Saturday 9 April 2016

Shocking Details: Boko Haram demands 17.5Billion naira ransom for Return Chibok Girls

Boko Haram is seeking a ransom of nearly £40m for the release of the 219 schoolgirls that it kidnapped from the Nigerian town of Chibok two years ago, sources close to the group have told The Sunday Telegraph.
 The terror sect is thought to have issued the demand during secret contacts with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, who has said he is willing to negotiate for the girls’ freedom.
The group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, had previously demanded therelease of jailed comrades in exchange for the girls. But a deal along those lines – brokered by the Red Cross – fell through after Nigerian prison officials said that commanders on a list given to them by Boko Haram were not in their custody.
 Details of the new ransom request emerged ahead of the second anniversary of the girls kidnapping on the night of April 14, 2014, when they were abducted by Boko Haram gunmen posing as soldiers.
Despite their case receiving global attention because of the celebrity-backed #bringbackourgirls campaign on social media, diplomats and sources close to the negotiations say they are no closer to knowing the girls’ whereabouts.
 The Nigerian military has made significant gains against Boko Haram in the last 18 months, raiding a number of the sect’s camps in Nigeria’s vast Sambisa forest, and freeing at least 1,000 women and children taken in other mass abductions. Yet in none of the raids have any rescued prisoners or captured fighters been able to give any convincing accounts of meeting or seeing any of the Chibok girls. That indicates they are still being kept well away from other captives, and that their kidnappers see them as having huge symbolic value as hostages – thanks partly the publicity given to them by the social media campaign.
“I think they are probably in clusters rather than all in one place, but probably not far from each other,” said Shehu Sani, a Nigerian senator and civil rights activist involved in peace attempts with Boko Haram. “Boko Haram knows they are a prized catch.” One source close to Boko Haram said that around three months ago, Boko Haram sent a message saying it would exchange the girls for a ransom of 10bn Naira, the equivalent of around £36m. “The ransom demand has split the government,” said the source. “Some think it would be worth it just to resolve the Chibok situation, but others say it will simply allow Boko Haram to hire yet more insurgent recruits.”
 The same source also said that a month after the ransom demand, Boko Haram had secretly passed the government a new video tape showing 15 of the kidnapped girls. “The girls are asked what their Christian names are and what their new Muslim names are,” he said, referring to the “conversion” that Boko Haram forces Christian prisoners to undergo. “They are also asked if they have been raped or mistreated, but they say no – they look relaxed.”
Asked about the ransom demand, diplomats said only that they were aware of “rumours” of contacts of various sorts. However, others involved in past attempts to free the girls claim that no proper “proof of life” video has ever been issued by Boko Haram, and dismiss talk of the group being interested in either ransom demands or prisoner swaps. Among them is Dr Stephen Davis, an Australian clergyman and former Nigerian government advisor who spent four months in Nigeria in 2014 attempting to negotiate the girls’ freedom.
He came close three times to negotiating the release of some of the Chibok schoolgirls, only for the group’s high command to rule it out. “They realise that these girls are the ace in their hand,” he said. Instead, he claimed now says that the only way to get the girls back is to exploit the “combat fatigue” that is now growing on all sides of the conflict, be it the Boko Haram fighters, the combat-weary Nigerian army, or the terrified civilian population caught in the crossfire. “If you offer Boko Haram fighters camps where they can get shelter, food, clothing and education, you can demobilise them quite quickly, as there are a lot of them who want to give up,” he said. “Take away the footsoldiers, and you will also start getting information about where the girls are. Any other way is putting the cart before the horse.”
 Last week, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters launched “Operation Safe Corridor”, a program to rehabilitate repentant Boko Haram fighters through camps where they will be offered jobs and training in return for undergoing biometric profiling. The military said some 800 fighters had already signed up for the program, and that other camps would open across north-east Nigeria in coming months.
 Dr Davis added that during his visits to Nigeria in 2014, a Boko Haram commander had once been passed him a grisly video showing what purported to be the human remains of some of the Chibok girls. However, he had never passed it on because there was no proof that it was definitely them. “There was nothing identifiable in the video, and without any proof that it was the girls, there was no way I was prepared to pass it to anguished relatives,” he said. “On the other hand, I can’t think of any other reason why the commander would have passed it to me.”

Credit: The Trent

Davido scouts for new mansion, to abandon Lekki home soon


Davido is really taking his search for a new crib seriously.
 This is coming after the star announced via social media that loads of young talents have been storming the gate of his Lekki home to beg for record deals.
 The singer who doesn't seem pleased that he has lost his privacy, announced he will be looking for a new home. And true to his words, he is already scouting mansions.
 It's unclear where he will be moving to, but he took to his snapchat to share videos of some of the mansions he has had a look at.
 One of the homes appear to be a secluded, white duplex with a swimming pool, away from the roadside. It's unclear if the deal has been sealed but the singer announced it is happening.

Osinbajo Visits Kano, Assures Nigerians Every Problem Will Be Solved


The Vice President gave the assurance in Kano during a one-day working visit to the state. He said that the All Progressives Congress-led government was fully aware of the problems and pains Nigerians were going through, especially on the issue of fuel scarcity and the subsequent price increase.
 Professor Osinbajo asked Nigerians to continue to support their administration and to bear the present situation.
The Vice President after he was welcomed at the airport, visited the Sabon Gari market which was recently destroyed by fire in company of Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje. He also flagged off the reconstruction of one and half kilometre Road in Sabon Gari area of the state.
 Hundreds of Kano residents and party supporters followed the Vice President to the flagged off the construction of Sharada Under Pass Bridge.
Professor Osinbajo commended the State government for its efforts in executing developmental projects for the people of the state and gave the assurance that the Federal Government would continue to assist state governments that were willing to do better for its people.
 Governor Ganduje told the Vice President that his Government had initiated various developmental projects for the people of Kano State and that his administration would continue to do its best for the socio-economic development of the state. He also explained that the projects were executed with taxes collected from the law abiding citizens of the state.
During the visit, however, journalists were restricted from covering some parts of the visit and some of them alleged the decision was taken because the VP wanted to avoid reporters who may wish to ask him questions about fuel situation in Nigeria. Correspondent and Government House press crew vehicles were removed from the convoy at the Aminu Kano International Airport but after a heated debate between members of the Correspondent Chapel and one Akande Bamidele, who was described as the Vice President’s escort commander, a Civilian Bus was allowed to carry all the Journalists.
On reaching the site of the Under Pass Bridge, three armed policemen were directed to stop the press vehicle from following the Vice President’s convoy.
 Although no reason was given, sources said the Kano Governor was angry and don’t want journalists to capture some group of party supporters who were chanting the name of the former State Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso.
 At the orders of the state chairman of the Correspondent Chapel all Journalists were disengaged from the convoy and asked to return to their offices. The Vice President’s visit to Kano was said to have ended with the visit to the popular Amana City constructed during the last administration of Governor Kwankwaso.

I gave you your first visa, OritseFemi calls out his colleague on Instagram


Singer, Oritsefemi and Rayce seem to be at loggerheads over the use of a company name.

Oritsefemi took to instagram to accuse the singer of using his registered name, also talking about funding the latter’s first trip abroad he even shared photos of his Company registration certificate.

 So far, Raye has not responded.

FCT Elections: 2 Injured, 500 Ballot Papers Missing In Kwali

Some youths in Bako Village in Kwali Area Council of the FCT on Saturday went on rampage, following the discovery that 500 ballot papers were missing in their polling unit. An eyewitness said that after accreditation and voting, the presiding officer of the Dabi polling unit counted the ballot papers and discovered that instead of 3000 ballot papers, he had 2,500. ”This led to arguments between the presiding officer, party agents and party supporters at the centre, resulting in violence that left two people injured. ”This situation was however, brought under control by security agents attached to the centre”, Jeremiah Isaiah said. As at the time of this report, the centre was deserted and pockets of youths were seen discussing in hushed tones the possible effect of the violence on the voting in the area. Also, some voters were seen milling around hopeful that the situation would be resolved soon. ”Just like a dream, the situation escalated into violence. ” The party supporters believe that the 500 missing ballot papers have been taken to a place where they will be thumb printed in favour of a particular candidate. ”This can lead to outright cancellation of the voting process in Dabi”, a security agent, who pleaded anonymity said. A voter, Adamu Musa, expressed disappointment over his inability to vote after travelled from Minna to exercise his voting right. ”I woke up very early to drive to Dabi today only to get here and this sad occurrence took place. I am very disappointed. ”I hope it will not affect the candidate I believe will bring a turnaround and excellent standard of living to my area”, Musa said. Credit: Vanguard

US Report- Igbos, most brilliant black race in Africa

A United States academic report for 2015 has suggested that the Igbo of South Eastern Nigeria are the most brilliant black Africa race. According to the report: “a search through the promotional materials of school for a black student – all schools and colleges would always show some black faces in their promotional materials if they have any – reveals that they have had at least one black student, and it was, unsurprisingly, a Nigerian Igbo.” This is just as two teenage Nigerian high school students, Harold Ekeh and Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna, have broken a record of being accepted by eight Ivy League schools in the United States. Ekeh is a 17-year-old senior student at Elmont Memorial High School, Long Island while Uwamanzu- Nna is a high-school student from Long Island, New York. Schools within the Ivy League are Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania and Yale University. However, the feat, according to two online news portals, NBC News and MSN, revealed that both teenagers are faced with “a big decision to make soon.” For instance, Ekeh was granted admission by 13 universities, including all the eight Ivy League schools. The NBC News reported that Ekeh is faced with the dilemma of whittling down his college prospects, having applied to 13 colleges, with the hope to “maybe” get into Stony Brook University, about an hour east of his home in Elmont, Long Island. But, in recent weeks, the cascade of reply letters started pouring in: Harvard. Yes. Yale. Yes. Princeton. Yes. Not only did he get accepted to all of the schools he applied to, those include all eight Ivy League institutions. Speaking with NBC News, Ekeh said: “It’s very, like, stunning. It’s like getting hit with a brick, honestly. When you see congratulations, you’re like, wow your hard work has paid off, definitely.” The straight-A student has accomplished the rare feat of getting into all of the nation’s Ivy schools, crediting his parents’ work ethic for setting an example and a desire to strive in his adopted homeland after emigrating from Nigeria 10 years ago. “I find that I’m very over-involved,” Ekeh said, counting advanced placement classes and extracurricular activities, such as science research, school plays and being editor-inchief of his school newspaper, as filling up his time. Ekeh, who scored a 2270 out of 2400 on his SATs, said: “I do have conflicts that maybe I’ll have this programme at the same time as I have another programme and so it’s hard to choose which one to be involved in. I expected to maybe get into Stony Brook, a couple of other safeties, just based upon the SAT and the GPA, but I was still never certain of anything. There are so many variables taken into consideration in college admissions, so I was never certain of anything at any point.” Ekeh, one of five brothers, said he wants to study biochemistry and become a neurosurgeon. He is inspired by his grandmother, who began showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s when he was 11. He wants to find a cure. “There are so many researchers working for Alzheimer’s disease right now and many neurogenic disorders that definitely a cure can be found soon,” he said.  As for where he is going to college, he isn’t quite sure, but would like to stay close to family. “I am leaning towards Columbia right now because I’d like to stay in New York City for I guess the rest of my career and work at Mt. Sinai,” Ekeh said, adding that America has given his family a life they might never have had in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Uwamanzu- Nna, who also had found herself in the same situation, told MSN News that she has a big decision to make soon. The Elmont High School valedictorian, who was accepted into all the eight Ivy League schools, also gained admission into Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New York University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Uwamanzu-Nna is the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, who said her parents instilled in her the value of education. “Though I was born here in America, I visited Nigeria many times. And I’ve seen that my cousins don’t have the same opportunities that I have. So, definitely, whatever I do, I want to make sure that it has an impact on Nigeria,” she said. She also said her own tenacity and persistence helped shape her into becoming a great student. But as with a lot of students, she did face hardships with some classes. “I struggled with numerous classes in the past. But I guess what allowed me to be successful, ultimately, in those classes, is my persistence and my tenacity,” she said. Though Uwamanzu- Nna hasn’t decided on which college to attend, having scored a GPA of 101.6, and with a recent invitation to the White House Science Fair, reports indicated that there’s no doubt that she would continue her academic excellence. The report that suggested the outstanding academic performance of the Igbo revealed that if only environmental factors were responsible for the different Intelligence Quotients (IQs) of different populations, the world may expect to find some countries where Africans had higher IQs than Europeans.
The report cited empirical backup using theories propounded by eminent scholars such as Richard Lynn, a British Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Ulster and Arthur Jensen, who was a professor of educational psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. The report’s findings also revealed that while the fact remains that black immigrants to the U.S have shown achievements that were superior to native black Americans, studies had also shown that it had been a phenomenon studied since the 1970s at the least. Using Lynn theory, who was also an assistant editor of the controversial journal Mankind Quarterly, who is known for his views on racial, ethnic and national differences in intelligence, the report revealed that: “Failure to find a single country where this is the case points to the presence of a strong genetic factor.”
For Jensen, the report said: “Regression would explain why Black children born to high IQ, wealthy Black parents have test scores two to four points lower than do White children born to low IQ, poor White parents.” The report also stated that at first, it was just the Caribbean blacks who were a subject of this unexpected outcome. As black Africans kept immigrating into the U.S, they showed even higher levels of achievement than the native blacks. Many scholars theorised on the reasons for these differences, from Thomas Sowell’s proposal that this disproved the validity of discrimination against native blacks as an explanation for their underachievement (Sowell, 1978), to other scholars who suggested that these immigrants were just the most highly driven members of their home countries as evidenced by their willingness to migrate to a foreign country (Butcher, 1990). What most of these theories failed to predict was that the children of these immigrants would also show exceptional achievements, especially academically. It is only in recent years, as the immigrants have stayed long enough to produce a sufficiently high number of offspring, that it had been observed that they are over-represented among high academic achievers, especially when compared to native blacks, particularly at very elite institutions. What has been missed in the IQ debate is the full logical implication of these achievements: they have effectively nullified any arguments for a racial evolutionary explanation of the well-known IQ test score gap between blacks and whites. Even more fatal for the racial hereditarian side of the debate has been the corroborating data of school children performance in the UK, particularly when the black Africans are divided into their respective nationalities and tribal ethnicities. Arthur Jensen gave at least two empirical tests that could potentially falsify his thesis of a race based genetic explanation for the black-white IQ gap.

Big Breasted lady causes pandemonium @ Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos.

 This scenario played out recently at Computer village, Ikeja, Lagos.
 More pictures after the cut 








Enugu Governor; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Fulani herdsmen sign pact to end violence

Governor Ugwuanyi
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Fulani herdsmen operating in parts of the state, under the aegis of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, South East zone, yesterday initiated moves aimed at ending the lingering violent clashes between the herdsmen and members of their host communities in the state. Specifically, the herdsmen and the state government after a closed-door meeting at the Government House, Enugu agreed to set up a joint standing committee so as to entrench a lasting peace and harmony between the host communities and the herdsmen and also to curb criminalities suspected to be perpetrated by the herdsmen. It would be recalled that a disagreement between the herdsmen and people of Ugwuneshi community in Awgu council of the state had led to the arrest and incarceration of 76 members of the community at the Federal Prisons, Umuahia, Abia State recently. It took the timely intervention of Governor Ugwuanyi and his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, to get them released after two weeks in prison. The latest decision which is expected to resolve areas of disagreement was a major outcome of a crucial meeting between the herdsmen and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu convened by the governor who had been seeking ways to arrest the growing insecurity generated by frictions between the herdsmen and members of their host communities. Governor Ugwuanyi who played host to the herdsmen that came in their numbers explained the reason for convening the meeting was to forge a better relationship with the cattle breeders and curb on-going frictions between them and their hosts, especially in view of the recent clash between Fulanis and the people of a community in Awgu council area of the state. The governor told them that “This meeting has been summoned essentially for purposes of entrenching peace in Enugu State. It will, however, dwell on recent happenings in the State which are not only posing a significant threat to peace and the security of lives and properties of our people but are also threatening to spiral out of control. Advertisement “We are all witnesses to the rising wave of undesirable incidents and criminal activities in the state particularly kidnapping, armed robbery and clashes between Fulani cattle rearers and farmers in some rural communities in Enugu State. “We are aware that such incidents are currently promoting a sense of insecurity and restiveness among our people and if not promptly and effectively checked, could lead to a breakdown of law and order as well as avoidable but potentially lethal clashes between groups or communities in the state. “As no responsible Government will allow this to happen more so, when it is clear that no one profits from such a situation and no meaningful progress can be attained under such an atmosphere, it has become imperative that we came together under this kind of forum to exchange frank views and ideas as to how we can jointly reverse the current trend and consequently, preserve the peace and security for which Enugu State has long been reputed”, he told the visitors. The chairman of the group of cattle breeders, Alhaji Gidado Sidikki, addressed the gathering enumerating incidents that had constituted sources of estranged relations between them and their hosts and appealed to the governor to do all within the ambit of his powers to reverse the situation. During the meeting, he interpreted the governor’s address to those who did not understand English language clearly and both parties agreed to set up a joint standing committee made of members from the breeders and the people of the state to forge a common front that would breed harmony. They agreed to go home and to later forward the list of those who would be in the joint committee from their side while the government would also produce a list from its own side.

Mr Arase appoints new commissioner of Police for Kaduna State


The Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase has appointed Mr Adamu Ibrahim as the new Commissioner of Police Kaduna State Command. Ibrahim replaces Mr Umar Shehu who has been transfered to force headquarters, Abuja. In a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Zubairu Abubakar, says that the new commissioner enlisted into the Nigerian Police Force in 1986, and was a one time deputy force secretary, commissioner of police in Abia state. Before his posting to Kaduna, he was the commissioner of Police Administration, Department of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja. The new commissioner, who took over from his predecessor on Friday, holds a masters degree in Law and Criminal Justice from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

SCREENSHOTS: Mr Peter of Psquare shines in Dubia, UAE.



Hilarious!!! Check out this trending picture!!!

A reply : #Zidane #Football #Footballnews #ZinedineZidane

Obama talks tough!!! Fires Trump warning...

President Barack Obama came out to say confidently that Donald Trump will lose in the upcoming elections. “I recognize that there is a deep obsession right now about Mr. Trump,” Obama told attendees of a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee fundraiser Thursday evening in Santa Monica, California. “And one of you pulled me aside and squeezed me hard and said, ‘Tell me that Mr. Trump is not succeeding you.’ And I said, ‘Mr. Trump is not succeeding me.'” Obama credited Trump and his primary rival, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, for exposing “some of the nonsense that we’ve been dealing with in Congress on a daily basis.” “People act as if these folks are outliers. But they’re not,” Obama said, pointing to what Republicans in general say during interviews, on talk radio and in town halls. “They’re saying stuff that’s just as wacky as what we’re hearing out of the presidential candidates. It’s just nobody was paying attention.” Democrats should thank Trump and Cruz for their honesty, Obama remarked, while also expressing that their rhetoric provides a look into what’s at stake in this election — which he said is about more than why Democrats can take America in a better direction than Republicans. Obama recalled that during trips in Democratic circles he’s praised for his work the last seven-plus years but told that people aren’t that excited about this election. “And I say I have no patience for that. I say thank you very much, first,” Obama said. “But then I say to folks, we cannot be complacent, and we cannot be cynical, because the stakes are too high. And we should take pride in what we’ve accomplished over the last seven and a half years, not because every problem was fixed, but because it showed the steady progress that happens when people who love this country decide to change it.” “And that should be a spur, a call to action,” he added. “And it starts not just at the presidential level, but in us recognizing the enormous power of Congress and the difference between a Nancy Pelosi being speaker of the House and a Paul Ryan being speaker of the House.” culled from politico

Apple isn't going to sue the FBI to find out how it unlocked that iPhone 5c

Despite sharing its information with a select number of senators, the FBI still hasn't told Apple how it managed to hack into the San Bernardino suspect's iPhone 5c. Despite this posing a possible security threat for iPhone users, however, Apple lawyers confirmed that that company isn't going to sue the FBI in order to learn its method. This doesn’t work on a 6s, doesn’t work in a 5s, and so we have a tool that works on a narrow slice of phones. - FBI Director James Coomey The news comes from ZDNet, and indeed cites comments from Apple attorneys. According to the lawyers, Apple is “confident” the method used by the FBI to unlock the controversial handset will be “short lived,” and that it doesn't affect a large number of customers' iPhones. The comment comes after the FBI itself confirmed that their method works on “a narrow slice” of phones: it can't unlock an iPhone 6s, or even Apple's older iPhone 5s. Because of this, Apple won’t be addressing the issue through a software update, which is something we thought the company would strive do to; instead, the attorneys explained that, due to the limited nature of the FBI's method, “normal product development would see that a fix for the flaw would be implemented down the line.” As such, it seems vulnerable iPhone 5c handsets are going to remain vulnerable for the time being. Off the back of this case and others, a pair of U.S. senators are now pursuing a draft bill which, if successful, would empower judges to force companies like Apple into extracting (and unencrypting) data from iPhones and iPads. The White House, however, is denying the bill public support. We'll keep you posted with further information as we receive it.

SAD!!! A corper arrested for theft in Anambra State

A Youth Corps member has been arrested for armed robbery and kidnapping in Anambra state. The serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who is carrying out his primary assignment in Anambra State, was arrested over his alleged involvement in armed robbery and kidnapping in and around the state. The Corps member was paraded alongside nine other suspects at the Command's headquarters. According to the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ali Okechukwu, the arrest was carried out by officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) after a tip off. The Corps member had on March 22, conspired with another suspect to break into the Igwe’s Lodge at Abagana, where they robbed students of the National Open University (NOUN) of N92,000 in cash, handsets, laptops and other valuables. The PPRO said: "On March 6 at about 2100hrs, four kidnappers who hailed from Obosi in Idemili Local Government, lured their victim (a young lady), out of Onitsha Sports Club, via Facebook to Oguta Road in Onitsha, where she was kidnapped at an uncompleted building. "The victim was also kept for days until the ransom of N500, 000 was paid. The victim was stripped naked and video recorded after robbing her of a Samsung Galaxy phone, blue tap phone and wrist watch all valued at N90,000." Okechukwu said one locally made short gun with live cartridge and an axe, was recovered and the corper confessed to the crime.

Court Awards N10million Damages Against EFCC For Detaining Former PDP Acting Chair, Uche Secondus

A federal high court sitting in Abuja yesterday awarded a N10 million damage against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what it termed as the unlawful arrestand detention of former Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus in February this year. He was arrested for receiving some buses on behalf of his party PDP.Secondus  in a fundamental human rights suit filed before the court, claimed his rights were violated by EFCC. He asked Justice Tsho to declare his arrest and detention illegal‎. Delivering judgement on the case, the presiding judge, Justice James Tsoho said, “The first prayer of the applicant is hereby granted and the sum ‎of N10million damages is hereby awarded against the respondent (EFCC)”.
 Source : help spread

Cosmic Counseling Center storms Okigwe, Imo State. Find out more!!!


Wao! It's Time To Upgrade Your Life! . You are heartily invited to STEP-UP (Every Street-One Child). A program specially designed to lay a foundation for the discovering and harnessing of natural talents/gifts, skill acquisitions, inculcating the mindset of being independent and also empowering our teenagers and youths to becoming better change agents and better future leaders in our societies. It's going to take place live at Golden Heart Foundation Hall (Dominion City Complex) Okigwe, Imo state by 10am Prompt on May 28th 2016 . Featuring: √ Pastor Kelechi Nnanna (Guest Speaker) √ Prof. Julius Onwuka (Speaker/ Professor of Sociology) √ Peekay (Guest singer/ Vocal teacher) √ Ugwo Anacletus (Former World Best Biologist-WBB, An Entrepreneur and a CIMA certified business consultant) . Special Features: Practical lectures on how to bake cakes, Chin-Chin, production of disinfectants like Izal, liquid soap, perfume, web designing, etc. . NOTE: All practical Lectures are Free with Free Entry but you must PAY with your attention and learn. . We are determined to make you become an entrepreneur. We are determined to make you smile. Save The Date, Learn the skills, Hear the word and Advance yourself. See You There! . Powered by Cosmic Counseling Center-C3 Please "share" this information!

North Korea unveils homemade engine for missile capable of striking U.S.

TOKYO — North Korea has unveiled what it said was a domestically designed engine for an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States, the latest in a steady drumbeat of threats coming from Kim Jong Un’s regime. Saturday’s announcement, through the official Korean Central News Agency, could not be immediately verified. But analysts said Pyongyang’s constant boasts of military advances­ have sent a clear message to the United States. “With all the missiles they’re building, the ranges are getting longer and they’re going to be able to throw more stuff further,” said Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia program at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in Monterey, Calif. “It seems pretty clear that they’re sick of us making fun of them, and they’re going to shove it down our throats,” Lewis said. North Korea recently unveiled a KN-08 road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile, also known as a Rodong-C, but with engines that did not look like those that had powered other recent ­launches. This left nuclear scientists scratching their heads.


On Saturday, KCNA said that North Korea had successfully tested, under Kim’s supervision, a new “indigenously designed” engine at the Sohae missile launch site near the country’s west coast. “Now the DPRK can tip new type intercontinental ballistic rockets with more powerful nuclear warheads and keep any cesspool of evils in the earth, including the U.S. mainland, within our striking range and reduce them to ashes so that they may not survive in our planet,” Kim Jong Un said, according to KCNA, referring to North Korea by its official acronym. He emphasized “the need to diversify nuclear attack means at a higher level to cope with the ever-more increasing nuclear threats and arbitrariness of the U.S. imperialists and thus decisively counter nukes in kind.” Previous estimates of North Korea’s firepower had it just able to reach the continental United States, but if it had successfully manufactured an 80-ton booster — as the Treasury Department recently claimed in sanctions against Pyongyang — it would put the U.S. mainland within relatively easy reach, analysts said. Since North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test in January, Kim’s regime has crowed about a whole range of technical leaps and bounds, from road-mobile multiple rocket launchers and solid-fuel rocket engines to being able to make a nuclear warhead small enough to attach to a missile. These advances have been accompanied by a series of threats to blow up New York City, the White House and South Korea’s presidential Blue House. Although North Korea has fired a range of projectiles, it has not demonstrated an ability to successfully fire a nuclear-tipped missile and hit a target. That would almost certainly be suicide, given the retaliation from the United States and South Korea that it would provoke. But an increasing number of military top brass and scientists say that if North Korea doesn’t have this capability yet, it’s just a matter of time until it does. South Korean government officials said this week that they thought North Korea had now mastered this technology, while Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, and Adm. William Gortney, head of the U.S. Northern Command, have both said the same. “I assess that they have the ability to put an ICBM in space and reach the continental United States and Canada,” Gortney said at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing last month. North Korea’s boasts come at a sensitive time on the peninsula. The United States and South Korea are conducting joint military drills — which Pyongyang views as a pretext for an invasion — through the end of this month, while North Korea is preparing for its first Workers’ Party Congress in 36 years. The regime has been laying the groundwork for next month’s meeting, where Kim is expected to try to bolster his legitimacy as the young, third-generation leader of North Korea. Being able to crow about a strong nuclear deterrent would be a good way to do that, analysts say.

2baba's son with baby mama Pedro Adeniyi turns 4 (PICS)

Tuface Idibia's youngest son, Innocent Idibia Junior who is one of the three children he had with former lover, Pero Adeniyi turned 4 today. His proud dad took to his IG page to wish him a happy birthday and gush about how intelligent he is.
Innocent Ejeh Oluwakitan Idibia used to be his dad's youngest child before baby Olivia, Tuface's daughter with wife, Annie Idibia was born. His mum, Pero Adeniyi had him for Tuface on 8th April 2012. Happy birthday to him.

Nomoreloss’ Body Committed To Mother Earth

Nomoreloss, whose birth name until death was Olumuyiwa Osinuga, was buried at the Ikoyi cemetery in Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial city. Family, friends and showbiz practitioners were present at the funeral to pay their last respects to the singer while they lent their support to his wife and daughter. The talented artiste was confirmed dead on Monday, March 21, after battling an illness since January. Aged 39, he has contributed immensely to the growth of the Nigerian music industry and his death would be felt by the industry. After his death was made known, Twitter was awash with condolences from people in the music industry, his fans and other sympathisers.

Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky in action for Arsenal Under-21s

LONDON -- Jack Wilshere stepped up his long-awaited injury comeback by playing 65 minutes for Arsenal's under-21s on Friday, his first game action of the season. Wilshere looked a bit cautious in the first half of the 3-1 win against Newcastle at the Emirates, before showing more of his usual willingness to drive forward after the break in an encouraging display for both Arsene Wenger and Roy Hodgson. Wilshere's movement showed no signs of the fractured ankle that has ruled him out since August, and his touch has not deserted him either. His fighting spirit also looked intact, as he angrily squared up to a Newcastle player in the second half in a minor dispute. Wilshere should have had an assist when he sent Stephy Mavididi clear on goal after a quick burst forward, but the striker shot wide. Tomas Rosicky, who also made his return from a thigh injury, did set up Mavididi for Arsenal's second goal in the first half with a perfect through-ball. The Czech Republic midfielder impressed before being taken off at half-time and nearly created a second goal for Mavididi as well, but the striker was questionably ruled offside. Serge Gnabry, who hasn't made any of Wenger's squads since being recalled from an unsuccessful loan spell at West Bromwich Albion in January, also started for the Gunners and made it 3-1 before the break with a low composed finish. But the main focus was on Wilshere, who drew negative headlines throughout the week after being caught up in a nightclub fracas but is desperate to prove his fitness in time to earn a spot in Hodgson's European Championship squad. And the midfielder showed he is on the right track -- although this was hardly an exhaustive workout for him.
Wilshere had a tentative start to the game as he seemed largely content with sitting back in a deeper role in central midfield in the first half. He was also understandably cautious to commit fully in most challenges, but did show his normal delicate touch with the ball on several occasions. The 24-year-old was more lively after the break, shooting wide from distance early on and getting more involved in the Arsenal attack. Wilshere suddenly looked more like his usual self -- for good and bad. He showed his quick feet by dribbling through two defenders to launch a quick attack at one point, but also showed his hot headedness by facing off with Newcastle captain Henri Saivet after a collision in midfield, earning a talking to from referee Lee Venamore. Rosicky's performance was also impressive as the playmaker found his rhythm after a couple of early heavy touches. His pass for Mavididi's goal was perfectly weighted and he also set up Gnabry for a good chance. Rosicky missed the first half of the season with a serious knee injury before making his comeback in January -- only to sustain a serious thigh problem in his first appearance. Rosicky, who is out of contract in the summer, is still hoping he hasn't made his last Arsenal appearance and wants to captain the Czech team in France for what is likely his last major tournament. Dan Crowley -- who has often drawn comparisons to Wilshere -- scored Arsenal's first goal with an impressive solo effort as he dribbled past two defenders in the area before slotting a shot past goalkeeper Nathan Harker. Krystian Bielik scored an own-goal to make it 2-1 before Gnabry netted with a well-taken shot after bursting down the left flank.

Super Stars; Yemi Alade, Dija and Korede Bello celebrate @d2dtun

                            Happy birthday from Yemi Alade, Dija and Korede Bello
 More Snapshots after the cut





 

Friday 8 April 2016

Banky W’s Endorsement Deal With Samsung Renewed (Photos)

Award winning music artist and Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) boss, Bankole Wellington recently revealed that he would be staying off the dropping singles an videos for a while because he would love to start a family, renewed his endorsement deal with Samsung. This can be reported to be the seventh time Banky W would be renewing his contract with the brand following his first endorsement with them in 2011. The happy and proud ambassador took to his Instagram page on Thursday, April 7, to post a picture of him sign his endorsement papers with the caption: “Grateful and happy for yet another year with my @samsungmobileng family!!! #Thankful #Godisgood #WeMove” See Post below : Bankole who was born in the United States (US) to Nigerian parents, Banky W while still in college won the ‘Albany Idol’ competition which paved way for him in the music industry. He overcame many personal trials and obstacles to quickly become an in-demand artist on the local music scene; performing alongside major acts on tour. He is also the brand ambassador for Ciroc, ultra-premium vodka.

Hilarious photo of Nigerian Law makers vs Unilag students

Kenya: President Kenyatta Pledges Credible Elections in 2017

President Uhuru Kenyatta has pledged free and credible elections next year on the back of an entrenched democratic culture in Kenya. The government will find cash to finance registration of all eligible Kenyans as voters--at home and abroad--ahead of next year's general elections, the President told Kenyans in Berlin on Thursday night, at the end of a historic visit to Germany, Kenyans at home and in the diaspora have equal rights to register as voters and participate in choosing their future leaders and this would be adhered to, he told a 1,000-strong ecstatic audience. There are ongoing discussions between the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the National Treasury on sourcing of funds to financing the election activities, he said. "I consider the diaspora as the 48th County and, like other Kenyans, are shareholders in the country and have equal right to quality services including facilitation to participate in the general elections," said the President, the first Kenyan Head of State to make an official visit to Berlin in two decades. President Kenyatta allayed fears that the elections would be manipulated in any way, assuring Kenyans and the international community that the poll will be free and credible. "What Kenyans want is a free and fair electoral process and that's what we are working to achieve", President Kenyatta said. He commended the diaspora for the remittances that have maintained an upward trend in the country over the recent past, and which significantly contribute to the country's foreign exchange inflows.President Kenyatta said Kenyans abroad sacrificed immensely to remit money back home despite the high cost of living in host countries, a move that is appreciated by their families and a grateful nation.The President also urged the Kenyans abroad to invest their cash in the many opportunities available, including in infrastructure development as well as renewable energy for which Germany is famous. The diaspora group was also addressed by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, who thanked them for the reception. She pledged to continue work to better the health sector, especially ensuring that mothers do not die while giving life. Credit:Africa online

Kanye West Reacts to Rob Kardashian & Blac Chyna's Engagement

Kanye West was all smiles Friday when asked about Rob Kardashian and bride-to-be Blac Chyna. The couple announced their engagement Tuesday, about 10 weeks after they went public with their relationship. They have not announced a date for their upcoming wedding or revealed who they are inviting. The 38-year-old rapper was asked about the couple's happy news while traveling through Los Angeles International Airport. When asked if he was invited to the wedding, he smiled and said, "You know what? I haven't been invited." "You know, Rob is my brother," Kanye told photographers. "I love Rob. I just roll with it. I love Rob, that's all I can say. I love Rob." The rapper was in a jovial mood as he made his way through the airport departures hall, posing for many photos with fans. He did not reveal his travel destination. The rapper is set to headline the Paradise International Music Festival in Manila, the Philippines Saturday.
Earlier this week, Rob's ex Adrienne Bailon expressed support for the reality star and his engagement, while Chyna's ex who shares a 3-year-old son with the model, said it makes him "happy to see the mother of my son happy." While Rob and Chyna have not yet revealed a wedding date, E! News has learned some details about their upcoming nuptials. A source said the bride will wear two dresses, both "statement pieces." The source added Chyna wants a big wedding and that the event will likely take place outdoors, in a "warm climate." Meanwhile, Chyna has been continuing to help Rob eat healthier and get him into shape by cooking him nutritious meals and getting him to work out.

Manchester United target, Jose Mourinho, confirms when he will announce next club

Manchester United target Jose Mourinho has hinted his next club will be in the Premier League after admitting he wants to manage somewhere with a ‘hard’ domestic season. The 52-year-old has been heavily linked with Louis van Gaal’s job as Manchester United manager since he was sacked as Chelsea boss in December. The Portuguese coach is unwilling to speak out on those rumours given his strong relationship with the Dutchman, but he admitted in February that his family would stay in London for his next job – suggesting that he would therefore be joining an English side. And Mourinho’s confirmed in a presentation in Lisbon today that he’ll announce his next club at the end of the season – but it has to be a ‘hard’ challenge. ‘I can almost guarantee you that I’ll be back working this summer,’ insisted Mourinho. ‘I’ve good offers on the table. ‘It’s a matter of thinking, to come to a good decision and finalise it. In the summer, at the end of the season, everyone will know what my next club will be. ‘One thing is certain, my future won’t be at Estoril or Paços, because they’re both having great seasons and won’t change manager. ‘I’ll take my ideas to where they are wanted. I want to be at a place where I’m truly wanted. ‘I want to work at a club with responsibility, in a hard league, where there’re no easy objectives. That doesn’t leave [me] many options’.

Senator Adeyemi Smart abandons PDP, pledges full loyalty to the APC

Adeyemi, who announced his defection on Friday, April 8, says he joined APC to support President Buhari’s vision to transform Nigeria. Kogi State Senator, who represented the Kogi West Senatorial District in the 6th and 7th Senate, Smart Adeyemi has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Adeyemi announced his defection to the ruling party while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, April 8. 2016. He said he joined the APC to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s determination to develop every part of the country, especially his Kogi West constituency. While urging his supporters to troop to the APC, he said dumping the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was not regretful. Shortly before the Kogi State Governorship election in December 2015, members of Senator Adeyemi’s political organisation and notable PDP chieftains in Okunland had defected to the APC, to support the party’s gubernatorial candidate, late Abubakar Audu.

Police arrests a 17 year old suspect in the slaying of a University of Texas dance student

Greg Fenves, president of the University of Texas at Austin, speaks during a news conference Tuesday about a woman’s body found in a creek along with UTPD Captain Don Verett, in Austin, Texas. (Marshall Tidrick/The Daily Texan via APPolice have arrested a 17-year-old suspect in the slaying of a University of Texas dance student, law enforcement officials said Friday. Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo said at a news conference that Meechaiel Criner has been booked into the county jail on a first-degree murder charge in the slaying of Haruka Weiser, a first-year student from Portland, Ore. Weiser, 18, was last seen Sunday night leaving the university’s drama building en route to her dorm, police said. Roommates reported her missing the next morning. Weiser’s body was found on campus Tuesday in Waller Creek by the university’s alumni center, a short walk from the drama building. Acevedo said Criner was arrested yesterday without incident. “I don’t have a clue what the motive is,” he said. He said Criner is not a student at the university and that there is no known connection between him and UT. He described Criner as homeless. Acevedo said Weiser’s death was the first homicide on the University of Texas campus since 1966. The slaying shocked the community as a manhunt for a man on a bicycle — captured in surveillance video — went on throughout the week. “We are very certain,” Acevedo said, that the suspect is “responsible for the death of this beautiful young woman.” Acevedo said a key break in the case came when Austin firefighters realized an incident they responded to Monday, involving a trash fire, was related to surveillance video of the suspect that police shared Thursday. In the video, a man is seen near the UT football stadium late Sunday with what appears to be a woman’s bike. Acevedo cited another piece of evidence linking Criner to the homicide: “a small blue duffel bag” that resembled one belonging to Weiser. Acevedo declined to release more details about the slaying, citing on ongoing investigation. “We would be remiss if we started talking about specifics,” he said. A December 2014 issue of a student publication, the Tiger Times, of Texas High School in Texarkana, Tex., contains an article about Criner headlined “Voice of hope.” The article, on page 12 and accompanied by a photograph of Criner, says the teenager was the victim of schoolyard taunts at an early age because of a “thick, African-like” accent. “I’ve been bullied almost my whole life,” Criner was quoted as saying. “In elementary school, I would come home crying almost every day. It was because of my accent, you see. People couldn’t understand me.” Criner told the Tiger Times that he had spent several months in foster care and later lived with a grandmother. The article portrays Criner as a victim of violence and bullying who wants to work to help others. “I like to stand up for people,” Criner was quoted as saying. “I like to help others. … What I want to leave behind is my name – I want them to know who Meechaiel Criner is.” Efforts to locate Criner’s grandmother and other relatives were not immediately successful Friday. A spokesperson for the Texarkana Independent School District declined to comment. UT, the flagship public university in the state, has about 51,000 students, including 39,000 undergraduates. Officials emphasized that the campus is safe but urged students and others to be vigilant. UT President Gregory Fenves said Friday he wants the university “to learn from this and make this a better community and safer community for every member of it.” In a statement to the campus community on Thursday, Fenves said Weiser’s death was “a tragic loss for the UT community.” He added: Haruka was a beloved member of our dance community, liked and admired by her classmates and respected by professors for her intelligence and spirit. Dance faculty members first met Haruka more than two years ago when she performed at the National High School Dance Festival. They immediately began recruiting her to come to UT from her home in Portland, Oregon. Our community was made better by her decision to join the College of Fine Arts. Trained in ballet, Haruka excelled in all her performance endeavors. She was also involved in Dance Action, a student-run organization for dancers, and performed in the fall Dance Action concert. UTPD first learned that Haruka was missing on Monday morning and immediately began a search. As I reported in my message to campus yesterday, Austin police are leading the homicide investigation into this horrifying and incomprehensible crime and working with UTPD and other law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend a suspect quickly. The unthinkable brutality against Haruka is an attack on our entire family. Law enforcement is fully engaged to do everything to bring the perpetrator who committed this crime to justice. I ask you to join me in expressing our deepest condolences to Haruka’s parents, family, classmates and friends and to help the university honor her life. )

Armsgate: Olisa Metuh’s trial judge not biased – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday faulted the allegation that the trial judge in charge of Olisa Metuh’s case, Justice Okon Abang exhibited bias while carrying out his function. EFCC’s lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir said this during Metuh’s ongoing trial at the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. According to Tahir, there is no evidence by the defendant to show that the trial judge had exhibited bias in his conduct. Tahir said, “There is no reason in the circumstance of this case that will make a reasonable person decide that the presiding judge has exhibited any conduct which has cast doubt on his ability to defend justice.” Recall that one of the counsels to Metuh, Emeka Etiaba had recently filed an application demanding justice Abang to disqualify himself from the case on the ground of bias. But the prosecution said Metuh has not provided “clear real likelihood evidence of bias against the judge.” Tahir urged the court to discountenance the application for lacking in merit. Etiaba in his response insisted that the trial judge cannot continue to preside over the case after he openly denied knowing Metuh sequel to the commencement of the matter. “If it is established that my lord has met the defendant and he was with him when he received an award, then the judge cannot continue to preside over the matter,” Etiaba said. But ruling on the matter, Justice Abang held that the defendant had failed to provide facts that he had exhibited bias in his handling of the matter. “It is my humble view that the application lacks merit, it is an abuse of court proceedings and is appropriately dismissed,” Justice Abang said. Matter continues…

Niger Delta Development: Senate Faults Defaulting Oil Companies

Nigeria’s Senate has threatened to do whatever is necessary to ensure that oil companies remit the statutory 3% of their budget to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as contained in the NDDC Act. Federal Lawmakers, at a meeting of the Committee on Niger Delta on Thursday with officials from several oil companies in Nigeria, expressed displeasure that some of the companies failed to remit the statutory contribution to the NDDC. They also queried why they have also refused to disclose their budgets to the NDDC. A member of the Committee, Senator Jubrin Barau, said the failure of the companies to obey the law was hampering the development of the region.

Uber agrees to pay up to $25M for misleading customers in California over its safety

Uber has agreed to pay up to $25 million to California-based prosecutors to settle a case in which the ride sharing giant is accused of misleading consumers around the safety of its service. The civil lawsuit, filed in December 2014, took issue with Uber’s background checks of drivers in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Specifically, Uber billed its checks as “the gold standard” that made its service the “safest ride on the road.” However, investigations uncovered at least 25 instances in which an approved Uber driver had serious criminal convictions, including identify theft, burglary, child sex offenses and even one murder charge. Uber was also accused of misleading drivers around fees for airport rides. The company began charging a $4 fee for passengers being collected from or going to California airports. Prosecutors found that the “toll” wasn’t being passed on to the airports, while it also worked at some airports were it was not authorized. The settlement money is divided into two: Uber must first pay $10 million to district attorneys in LA and San Francisco. The remaining $15 million will be waived if it complies with terms of agreement over the next two years. That mainly focuses around the company’s marketing of its service. Uber said in a statement that it has changed the misleading descriptions of its service, while it has also adjusted its airport toll charges and now only offer services at airports where it is permitted to. “We’re glad to put this case behind us and excited to redouble our efforts serving riders and drivers across the state of California,” the company added. Uber has raised multiple billions of dollars from investors, so $10 million — or even the full $25 million — is just a drop in the ocean. But the prosecutors argued that this case sets an important precedent: startups don’t have license to mislead consumers or ignore regulations. “The result we achieved today goes well beyond its impact on Uber,” San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón told the San Francisco Chronicle. “It sends a clear message to all businesses, and to startups in particular, that in the quest to quickly obtain market share, laws designed to protect consumers cannot be ignored. If a business acts like it is above the law, it will pay a heavy price.”

Buhari forced me to contest as governor- El-Rufai

Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, yesterday April 7th, said President Buhari forced him to run for governor of the state ‎last year. El-Rufai said during his closing remarks at the Kaduna state investment programme. “It was President Muhammadu Buhari that forced me to contest for the governorship race of Kaduna state in revenge for persuading him to run the presidential race. If he had not asked me to run for the governorship, I wouldn’t have stood before you today as the governor of Kaduna state" he said.

INEC partisanship reason for renewed electoral violence - Fayose

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has told the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu to first purge the electoral commission under him of partisanship and election manipulations before seeking the establishment of Electoral Offences Tribunal, saying; “INEC under the present dispensation is the number one electora offender and that electoral reform without INEC neutrality is a mirage.” He said any Electoral Offences Tribunal established under this present dispensation will only be used against opposition parties as the Department of States Services, Police, Armed forces and other agencies of the federal government were used during the Bayelsa and Rivers States elections. Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka quoted the governor as saying that; “Even though establishment of Electoral Offences Tribunal is not entirely a bad idea, but INEC as presently constituted does not encourage free, fair and violence free election and it should worry Prof Yakubu that INEC as at today, is being referred to as Inconclusive National Electoral Commission because of the commission’s partisanship.” The governor, who described electoral violence as a product of electoral injustice, said even President Buhari himself admitted his failure to conduct any free, fair and credible election since he assumed office. He said; “During the Rivers State rerun elections that INEC has been unable to conclude, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was missing on result sheets of over 230 polling units and up till now, all what INEC has been able to tell Nigerians was that the criminal omission of PDP in the result sheets was due to printers error. Was that not enough to cause violence?” While blaming President Buhari for eroding INEC independence, Governor Fayose said; “The day President Buhari interfered with the internal administration of INEC by appointing Madam Amina Zakari, a National Commissioner, as Acting Chairperson of the commission, a title and position unknown to the Constitution, INEC under the Buhari’s APC government lost its independence and its credibility was eroded. “The reality that INEC itself must therefore face is that members of President Buhari’s party, APC have become so emboldened to unleash violence on Nigerians during elections because they know that the president won’t lift a finger provided his party members are the ones perpetrating evil. “INEC must therefore seek to regain its lost independence and credibility before talking about punishing electoral offenders because as it is now, INEC is the number one electoral offender and promoter of electoral violence.”

FCT POLLS: PDP ACCUSES MINISTERS OF THREATENING CIVIL SERVANTS

With less than two days to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abaji area council has accused the Minister of the FCT, Mohammed Bello, of allegedly threatening top civil servants in the council to ensure the victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) or lose their jobs. The council PDP chairman, Alhaji Idris Gana, who made this known in a press briefing yesterday, said that the party is not happy with the way and manner the Minister is handling the fast-approaching elections. He said the action of the minister is not healthy as far as promotion of democratic principles and ethics are concerned. Advertisement According to Gana, the minister who is supposed to be neutral in the election and ensure that the popular candidate wins irrespective of political affiliation adding that as the father of all in the FCT he should not been seen as partisan. “We have reliable information that the minister has threatened top civil servants in Abaji area council, especially the Local Education Authourity (LEA) Secretary in Abaji to ensure that APC wins, otherwise they will lose their jobs.

John Kerry breaks record for secretary of state travel

John Kerry is now the most traveled secretary of state, breaking the record upon arrival in the Gulf nation of Bahrain Wednesday. The trip pushed Kerry past 1.06 million miles, edging out Condoleezza Rice by roughly 1,000 miles. America's top diplomat under George W. Bush, Rice held the previous record at 1.059 million miles. Kerry has spent more than 2,300 hours -- roughly 96 days -- in the air since beginning his tenure in February 2013. In all, he has been in a plane at least part of 467 separate days. The former Massachusetts senator and one-time Democratic presidential nominee eclipsed Hillary Clinton's mileage tally in December. But Kerry's predecessor still holds the record for most countries visited on the job, at 112. Kerry has only traveled to 80 countries -- the result of shuttling regularly to such destinations as Paris, London, Rome and Jerusalem.