A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has explained why he attended the Confederation of African Football awards on Thursday in casual clothes.
Aubameyang drew criticism on Twitter for wearing a sports cap and t-shirt.
Aubameyang
"When you arrive for the ceremony…. and they lost our baggage!! So that's how we dress tonight. Thanks Lufthansa," he wrote on Instagram. Fellow player of the year nominees Riyad Mahrez, who won, and Sadio Mane were dressed in formal suits.
Leicester winger Mahrez became the first Algerian and first North African to win the award since it began in 1992.
Brazil was hit Friday by its second eruption of grisly prison violence this week, as inmates beheaded and mutilated fellow prisoners at a northern jail, leaving at least 33 dead.
Pictures taken by a police officer at the scene showed bloodied, mangled bodies piled in a concrete hallway at the Monte Cristo Farm Penitentiary (PAMC) in Roraima state.
Many of the victims were beheaded, disemboweled or dismembered, said officials.
The state government said the situation was now “under control.”
The latest unrest came days after jailed gang members killed 56 rivals in a 17-hour bloodbath Sunday and Monday at a prison in Manaus, the capital of the neighboring state of Amazonas.
Unlike that incident, Friday’s violence did not appear to be an all-out riot but rather a rapid early morning attack by one group of inmates against another, lasting less than an hour, a local government spokeswoman told AFP.
Most of the killings were carried out with knives, she said. No firearms have been found inside the prison so far.
It is the latest orgy of violence inside Brazil’s overcrowded and underfunded jails.
President Michel Temer is under growing pressure over the issue.
After facing criticism for his slow reaction to the Manaus riot, Temer released a statement Friday saying he “deplores” the latest killings.
On Thursday, he announced the federal government would spend $250 million to build at least one new prison in each of Brazil’s 26 states.
Rights activists however questioned whether more prisons were the answer.
– Gang infighting? – PAMC, the largest prison in the state, was also hit by deadly violence in October, when fighting between rival gangs killed 10 inmates.
Some of them were decapitated, others were burned alive.
At the time, the prison held 1,400 inmates — double its capacity.
Deadly prison riots have intensified in Brazil since a truce between the country’s two largest drug gangs, the First Capital Command (PCC) and the Red Command (CV), broke down in July.
Authorities said the Manaus riot was caused by a local ally of the Rio de Janeiro-based CV massacring rivals from the Sao Paulo-based PCC.
They said however that Friday’s killings appeared not to have been retaliatory but rather some kind of internal clash between prisoners involving PCC members, said Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes.
“It is apparently not a revenge attack by the PCC” for Monday’s massacre, he said in Brasilia, before traveling to the scene.
“Since the last uprising, the different factions had been separated. All the inmates (involved in Friday’s violence) were from the same faction, linked to the PCC.”
– No quick fix – The states of northern Brazil, which border top cocaine producers Bolivia, Colombia and Peru, are battle zones in the drug trade.
Prisons there — and throughout Brazil — are often under the de facto control of drug gangs, whose turf wars on the outside are also fought out among inmates.
Overcrowding exacerbates the problem, activists say.
Brazil’s inmate population has been swollen by efforts to crack down on a violent and lucrative drug trade.
The country’s jails hold 622,000 inmates, mostly young black men, according to a 2014 justice ministry report, which found that 50 percent more capacity was needed.
Brazil has the world’s fourth-largest prison population after the United States, China and Russia, according to the report.
But proposed solutions such as Temer’s prison-building plan fail to address the root problem, said sociologist Camila Nunes of the Federal University of ABC in Sao Paulo.
Brazil needs “medium- and long-term policies to reduce the vulnerability of certain social groups, to prioritize prevention rather than repression,” she told AFP after the president’s announcement.
“Supposedly instant solutions like the one that was announced… will not solve the problem. They will just placate public opinion until there’s another tragedy.”
Owners and residents of the building at No 39, Market Street, in Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, were full of praises for the effort of Alhaji Abdulganiyu Kola Egunjobi, who saved their house from total demolition by donating his own house and portion for demolition in the on-going effort by the state government to open up the roads.
They would have lost a large chunk of their house to demolition under the current Lagos State government road project, but for the generosity of Egunjobi, a chairmanship aspirant for the Agege council in the coming elections.
By the specification drawn by the engineers constructing the Market Street, a space of 4.9metreswhich fell into the building at No 39 had to be created. This may have led to near total demolition of the
Egunjobi and the donatyed house
property.
However, Egunjobi who lives and owns the other side at No. 41, came to their rescue. He offered to incur 2.4 of the measurement and left 2.5 metres to them. It was an atmosphere of encomium pouring as residents in the area trooped out to show appreciation or the uncommon gesture.
But Egunjobi said his action should not be unexpected, noting that he grew up in the area with the people and should stand beside them through thick and thins.
According to him, "I will be offending God and my conscience if I cannot come forward at a time like this to show love to people we have been co-habiting for decades." Noting that the government of Akinwunmi Ambode has been doing his best in ensuring good life for Lagosians, he said the only way to compliment such effort is by supporting government actions in whatever capacity we could.
Egunjobi, who commend the government road projects going on in every parts of the state said it would only be good if Lagosians support the government to do more of people’s driven projects.
"Lagos is changing rapidly and we can all see it. We have a governor that has the people at heart. The only way we can assist this government is to appreciate what it is doing and show love to the government and to ourselves.
It is encouraging that Lagosis enjoying these massive transformations at this period of recession, when many states cannot even pay salaries. This feat alone is worth praising because you can only experience such under visionary leaders," he said.
He commended the Lagos Houseof Assembly under the leadership of Hon. Mudashiru Obasa for lending the needed assistance to the executive to make things work for Lagosians.
"We have witnessed situations where the state executive and the legislature would be at loggerheads for their entire term and thus stampede development with its attendant negative effects on the people they are supposed to lead."
"We are lucky in Lagos that this is not happening to us and this has stood us out as the centre of excellence," Egunjobi stressed.
Human Rights Activist, Osuagwu Ugochukwu has said that, in line with the Nigerian constitution, Ekiti state governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose is not above impeachment.
It would be recalled that the Ekiti governor has in a letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria raised an alarm alleging plot by the APC to impeach him.
But Ugochukwu said, once provision of section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution is completed and complied with, a Governor can be validly impeached upon a resolution adopted by not less than two-thirds majority of all the members of the State House of Assembly.
“To me, Governor Fayose is not above being impeached. Any Governor can be impeached by His or her state house of Assembly and there is nothing undemocratic about it. The process for impeaching a Governor of a State in Nigeria is contained in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution."
“Once adopted, the Governor shall stand removed from office as from the date of the adoption of the report."
“If the impeachment process succeeds in Ekiti state, then Fayose stands removed as Governor. The office of the Governor will pass to the incumbent Deputy-Governor, and he will take the oath of office. Fayose should note that once he is impeached, he loses immunity from arrest and prosecution and can be arrested by the IGP and prosecuted if there is any crime he may have committed."
“There is no point running to the Chief Justice of Nigeria. The CJN cannot save him from impeachment which is a legislative process. Those who are linking me to the plot to impeach Fayose are wrong. Besides, there is nothing unlawful if the Ekiti House impeaches Fayose by complying with the Constitution. Let Fayose face his cross alone.”
It doesn't matter whether she has anything to do with Nigerian men or not. But what matters now is that Liberian-born actress, Evelyn Louis, who is plying her trade in the country is not thinking of returning to her country any time soon.
She has confessed her undying love for Nigerian men, expressing, however, that she's ready to spend the rest of her life in the country.
Evelyn, who has been in the country for two years now, says her dream is to make Nigeria her second home. She's desperately searching for love, if that's what she means. "I will definitely go back to my country someday, even if I'm not going to base there. I will be in and out of the country and make Nigeria my second home,"the fair-complexioned actress said.
Evenly Louis
The sexy actress relocated to Nigeria in 2014, to pursue her acting career. While in the country, she attended PETIT Film Institute,Ajao Estate, Lagos, where she did a professional course in acting before proceeding to another film school at Festac. She graduated recently from the film school, and already, she has featured in a couple of films, including "American Gift", Marketing Babes" and others.
According to her, the passion she has for acting informed her decision to relocate to the country. " Before I came to Nigeria, I was a producer in my country. I have this passion for acting right from childhood. And I said to myself since I have passion for acting, I should work on it academically. That was why I came to Nigeria," she narrated.
Evelyn said, she doesn't mind if she finds love in Nigeria. She described Nigerian men as being "awesome, wonderful,adding, "They are like any other man created by God." On marrying a Nigerian man, the rising actress declared that "It's not about me, it's what God wants for me. If God gives me a Nigerian man in marriage, I will marry him. And I will definitely be glad to spent the rest of my life in Nigeria."
However, back in her country, Evelyn said, they have a very negative impression about Nigeria, adding that they see Nigeria as a home of rituals and witchcrafts. "Before I came to Nigeria, we used to have a very negative impression about the country. I heard things like: that country is full of rituals and witchcrafts. But as a passion driven person, I didn't mind what they said to me. Here, I am today. When I arrived the country, I discovered one needs to be self-disciplined to be able to achieve his or her goal in Nigeria"
In the North, they are taught the rudiments of the art of politics at a very tender age. Sometimes, they are taught politics in the places of worship. As I have noticed, Islam has a bit of politics intertwined in its teachings. The average Northerner has a transistor radio that is tuned to BBC Hausa. Politics is taught in the local language, Hausa.
The North understands that in politics, you sometimes compromise or dialogue when you meet a stronger opposition. And when you meet a feeble opposition, you crush them ruthlessly. In Politics, forgive me to say, there are no sentiments.
An example is President Muhammadu Buhari who, as Head of State in 1983 and President in 2015 has systematically crushed his opposition, thereby paving a smooth road to victory in 2019. Muhammadu Buhari knows what Power is, and knows how to use it.
A typical Northerner knows that you can cross carpet to achieve your political desire. What matters to the Northerner is the dividends of Power, not the schemes you use to attain power.
Hence, the North can, through PDP obtain power, and destroy the same PDP if it (The North as a Political bloc) feels cheated out of the power arrangement like in the case of Goodluck Jonathan and the infamous ‘one term agenda’ that led to the departure of PDP Governors to form what we now know as APC.
The North will not obtain power and let that power predominantly favour the South, a case study is the 95% vs 5% analogy of President Muhammadu Buhari. The key word in Politics is ; Interests ! Interests !! Interests !!!
When the North is in power, whatever the South wants will have to be bargained for, not given on a platter of gold.
To garner political power, the politician is allowed the use of propaganda, subtle blackmail, arm twisting, even insults to unsettle and defeat his opposition. That is Politics. Forgive me if I sound Machiavellian but the Bible also says that the Kingdom of God suffereth violence and the Violent take it, by force.
If the Kingdom suffereth Violence, you can imagine what manner of violence the kingdom of man faces.
Now, the average Nigerian Southerner is overtly sentimental when Politics is the issue. The Southerner wants an Angel to Govern him, The Southerner wants the Perfect Political Party. Hence the South can just label a Party as evil, useless etc . Forgetting that a Political Party in Nigeria, is just a vehicle to garner Political power. Nothing more, Nothing less.
If a Southern Politician cross-carpets from, say PDP to APC, his kinsmen will be up in arms against him; ”Why did you join our enemy”, ”Don’t you know APC is a Northern Party?”, this will be the slogan of the day.
If a Southerner is by an act of God voted into power as President of the Federal Republic, his core issue will be; how to placate the North. He will build the best roads for the North, Give the North the best Schools, Healthcare, anything just to placate the North at the detriment of the South.
A case study is the Olusegun Obasanjo administration and that of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
The people of Ogun State will tell you that they did not gain anything from the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, even jokingly say ”The road to Obasanjo’s house is not tarred”. In Goodluck Jonathan’s case, his village in Otueke, Bayelsa State was flooded during his time as President, I do not know of any Federal Government project that was situated in Bayelsa.
Goodluck Jonathan, he didn’t know what to do with power. You can imagine a President of Nigeria saying ”If I use 40% of my Presidential Powers, they will call me a dictator”. The Northern President cares not if you call him a dictator or a power drunk individual. After all, a Leader must be seen to lead and lead well.
An educated southerner will open his buccal cavity and tell you ”I am not interested in Politics” , ”Politics is evil”, ”Politicians are demons” and all other sorts inanities. That is the level political illiteracy that abounds in the South of Nigeria.
A Southerner will forget that everything around him, his food and its prices, Education, place of habitation, Security and sometimes, Faith or rather Religion is affected by the windmills of Politics.
I think it’s high time, the South begins to understand the art of Politics and the art of winning power. I also believe that until the South knows what to do with power when it is obtained, we will continue go round in circles in this quagmire of Political decadence.
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA – Despite the huge sum of money earmarked in the constitution on annual basis for the welfare of President Muhammadu Buhari and his family, his wife, Aisha has said that the provision of healthy food for her children was her personal responsibility.
She said that the State House, Abuja caters for her welfare only when it is necessary.
The Lady of the first family in the country stated that she has not been accorded the official privileges given to her predecessors, saying that it followed the principles spelt out and practiced by her husband, that public office must be separated from the private lives of the occupants.Aisha Buhari
Mrs. Buhari’s claims, contained in a rejoined by her media aide, Adebisi Ajayi on Friday were consequent upon accusation of abuse of privileges at Nigerian High Commission in London leveled against her by Sahara Reporters, an online media apparently in her trip o United Kingdom recently.
Washing her hand off the acts, Aisha explained that her entourage during the trip was not large as projected by the media.
She added that she was never offered money by the embassy and could have asked for such, also stressing that her drivers who came to pick her were arranged without the input of the embassy.
Mrs. Buhari therefore challenged the online reporters to show evidence of their report to disproof her claims.
The rejoinder read thus: “The attention of the Wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari has been drawn to a report in Sahara Reporters where, she was amongst other things accused of abuse of privileges at Nigerian High Commission in London.
“It is not in her interest to join issues with anyone or defend others mentioned in the report, it is however paramount to put the record in proper perspectives as its concern her trips to UK vis-à-vis the Nigerian High Commission in London.
“Aisha Buhari has never traveled to London with a large entourage as was carried in the report. The highest number of people on a trip involves her three kids, ADC, and her personal physician.
“The Nigerian Commission in London has never offered any favor either monetarily or materially to her or her so called entourage on any of her trips to London.
“The state house in Abuja caters for her meal when necessary, and other healthy food or variety needed by her children are her personal responsibility.
“It is on record that the Nigerian Commission in London does not receive Aisha Buhari at the airport with any official distinction or privileges as was accorded other first ladies before her
“Her drivers are privately arranged without any recourse to the embassy for staff.
“She has never complained or raised dust about any of these acts by the High Commission because of the understanding, as clearly spelt out and practiced by her husband, that public office must be separated from the private lives of the occupants.
“She has always been an advocate of good governance where officials of government are responsive and appealing to their constituents, it therefore baffles the imagination that one could believe she would corroborate with any government official however highly placed either at home or abroad to shortchange the Nigerian people.
“These records are not hidden for a non-mischievous reporter who really intends to inform the people and not to disparage the family of the President just to add weight to a report.
“Aisha Buhari would have ignored this, like all of such baseless accusations, but the angle to which the report was presented has a corruption and abuse of privileges connotation which negates the fundamental principle upon which this administration thrives.
“Consequently, Sahara reporter or any of the embassy staff is hereby challenged to provide any concrete evidence either in hard or soft copy to contradict Aisha's Buhari's position as it concerns her trips to London.
“Sahara reporter should take the challenge and come out with the true version in relation to Aisha Buhari if not for her reputation and that of her family, but for the sake of good Nigerians who deserve to know the truth at all times.”
Heartland Flickers of Imo have missed their scheduled flight from Abuja to Kenya for the 2017 African Club Competition slated for Saturday to Jan. 15, an official said on Friday.
Dorothy Edih, Secretary, Imo Hockey Association, made the disclosure to newsmen in Abuja.
Edih said that the team had left Abuja for Lagos to seek alternative flight.
She said that the team missed the flight due to delays on their way to Abuja.
NAN reports that the team's vehicle broke down and they had to sleep in Lokoja.
"Besides, we did not pay on time for the flight because we equally had delays from the government with the release of funds.
"By the time we arrived, it was late to make payment. We were told that there is no flight to Kenya from Abuja, so, we have to move to Lagos.
"We hope to get a flight from Lagos to Kenya tomorrow (Jan. 7) by God's grace,'' she said.
The team is made up of 18 players and eight officials.
Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State says his state will change the countrywide narration, where the party in power automatically wins all the local council polls.
He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his state will not rig the Feb. 11 Local council polls.
Ajimobi stated this on Friday at the Empowerment Programme of Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu held at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.
''We won't rig the local government election. We must all come together as a party to win the election.
''We must all sit down together in selecting the best candidates for the elections, so that we don't lose the election,'' he said.
The governor opined that the appropriate method for the party to pick its candidate was by consensus, where all delegates would come together and pick the candidates.
While describing the direct primaries in the electoral process as cumbersome, Ajimobi said that the party can also go for indirect primaries if consensus would not work.
''Our best option in APC is consensus or the indirect primaries.
We can only continue winning elections if there is unity among our members,'' he said.
The governor called on members to welcome all new members defecting to the APC, and urged them to imbibe the art of forgiving one another.
According to him, the local government election will determine if APC is still strong and formidable in the state.
Ajimobi said that he remained the leader of APC in the state, and urged those who did not believe in his leadership to establish their own party.
He said that that there were no factions in the APC in Oyo State, saying those championing Sen. Abiola Ajimobi Campaign Organisation (SENACO) and Lamidi Adesina Loyalist (LAMIST) are mischievous.
''Let me tell you that there is nothing like SENACO and LAMIST in Oyo State again, they are all dead. I remain the leader of the party in the state'', he said.
Chad said it has closed its long border with Libya and will deploy troops to the area in an effort to prevent the influx of militant fighters fleeing conflict in its war-torn northern neighbour.
Libya has slid into lawlessness since the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. Although Islamic State has been ousted from its former stronghold of Sirte, the country's U.N.-backed government has largely failed to retain control.
Chad, worried that fighters will flee south across the border, said on Thursday it would take immediate action.
"Some isolated … groups have converged towards the south of Libya, that is to say on the northern border of our country, which is potentially exposed to a serious threat of … infiltration," Chad's Prime Minister Albert Pahimi Padacke said in a statement, declaring the border region a "zone of military operation."
Despite a struggling economy, Chad's army has become one of the region's strongest, and it now plays a key role in efforts to combat Boko Haram – an Islamic State affiliate group – in neighbouring Nigeria. It also confronted attacks by the Islamist militant group on its own soil.
But the vast desert borders of West and North Africa are notoriously difficult
Namibians, who are descendants of the Herero and Nama people are suing Germany in the United States over a genocide carried out by German colonial troops in the early 1900s, in which more than 100,000 people were killed.
According to a complaint filed with the U.S. District Court in Manhattan, Germany has excluded the plaintiffs from talks with Namibia on the matter, and has publicly said any settlement will not include reparations to victims' families, even if compensation is awarded to Namibia itself.
"There is no assurance that any of the proposed foreign aid by Germany will actually reach or assist the minority indigenous communities that were directly harmed," the plaintiffs' lawyer Ken McCallion said in an email.
"There can be no negotiations or settlement about them that is made without them."
The proposed class-action lawsuit seeks unspecified sums for thousands of the victims' descendants for the "incalculable damages" that were caused.
German Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer said on Friday that Berlin had acknowledged the genocide and that the two governments had been in talks for just under two years about how to describe and deal with Germany's past criminal actions.
German development aid to Namibia was already at nearly "world record" levels on a per capita basis but the inter-governmental discussions could lead to potential additional payments, he said.
Germany had "good reasons" for not negotiating directly with the Namibian groups involved, Schaefer told a regular government news conference, without elaborating. He said Berlin learned of the lawsuit only through news reports.
The genocide took place from roughly 1904 to 1908, when Namibia was a German colony known as German South-West Africa, after the Herero and Nama groups rebelled against German rule.
According to many published reports, victims were also subjected to harsh conditions in concentration camps, and some had their skulls sent to Germany for scientific experiments.
Some historians view what occurred as the 20th century's first genocide, and a 1985 United Nations report said the "massacre" of Hereros qualified as a genocide.
Germany has already paid victims of the Holocaust during which the Nazis killed, among others, about six million Jews.
The plaintiffs, including some from New York, on Thursday sued under the Alien Tort Statute, a 1789 U.S. law often invoked in human rights cases.
They also brought federal common law and New York state law claims.
United States Vice President Joe Biden has advised incoming President Donald Trump that it is time for him to "grow up" and begin to act like the next president.
In an interview with PBS NewsHour on Thursday, Biden was asked about Trump's tweets, specifically one where he called Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer "the head clown".
He was also asked about another tweet in which Trump wrote, "Doing my best to disregard the many inflammatory President O statements and roadblocks. "Thought it was going to be a smooth transition – NOT!"
The vice-president responded it was time for Trump to "be an adult".
"Grow up, Donald. Grow up. Time to be an adult. You're president. You've got to do something. Show us what you have.
You're going to propose legislation. We're going to get to debate it. Let the public decide. Let them vote in Congress. Let's see what happens.
"It's going to be much clearer what he's for and against, and what we're for and against, now that it's going to get down to actually discussing in detail these issues that affect people's lives," Biden said.
Biden also said it is "dangerous" for the President-elect to be skeptical of U.S. intelligence agencies.
"I think it's dangerous.
"For a President not to have confidence in, not to be prepared to listen to the myriad of intelligence agencies from defence intelligence, to the CIA, et cetera, is absolutely mindless. It's just mindless," the outgoing vice-president said.
It was not the first time Biden has been outspoken against Trump.
In an interview with CNN in October before the 2016 election, Biden slammed Trump, saying that the Republican presidential nominee "lacks any sensibilities about the American people.
"He's not a bad man but his ignorance is so profound, so profound," Biden said at that time.
Former Nigerian oil minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke temporarily forfeited $153.3 million to the Nigerian government today. This was sequel to an order by a Federal High Court in Lagos.
The seized money, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was stolen from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and stashed in three banks in Nigeria, in US dollars and Naira.
Out of the loot, N23.4 billion was kept in Sterling Bank Plc. The sum of N9.08 billion was kept in First Bank Plc and $5m in Access Bank Plc.
Justice Muslim Hassan, who gave the order, gave Sterling Bank and any other interested party 14 days to appear before him to prove the legitimacy of the monies, failing which the funds would be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Maduekwe
The judge made the order in favour of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission which appeared before him today with an ex parte application seeking the temporary forfeiture of the funds.
In a nine-paragraph affidavit by by EFCC investigator, Moses Awolusi and filed in support of the ex parte application, the anti-graft agency discovered how sometime in December 2014 Diezani invited a former Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo, to her office. There they hatched the plan of how $153,310,000 would be moved from NNPC to Okonkwo to be saved for Diezani.
Diezani, according to Awolusi, instructed Okonkwo to ensure that the money was "neither credited into any known account nor captured in any transaction platforms" of Fidelity Bank.
Okonkwo accepted and implemented the deal leading to the movement of $153,310,000 from NNPC to Fidelity Bank.
He averred further that two former Group Executive Directors of Finance and Account of NNPC, B.O.N. Otti and Stanley Lawson, helped Diezani to move the cash from NNPC, Abuja to the headquarters of Fidelity Bank in Lagos.
Awolusi said in a desperate bid to conceal the source of the money, Okonkwo, upon receiving it, instructed the Country Head of Fidelity Bank, Mr. Martin Izuogbe, to take $113,310,000 cash out of the money to the Executive Director, Commercial and Institutional Bank, Sterling Bank Plc, Lanre Adesanya, to keep.
He said the remaining $40m was taken in cash to the Executive Director, Public Sector Accountant, First Bank, Dauda Lawal, to keep.
The investigator said out of the $113,310,000 handed over to Adesanya, a sum of $108,310,000 was invested in an off balance sheet investment using Sterling Asset Management Trustees Limited.
The money was was subsequently converted into N23.4 billion and saved in Sterling Bank.
Awolusi said the EFCC had recovered the N23.4bn in draft and had registered it as an exhibit marked, EFCC 01.
The investigator said the EFCC had also recovered another $5m out of the money kept with the Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe.
He said the $5m was recovered in draft and had been registered as an exhibit marked, EFCC 02.
According to him, First Bank's Executive Director, Lawal had similarly converted the $40m kept with him to N9,080,000,000.
Awolusi, however, said the EFCC had recovered that also in draft and registered it as Exhibit EFCC 03.
Moving the ex parte application today, the EFCC lawyer, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, urged Justice Hassan to order the temporary forfeiture of the funds to the Federal Government and to order Sterling Bank and Lawal, who were joined as defendants in the application, as well as any other interested parties, to appear in court within two weeks to show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Oyedepo, who said the application was brought pursuant to Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006 and Section 44(2)(') of the 1999 Constitution, said granting the application was in the best interest of justice.
Justice Hassan granted the order and adjourned till January 24, 2016 for the respondents to appear in court to show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Christmas turned out not so great for my friend's daughter, Tolulope, after all. She'd departed Lagos for Ekiti state early Christmas Eve with Kunle, her husband of barely six months full of excitement, joy and expectations. Shola, her friend of several years and now sister-in-law had gone ahead of them to help them prepare all they would need to have a comfortable and enjoyable stay back at the village. It was Tolu's second visit to her in-laws, the first had been a brief one day event to introduce her to his father and close family members, shortly before the wedding.
She had also met quite a number of them when they came to Lagos for the wedding. So, in a way, the Christmas trip was to say thank you to all of them for their support during the wedding. Saying thank you was even more important as Kunle's mother, second wife of his father had died a few years back and so did not witness the wedding ceremonies, everything was performed on her behalf by the other wives in the family and her own family members. Besides, Kunle is like the apple of his father's eyes since his older brother lives far away in America with his family.
Everything was going on fine and she was in fact, enjoying every moment of the visit, well, until about mid day Tuesday when she was summoned to a meeting by the women of the family. According to her story, the women sat in a circle and she was made to kneel down in the middle. Then, the eldest, Kunle's aunt, a primary school teacher, whom he'd already described to her as a no nonsense woman, was unanimously ascribed the post of spokeswoman. She began by welcoming her to the family.
She told her that though she was also regarded as a daughter, but her primary role in the family was as a wife. That they had noticed that she had settled in well but it was necessary for them to point out certain things to her so that she will not offend anyone more than necessary.
They told Tolulope that they are aware that being a city girl and from a rich family, she has exposure different from that of village life but that she has to adjust to their own rules in the family if she wants to remain one of them. The woman said she had observed that Tolu was calling her husband by his name and this ought not to be so. She asked who is older between them and Tolu affirmed that Kunle is. Then, she continued. She said since Tolu was not present at Kunle's naming ceremony and she is a wife, she ought not to call him by his name, especially in public, and never in their presence.
That she knows they are “alakowe”, (lettered people), but that does not mean that they should turn society upside down. That Tolu must desist from calling her husband by his name from that moment. That she must coin a pet name for him, different from even the love endearments they call each other. The sweetie and honey tags must be limited to their bedroom and not outside of it. She would call him the coined name until they have a child and thereafter will call him by his child's name whenever they are among family members. That she has been disrespectful to them by boldly walking around and calling him by his name.
Still finding the whole drama amusing at that moment, Tolu said she thanked them and made to stand up only for one of them to order her down asking if she'd been given permission to stand up. She said she quickly apologised because the woman who shouted her down happened to be her friend, Shola's mother. It was at that moment that she realised that she had landed in big trouble and became afraid. To make matters worse, her husband had gone into town with some of his cousins and was not expected back anytime soon.
Shoulder and head slumped now, she heard another voice addressing her. The woman told her that though they were aware of her relationship with Shade, but since she has now married her brother, the relationship has changed. She said Tolu can no longer address Shade by her name and must call her 'aunty' as she is now her iya-oko (mother-in-law).
That they have been watching her for the past two days, walking around without shame and calling everyone by their names. She said she was shocked and as she raised her head to look at them, she noticed that Shade had walked into the room and was busy fiddling with something on the table. Tolu said she expected her friend to come to her rescue but was surprised when she walked out of the room without a word.
Then, as if on a second thought, the women decided that she could give Shade a pet name because of the relationship they had prior to the wedding, otherwise, it was disrespectful of her to call anyone or any child born to the family before her arrival by their names. They asked if she was not aware that if it were in the olden days, no matter how small any of them may seem, God forbid that anything should happen to her husband, any of the young boys in the family could become her husband as is custom. On returning to her room, she must get a piece of paper, write a list of all the young in-laws and write their new pet name of her choice or theirs, next to the names.
At this point, Tolu said she began to cry and as if trying to justify their actions, they started telling her how things had changed from the time they got married and came to the family as young brides. They said it was their duty to point out to her how she was to behave as a member of the family and that she too will one day sit in their position to induct a new bride and advice her. They said she must have realised that Kunle is called Alakan, a name given to him as a child by one of the oldest wives and which have stuck, such that even some of the children now call him brother Alakan. When they eventually gave her permission to leave, she said she apologised for her mistakes and promised to be a better person.
My friend and I were shocked beyond words. "So, what did your friend and husband have to say about it", I asked? Tolu said she has concluded that Shade is no longer her friend but simply her in-law, and would treat her as one from now on. She said Shade's silence when she came in and saw what was happening, was a confirmation that she knew they had such a plan.
If she did not have the power to stop them, she had a duty to warn her ahead. After the drama, Shade also kept a safe distance from her and even when she refused to eat dinner and was packing for the trip back, she did not really try to make her feel better. But why would Shade do such a thing? Esprit de corps with her family members? Fear of being reprimanded by the women? Settling a score with her friend and putting her in her place? Desire for recognition and respect as a benefactor? And why her mother too? If anyone has benefited from the relationship, at least in the last one year, it was Shade and her mother. So why would they now turn to front-line opposition members?
"I hope you didn't go there empty handed oh", I asked, still puzzled as I was unable to make sense out of the whole story. But Tolu said they bought salt and onions which were distributed to all the women in the compound including neighbours. My friend said she also sent Ankara fabric to Shade's mum. Perhaps it was not enough, I said. Maybe they were expecting something else, some of them having attended the lavish wedding ceremonies sponsored by Tolu's parents in honour of their first daughter? "Well, if the women (Shade and her mum) did not perform up to expectation, what about Kunle"? Naturally, it caught him unawares and he was furious. But Tolu managed to calm him down since they had plans to leave early the next morning. Tolu's mother also spoke to them after listening to her daughter's ordeal, insisting they must pretend that all was well.
Now back in Lagos, the unanimous decision is that the couple stay as much as possible away from the village should they have to go, they would stay with Kunle's maternal family members or lodge in a hotel in town. Shade has been elevated to the status of an aunt, though without her brother's approval. Tolu's mother is unperturbed as she believes they have more to gain from her daughter than she from them. But what is the fate of Kunle's father who obviously is in the dark of the unwholesome treatment meted out to his young daughter-in-law? Now he has been denied regular visits and care from his promising son.
There is no doubt that women are builders of the home; custodian of culture, tradition and societal values. Through them life is preserved and a continuum ensured. Thus, women are in a way institutions in themselves, wielding much power. However, in playing their approved roles in society and family circles, many forget to do so with the fear of God in their hearts.
We often fail to correct with love. We forget to empathise with our fellow women. We forget how we felt when similar treatment was meted out to us, believing that if we went through an experience, then the next woman must suffer same fate. Not all the women in that gathering were illiterate, one of them was a senior primary school teacher and Shade's mum is believed to have attended Modern School, surely, these must count for something. It is experiences such as Tolu and Kunle's that drive away young city people from the villages, believing they might be attacked by some evil spiritual forces. Unfortunately, most fingers point at the women. As for Shade, I am yet to figure out her game!
A man once recalled a party he attended at one of his in-laws' house. It was a very lively party and he got so sloshed that when sleep eventually enveloped him, he welcomed it. You can, therefore imagine how embarrassed he was when he woke up the following morning on one of the party tables! All guests were long gone and the neighbourhood was noisily waking up to a new day. All eyes were curiously on him as he scurried off.
Another family man told me his wife had already given up on trying to persuade him not to go to parties on Friday nights only to return on Saturday mornings. On one particular morning, however, he drove home confidently, only to be greeted by the landlord on the balcony. He told me: "You can imagine how embarrassed that made me feel. The landlord has always been like a father to me and my family. Seeing me coming in at seven in the morning, made me feel like a thief caught dipping his hand in the till. To complete my embarrassment, his wife and some of the children were with him. It put a temporary hold on my wild nights!"
Embarrassment is something we all have to put up with one time or the other. But do you know why you get embarrassed or how to cope with situations that get you flustered? Here are some facts about embarrassment as compounded by some experts.
Is a woman more embarrassed than a man?
No. Psychological studies show women have much more social poise than men and are better able to take an embarrassing moment in their stride.
Is a person with high opinion of himself the most easily embarrassed?
No. People with low self esteem are more easily embarrassed by real or imagined criticism of their clothes, attitudes or manners. They tend to feel others are judging them and finding them wanting. And their low esteem makes them believe the negative evaluations are valid.
What's the easiest way to make a man get flustered?
Tell him, something's wrong with his clothes—especially in mixed company; that would not embarrass a woman. It would just make her annoyed. And women don't get as easily flustered as men.
Are we more easily embarrassed as we get old?
No, The adolescent years are when we're most prone to embarrassment.
Is the best way to cope with an embarrassing moment simply to act as though nothing happened?
No. That often increased the tension of everyone involved. A sociological study show that the best way to cope is to laugh it off. This invites others to view the moment as something they can laugh at too.
Have you ever woken up the morning after some mind-blowing sex and think: "Why did I tell him all that stuff while we were cuddling last night?" Apparently, you're not unique. Recent research shows that women who had an orgasm disclosed more of their positive thoughts and feeling about their partner afterward than those who didn't climax—and they don't feel as if they're taking a risk by doing that. Blame it on your brain chemicals making you feel trusting.
According to experts, an orgasm triggers the release of oxytocin, the feel-good neuro- chemical that also makes spooning (lying front to back with your partners) feet amazing. "People get loose-lipped after an orgasm because the oxytocin makes them think it's the right time to say gooey things," explains author Amanda Denes. "In serious relationships, a little sappy gab might not be a bad thing, but in casual situations, it's sort of a mixed bag. Professing your love to someone you've been seeing for a few weeks could scare him away, but it could also help take things to the next level. So when in doubt, err on the side of taciturnity and see if you still feet like spilling in the morning."
Deep down, we're all animals in bed. After all, sex is an extremely primal act, and when we use our verbal human brains to talk about it—it's clear that the tongue and the groin are linked (in a much less graphic way that you readers are picturing right now!) "Language communicates not only information but also meaning, feelings and symbols of internal realities," says Amanda Denes. "We can use it to make sex better in a mechanical, instructional sense, but it also makes the act more meaningful." In fact, a few choice words can set off the arousal response as swiftly as a sensual touch —especially in women who are more turned on by ideas than by visuals. But an off-colour or way-too-raunchy phrase from a man in your bed can turn you off just as quickly."
When Annie, a banker met Herbert, one of her bank's directors at the bank's award dinner, she was impressed by this sophisticated and powerful man sitting across her on their table. "I've always been drawn to powerful men," she confessed, "and Herbert was the type of gentleman that often attracted
Weeks later, we hooked up in one of the bank's guest rooms. He was married and I wasn't looking for a permanent relationship. I just wanted fun!
"He was adept at touching the right buttons and in minutes, we were writhing on the bed. Then I heard this sergeant-major-like barking ordering me to: 'Don't just groan, tell me how you're feeling. Tell me what I'm doing to you and what you really like…. ' On and on he went. It was a shock. What the hell was wrong with him? When I looked at his face, his eyes were bulging. He looked more of a rapist than a man having consensual sex. I was a bit embarrassed afterwards but he seemed to be pleased with his performance.
That was the last time I went out with him."
No one has the blue-print for a happy-ever-after relationship, but there are guidelines I have picked up along the line that could help. One of them is to take your time. The foundations for a lasting love life are set at the start of your relationship.
Take time to get to know your partner physically. Make it a mission to find new erogenous zones and give them pleasure in new ways. Try new things.
Don't get lazy: Sex can get into a rut, so make a pledge to try something new every month, check out new sexual positions; choose a different pattern of foreplay or bring some sex toys into the bedroom. Keep it fun. Bring a sense of humour into the bedroom. Play games, explore your fantasies and role-play, keep a spirit of adventure.
Make time: All this playing around requires time, so give it the space it deserves. Don't wait for just before you fall asleep—treat yourself to a full evening in bed.
Respect each other: There will be time when one person wants sex less than their partner. This can be frustrating if you're losing out but it's important to respect your partner's view and not to put them under too much pressure. Stress lowers libido, so when problems get back to normal, so will your sex life.
Keep intimate: Even during times of stress, when you're not having sex, it's important to stay intimate. Show your love and commitment through hugs, cuddles and getting close. Share the hard times—secrets can breed resentment.
Support one another.
Adapt: As you grow older together, adapt your sex life to suit changing your home or work life. Children or ill health can impact on a relationship but you can get through it with a bit of imagination.
Temptation: If you find your eye wandering, remember the grass may appear greener else-where but usually isn't.
Mike Ezuruonye is highly elated about the success of his movie 'Brother Jekwu' and he thanks his fans for their relentless effort in coming out to see the movie. "I am super excited about the success of my movie and it won't be possible without my fans. I sincerely thank you all for your sacrifice and taking out time to go and watch the movie. To my colleagues and friends who have supported me throughout this journey, I cannot thank you enough. God bless you", he said.
•Mike Ezuruonye (m) with other stars
The comical movie and stresses on the adventure of traveling abroad in search of greener pastures, love and the beauty of Africa. It tells the story of a village man with native intelligence that is lucky to make it to Kenya on the bill of his corrupt cousin where he gets lost in a tale of his adventure while exploring a new land and his encounter with other folks and two beautiful ladies led to the various comical scenes that add a twist to the story.
The movie has been endorsed by celebrities like Ike Uche, Kenneth Omeruo, Ace Nigerian comedians, BasketMouth, Okey Bakassi, Popular child comedienne Emmanuella, talented Nigerian artistes, Falz the Bahd Guy, Patoranking, Nigerian actors and actress such as Lilian Esoro, Queen Nwokoye, Toyin Abraham, Dayo Amusa, Eniola Badmus, Rachael Okonkwo, Harry Anyanwu, and many more.
The private screening for the movie 'Collateral Beauty' held on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at the Genesis Deluxe Cinema, The Palms, Lekki, Lagos. The event had a large turnout of people ranging from filmmakers, distributors of the movie to the average Nigerian man.
The movie, 'Collateral Beauty' which was in cinemas across Nigeria from Friday, December 30, 2016, is directed by David Frankel and stars an ensemble cast of Will Smith, Edward Norton, Keira Knightley, Michael Pena, Naomie Harris, Jacob Latimore and Kate Winslet.
Will Smith
It tells the story of "Love, time, death — these three things that connect every single human being on Earth. We long for love, we wish we had more time, and we fear death". Will Smith (Howard) is a creative, charismatic, advertising executive who used to love life but now hates it since his daughter's death. Howard spends lots of time writing letters, not to people but to "things" as a means of therapy. When his notes bring unexpected personal responses, he begins to understand how these constants
The CEO of Blue Pictures, Mrs. Joy Ilibeno-Odiete said, "I am hopeful audiences will discover this terrific film that is well done and uplifting and has a great message of hope and connection. I encourage everyone to the movie as it hit cinemas across Nigeria on Friday, December 30, 2016. "
It was a night of unending laughter as hundreds of fans, A-list celebrities and socialites gathered for Alibaba's 'January 1st Concert', which held on the 1st of January, 2017 at EKO Hotel Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The concert marked the third edition of the annual concert, which began in January 2014 and has since amassed favourable comments from Nigerians.
The night witnessed hilarious performances from a number of fast-rising comedians – giving them an avenue to showcase their ingrained talents.
The fast-rising comedians engaged in a competition titled 'Spontaneity' where the freestyle prowess of each contestant is tested by quipping about random words from the audience. After intense rounds of competitive humour, one of the contestants; Laff Doctor emerged winner, going home with a brand new car.
Alibaba on stage
Popular comedians Gbenga Adeyinka, Teju Babyface, Bash, Seyi Law, AY, Nedu, Yibo Koko and Alibaba also took part in a freestyle roast, where each comedian is allowed to pick a topic on a provided list to roast.
Other comedians who performed on the night include Omobaba, Akpororo, Kenny Blaq, Lafup, Grand Komanda, Woli Arole, Short Family, and Comedian Wahala who imitated ex-First lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan.
Rapper Olamide, Niyola, Waje, Omawunmi, CDQ, Harry Song, Patoranking, Timaya and Ycee were among the musical acts that graced the stage to deliver stellar performances.
Honourary awards were also presented to highly revered personalities for their achievements and impact in the society.
A segment of the concert also witnessed fashion designers exert their skills; each given three hours to sew attires for volunteers in the audience; after which a winner was decided and rewarded with a brand new sewing machine worth N100, 000 and N300, 000.
Alibaba also made the night an unforgettable one as he frequently jested during the concert, inducing uncontrolled laughter from the audience each time.
Other talented artists, prestigious socialites and personalities in attendance include former First Lady of Lagos State Abimbola Fashola, Mary Akpobome, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Hafeez Oyetoro, Doris Simeon, Faithia Balogun, Nollywood actor RMD, 2face, Mercy Aigbe, Toyin Aimakhu, Yaw, and several others.
Here's a look at couples who called it quits last year;
Mariah Carey and James Packer: Mariah Carey and James Packer have reportedly split. The duo got engaged in September, but the Australian billionaire called off their wedding – that was supposed to take place in early 2017. Mariah, who was previously married to Nick Canon, asked the father of her twins to finalise their divorce so she could marry James. The America's Got Talent presenter didn't want to stand in the way of the newly engaged couple and singed the pending papers in September, shortly before the wedding was called off. The short-lived engagement involved a 35-carat diamond and platinum blinder, bigger than Kim Kardashian's and Beyoncé's stones… combined.
Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart Jennifer Lopez relationship with backup dancer Casper Smart, recently came to an end. The couple had been together on-and-off for 5 years, after having publicly split in 2014, they made things work for another two years. Apparently, the 29-year-old prioritising his friends and social life over J-Lo was a constant problem. The last straw came when Smart didn't accompany the beauty to an important Hamptons charity event, and went to an UFC 202 fight with his friends in Las Vegas. The couple ended the relationship in good terms.
Justin Bieber and Sofia Ritchie Justin Bieber and Sofia Richie have reportedly split. The couple, who was recently on a romantic vacation in Mexico, had a rough start after Justin posted photos with Sofia on social media that were not well received by his fans.The posts led to a little Insta-feud with his ex, Selena Gomez, who asked the singer not to be mad at his fans: "If you can't handle the hate, then stop posting pictures of your girlfriend lol- It should be special between you two only. Don't be mad at your fans. They love you." After threatening to delete his account, Justin decided to quit Instagram. This duo's short-lived relationship was certainly full of drama!
Taylor Kinney and Lady Gaga After nearly one and half years of engagement, Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney broke up. The singer was seen performing in a Mexican orphanage without her engagement ring, and shortly after was seen alone on Taylor's birthday. The Chicago Fire actor proposed on Valentine's day last year, with a gorgeous heart-shaped rock. Gaga just released her new single called "Perfect Illusion", making fans question if the heartbreaking lyrics are about Taylor.
Kate Beckinsale and Len Wiseman After 12 years together, Kate Beckinsale and Len Wiseman have reportedly called it quits. According to reports, the couple has been struggling with marital issues for quite some time. On October 25, Wiseman filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne After 33 years of tumultuous marriage, the Osbournes split amid reports that he had an affair. Whether it's truly over remains to be seen . . . Drew Barrymore and Will Kopelman Hearts sank when everyone's imaginary best friend filed for divorce from her husband and the father of her two young daughters. "Sadly our family is separating legally, although we do not feel this takes away from us being a family," they said.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Breaking the internet with the news of their divorce, fans were sad to see one of their favourite Hollywood couples, Brad and Angelina, splitting. Angelina filed for divorce stating "irreconcilable differences", reportedly on the way they raise their 6 children. Many infidelity rumours went viral involving French actress Marion Cotillard and even Gwyneth Paltrow. Brad released a statement asking the media to preserve their family's privacy and saying he is very saddened by the event. Brad and Angelina have been together since 2004, but only got married in 2014, having recently celebrated their 2-year anniversary.
Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber Just when we were trying our best to get our heads around Brangelina's split, another long-term Hollywood couple has announced the end of their relationship. Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber have confirmed their breakup after eleven years together. In a joint statement, the pair said: "Over the past few months we've come to the conclusion that the best way forward for us as a family is to separate as a couple… It is with great love, respect, and friendship in our hearts that we look forward to raising our children together and exploring this new phase of our relationship."
Calvin Harris & Taylor Swift Taylor Swift, 26, and Calvin Harris, 32, went their separate ways after 15 months of dating. It was reported that it was Calvin who called off the romance, but Taylor will surely have the last laugh with an epic revenge song. An insider has claimed there was no incident which had triggered the break-up. The romance had merely fizzled out. "Taylor and Adam had no big blowout fight, but the romance just was not there anymore for them. Adam is the one that ended it. It was all done in a very mature fashion. Taylor is pretty upset but they are still in communication. Taylor was there for Adam with his accident and supportive."
Demi Lovato and Wilmer Velderrama After nearly 6 years together Demi Lovato and Wilmer Velderama have reportedly split. The couple has never pondered on being romantic towards each other, sharing lovey-dovey posts on social media, and always being very public about their relationship. The break up, that came as shocking news to their fans was also publicaly announced. The singer and the actor posted the same statement on social media, saying: "This was an incredibly difficult decision for both of us, but we have realised more than anything that we are better as best friends."
Jennifer Meyer and Tobey Maguire After nine years of marriage, Tobey Maguire and wife Jennifer Meyer have announced their separation. "After much soul searching and consideration, we have made the decision to separate as a couple," Maguire and Meyer said in a joint statement. "As devoted parents, our first priority remains raising our children together with enduring love, respect, and friendship."
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard A little more than a year after their Bahamas wedding, Heard filed for divorce, accusing Depp of domestic abuse.
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