Saturday, November 22, 2014
Ghana Socialite Nabbed With $5 Million Dollars Worth of Cocaine
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A Ghanian lady known in social circles as Ruby Appiah has been arrested with a huge quantity of Cocaine which is worth five million dollars.
Nayele Ametefe (which is her real name) was accosted at the Heathrow airport in London with 12.5 kilos of Cocaine after arriving from Ghana.
The Cocaine which was packed in 10 wraps caused a commotion at the airport which is one of the most guarded international airport.
BlackBox Nigeria gathered that Miss Ametefe or Ruby Appiah allegedly flashed EU and Ghanian diplomatic passports which raised further questions from the aviation officers.
Further revelations has shown that Ruby Appiah is a top member of the creame de la creame of the Ghanian social circuit attending top functions and always seen mingling with celebrities.
In a swift reaction BlackBox Nigeria has further gathered that the President of Ghana, John Mahama has desolved the leadership of the Narcotics Control Board of the country with questions as to how the lady was allowed to smuggle such outrageous amount of Cocaine of the country.
A Ghanian lady known in social circles as Ruby Appiah has been arrested with a huge quantity of Cocaine which is worth five million dollars.
Nayele Ametefe (which is her real name) was accosted at the Heathrow airport in London with 12.5 kilos of Cocaine after arriving from Ghana.
The Cocaine which was packed in 10 wraps caused a commotion at the airport which is one of the most guarded international airport.
BlackBox Nigeria gathered that Miss Ametefe or Ruby Appiah allegedly flashed EU and Ghanian diplomatic passports which raised further questions from the aviation officers.
Further revelations has shown that Ruby Appiah is a top member of the creame de la creame of the Ghanian social circuit attending top functions and always seen mingling with celebrities.
In a swift reaction BlackBox Nigeria has further gathered that the President of Ghana, John Mahama has desolved the leadership of the Narcotics Control Board of the country with questions as to how the lady was allowed to smuggle such outrageous amount of Cocaine of the country.
"God Has Revealed To Me That Okorocha Is The Next Nigerian President" -Lagos Prophet Claims
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The General Overseer of Galilee Christian Center in Lagos, Prophet Williams Onuoha, has predicted that the current governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, would become Nigeria's president in 2015.
According to him, for this to happen, Okorocha would have to adhere to God's direction, adding that only a running mate from the South West region can give him the presidency.
In a recent interview with Daily Sun, Onuoha, who is seen and referred to by many who attend his church as a highly gifted prophet of God, said he saw the vision in 2011 and now it's coming to pass.
"In 2011, I saw in a vision that the present governor of Imo State Owelle Rochas Okorocha will be president in 2015. And in one of the national dailies recently, the governor said he would be president in 2015 and that it had been prophesied. True. I had seen this vision, but there are things that needs to be done before this prophesy can come to pass and one of them is that only a running mate from the South West region can give him the presidency.
"I have never met the governor before. When he said last week in the papers that he would become president in 2015 and that it had been prophesied, I was not surprised. What I saw in 2011, the governor said in 2014. God is truly wonderful," the prophet said.
Recall recently, Governor Okorocha had boasted that he would defeat President Goodluck Jonathan in the forthcoming 2015 elections saying:
"I have the capacity to govern the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I must also make it abundantly clear that the PDP and indeed, President Goodluck Jonathan, cannot defeat me in the forthcoming general election."
Speaking last week Monday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally, Okorocha proudly declared that he would be the president in 2015.
According to him, for this to happen, Okorocha would have to adhere to God's direction, adding that only a running mate from the South West region can give him the presidency.
In a recent interview with Daily Sun, Onuoha, who is seen and referred to by many who attend his church as a highly gifted prophet of God, said he saw the vision in 2011 and now it's coming to pass.
"In 2011, I saw in a vision that the present governor of Imo State Owelle Rochas Okorocha will be president in 2015. And in one of the national dailies recently, the governor said he would be president in 2015 and that it had been prophesied. True. I had seen this vision, but there are things that needs to be done before this prophesy can come to pass and one of them is that only a running mate from the South West region can give him the presidency.
"I have never met the governor before. When he said last week in the papers that he would become president in 2015 and that it had been prophesied, I was not surprised. What I saw in 2011, the governor said in 2014. God is truly wonderful," the prophet said.
Recall recently, Governor Okorocha had boasted that he would defeat President Goodluck Jonathan in the forthcoming 2015 elections saying:
"I have the capacity to govern the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I must also make it abundantly clear that the PDP and indeed, President Goodluck Jonathan, cannot defeat me in the forthcoming general election."
Speaking last week Monday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally, Okorocha proudly declared that he would be the president in 2015.
Police, SSS To Arrest Speaker; Tambuwal Over National Assembly Fracas
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The police may arrest the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, over Thursday's crisis at the National Assembly in Abuja, it was learnt.
Sources told Saturday PUNCH on Friday in Abuja that the Inspector- General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, had ordered that the Speaker should be "invited" over the crisis.
The Department of State Services was said to have given a similar order asking that the Speaker should be invited by any of its commands.
This was sequel to information that Tambuwal was sighted in Sokoto State on Thursday evening where had gone to pick the All Progressives Congress governorship expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2015 governorship election.
But the Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said, the IGP had yet to give an "express order" for the Speaker's arrest.
Ojukwu said the officers investigating the crisis would determine those to be arrested for prosecution.
A source at the police headquarters confided in one of our correspondents that the signal from the IGP's office specifically directed the Federal Capital Territory and Sokoto State commissioners of police to invite Tambuwal and that if he resists, he should be arrested.
"The involvement of Sokoto State Commissioner of Police is likely because the Speaker was in Sokoto yesterday to pick the APC's governorship form to contest the 2015 election," the source said.
Sources told Saturday PUNCH on Friday in Abuja that the Inspector- General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, had ordered that the Speaker should be "invited" over the crisis.
The Department of State Services was said to have given a similar order asking that the Speaker should be invited by any of its commands.
This was sequel to information that Tambuwal was sighted in Sokoto State on Thursday evening where had gone to pick the All Progressives Congress governorship expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2015 governorship election.
But the Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said, the IGP had yet to give an "express order" for the Speaker's arrest.
Ojukwu said the officers investigating the crisis would determine those to be arrested for prosecution.
A source at the police headquarters confided in one of our correspondents that the signal from the IGP's office specifically directed the Federal Capital Territory and Sokoto State commissioners of police to invite Tambuwal and that if he resists, he should be arrested.
"The involvement of Sokoto State Commissioner of Police is likely because the Speaker was in Sokoto yesterday to pick the APC's governorship form to contest the 2015 election," the source said.
11 Die In Zimbabwe Stadium Stampede
Eleven people were killed and dozens injured in a stampede at a stadium in Zimbabwe, as thousands of people at a church service tried to leave through the same exit, police said on Friday.
Around 30,000 people packed into a stadium in Kwekwe, 213 km (130 miles) west of Harare, on Thursday evening to listen to Walter Magaya, a pastor who draws huge crowds, Senior Assistant Commissioner Shadreck Mubaiwa told Reuters.
When the service ended the congregation rushed towards a single exit, in a stampede that killed four people on the spot. Another seven were pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
"Police tried to rescue people but they were overwhelmed by the crowds. It is unfortunate that people wanted to rush out, which made it difficult to contain the situation," Mubaiwa said.
Mubaiwa said police were still investigating the cause of the stampede. Some people who said they had been at the service took to social media to accuse police and local government officials of opening only one exit.
Magaya was quoted by the online version of the state-owned Herald newspaper as saying that although the incident occurred after he left, he would take responsibility.
"This was our event and as a church we have to take the blame for the tragedy," he was quoted as saying.
"It is still too early to say what caused the stampede but the fact that the stampede took place at the venue means that part of our system failed to function."
Zimbabwe, hit by economic turmoil in recent years, has seen a rise in the number of "prosperity gospel" pastors, who preach that faith in Jesus Christ can lift people out of poverty.
In a country where 80 percent of the working population are unemployed, thousands flock to Pentecostal churches to contribute a chunk of what little they have in return for the promise of miracles to enrich them.
In September a building collapsed at a church compound in Nigeria run by popular preacher T.B. Joshua, killing 116 people, 81 of whom were South Africans.
Around 30,000 people packed into a stadium in Kwekwe, 213 km (130 miles) west of Harare, on Thursday evening to listen to Walter Magaya, a pastor who draws huge crowds, Senior Assistant Commissioner Shadreck Mubaiwa told Reuters.
When the service ended the congregation rushed towards a single exit, in a stampede that killed four people on the spot. Another seven were pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
"Police tried to rescue people but they were overwhelmed by the crowds. It is unfortunate that people wanted to rush out, which made it difficult to contain the situation," Mubaiwa said.
Mubaiwa said police were still investigating the cause of the stampede. Some people who said they had been at the service took to social media to accuse police and local government officials of opening only one exit.
Magaya was quoted by the online version of the state-owned Herald newspaper as saying that although the incident occurred after he left, he would take responsibility.
"This was our event and as a church we have to take the blame for the tragedy," he was quoted as saying.
"It is still too early to say what caused the stampede but the fact that the stampede took place at the venue means that part of our system failed to function."
Zimbabwe, hit by economic turmoil in recent years, has seen a rise in the number of "prosperity gospel" pastors, who preach that faith in Jesus Christ can lift people out of poverty.
In a country where 80 percent of the working population are unemployed, thousands flock to Pentecostal churches to contribute a chunk of what little they have in return for the promise of miracles to enrich them.
In September a building collapsed at a church compound in Nigeria run by popular preacher T.B. Joshua, killing 116 people, 81 of whom were South Africans.
Reuters
Stephanie Okereke's Brother In Trouble For Rapping UNILAG Student
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November 6, 2014 was like every other day for 300 level student of Computer Science (names withheld) at the University of Lagos, Akoka Yaba. As the ailing student who managed to attend lectures stepped into her apartment located at Moremi hall, never in her wildest imagination did she envisage she would end up being a victim of rape.
However, the signal of an imminent emotional and psychological trauma reared up after one Daniel Okereke, a man that had reportedly being wooing her since last month, came visiting. Without any inkling of an apparent sinister motive, the undergraduate was said to have reluctantly left to attend to her visitor,who upon seeing her condition, opted to take her to a pharmaceutical store around Akoka to get some drugs.
Not yet done with his show of concern, the visitor reportedly took the female student to an eatery, so that she could eat before taking the drugs. Thereafter, he reportedly took her to his abode at Mende, Mariland where he allegedly ended up raping her.
Narrating her ordeal to the police, the student who had marks of strings on her back, hands and legs , narrated how she narrowly escaped being murdered by Okereke, in her bid to free herself from his grips.
According to her: " When he came visiting, I never knew he had something sinister in his mind until we got to his place. At the eatery, he ordered that the food be made take-away and asked me to go eat it in his place and at the same time rest before taking me back to the hostel.
However, the signal of an imminent emotional and psychological trauma reared up after one Daniel Okereke, a man that had reportedly being wooing her since last month, came visiting. Without any inkling of an apparent sinister motive, the undergraduate was said to have reluctantly left to attend to her visitor,who upon seeing her condition, opted to take her to a pharmaceutical store around Akoka to get some drugs.
Not yet done with his show of concern, the visitor reportedly took the female student to an eatery, so that she could eat before taking the drugs. Thereafter, he reportedly took her to his abode at Mende, Mariland where he allegedly ended up raping her.
Narrating her ordeal to the police, the student who had marks of strings on her back, hands and legs , narrated how she narrowly escaped being murdered by Okereke, in her bid to free herself from his grips.
According to her: " When he came visiting, I never knew he had something sinister in his mind until we got to his place. At the eatery, he ordered that the food be made take-away and asked me to go eat it in his place and at the same time rest before taking me back to the hostel.
Immediately we entered the room, he secured the door and I had supper and later asked to be taken back . But he said he must have sex with me. I tried to appeal to him to consider my state of health and take me back to campus.
Before I knew what was happening, he started beating me, forcing to have his way. As if that was not enough, he called in seven guards in the compound who assisted him and tied me down. He thereafter, went into his kitchen and brought out a knife, threatening to kill me if I resisted. He took me to one of the rooms where he brought out a condom and raped me."
Before I knew what was happening, he started beating me, forcing to have his way. As if that was not enough, he called in seven guards in the compound who assisted him and tied me down. He thereafter, went into his kitchen and brought out a knife, threatening to kill me if I resisted. He took me to one of the rooms where he brought out a condom and raped me."
Crime Guard gathered that when the 23 year-old lady was untied, she went violent and started shattering every property she could lay her hands on. In the process, one of the objects she allegedly threw out of the window, landed on a vehicle belonging to one of the tenants, smashing its windscreen. That attracted neighbours.
The case was reported at Area 'F' Ikeja , following which Okereke was arrested . During interrogation, he reportedly claimed to be nephew of a former Director -General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange NSE and cousin to a front-line Nollywood actress who ironically has a foundation which promotes the well being of women.
He was said to have been released on bail, an action the victim frowned out. The case was thereafter transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID Panti, where the 36-year-old Okereke was rearrested.
He reportedly claimed that the victim destroyed his property , an action that was engendered by the violence meted to her. Okereke was charged to court Thursday. Equally charged was Idris Abubakar, the security guard who allegedly assisted Okereke to tie up the victim. He is an alleged accomplice.
Our ONOZURE DANIA who was in the court put her report this way: Lagos- Two men Daniel Okereke 32 and Idris Abubakar 37 were yesterday arraigned before a Yaba Chief Magistrate's Court, over alleged assault and rape and threat to life.
The defendants who are businessman and a security Guard respectively were docked before Magistrate Y. O Aje-Afunwa.
They are facing a five count charge bordering on conspiracy, assault, rape and threat to life preferred against them by the police. The police prosecutor Superintendent Godwin Anyanwu, told the court that the defendants committed the alleged offence on November 6, 2014.
He said that the incident took place at Mende, Maryland in ikeja area of Lagos state between 2:30-11pm.
He said that the first defendant allegedly raped and assaulted one lady (names withheld).
Anyanwu also claimed that the defendant unlawfully had canal knowledge of the victim without her consent, adding that he beat her up with a brown belt and also threatened her with a knife.
According to the prosecutor, the offences committed,contravened sections 409, 171, 261 and punishable under section 56 and 258 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Earlier, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. The defendants counsel, R. Amokea, urged the court to grant the defendants bail in the most liberal term, as the offence committed, was a bailable offence and that they were still presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The prosecutor Anyanwu objected to the bail application, on the grounds that the charges levelled against the defendants were charges of rape, sexual assault and occasional harm.
However, Magistrate Aje-Afunwa, granted the first defendant bail in the sum of N200,000, with one responsible surety in like sum, while the second defendant was admitted bail in the sum of N50,000, with one surety in like sum.
She also said that the surety must either be a relative, a cleric or a community leader.
The matter was adjourned till January 9, 2015, for trial.
Punch
"I Was Never Slapped By The First Lady"- Wife Of Anambra Deputy Governor Refutes Media Claim
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| Governor Obiano and her Excellency |
ANAMBRA State government denied Friday that there was never a time the wife of the governor, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano slapped the wife of the deputy governor, saying those peddling the rumour were only trying to create tension in the state.
In a statement in Awka Friday, the special assistant to the deputy on medioa, Mrs. Stella Igboka said the two women were enjoying cordial relationship and urged the people of the state to ignore the story circulating in the social media.
Igboka's statement read: "Our attention has been drawn to a publication on the Internet alleging that Her Excellency, the wife of the Deputy Governor of Anambra State Mrs Oby Okeke was slapped by Her Excellency, the wife of the State Governor, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano at a function in Awka on Sunday last week.
"Her Excellency, Mrs Oby Okeke, had initially dismissed and ignored the purported allegation as a mere figment of imagination of rumour mongers, but having been pestered with calls and enquiries from friends and well meaning Ndi Anambra, It became necessary to set the record straight in order not to mislead the citizens into believing such a fabricated, unfounded and baseless story.
"There is no iota of truth in the said story, the publication is malicious and whoever concocted that does not mean well for Anambra state and should not be taken seriously.
"Those peddling propaganda only want to create unnecessary friction where non exists between the wives of the Governor and his deputy who are enjoying a cordial relationship and working harmoniously in supporting their husbands in their statutory obligations of moving the state to an enviable height.
"While assuring the citizens of Her Excellency's Mrs Oby Okeke's unflinching loyalty and support to the wife of the State Governor, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano (Osodieme) there is need to state equivocally that no level of smear campaign or calumny would distract the amiable wives of the Governor and his deputy from working as a formidable team in support of their husbands for peace and progress of Anambra State."
In a statement in Awka Friday, the special assistant to the deputy on medioa, Mrs. Stella Igboka said the two women were enjoying cordial relationship and urged the people of the state to ignore the story circulating in the social media.
Igboka's statement read: "Our attention has been drawn to a publication on the Internet alleging that Her Excellency, the wife of the Deputy Governor of Anambra State Mrs Oby Okeke was slapped by Her Excellency, the wife of the State Governor, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano at a function in Awka on Sunday last week.
"Her Excellency, Mrs Oby Okeke, had initially dismissed and ignored the purported allegation as a mere figment of imagination of rumour mongers, but having been pestered with calls and enquiries from friends and well meaning Ndi Anambra, It became necessary to set the record straight in order not to mislead the citizens into believing such a fabricated, unfounded and baseless story.
"There is no iota of truth in the said story, the publication is malicious and whoever concocted that does not mean well for Anambra state and should not be taken seriously.
"Those peddling propaganda only want to create unnecessary friction where non exists between the wives of the Governor and his deputy who are enjoying a cordial relationship and working harmoniously in supporting their husbands in their statutory obligations of moving the state to an enviable height.
"While assuring the citizens of Her Excellency's Mrs Oby Okeke's unflinching loyalty and support to the wife of the State Governor, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano (Osodieme) there is need to state equivocally that no level of smear campaign or calumny would distract the amiable wives of the Governor and his deputy from working as a formidable team in support of their husbands for peace and progress of Anambra State."
"Why I Scaled National Assembly Gates With Speaker"-Femi Gbajabiamila
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House of Representatives Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila said it was sad that he and other members of the House of Representatives had to scale the gate of the National Assembly complex to gain access to their duty post yesterday.
Gbajabiamila said in a statement signed by his research and media assistant, Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart that he never thought a day will ever come when he will be forced to scale the gate of the assembly complex.
"What happened in the National Assembly yesterday will forever live in infamy. I never thought I would see the day when I would be forced to go over the assembly gates where I work to gain access into the chambers. But then our democracy has to be saved."
He said he is surprised that the presidency could, through its agents, undermine a court injunction restraining them from acting against the Speaker.
"It was pretty clear the presidency in spite of a court injunction wanted to do something sinister and illegal.
Gbajabiamila said in a statement signed by his research and media assistant, Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart that he never thought a day will ever come when he will be forced to scale the gate of the assembly complex.
"What happened in the National Assembly yesterday will forever live in infamy. I never thought I would see the day when I would be forced to go over the assembly gates where I work to gain access into the chambers. But then our democracy has to be saved."
He said he is surprised that the presidency could, through its agents, undermine a court injunction restraining them from acting against the Speaker.
"It was pretty clear the presidency in spite of a court injunction wanted to do something sinister and illegal.
GOBE! Armed Robbers Steal Ebola Infected Blood In Guinea
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Fears have been raised in Guinea after armed robbers attacked and stole a batch of blood samples infected with the deadly Ebola virus which were being delivered to a test centre. Officials in Guinea say bandits stole a cooler containing blood samples that are believed to be infected with the Ebola virus......
It was reported that the thieves robbed a minibus which was transporting the samples from central Kankan area to the test site 165 miles away... The blood was stored in a sealed container and was being escorted by four Red Cross officials.
It is believed the bandits had no idea what it was they were stealing and may have thought there was cash hidden inside the container.
This just comes after it has been confirmed that Guinea would host the 2015 African Cup Of Nations AFCON...
It was reported that the thieves robbed a minibus which was transporting the samples from central Kankan area to the test site 165 miles away... The blood was stored in a sealed container and was being escorted by four Red Cross officials.
It is believed the bandits had no idea what it was they were stealing and may have thought there was cash hidden inside the container.
This just comes after it has been confirmed that Guinea would host the 2015 African Cup Of Nations AFCON...
"We Don’t Need An Apprentice Governor In Lagos, I Am The Only One Who Can Beat Tinubu"-Obanikoro Talks Tough
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The immediate past Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, says he is the only person that can wrest power from the All progressives Congress in Lagos.
He added that he was the only one that could rescue the state from the influence of a former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who is believed to have been largely responsible for the success the APC had been experiencing at the polls since 1999.
Obanikoro said this while addressing party leaders and supporters at the state secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party where he announced his intention to contest in the state's governorship election.
"It is time to liberate Lagos from Bola Tinubu, the emperor of Bourdillon. It is time for Tinubu to go. This state has been ruled by one man for the past 16 years," he said.
The former minister told members of the party that it was time for all of them to be united and understand that they were all fighting one enemy- the APC.
Obanikoro would have to defeat his biggest rival, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, at the primaries next month in order to clinch the ticket of the party.
He, therefore, told members of the party that only a person who had experience in governance could improve the fortunes of the state.
Obanikoro, who has served as a local government chairman, a senator, a High Commissioner and a minister, urged members of the party to vote at the primaries based on experience, not sentiments.
He said, "Experience can never be purchased. This state has been ruled by one man for the past 16 years and I can tell you that only those who have served in government can make meaningful change.
"Those who don't have experience cannot make meaningful change, they will only go there to start learning governance and we don't need an apprentice governor in Lagos. See the quantum debt sustained by the APC in this state. Only one person can win and fix Lagos and that is Obanikoro."
The governorship aspirant dispelled rumours that he was a violent man.
He argued that he had never been found wanting ever since he joined active partisan politics.
While pointing at his two sons that attended the event, he said, "I have been married for 34 years. Is there anywhere in the world where a thug has been married for that long? Look at my children, do they look like products of a violent upbringing?"
Earlier, the Chairman of the PDP in the state, Capt. Tunji Shelle (retd.), promised that the primaries would be free and fair, adding that no aspirant would be imposed on the party.
He added that he was the only one that could rescue the state from the influence of a former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who is believed to have been largely responsible for the success the APC had been experiencing at the polls since 1999.
Obanikoro said this while addressing party leaders and supporters at the state secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party where he announced his intention to contest in the state's governorship election.
"It is time to liberate Lagos from Bola Tinubu, the emperor of Bourdillon. It is time for Tinubu to go. This state has been ruled by one man for the past 16 years," he said.
The former minister told members of the party that it was time for all of them to be united and understand that they were all fighting one enemy- the APC.
Obanikoro would have to defeat his biggest rival, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, at the primaries next month in order to clinch the ticket of the party.
He, therefore, told members of the party that only a person who had experience in governance could improve the fortunes of the state.
Obanikoro, who has served as a local government chairman, a senator, a High Commissioner and a minister, urged members of the party to vote at the primaries based on experience, not sentiments.
He said, "Experience can never be purchased. This state has been ruled by one man for the past 16 years and I can tell you that only those who have served in government can make meaningful change.
"Those who don't have experience cannot make meaningful change, they will only go there to start learning governance and we don't need an apprentice governor in Lagos. See the quantum debt sustained by the APC in this state. Only one person can win and fix Lagos and that is Obanikoro."
The governorship aspirant dispelled rumours that he was a violent man.
He argued that he had never been found wanting ever since he joined active partisan politics.
While pointing at his two sons that attended the event, he said, "I have been married for 34 years. Is there anywhere in the world where a thug has been married for that long? Look at my children, do they look like products of a violent upbringing?"
Earlier, the Chairman of the PDP in the state, Capt. Tunji Shelle (retd.), promised that the primaries would be free and fair, adding that no aspirant would be imposed on the party.
Punch
"Why I Chose GEJ Ahead Of Donald Duke"-Obasanjo Reveals Says President Has Under-Performed »»Okupe Reacts
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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday described the performance of President Goodluck Jonathan as below average.
Obasanjo spoke during an encounter with book writers in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as part of activities marking the popular Ake Festival.
When asked of his view on Jonathan's administration, he said, "His performance is below average. I will not accept responsibility for his performance. There is nobody that gets such a position without being helped."
The former President also debunked the insinuations that he had selected Jonathan as the running mate to the late President Musa Yar'Adua because he knew the latter was sick.
"Yar'Adua told me he was well. He showed me his medical report and I even consulted experts," he said.
He said he had only supported the idea of a South-Southerner succeeding Yar'Adua to extend the sense of belonging that the emergence of a Southern President in 1999 represented.
When the former President was also asked on why he preferred Jonathan to the former governor of Rivers State, Donald Duke, he said, "In my own life, I don't put all my eggs in one basket. Duke was young enough to be in the reserve.
"He did not agree with me. Donald Duke is my friend but he needs a little of toning down. He needs to get his feet on the ground."
The former President had, in a December 2, 2013 18-page letter to Jonathan titled: "Before it is too late" raised many issues concerning Jonathan's administration.
The Presidency on Friday said a statement credited to Obasanjo that President Goodluck Jonathan's performance is below average was "not true and in error."
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said this in a telephone interview with SATURDAY PUNCH.
Okupe said if the statement indeed emanated from the former leader, it was the most uncharitable thing to say about the present administration which he said had achieved so much in various areas.
"If indeed former President Obasanjo said that, that statement was in error because no government since independence has done close to 50 per cent of what this administration has done in less than four years," Okupe said.
He recalled that when Obasanjo was leaving office, the total power generation capacity in the country was about 2,600MW, claiming that the present administration had been able to raise the figure to about 4,000MW.
Okupe also said the Jonathan administration inherited 24 airports that were in states of disrepair across the country at inception.
He said all the airports had so far been refurbished by the present administration, therefore increasing the country's reputation among comity of nations.
The presidential aide also said the present administration inherited 10 moribund National Integrated Power Projects and went ahead to restore and commission them.
He added that the Jonathan administration had succeeded in completely eradicating the rot and corruption met in the distribution of fertilisers in the agriculture sector.
He also said the present administration made progress in road construction by making 70 per cent of road network motorable.
Okupe also said many of the manufacturing industries that were moribund in 2011 have started work again.
"These are just a few among the achievements of the present administration. So if that statement was indeed made, it is most uncharitable and it is not true," he added.
Obasanjo spoke during an encounter with book writers in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as part of activities marking the popular Ake Festival.
When asked of his view on Jonathan's administration, he said, "His performance is below average. I will not accept responsibility for his performance. There is nobody that gets such a position without being helped."
The former President also debunked the insinuations that he had selected Jonathan as the running mate to the late President Musa Yar'Adua because he knew the latter was sick.
"Yar'Adua told me he was well. He showed me his medical report and I even consulted experts," he said.
He said he had only supported the idea of a South-Southerner succeeding Yar'Adua to extend the sense of belonging that the emergence of a Southern President in 1999 represented.
When the former President was also asked on why he preferred Jonathan to the former governor of Rivers State, Donald Duke, he said, "In my own life, I don't put all my eggs in one basket. Duke was young enough to be in the reserve.
"He did not agree with me. Donald Duke is my friend but he needs a little of toning down. He needs to get his feet on the ground."
The former President had, in a December 2, 2013 18-page letter to Jonathan titled: "Before it is too late" raised many issues concerning Jonathan's administration.
The Presidency on Friday said a statement credited to Obasanjo that President Goodluck Jonathan's performance is below average was "not true and in error."
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said this in a telephone interview with SATURDAY PUNCH.
Okupe said if the statement indeed emanated from the former leader, it was the most uncharitable thing to say about the present administration which he said had achieved so much in various areas.
"If indeed former President Obasanjo said that, that statement was in error because no government since independence has done close to 50 per cent of what this administration has done in less than four years," Okupe said.
He recalled that when Obasanjo was leaving office, the total power generation capacity in the country was about 2,600MW, claiming that the present administration had been able to raise the figure to about 4,000MW.
Okupe also said the Jonathan administration inherited 24 airports that were in states of disrepair across the country at inception.
He said all the airports had so far been refurbished by the present administration, therefore increasing the country's reputation among comity of nations.
The presidential aide also said the present administration inherited 10 moribund National Integrated Power Projects and went ahead to restore and commission them.
He added that the Jonathan administration had succeeded in completely eradicating the rot and corruption met in the distribution of fertilisers in the agriculture sector.
He also said the present administration made progress in road construction by making 70 per cent of road network motorable.
Okupe also said many of the manufacturing industries that were moribund in 2011 have started work again.
"These are just a few among the achievements of the present administration. So if that statement was indeed made, it is most uncharitable and it is not true," he added.
BBN AUTO! The Future is here: Toyota to launch hydrogen-powered car
-Jahmiu Tewogbade Add BBN on 2BAFB965
Toyota will launch its
all-new Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in Japan on 15 December before
introducing it in the UK and other selected European markets in September 2015,
with that date dictated by getting a refueling infrastructure rolled out.
Fuel cells, which
produce electricity directly as they combine fuel with oxygen (as opposed to
producing mechanical power from heat which is then turned into 'leccy by a
generator) have been the power of the future for nearly 100 years, and even
provided some fizzy drinking water as a by-product of powering the Apollo
landers (the Space Shuttles also used fuel cell exhaust as drinking water).
Mirai uses the Toyota
Fuel Cell System (TFCS), which brings together fuel cell and hybrid
technologies. It includes Toyota’s new, proprietary fuel cell stack and
high-pressure hydrogen tanks. Toyota claims this is more energy efficient than
internal combustion engines and emits no CO2 or pollutants when
the vehicle is driven. That is Toyota dodging the issue of where the
hydrogen comes from – it is normally made industrially from natural gas, which
involves considerable carbon emissions, though Toyota prefers to speak of
getting it from sewage* – and what is needed to pressurize it. Fuel cells
combine the hydrogen with oxygen, hence the gaping vents in the front for
breathing and cooling.
Toyota points out that
there are distinct advantages over other forms of electric power as the system
has a range of 300 miles and a hydrogen refueling time of around three minutes.
But with a top speed of just 111mph and a 0-62 time of 9.6 seconds, it’s way
behind a Tesla S, let alone a Tesla D. This is clearly not helped by the Mirai
having a kerb weight of 1,850kg.
The limiting factor on
performance is the maximum power output and for the stack in the Mirari that’s
153bhp (114kW) at 650 volts. Toyota is proud of this as it has been improved by
using 3D fine mesh flow channels which ensure uniform generation on the cell
surfaces.
The
amount of water on the fuel cell electrolyte membranes has a substantial
influence on electricity generation efficiency. The amount of water is
controlled using an internal circulation system to carry water produced in the
electricity generation process. This makes the Toyota FC Stack a world-leading
system that, unlike those used in all other previous Toyota fuel cell vehicles,
doesn’t require a humidifier.
Filling a car with
something as explosive as petrol is pretty dangerous, but pressurized, to
700bar, hydrogen poses an additional level of risk so the car has two carbon
fiber-reinforced plastic tanks well inside the wheelbase and mounted low.
There are leak detection
and stoppage systems, and tanks and other hydrogen-related parts are all
outside the cabin, so that if there is a leak, the hydrogen will disperse
easily. Putting major parts such as the FC stack and high-pressure hydrogen
tanks centrally beneath the vehicle floor gives improved handling stability and
ride comfort, as well as a low center of gravity and good front/rear weight
distribution.
A pre-collision system
with millimeter-wave radar could help prevent collisions, or reduce damage in
an impact by triggering driver alerts and (if a high collision risk is
detected) brake control.
An
interesting design feature is to make the heat sinks for the LED headlights
visible. Mirai runs on 17-inch aluminum wheels which have been made lighter by
the use of an engraving process. This manufacturing process to reduce the
weight of aluminum wheels involves shaving metal from the intersecting line
between the disc and rim. This reduces individual wheel weight by approximately
500g
BBNA learnt that Toyota Mirai is released only in Japan ... for now.
Culled from The Register
Senate President David Mark Reveals He Has Been Begged To Forgive Reps Who Assaulted Him
Senate President, David Mark, on Friday said he had forgiven Hon. Abdulmalik Cheche (PDP Niger) who assaulted him on the floor of the House of Representatives chamber on Thursday during the pandemonium that ensued following the invasion of the National Assembly by security agents.
Mark in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja, also said that he did not hold any grudge against Cheche over his action.
Mark added that both the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal and the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu, had already pleaded with him on behalf of the lawmaker over his unruly behaviour.
He described his experience in the hands of the lawmaker as "his prize and sacrifice for leadership."
He said, "It is a sacrifice I am prepared to accept. I was physically stopped at the gate and booked from accessing the National Assembly complex for about an hour . I was also tear gassed at the lobby of the White House as I made my return from the Green Chamber.
" In all these, I bear no ill feeling . AbdulMalik (Cheche) is my colleague. I have forgiven him. I believe we can continue to work together in the interest of peace and sustenance of democracy."
Providing an insight into what transpired inside the lower chamber, Mark said his visit to the Green Chamber, was "to ascertain the safety of Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and his colleagues having received reports that canisters of tear gas were targeted at them."
He said, "I also went to confer with Mr. Speaker on the need to suspend plenary in both Chambers in order to restore sanity to an environment that had turned restive and becoming uncontrollable.
" My intention was to safeguard the sanctity of the hallowed Chamber and to guarantee the respect of the legislature. I consider the unwarranted and needless attack on my person by Hon. Abdulmalik Usman Cheche
"Like I have repeatedly said, I will do anything necessary to keep the sanctity of the parliament as an institution and safeguard the respect of every legislator.
" I therefore urge all political actors to always remember that we must first have a nation before we can achieve our various individual ambitions.
"We must at all times restrain ourselves from actions that cannot add value to our hard earned democracy.
"We should remain guided by the rules no matter how strongly we perceive our positions to be the most appropriate."
Mark in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja, also said that he did not hold any grudge against Cheche over his action.
Mark added that both the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal and the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu, had already pleaded with him on behalf of the lawmaker over his unruly behaviour.
He described his experience in the hands of the lawmaker as "his prize and sacrifice for leadership."
He said, "It is a sacrifice I am prepared to accept. I was physically stopped at the gate and booked from accessing the National Assembly complex for about an hour . I was also tear gassed at the lobby of the White House as I made my return from the Green Chamber.
" In all these, I bear no ill feeling . AbdulMalik (Cheche) is my colleague. I have forgiven him. I believe we can continue to work together in the interest of peace and sustenance of democracy."
Providing an insight into what transpired inside the lower chamber, Mark said his visit to the Green Chamber, was "to ascertain the safety of Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and his colleagues having received reports that canisters of tear gas were targeted at them."
He said, "I also went to confer with Mr. Speaker on the need to suspend plenary in both Chambers in order to restore sanity to an environment that had turned restive and becoming uncontrollable.
" My intention was to safeguard the sanctity of the hallowed Chamber and to guarantee the respect of the legislature. I consider the unwarranted and needless attack on my person by Hon. Abdulmalik Usman Cheche
"Like I have repeatedly said, I will do anything necessary to keep the sanctity of the parliament as an institution and safeguard the respect of every legislator.
" I therefore urge all political actors to always remember that we must first have a nation before we can achieve our various individual ambitions.
"We must at all times restrain ourselves from actions that cannot add value to our hard earned democracy.
"We should remain guided by the rules no matter how strongly we perceive our positions to be the most appropriate."
Buruji Kashamu Battles Gbenga Daniel For Senatorial Ticket
A former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and the Chairman, Mobilisation and Organisation Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-West, Buruji Kashamu, are at daggers drawn over a senatorial slot as both of them appeared before the screening committee at the party's headquarters in Abeokuta on Thursday.
Both of them are senatorial aspirants, vying to fill Ogun- East senatorial seat on the platform of the PDP.
Kashamu had earlier been screened ahead of Daniel, who arrived almost an hour after.
They were screened by a five-man screening committee set up by the party.
Kashamu said he was in the race to give his people a good representation in the Senate, stressing that there was nothing wrong being in the race.
He said, "We are two from the party contesting. Otunba Daniel is my rival. But one has to step down for the other but I don't know who is going to step down for the other. I believe he is going to step down for me."
Daniel, who acknowledged the contribution of Kashamu to the party, while he was away, said the two of them would talk things over.
He said, "Prince Kashamu has given a good account of himself in terms of the way he has supported the party especially when I was not there. So he has come and said he wants to do it, we will see whether we can talk it over, somebody will do it."
Both of them are senatorial aspirants, vying to fill Ogun- East senatorial seat on the platform of the PDP.
Kashamu had earlier been screened ahead of Daniel, who arrived almost an hour after.
They were screened by a five-man screening committee set up by the party.
Kashamu said he was in the race to give his people a good representation in the Senate, stressing that there was nothing wrong being in the race.
He said, "We are two from the party contesting. Otunba Daniel is my rival. But one has to step down for the other but I don't know who is going to step down for the other. I believe he is going to step down for me."
Daniel, who acknowledged the contribution of Kashamu to the party, while he was away, said the two of them would talk things over.
He said, "Prince Kashamu has given a good account of himself in terms of the way he has supported the party especially when I was not there. So he has come and said he wants to do it, we will see whether we can talk it over, somebody will do it."
Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone.
Oshiomhole Rename Edo University After Late Commisioner
Add BBN on 2BAFB965
The Edo State Government on Friday renamed the College of Education, Ekiadolor, recently upgraded to a university status, to Tayo Akpata University of Education in honour of a former Commissioner for Education in the defunct Bendel State, Chief Tayo Akpata.
Governor Oshiomhole made the announcement during the funeral service of the late elder statesman at the Central Baptist Church, Benin.
The governor explained that the state government's decision was as a result of his (Akpata) contributions to the development of the state.
He said that the renaming of the university would serve as an inspiration to youths, whom he advised to emulate the virtues of the late Akpata, who was also a one-time Executive Secretary of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund and the first Chairman of the National Youth Service Corps (Mid-West State) in 1975.
Oshiomhole said, "We feel the pain of the loss of our Elder Statesman, a man whose life symbolises the fighting spirit, the resourcefulness, the intellectual capacity of the Edo people. One who has shown that the average Edo person is not contented at looking after himself alone but often is willing to carry the burden of others.
"Often times, Nigerians talk of immortalizing people who are rich in naira. But the greatest wealth in my view is what contribution one has made to the development of his community and there is no question that Chief Tayo Akpata was a shining example of what we all can do individually to make a difference in our community.
"We have reflected and we arrived at a conclusion that the University of Education, Ekiadolor will now be renamed as Tayo Akpata University of Education, Ekiadolor. That way, our young ones will recognize that people are immortalized not because they feature in the list of Nigeria's richest men or women but on account of their rich contributions and the role they play in the lives of very ordinary people."
He also said, "In Akpata was a man who, even outside the shores of this country, was an activist. As a young man he was persuaded by the ideals of the Labour Party in Britain. He didn't see himself as a foreigner who came for the specific purpose to learn and acquire knowledge but we had a young activist who identified with Labour Party and went out to mobilize and canvass for votes."
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