BOSSTYCOONZ

Tragedy In Benue: 47 Die In Boat Mishap, Tiv, Fulani Clash

  December 28, 2013

No fewer than 47 persons were feared dead in two separate incidents in Benue in what appeared to be a bloody yuletide in the state following a clash between Fulani herdsmen and native Tiv farmers at Agasha and a boat mishap on River Buruku, in Buruku local government area.
Seven persons lost their lives at Agasha, Guma local government area of the state in a fresh skirmish between the natives and Fulani herdsmen, according to Saturday Vanguard.
The crisis, yesterday, had started on Christmas day and has left seven persons dead while property and farmland worth millions of Naira had been destroyed.
“The crisis started just few days to Christmas when the herdsmen invaded Nzorov and Gbajimba and from there they moved to Agasha, burning and destroying anything in sight.
“About seven person may have so far been killed in the fighting, we are yet to account for some missing persons, but in the next few days, we should be able to come out with an authentic figure of the dead,” the source added.
Meanwhile, about 40 persons were feared dead in a Boxing Day boat tragedy at River Buruku when the wooden boat conveying them across the river capsized at the middle of the river.
According to an eyewitness, the victims of the mishap were young fun seekers; “They met their untimely death while returning from a picnic on the other side of the river.
“When they arrived the boarding point at about 8pm yesterday, most of them were drunk, they boarded the canoe and jam packed themselves in the wooden boat against the advise of everyone including the driver that conveyed them.
“Unfortunately, the canoe could not make it to the other side of the river, it capsized at the middle of the river; as I speak to you, bodies of most of the victims are yet to be recovered from the river,” the eyewitness said.
Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Superintendent, DSP, Daniel Ezeala said seven persons died in the Guma crisis, but pointed out that he was yet to get the full details of the Buruku boat mishap.

BOSSTYCOONZ

Transformation: No More Potholes On Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, Says FERMA

  December 28, 2013

All dangerous potholes on the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway have been repaired, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has said.

The Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer (FRME) in charge of Kaduna, Engineer Sani Abdulkadir, who made this known in Kaduna, said that the agency is closely monitoring the roads in line with the statutory responsibilities of the agency.
“We have been consistently working especially on major dual carriage ways. From Kaduna to Abuja and from Kaduna to Zaria and up to Kano, if you see any pothole now [it] is a newly developed one and it must be minor”, he said.

BOSSTYCOONZ

Christmas Celebration Marred By Power Outage In Most Parts Of Lagos, Residents Say

  December 27, 2013

Many residents of the Lagos metropolis celebrated this year’s Christmas in darkness, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

Visits to Mile 12, Ketu, Ojota, Maryland, Palmgrove, Onikpanu, Bariga, Lagos Island, Oshodi/Isolo, Apapa, Munshi, Iyana Oworo neighbourhoods of Lagos revealed the areas had been experiencing a blackout since December 25.
Some of the residents expressed displeasure at the failure of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to supply stable electricity under the existing arrangements.
Ayo Adeyinka, a resident of Mushin, said that the privatisation of the power sector had not been beneficial to the citizens in spite of the government’s efforts to make things work.
“We have never seen it like this before. There was light on December24, although it was on and off till 7 a.m. on the Christmas day.
“Since that time, up till this morning, we have not seen light in any part of this area,’’ he said.
A resident of Ketu, Sunday Olarewaju, noted that the PHCN management had not given any explanation for the prevailing blackout.
“We do not know if PHCN workers are on strike or not.
“In our usual way, we have checked the transformers and moved round but there is no sign that a major fault was responsible for the blackout,” he said.
Mr. Olarewaju said that the residents’ representatives were planning to go to the nearest PHCN office to demand an explanation for the blackout.
Adeloju Shokoya, a resident of Lagos Island, expressed regret that he and his family had a “harrowing experience celebrating Christmas without electricity.
“If there is light, you will not meet most of us outside; we would have been somewhere else watching films or football matches.
“I have been on generator since Christmas Day with the hope that PHCN would soon restore electricity supply. Up till this morning, we have not seen even the normal flashing they give us at times,” he said.
Another Lagos Island resident, Adetola Williams, however, said that the people would continue to enjoy themselves, whether there was light or not.
“PHCN or no PHCN; man must enjoy himself. Yesterday, we were outside drinking and we used generators to power our musical sets in order to enjoy ourselves.
“From the look of things, we may do the same again today; because l don’t understand this PHCN palaver anymore.
“You know they do what they like but they cannot spoil our enjoyment and merriment in this Christmas period,” he said.
When a correspondent visited some PHCN district offices in Ketu, Lagos Island and Fadeyi; only security men were on duty.
However, it was gathered from the security men that the workers were not on strike but they were not certain if a major fault had been responsible for the blackout.

BOSSTYCOONZ

Police Kill Suspected Kidnappers In Delta

  December 27, 2013

A gun battle between policemen and members of a kidnapping gang operating in Lagos, Ondo, Edo and Delta State has led to the death of four suspected kidnappers.
In a statement in Asaba, Acting Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Charles Muka, said the kidnappers were recruited by two natives of Oghara community to kidnap a prominent son of the community.
He gave their names as Ebi Ngboroko, John Lahuru, Emmanuel Omorege and Rufus Tamaraini.
He said: “Sequel to the information, detectives were mobilised to the scene and arrested four inter-state kidnappers who operated in Lagos, Ondo, Edo and Delta states.
“The suspects were later transferred to special anti-kidnapping squad, Asaba for further investigation where they confessed and volunteered to lead operatives to their criminal camp at Ologbo in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State for more arrest.
“However, the operatives ran into an ambush near the camp laid by the suspects’ cohorts and in the ensuing gun battle, the suspects sustained gun wounds and were rushed to the hospital for treatment where they were confirmed dead.”
According to him, two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines, one Rover with registration NE 157 KJA, eight GSM handsets and charms were recovered.
He added that efforts were on to track down the fleeing members of the gang.

BOSSTYCOONZ

Group Faults Obasanjo On Letter To Jonathan

December 27, 2013

A group, Jubilee Democratic Emancipation Group of Nigeria, JUDEG, has warned that the contents of the letter from former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, to President Goodluck Jonathan was capable of disintegrating the country.
Speaking at the end of the year meeting of Gospel Ministers for True Leadership in Benin recently, National Coordinator of the group, Dr. Dele Oluwatade said the letter will either destroy Obasanjo or Jonathan.
He added that Obasanjo had no locus standi and equity to point out problems to a sitting President, since he had most of the problems while in office and did nothing.
“At his age, Chief Obasanjo is supposed to be resting and he is supposed to keep quiet,” Oluwatade said.

BOSSTYCOONZ

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BBA The Chase Winner Dillish, Features In Flavour’s New Music Video For ‘Ikwokrikwo’

Dillish Matthews, winner of $300,000 is not slowing down at all.
The BBA The Chase winner has made her first major video appearance in a music video.
Dillish has made an appearance in Flavour’s upcoming video for Ikwokrikwo which was is a track off his recent album Blessed.
Dillish shared some photos from the shoot.

BOSSTYCOONZ

Big Dawgs: Jude Okoye Joins P Square, Naeto C In South Africa For Channel O Awards

The big dawgs have all come out to play as the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards draws nearer.
The event is scheduled for today with Naeto C and South African rapstar AKA to host the event.
While rumours of a rift between Jude and Peter Okoye is making rounds, the brothers are in South Africa gearing up for the award show tomorrow where they are expected to be handed a special recognition awards.
Bosses!!!
P.S: Are you seeing how fat Naeto C is looking? Haba, do some exercise naaaa

BOSSTYCOONZ

Saheed Balogun Drags Fathia to Court Over Name

Few years ago, Saheed Balogun reportedly said he would soon stop his ex-wife, Fathia Balogun, from using his name.

Saheed was quoted to have said “She is my ex. As for my name that she is still answering, the deed will be done soon. The Nigerian law says that after three or four years, you can do something about it. If somebody wants to keep my name, what of the new person coming in? This has nothing to do with grudges.”
And now, it looks as if Saheed is set to do something about his threat.
A reliable source informed Saturday Beats that the actor had taken his ex to court insisting that she drop his name.
Recall also that Fathia had also reportedly boasted in an interview last year, that nobody could stop her from using her name.
Fathia had said, “I laugh, my name is Fathia Balogun and it’s going to remain Balogun; nobody can ever change that and nobody can stop me from answering that name.”
When Saturday Beats contacted Saheed over the recent development, the actor chose to be evasive.
“I have told you that I don’t like talking about my private life. I will talk about my new project. Go and meet those people telling you about this story,” he said.
Several calls were also made to Fathia Balogun, she didn’t respond. A text message was sent to her, she didn’t respond.

BOSSTYCOONZ

BBG Winner, Karen Igho: Many Men Can’t Handle Fame, They’re Scared

Model and ex-Big Brother Africa winner, Karen Igho tells Ademola Olonilua about her fashion and style.

Do you wear your natural hair at all?
I’d rather rock my natural hair than weaves. Natural hair is easier to maintain than weaves and it is more convenient.
You really love tattoos. Do you think they are fashionable and do they have a meaning?
Yes, I’m a tattoo lover and I have a number of them. I think highly of them. Yes, they have meanings. Meanings I won’t go into because my tattoos are my private life.
To you, is there a clear cut difference between fashion and style?
I believe your style is your fashion. It all depends on how you combine the things you want to wear and matching the right colours and outfits for the right occasion. As for me, I always ensure I wear the dresses; the dresses don’t wear me.
Do you have a fashion weakness?
Shoes! Shoes! Shoes and more shoes! I can never have enough shoes. I have a strong weakness for shoes. I own lots of shoes, a whole lot. My whole house is filled with shoes. I’ve even lost count of the number of shoes I own.
Would you say your celebrity status scares men away from you?
It attracts and it scares men away too. It scares some because not every man can handle or understand fame. It takes a strong and understanding man to be able to be with a female celebrity. The attracting aspect comes from when they just want to be with you because they want to be able to say ‘I’ve been with Karen Igho.’ It takes God’s grace to be able to sift the chaff from the wheat.
Are you in a relationship?
I’m not in any relationship at the moment because I need to concentrate on building my career. I have a lot ahead of me. Love is unpredictable though; if my man comes along the way, then it is all well and good.
What do you admire in a man?
Confidence. If a man is decked up from head to toe in a designer label but lacks confidence, then he is lacking the most important fashion accessory of them all. Arrogance should not be confused for confidence though. There’s a very thin line and it should not be crossed.
You recently became a British citizen, how did it happen?
Yes I did. I lived in the UK for ten years and fulfilled all other necessary requirements to make me a British citizen and I did become one.
Do you intend to leave Nigeria for UK in the near future?
No. I’m still a Nigerian citizen. I’ll forever be a Nigerian. I have Nigerian blood flowing through my veins. I still have my Nigerian passport. Nigeria is my home anytime any day, no matter how far I travel, where I travel to, how long I’m gone for, I always yearn to come back to my fatherland.
What are the challenges you face while building your brand?
It has not been easy but I thank God. We Nigerians find it easy to believe everything we hear about celebrities and some of these false stories can put a dent in anyone’s image or brand. So staying afloat of the scandals and different stories has been by the grace of God.
What are you currently working on?
I’ve been going from one set to another, shooting different movies. Also, the shoot for my reality television show will soon start. I also have a charity event I’m working on.

BOSSTYCOONZ

My Husband and Family Have Been My BEDROCK

MTN Project Fame’s Voice Coach c*m trainer, beautiful Ige Dupe Kachi says music is an integral part of her being. A daughter of an Anglican Priest, Dupe started playing music while she was 7. She joined Project Fame during its second season and she isn’t in a hurry to quit. In this chat, she talks about her music, her family, and concludes that there is more to singing professionally than meets the eye.

“I was a science student while I was in school. But music runs in my family. Though my father was a radical priest. With his influence, we all joined the choir and learnt how to play different musical instruments very early in life. I started playing musical instruments when l was seven years. I must say it wasn’t very easy for me.
“The experience I had developing my talent in music was unbearable. But it worth its while because music has become an integral part of my life. My parents are the type who insist that their wards must study serious courses despite the fact that music runs in the family. So, it was not easy at all because I was a Science student.
“I studied Electrical Engineering. However, despite the fact that I was a science student, I courses in literature. At a point, I was the only female student who was studying music; even though I didn’t sit for the examination. Considering how difficult Elect-Elect was, we were about six to seven female students in my class. Music is an art I so much love. I haven’t forgotten I read Elect-Elect. But for now, music has been a part of my life and that of my family and will forever be.
“I realized that when I was growing up, I had a passion not just for singing but also for teaching. I always liked to teach people when it comes to singing. And most of things I taught people, I learnt them by myself. I have been singing since I was seven years. I started with six classical music pieces. If you want to teach someone the rudiments of music , the best method is to teach that person some classical music or you use the classical music technique because that is the bedrock of all kinds of music.
“I was part of Igwe Laz Ekwueme’s choral group for a very long time. I was also part of late Steve Rhodes Voices. I really wanted to learn, I was very hungry to learn; and at the same time, I was going out to perform. All those experiences were my personal efforts coupled with my passion for helping others.
“When I graduated from the university, and completed my youth service, I got married straight away and started building my family. I didn’t want to rush into anything. I wanted to take my time and study the trend. I am here now in Project Fame West Africa because of the experiences I have gathered over the years. So, I am glad I did.
“Being part of Project Fame is a refreshing experience because I contributed to that person’s success. It is a feeling that you know that anything is possible. Never say never! You can develop your talent if you are committed and determined to do so.
“I have been very careful in all that I’m doing because I didn’t my family to suffer as a result of my desire to be a role model. My family has been my my backbone. I would tell the people that know me as Dupe that it means they have known me all my life. But the ‘Ige’ you watch on television stops when I’m out of the set. I would not let anybody change me. And my husband is my reality check.
“The life on TV is beautiful and glamorous and I am grateful that I’m part of it. But there should be a check on all of us and I have always drawn the line. I made sure that this is who I am. I am truthful, down-to -earth, and that no matter where I go, that’s who I am going to be. That doesn’t mean that when I am walking on the road, I’ll start wearing face caps or dark shades. I also had to always remember that I am a wife and a mother before anything else. It is not an easy journey or exercise but with God, I have been able to manage stardom.”
Ige is a homely woman with a lovely and understanding husband.
“My marriage is blessed with three wonderful boys. My husband has been there for me. Perhaps, without him, I would be saying something else. My husband has been like bedrock for me. He’s been very supportive. In fact, I don’t take him for granted. He is my manager, my song selector, he is all round.

BOSSTYCOONZ

APC Not About Me, Buhari Or Any Of Its Leaders, Says Tinubu

Former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday declared that the All Progressives Congress, APC, is bigger than any individual, including himself and former military head of state, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari and Tinubu have often being touted as the soul of APC and the major force binding the opposition party together, but the former Lagos governor debunked that insinuation insisting that the party is essentially about Nigerians and how they can come together to rescue the country from what he termed ‘inept’ leadership.
He spoke to reporters in Bwari, Abuja on the sideline of the 2012/2013 Call to Bar ceremony of the Nigeria Law School while responding to a question about the significance of the five former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governors joining APC and the implications for Nigeria.
“The APC is not about Tinubu, Buhari or any of its leaders. It is about the nation and how we can come together and work together to rescue Nigeria from inept leadership. The implication is change,” he said.
The APC leader added that, “We want to change the way things are done by working together and investing our ideas. We must change the way we do things. Imagine from the 60’s till date. The cutlass of the 60s cannot be used for farming now. We need leaders that can think outside the box’’.
Describing Nigeria as a blessed nation with talented youths whose potentials must be harnessed for the development of the country, Asiwaju Tinubu said Nigeria needs a democratic revolution that will unleash infrastructural development and massive industrialization.
“The lamentations must stop. After so many years of lamentation with action, we must lead the new resolve to rally for the much needed change our country badly needs’’, Tinubu said, and condemned the hardline stance of the Federal Government to the lingering strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
Specifically reacting to the December 4 deadline given to the striking lecturers to return to their classrooms or risk losing their jobs, he said: “We are not in a military era. The language used shows a government out of tune with the general feelings of Nigerians.
“Nigeria cannot afford to continue to lose her best brains to the diaspora’’.

BOSSTYCOONZ

Fallout Of Anambra Guber Poll: Jega-Led INEC Can’t Conduct Credible 2014 Poll In Osun, Ekiti – Aregbesola

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and the All Progressives Congress in the state have passed a vote-of-no confidence in the Prof. Attahiru Jega–led Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct credible polls in Osun and Ekiti States next year going by the ‘inconclusive’ governorship election in Anambra State.

The party also accused the Federal Government and the INEC of planning to rig the governorship elections to be held in the two Southwest states in 2014.
The governor made this known when he led chieftains and supporters of the party from the Freedom Park in Osogbo, the state capital on Thursday as they marched through major streets in the town to the INEC office where they dropped their protest letter.
Gov. Aregbesola and the state chairman of APC, Adelowo Adebiyi, said that Jega could not be trusted to conduct subsequent elections in the country since he had failed woefully to conduct a credible poll in just one state.
Aregbesola said, “It is significantly illogical for Jega’s INEC to argue that the magnitude of the infractions at the last election in Anambra was not sufficient to cancel the election outright.
“We cannot trust a body with such illogical thinking to do a good job of the next election especially because even the basis of that process – which is the voters register – had been mysteriously mutilated so massively that a considerable number of voters could not find their names on a register that had contained their names at the verification process”.
Speaking in the same vein, Adebiyi said that Jega by the outcome of the Anambra poll had demonstrated gross incompetence to conduct credible elections.
He said that “the shameful conduct” of the INEC in the inconclusive Anambra State governorship election was a pointer to what to be expected from the electoral umpire in coming governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun States.
The chairman, therefore, called on the National Assembly to dissolve INEC and put in place a new electoral body with new leadership to conduct a fresh poll in Anambra State which holds a supplementary election in the state today.

BOSSTYCOONZ

Boko Haram, Crude Oil Theft: Nigerians Need A Competent Person As President

The Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, on Thursday said rising insecurity and crude oil theft in Nigeria is influenced by poverty.

Mr. Amaechi stated this in London during a presentation on “Security and Human Rights in the Niger Delta.”
“We need a Nigerian president who will rule the country as a nation; for instance, the issues of Boko Haram, kidnapping and oil theft are poverty related.”
“When people are not meaningfully engaged, they become willing tools for destruction.”
“Government has to create opportunities for people to be educated and engaged,” he said.
He also stressed the need for government to deal with the issue of impunity, saying “we are talking about oil theft and nobody has gone to jail”.
“If we deal with the issues of impunity and poverty, oil theft will reduce, kidnapping and other crimes will be on the decline; this we can do by collaborating with the local and international communities,” Mr. Amaechi said.
The governor said that his administration had put in place various initiatives and schemes in the areas of agriculture, health and education.
“We have built and equipped 500 primary schools with ICT facility” to empower our youths,” he said.
According to him, providing social security through basic amenities is vital to Nigeria’s development.
Among Mr. Amaechi’s audience were some members of the British House of Commons who suggested the use of surveillance aircraft as a better means of tackling incessant cases of oil theft and bunkering in Nigeria.
They said that better surveillance would ensure direct information gathering on what quantity of oil is being stolen and those involved in the crime.
They said that oil theft, insecurity, and environmental degradation were big challenges which required rapid response and synergies between states and the Federal Government.
The members also noted the increased level of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, saying that the development had made it difficult for seafarers to go to West Africa.
Nigeria has sought assistance of the international community in tackling oil theft by calling for close monitoring and prosecution of companies and individuals involved in the illegal trade.
The event was attended by some Nigerians in the Diaspora and Rivers State students on scholarship scheme in the U.K.
(NAN)

BOSSTYCOONZ

Aninri Constituency By-Election: INEC Presents Certificate Of Return To Ekweremadu In Enugu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday presented Certificate of Return to Chief Mathias Ekweremadu, as Enugu State House of Assembly member-elect for Aninri Constituency.

Ekweremadu (PDP) polled 7,556 votes to defeat his opponent, Mr Collins Obasi of the National Conscience Party (NCP) who polled 117 votes in a by-election conducted on Nov. 23 at the constituency.
Ekweremadu replaced Chief Abel Chukwu who got an appointment at the National Assembly Commission, Abuja.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, in Enugu State, Dr Lawrence Azubuike, said the by-election was conducted following a letter dated Oct. 29, from the Clerk of the assembly which declared Aninri seat vacant.
He said in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, the commission conducted the election within 30 days it received the letter from the assembly.
The commissioner described the election as “free and fair’’, adding that it indicated a return to the high standards of INEC despite the lapses that trailed the Nov. 16 governorship election in Anambra.
“Though the by-election in Aninri was not as complex as that of Anambra, it however, shows the determination of INEC to return to the lofty heights of the past and to meet the high expectations of the people.
“The commission’s leadership remains competent, credible, able and ready to exceed commendable performances recorded in recent elections,’’ he said.
While congratulating the member-elect, Azubuike urged him to use his position to give good representation to the people of his constituency.
In his response, Ekweremadu commended INEC for a peaceful conduct of the by-election, and urged Nigerians to have confidence in the commission despite its challenges.
He promised to impact on the lives of the people of his constituency through people oriented bills and motions in the assembly.
The Chairman of Aninri Local Government, Chief Nwabueze Nwobodo, and the PDP Chairman in the council, Mr Uchechukwu Ogbonna, expressed appreciation at the peaceful conduct of the election.
They urged Ekweremadu to work together with the executive arm and the council in ensuring peace and development of the state. (NAN)

BOSSTYCOONZ

[Opinion] If you are a Nigerian “Go and Die” – Adams Aliu Oshiomole

By Dibie Kingsley Chukwuma

I couldn’t help feeling sorry reading about the apology tendered by Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomole as a result of the social media criticism that greeted his directive to a widow in Benin city the Edo State capital when he directed her to ‘go and die’. Unfortunately, I do not feel sorry for the Governor or his team of advisers who must have advised him to swallow his pride and apologize for the statement, but for the widow in particular and the totality of the Nigerian masses in general.
Watching the video, one would notice how the woman begged the “Comrade -Governor”, lamenting how she had lost her husband who was a police officer and died while serving the nation. At face value, many Nigerians might not understand the implication of the statement as it relates to the issue, but being a Nigerian who knows what it means to live in a country without water, electricity, affordable and available healthcare, food, safe and reliable transportation systems, social security or stable power supply, I think the governor spoke from his heart and only said the expectation of the nation’s political class.
“Go and die” only reflects the condition Nigerians have been put in over the years by our government, and the governor only paraphrases the situation in a statement. Tell me, what better word can reflect the expectations from the demoralizing conditions Nigerians go through every day to make ends meet? When a driver leaves his family in the morning to travel along the Benin – Lagos expressway, what are the chances that he is not going to die? When a University Lecturer travels from Benin to Kano in order to attend a crucial meeting to ensure university students get back to school after 5 months of staying at home, what are the chances he is not going to die by the reckless convoy of the Kogi state Governor? When a policeman says farewell to his wife and children as he goes to serve his country? What are the chances that he doesn’t go to die?
Sarcastically, this widow in this situation is probably a widow whose husband death benefits was stolen by “Alhaji Abdulrasheed Maina and his gang”, thereby leaving her and her children with nothing to fend for themselves. Haven lost their breadwinner, such a situation alone is a directive to her and her children to “go and die” and the governor only reminded her of the needful. So merely saying those words was an interpretation of a situation and an expectation from his part.
It is no news that Nigerians are resilient, hardworking and hopeful even in the mist of total hopelessness. No doubts, we certainly are the happiest people on earth as assumed by some, else, how possible will millions of us live on less than a dollar a day and still smile, tell jokes, play and watch football with so much enthusiasm and Joy? How else will university student be at home for 5 months and not complain? The world decries economic meltdown which has been characterized by suicide attempts and successes by individuals and families in Europe and other parts of the world. Compared to the standard of life in countries like Greece, Italy and Spain where higher rates of suicidal attempts, demonstrations and protest have been the gateway through citizens’ expression of displeasure, Nigerians over the years have found themselves in worse conditions and more frustrating position. But ironically, we never complain demonstration or protest.
Where in America will a “John Yesufu Yakubu” be able to steal 32.8 billion and handed a paltry jail term of 2 years or pay N250, 000 as fine? Or former Governors like Lucky Igbenidion milk their states dry there-by subjecting the people to miserable lifestyles and still get fined Edo 3.5 million naira in a plea bargain deal? So for this widow to start complaining or begging Governor Oshiomole, he was probably astonished and could have interpreted that she was tired of being the kind of Nigerian he knew and the political class expects her to be. One can deduce from the governor’s statement that Nigerians have never complained and should never complain or beg no matter the situation or condition. And when we do, we make them angry and they remind us of their expectation in the first place.
While commending the governor for being courageous to speak his mind in public, likewise the minds of others like him, I sincerely hope that Nigerians understand better now the relationship between us and our politicians regardless of their political party affiliation. Over the last couple of months following the merger of some opposition political parties to form the APC, we have seen politicians like the Edo state Governor criticized many suggestions, initiatives, policies and actions by the ruling party with the aim to win political points, so if the same gesture is replicated by the ruling party officials on this issue of “Go and die’, I honestly hope it shouldn’t be news-worthy to the ordinary Nigerians on the streets. As I desire that they would publicly wash their dirty linens in the coming days, I also believe we have understood their innermost expectation for us to know that whatever the situation we find ourselves, they all expect us not to complain or beg, but to “go and die” if we can’t cope.

BOSSTYCOONZ

Obio/Akpor Council Dissolution: Chairman, Deputy, Others Defy Amaechi’s Order, Vow To Abide By High Court Ruling

OBIO/AKPOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL OCCUPIED BY SECURITY OPERATIVES

The political crisis in Rivers State might not come to an end anytime soon if the resolve of elected officials of Obio/Akpor Local government Council in the state not to obey Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s order dissolving the council is anything to go by.

Amaechi had on Thursday night announced the dissolution of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council through a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. George Feyii but Chairman of the council, Prince Timoth Nsirim, his deputy, Mr Solomon Eke; and the 17 councillors of the council have vowed to remain in office following their reinstatement by a Rivers State High Court ruling on Monday.
In the statement announcing the dissolution of the council in accordance with the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 2 of 2012, Gov. Amaechi directed Nsirim to hand over to the Head of Personnel Management (HPM) of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Mr. Singer Azubuike Singer.
But Nsirim, while speaking to journalists yesterday insisted that he would abide by the court judgment which re-instated him as the chairman of the council.
Adopting a tougher position on why they would not obey the governor’s dissolution order and vacate the secretariat, Vice Chairman, Mr. Solomon Eke, warned Amaechi to stop treating Rivers State like his father’s company.
He said, “Rivers state is not his (Amaechi’s) father’s company; he does not have any say as far as Obio/Akpor is concerned until he gets the court to vacate its order. The court has told him to hands off Obio/Akpor until the elected officers complete their three-year tenure. He should respect the court judgement.
“If he does not obey the court, we cannot obey whatever directives or order he gives. Whatever order he gives on Obio/Akpor will be flouted by us”.
Eke also the so-called Singer, who the chairman was directed to hand-over to, was not known to them and wondered if the head of personnel management was the highest civil servant of the council if at all they were to obey the dissolution order.
According to him, “Singer is not the highest ranking civil servant in the council. The head of local government is the highest civil servant in the council. We did not create the law. Besides, I do not know Singer. I have not seen him before. Perhaps, he is the HPM appointed by the caretaker committee. If he is a worker in the council, why did he not resume in the council when others resumed? The civil servants we know all resumed work with us when the court delivered judgment and the council secretariat was re-opened. So, I don’t know where he is coming from”.

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APC Spokesman Defends Oshiomhole’s ‘Go And Die’ Comment To Widow

The Interim National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has defended the actions of Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who came under massive tongue-lash from generality of Nigerians following his comments, which he has since regretted and apologized, that a widow should ‘go and die’.

A video which went viral during the week, showed an unmoved Gov. Oshiomhole, about a fortnight ago, ordering the seizure of some goods belonging to a woman, who was allegedly hawking her wares on the side-walks, in contravention of existing traffic laws, even as she went on her knees, crying and begging for mercy on grounds that she was a widow.
Her claim that she was a widow only seemed to anger the governor, who retorted, “you are a widow, go and die”.
But this statement did not go down with Nigerians both within and outside the country as they decried the governor’s attitude especially, as he was once a union leader, who fought for the rights of the poor and downtrodden in society when it was being trampled upon by government.
However, commenting on the episode while speaking on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Sunrise, on Saturday, Mr Mohammed said “running a state is not about popularity but about doing the right thing.
“In doing so, you are probably going to step on certain toes,” he said, adding that his experience in government gives him knowledge that harsh decisions will be taken.
But when asked if the Governor’s comment was justified, the APC spokesman responded, “No. I’m just saying that in some circumstances, you take decisions which are very unpleasant”.

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Iyayi To Be Buried Dec. 7 – Family

The burial of late former President of Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU), Prof. Festus Iyayi, has been fixed for between Dec. 4 and Dec. 7.

Notice of the burial is contained in a statement issued by the family and the Burial Committee in Benin on Friday.
Signed by Mr Ehidiamen Iyayi and Prof. Diri Teilanyo, the statement noted that the remains of the former ASUU boss would be interred on Dec.7 at Ugbegun in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo.
It stated that there would be a solidarity match from the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin to his residence in Benin on Dec. 4.
There would be service of songs and night of tributes both at his residence in Benin on Dec. 5.
There will be lying in state at his residence in Benin on Dec. 6, while body departs Benin for Ugbegun, his country home same day.
Prof. Iyayi died in a road accident along Lokoja-Abuja highway on Oct. 12.
He was travelling to Kano to attend the National Executive Committee meeting of ASUU when the accident occurred. (NAN)

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UNN, ESUT Announce December 2 Resumption, Exam Dates

Some universities have developed cold feet, or just tired of the prolonged strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, which has kept government-owned universities in the nation shut for five months now. One of such universities is the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), which said academic activities would resume on Monday 2 December, two days ahead of the December 4 deadline given by the Federal Government to university vice-chancellors to reopen their universities, and for lecturers who have been on strike since July 1 to resume work or consider themselves sacked.
Both ESUT and UNN made the announcement about the resumption in separate statements today.
The Registrar of the UNN, Mr Anthony Okonta, made the announcement in a statement today, stressing that “normal academic activities would resume immediately.”
The statement directed students who had outstanding examinations for the 2012/2013 session to report to their respective faculties and departments in Nsukka and Enugu campuses.
The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), also called students back for academic activities in a similar statemet.
Registrar, ESUT, Mr Chris Igbokwe, advised students and academic and non- academic staff to report to the institution on 2 December.
According to the statement, students are advised to return to their campuses at Agbani and Enugu campuses as the second semester examination would commence on Monday, 9 December.
The Federal Government had in a statement issued by the supervising minister of Education Nyesom Wike on Thursday, directed all federal universities to resume work on or before Dec. 4, threatening to sack erring lecturers.

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Fishing Halted In Bayelsa Communities As Crude Oil Spills Into Atlantic Ocean

A yet to be ascertained volume of crude has been discharged into the Atlantic Ocean from the Brass Oil Export Terminal, operated by the Agip off the Nigerian Coastline in Bayelsa state, has discharged a yet to be ascertained volume of crude into the Atlantic ocean.
Confirming the oil spill, Chief Information Officer at National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Mr Henshaw Oguwike, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday that, “The incident occurred on Thursday and our team is already at the spill site, so, I can tell you that investigations have commenced and by the time our men come back from the site, more facts will be made available.” Oguwike said.
According to him, the ongoing investigation would reveal the cause of the spill and the volume of crude discharged into the environment.
The NOSDRA spokesman said that the agency had also deployed its newly acquired oil spill response vessel to combat the spill.
The oil discharged from the incident had spread along the coastline to Odioama and other coastal communities in Bayelsa near the oil terminal.
Community sources in Odioama told NAN on telephone that the waters along the Atlantic coastline were covered by a thick coat of oil which compelled them to suspend fishing.
“We started noticing oil on Friday and soon afterward we saw oil workers attempting to contain the oil from spreading, but it was far more than they could handle so we had to pull out of fishing,” Doubra Samson, a resident said.
Oil spill is not a strange occurrence in the Niger Delta, and not strange also is the lackadaisical attitude of oil companies responsible for spills to do what is expected of them in remediating the polluted sites and compensating the communities affected.
Apart from affecting the livelihood of the people living in the area, thousands of animals in the affected area may be dead already, depending on the volume of crude spilled.

Photos: Finally!! Jude Okoye Joins His Brothers Peter & Paul In SA For The ChannelO Awards

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Photos: Finally!! Jude Okoye Joins His Brothers Peter & Paul In SA For The ChannelO Awards

All is set for the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards going down in Soweto, South Africa tomorrow. And Africa’s finest musicians are already turning up.

Here are pictures of Jude with his brothers Peter and Paul and the award show’s host Naeto C in SA.

More pics after the cut

SHAKE WHAT YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON GAVE YOU’ – Nollywood Actress Chioma Okeke Still SHowing Off Fake Gigantic Azz – PHOTOS

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SHAKE WHAT YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON GAVE YOU’ – Nollywood Actress Chioma Okeke Still SHowing Off Fake Gigantic Azz – PHOTOS

#KnifingThings

“I Am Seriously Searching For A Husband” – Nollywood Actress Ifeoma Okeke

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“I Am Seriously Searching For A Husband” – Nollywood Actress Ifeoma Okeke

Bursty Nollywood actress, Ifeoma Okeke is seriously not having things as rosy as she would have expected, especially as it concerns her emotional needs…

Genevieve Nnaji And Kate Henshaw Please Bury The Hatchet!

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Genevieve Nnaji And Kate Henshaw Please Bury The Hatchet!

According to Vanguard ”The age-long feud between A-list actresses, Genevieve Nnaji and Kate Henshaw has not died down and found its way into the venue of Peter Okoye and Lola Omotayo’s traditional wedding last Sunday.

It was gathered that the two superstars were seated on the same table. But somehow they managed to avoid each other and did not even acknowledge each other’s presence.

The two ladies have been fighting a cold war  for a long time  now, and the beef seems not to be in a hurry to end.

The bone of contention is yet to be ascertained, but reports said, they have always given each other the cold shoulder each time they meet at social functions”.

*Genevieve and Kate never still settle?…Hian!

See Photo Of Don Jazzy in his secondary school Days

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See Photo Of Don Jazzy in his secondary school Days

REVEALED: Jim Iyke And Nadia Buari’s European ‘Love’ Tour Is All For Jim’s TV Show ‘Unscripted’

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REVEALED: Jim Iyke And Nadia Buari’s European ‘Love’ Tour Is All For Jim’s TV Show ‘Unscripted’

Sources close to the pair hinted that their recent trip to some European Countries might have been sponsored by marketers and the production company for Jim Iyke’s reality TV show,Jim Iyke Unscripted.
There are whispers that the relationship that exists between Jim Iyke and Nadia Buari is purely platonic but the two have since decided to carry on like lovers for the sake of ‘unscripted’ which Jim plans to make millions from.

Comedian AY Makun And Wife Mabel Celebrate 5th Wedding Anniversary.

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Comedian AY Makun And Wife Mabel Celebrate 5th Wedding Anniversary.

Funny man Ayo Makun and his lovely wife Mabel have been together for 9years but…

Yesterday they celebrated their 5th year of holy matrimony

Happy wedding anniversary to you two.

BOSSTYCOONZ

Abductors In Army Uniform Execute 18 In Iraq

Police in Iraq have discovered the bodies of 18 men who were abducted from their homes and shot in the head in a town near Baghdad, the deadliest this year in a spate of execution-style killings across the violence-ravaged country.
The victims were taken from their homes early on Friday by men wearing military uniforms, police sources said. Two of the abductors were dressed as army officers.
“It is definitely al-Qaeda because this is the area where they are operating,” a senior official in Iraq’s federal police told the Reuters news agency, declining to be named. The victims may have been chosen because they were seen as supportive of Iraq’s Shia-led government, the source added.
The corpses were found grouped together in an orchard in Meshahda, a predominantly Sunni Muslim area around 32 km north of the Iraqi capital.
Such killings are on the rise in Iraq, alongside a growing insurgent campaign of bombings and gun attacks targeting security forces and civilians.
Abductors dressed as soldiers have often carried out such killings in this area north of the capital.
Although al-Qaeda-linked armed groups in Iraq mainly carry out attacks on Shia, they also target fellow Sunnis through kidnappings, killings and extortions.
Security officials, government employees from both sects and government-backed Sunni Sahwa armed group members are all seen as prime targets for al-Qaeda.
On Wednesday, police found the bodies of 13 people around Baghdad, the apparent victims of execution-style shootings. It did not appear that Friday’s killings were linked to those earlier in the week.
Among those killed on Friday were a police officer and an army official, the headmaster of a school and a mayor from the neighbourhood. The victims also included a Sunni tribal sheikh and his son.