a State or deprive them of much needed public services as a result of political disagreement
I have noted your comments on the proposed National Conference. Contrary to the insinuation in your letter, the proposed conference is aimed at bringing Nigerians together to resolve contentious national issues in a formal setting. This is a sure way of promoting greater national consensus and unity, and not a recipe for "disunity, confusion and chaos" as you alleged in your letter.
Having twice held the high office of President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I trust that you will understand that I cannot possibly find the time to offer a line-by-line response to all the accusations and allegations made in your letter while dealing with other pressing demands of office and more urgent affairs of state.
I have tried, however, to respond to only the most serious of the charges which question my sincerity, personal honour, and commitment to the oath which I have sworn, to always uphold and protect the interests of all Nigerians, and promote their well-being.
In closing, let me state that you have done me grave injustice with your public letter in which you wrongfully accused me of deceit, deception, dishonesty, incompetence, clannishness, divisiveness and insincerity, amongst other ills.
I have not, myself, ever claimed to be all-knowing or infallible, but I have never taken Nigeria or Nigerians for granted as you implied, and I will continue to do my utmost to steer our ship of state towards the brighter future to which we all aspire.
Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration and warm regards.
GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN
Akwa-Ibom gathers the largest assembly of carol singers in the World
'Fast & Furious 7' to be released in April 2015
He posted a message and photograph on Facebook that showed the last scene he and Paul Walker filmed together.
"There was a unique sense of completion, of pride we shared... in the film we were now completing... the magic captured... and, in just how far we've come...," Diesel wrote, announcing a new release date for the film -- April 10, 2015.
The movie had been scheduled for a July 2014 release, but production was put on hold following Walker's sudden death.
Walker, 40, and the rest of the "Fast & Furious" cast were on a short break for Thanksgiving when he stepped into a red 2005 Porsche Carerra GT for a short ride around a Santa Clarita, California, business park.
Investigators believe the car, driven by Walker's friend, was speeding when it clipped a light pole and was engulfed in flames, killing both men.
Walker's ex-cop character, Brian O'Conner, was central to five of the first six "Fast & Furious" stories, and his death left the future of the next film in doubt.
Millions of dollars are at stake, considering the franchise has sold $2.6 billion in tickets around the world since 2001.
Friday, 20 December 2013
Katy Perry Gave Up Alcohol for Three Months
"You know, I did a lot of different things," she told Carr, according to the Daily Mail. "I surrounded myself with my good friends, I did this whole cleanse where I didn't have any alcohol for three months -- that was devastating -- I did vitamins and supplements, and hikes and meditation and prayer."
Ultimately, there wasn't any one particular thing that helped her move on. "I think at the end of it all, as much as the things I did, I think there was something cosmically happening that was looking out for me in some ways," she said. "But I was putting my best positive foot forward."
That positivity didn't come easy, though. "It's fun to laugh at it now. It wasn't fun to laugh at it then," the "Who You Love" songstress told Carr. "You know, I was going through a period where a lot of negative thoughts were entering my mind. Obviously they did not succeed, but I had my confidence kind of beaten down."
That period of her life -- and how she bounced back -- inspired her new album, Prism. "It's a record of me going inside, and [doing] a lot of self-reflection, and figuring out, like, 'Where can I make areas of myself better, or what responsibility can I take?'" she explained. "Rather than pointing the finger and saying, 'You're the problem,' or 'You're the reason for all my problems,' or 'You're awful; my life is awful,' I go, 'Okay, how can I fix this?' So yeah, it was not fun."
Perry has come a long way since then. She's now in a long-term relationship with fellow musician John Mayer, her duet partner on "Who You Love."
"We have a lot of fun," she told Ellen DeGeneres of their relationship on Dec. 20. "We have music as an understanding and love between each other and we connect. It's like he understands what I do because he does the same thing. And so after a long day, if it's been tough, I don't really have to go into it. He just gets it. So it's nice with that understanding."
'Harry Potter' play coming to British
Author J.K. Rowling has announced she is developing a play based on her "Harry Potter" stories. According to her website, Rowling is working in collaboration with award-winning producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender on the project.
"Over the years I have received countless approaches about turning Harry Potter into a theatrical production, but Sonia and Colin's vision was the only one that really made sense to me, and which had the sensitivity, intensity and intimacy I thought appropriate for bringing Harry's story to the stage," Rowling said in a statement.
"After a year in gestation it is exciting to see this project moving on to the next phase. I'd like to thank Warner Bros. for their continuing support in this project."
Rowling will reportedly be a producer of the play and work with a writer, but she will not be writing the play. The story will follow Potter in his early years as an orphan.
Directors and writers for the play, which will go into development in 2014, are currently being considered.
Thursday, 19 December 2013
Nearly 1,000 killed in 2 days in CAR
War crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed in the country, Amnesty International said.
"Crimes that have been committed include extrajudicial executions, mutilation of bodies, intentional destruction of religious buildings such as mosques, and the forced displacement of massive numbers of people," said Christian Mukosa, Amnesty International's Central Africa expert.
The country has seen violence and chaos since the Muslim-backed Seleka militia and other rebel groups from the marginalized northeast seized the capital Bangui in March. President Francios Bozize fled to Cameroon, and Michel Djotodia, who had been one of the Seleka leaders, made himself President.
Djotodia later officially disbanded the Seleka, but as many as 15,000 kept their arms and instead continued to wreak havoc in Bangui and elsewhere. They mainly targeted Christian communities, which in turn formed their own vigilante group, the anti-balaka (literally "anti-machete").
Anti-balaka forces staged an early morning attack in the capital on December 5, going door to door in some neighborhoods and killing approximately 60 Muslim men, Amnesty International said.
De facto government forces, known as ex-Seleka, retaliated against Christians, killing nearly 1,000 men over a two-day period, according to the rights group. A small number of women and children also were killed.
In a statement, Amnesty International called for the deployment of a "robust" U.N. peacekeeping force, with a mandate to protect civilians, and enough resources to do so effectively.
"The continuing violence, the extensive destruction of property, and the forced displacement of the population in Bangui are feeding enormous anger, hostility and mistrust," said Mukosa.
"There can be no prospect of ending the cycle of violence until the militias are disarmed and there is proper and effective protection for the thousands of civilians at risk in the country. Residential neighborhoods must be made safe as an urgent priority in order to allow people to go back to their homes and resume their normal lives."
Pastor docked over sexual assault
28-year–old pastor, Chibuike Israel, yesterday, appeared before an Ejigbo Magistrate's Court in Lagos, over alleged unlawful carnal knowledge and stealing.
The accused, who resides at the Ijegun area of Lagos, is facing three-count charge of sexual assault, stealing and obtaining by false pretences.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Femi Adeleye, told the court that the accused committed the offences sometime in August at 4, Ojorubutu St;, Kudeyibu, Ijegun, a suburb of Lagos.
Adeleye said the accused unlawfully had sex with his victim (name withheld), when she was nine months pregnant for another man.
He added that the accused also unlawfully obtained N250 from her under false pretence.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravene Sections 250, 263 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The counsel to the accused, Mrs Jacint Ogbedele, pleaded with the court to grant her client bail in the most liberal terms.
The Magistrate, Mr P. E. Nwaka, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to February 10, 2014.
The accused, who resides at the Ijegun area of Lagos, is facing three-count charge of sexual assault, stealing and obtaining by false pretences.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Femi Adeleye, told the court that the accused committed the offences sometime in August at 4, Ojorubutu St;, Kudeyibu, Ijegun, a suburb of Lagos.
Adeleye said the accused unlawfully had sex with his victim (name withheld), when she was nine months pregnant for another man.
He added that the accused also unlawfully obtained N250 from her under false pretence.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravene Sections 250, 263 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The counsel to the accused, Mrs Jacint Ogbedele, pleaded with the court to grant her client bail in the most liberal terms.
The Magistrate, Mr P. E. Nwaka, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to February 10, 2014.
Wednesday, 18 December 2013
Kelly Sexual Assault Allegations Revealed in Graphic, Stomach-Churning
Those videos depicted R&B star R. Kelly engaging in sexual acts with underage girls.
Now the host of the syndicated public radio show and a professor at Columbia College, DeRogatis didn't just break the story that shocked the nation.
He did the only significant reporting on the accusations against Kelly, interviewing hundreds of people over the years, including dozens of women.
Women whose lives DeRogatis says were ruined by Kelly, who went unpunished.
R. Kelly Sexual Assault Allegations
This summer, leading up to Kelly's headlining performance at the Pitchfork Music Festival, DeRogatis posted a series of discussions about Kelly's career.
He published a live review of the singer's festival set that was an indictment of Pitchfork and its audience for essentially endorsing a man he calls "a monster."
In the two weeks since Kelly released his album Black Panties, the conversation about him and why he gets a pass from the media has been rekindled.
As part of an exhaustive interview with the Village Voice, DeRogatis gave access to every file and transcript he has collected in reporting this story.
DeRogatis speaks frankly when he opines that "the saddest fact I've learned is nobody matters less to our society than young black women. Nobody."
"Being a beat reporter, music critic at a Chicago daily, the Sun-Times, R. Kelly was a huge story for me," he recalls. "I interviewed him a number of times."
"This guy who rose from not graduating from Kenwood Academy, singing at backyard barbecues and on the El, to suddenly selling millions of records."
He wrote in a review that the jarring thing about Kelly is that "one moment he wants to be riding you" and "then next minute he's on his knees, crying."
Watching Kelly's overtly sexual performances juxtaposed with "praying to his dead mother for forgiveness for his unnamed sins ... it's a little weird at times."
The next day at the Sun-Times, an anonymous fax came claiming R. Kelly had been under investigation for years by the sex crimes unit of the Chicago police.
His first thought was a dismissive "player-hater." But there were rumors from the beginning that Kelly likes them young, so DeRogatis did some digging.
What he found were lawsuits (multiple) "that were explosive" and extremely, graphically detailed and "didn't understand why nobody had reported them."
"They were stomach-churning. The one young woman, 14 or 15 when R. Kelly began a relationship with her, detailed in great length a sexual relationship that began at Kenwood Academy."
"He would go to Lina McLin's gospel choir class. She's a legend in Chicago, gospel royalty. He would go to her sophomore class and hook up with girls afterward and have sex with them."
"Sometimes buy them a pair of sneakers. Sometimes just letting them hang out in his presence in the recording studio. She detailed the sexual relationship that she was scarred by."
"It lasted about one and a half to two years, and then he dumped her and she slit her wrists, tried to kill herself. Other girls were involved."
"She recruited other girls. He picked up other girls and made them all have sex together. A level of specificity that was pretty disgusting."
Her lawsuit was hundreds of pages long, and Kelly counter-sued, denying everything. The lawsuits, the two that he had found initially, had been settled.
Kelly paid the women and their families money and the settlements were sealed by the court. But of course, the initial lawsuits are public record.
The shocking part? Having videos sent to him next.
"These were dozens of girls - not one, not two, dozens - with harrowing lawsuits," he says. "There are videotapes. Not just one videotape, numerous videotapes."
"Not Tommy Lee/Pam Anderson, [Kim Kardashian sex tape] fun videos. You watch the video for which he was indicted and there is the disembodied look of the rape victim."
"He orders her to call him Daddy. He urinates in her mouth and instructs her at great length on how to position herself to receive his 'gift.'"
"It's a rape that you're watching. So we're not talking about rock star misbehavior, which men or women can do. We're talking about predatory behavior."
"Their lives were ruined. Read the lawsuits! There was a young woman that he picked up on the evening of her prom. The relationship lasted a year and a half or two years."
"Impregnated her, paid for her abortion, had his goons drive her."
"None of which she wanted. She sued him. The saddest fact I've learned is: Nobody matters less to our society than young black women. Nobody."
"They have any complaint about the way they are treated."
They are 'bitches, hos, and gold-diggers,' plain and simple. Kelly never misbehaved with a single white girl who sued him or that we know of."
"Mark Anthony Neal, the African-American scholar, makes this point: one white girl in Winnetka and the story would have been different."
"No, it was young black girls and all of them settled. They settled because they felt they could get no justice whatsoever. They didn't have a chance."
"These girls feared for their lives. They feared for the safety of their families. And these people talked to me not because I'm super reporter."
"We rang a lot of doorbells on the South and West sides, and people were eager to talk about this guy, because they wanted him to stop!"
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