Monday, November 9, 2015

Orubebe Trial: CCB Fails To Produce Witness, Adjourns To Nov 26


The trial of former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over alleged four count charge of false declaration of assets and acceptance of about N70million bribe, took a dramatic turn on Monday, as the prosecution counsel failed to produce witnesses against the ex-minister.

After Orubebe pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him, the counsel to the prosecution, Ibrahim Usman, told the court, that he would like to request an adjournment since his witnesses were not in court.

INEC Job Is Not Difficult – Prof. Yakubu

Newly sworn-in Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday promised to be courageous in taking decisions at the commission.
He however noted that he would be guided by the Electoral Act and the Constitution in the discharge of his duties.
Yakubu, who made the pledge at INEC headquarters, Abuja, on Monday when he assumed office as the new chairman of the commission, doubted the veracity of people’s perception of the INEC job as very difficult.

Eaglets’ Victory Bold Response To Buhari’s Failure To Acknowledge Youths’ Potentials – PDP


The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has told President Muhammadu Buhari that the victory of the Golden Eaglets at the FIFA U-17 World Cup clearly indicates that the nation’s youths are endowed with talents and should be encouraged to excel.

Describing the feat as a bold response by the Nigerian youth to the series of “uninspiring and negative utterances and actions of President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government,” the party accused the current administration of refusing to acknowledge the potentials of the nation’s youths.
The main opposition party, in a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh held that, “The victory is a clear demonstration that Nigeria, as a country is endowed with enormous talents and potentials waiting to be exhibited to the entire world.

Top 5 Wars America Should Have Stayed Well Away From


Regardless of how militarily strong the United States sees itself as, there are a significant number of fights it would have been better to have stayed out of. Robert Farley, an American expert in national security has compiled a list of fights the nation lost, as a little update before it hops head-first into its next foreign adventure.


“As we would expect of any country, not all of America’s wars have been wisely fought, and not all of them were wise to fight,” Farley wrote in an article for The National Interest magazine.  Here is the list of battles the author thinks his country should had kept out of.“As we would expect of any country, not all of America’s wars have been wisely fought, and not all of them were wise to fight,” Farley wrote in an article for The National Interest magazine.  Here is the list of battles the author thinks his country should had kept out of.


5) War of 1812




© AP PHOTO Battle of New Orleans showing General Andrew Jackson and his troops overcoming the British , in 1815, and scoring a victory which gave him a place of great popularity whit the people



The tensions that caused the War of 1812 (June 18, 1812 – February 17, 1815) arose from the French revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars (1792–1815). During this nearly constant conflict between France and Britain, American interests were injured by the two countries’ endeavors to block the United States from trading with each other’s adversary.


The causes of the war also included the Royal Navy’s impressment of American seamen and America’s desire to expand its territory.


The United States suffered many costly defeats at the hands of British, Canadian and Native American troops over the course of the War of 1812, including the capture and burning of the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., in August 1814.


“It turned out that the United States was ill-prepared for the conflict,” Farley concludes. “The invasions of Canada failed; US Navy frigates scored some notable successes, but in general the Royal Navy did what it wanted, when it wanted; the British burned the American capital, with only heroic resistance preventing the incineration of Baltimore. The Republic nearly collapsed from internal dissension before Washington and London made peace.”



4) The Black Hills War


The Great Sioux War of 1876, also known as the Black Hills War, was a series of battles and negotiations which occurred between 1876 and 1877 involving the Native American tribes of Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne against the United States.



Northern Cheyenne, Little Bighorn Battlefield, June 26, 1876 Little Bighorn River, Montana.

© WIKIPEDIA Battle of the Big Horn. Shows the smoking guns of General Custer and his U. S. Army troops being defeated in battle with Native American Lakota Sioux, and Northern Cheyenne, Little Bighorn Battlefield, June 26, 1876 Little Bighorn River, Montana.



As gold was discovered in the Black Hills, settlers began to encroach onto Native American lands.


“The US government was unable (and largely unwilling) to restrict white migration into the Black Hills, and after unproductive negotiation simply decided to seize some of the most valuable area,” Farley says.


“The war resulted in one of the most serious US military defeats of the Indian Wars, the annihilation of the Seventh Cavalry at the Battle of Little Bighorn.”


“Eventually, however, a combination of military and diplomatic efforts forced most of the Cheyenne and Sioux to surrender, apart from a portion that fled to Canada.”


Sporadic fighting would continue for another fifteen years or so the author says.


In the end, the US government “pacified” the Cheyenne and Sioux and assumed full control over the eastern half of what would become South Dakota.


“The death and destruction caused by the war provided an appropriate coda for US mistreatment of Native American tribes across the 19th century,” he furthermore states.



3) The Great War (World War I)


The World War I (July 28, 1914 – November 11, 1918) was centered in Europe, with the US “watching, and profiting from, the slow incineration of European civilization between 1914 and 1917.”



Madison Square, New York City, 1918

© AP PHOTO Soldiers returned to the U.S. from France after the Great War march in a homecoming parade in Madison Square, New York City, 1918



When the European continent erupted in conflict in 1914, President Wilson declared America’s neutrality.

“German submarines and an ill-advised effort on the part of the German foreign service to enlist Mexico’s support in the war changed that position,” Farley says.


“In eighteen months of war (with the most intense fighting concentrated in the summer of 1918), 116,000 Americans died. Scholars still debate whether US intervention was decisive, but in the end the war resulted in the collapse of four empires (Germany, Russia, Ottoman, Austria-Hungary) and the aggrandizement of two others (Britain and France) without resolving any of the central issues of dispute.”



2) Vietnam War



Vietnam War

© AP PHOTO/ HORST FAAS Hovering U.S. Army helicopters pour machine gun fire into the tree line to cover the advance of South Vietnamese ground troops in an attack on a Viet Cong camp 18 miles north of Tay Ninh, northwest of Saigon near the Cambodian border, in March 1965 during the Vietnam War



The Vietnam War was a long, costly armed conflict that pitted the communist regime of North Vietnam and its southern allies, known as the Viet Cong, against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States.


The war began in 1954 (though conflict in the region stretched back to the mid-1940s), after the rise to power of Ho Chi Minh and his communist Viet Minh party in North Vietnam, and continued against the backdrop of an intense Cold War between two global superpowers: the United States and the Soviet Union.


The war took the lives of 58,000 Americans and ended with the withdrawal of US forces in 1973 and the unification of Vietnam under Communist control two years later.


The conflict led to bitter divisions among Americans, both before and after President Richard Nixon ordered the withdrawal.


According to a survey by the Veterans Administration, some 500,000 of the 3 million troops who served in Vietnam suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, and rates of divorce, suicide, alcoholism and drug addiction were markedly higher among veterans.



1) Operation Iraqi Freedom



Iraq

© AFP 2015/ RAMZI HAIDAR US marines sit on their tanks behind the wreckage of destroyed cars on al-Jumhuriya bridge in Baghdad 11 April 2003



“In 2003, the United States invaded Iraq in order to topple the regime of Saddam Hussein, establish a friendly, democratic state in its place, and prevent the distribution of weapons of mass destruction to Iraqi-affiliated terrorist networks. In hindsight, every aspect of that sentence seems absurd,” Farley says.


According to official estimates, a total of 4,493 US service members were killed in Iraq between 2003 and 2014. Official figures claim 32,021 were wounded. However, according to Antiwar.com website, the unofficial estimation shows as much as 100,000.


Given the above, Farly concludes that “the United States should take great care to stay out of unnecessary wars, and aloof from foreign entanglements. America’s leaders would be best advised to pay great heed to this advice when they consider further foreign adventures.”



World News



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Wanted Boko Haram Suspect Arrested In Abuja Airport


One of the 100 suspected Boko Haram members declared wanted by the military, Chindo Bello was on Sunday arrested in Abuja while attempting to flee.

According to reports, Bello was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja while trying to board an Aero Contractors’ Airline flight billed for Lagos.
Following his arrest, he was handed over to the military intelligence for interrogation and prosecution.
A statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman expressed appreciation to the eagle eyed and patriotic security agents at the airport, as well as good citizens of the country, for the tip-off that led to the arrest of Chindo Bello.

Photos: Nigerian Army destroys more terrorist camps


Press statement the military...
In furtherance to the ongoing offensive operations to clear Boko Haram terrorists activities in the North East, troops of 25 Task Force Brigade yesterday (Sunday), conducted clearance and confidence building operations in Bale along Bitta and Damboa axis. The Boko Haram terrorists on sighting the advancing troops towards their location, they fled in disarray abandoning looted food items and other personal effects.

Photos: Presicent Buhari, Osinbajo, Saraki at the searing-in ceremony of new INEC chairman and commissioners


President Buhari early today performed the swearing-in function of the new INEC Chairman Professor Mahmud Yakubu and also five INEC Commissioners in particular Antonla Taiye Okoosi Simbine for North-central, Alhaji Baba Shettima Arfo for North-east, Mohammed Mustafa Lecky for South-south, Amina Zakari for North East and Soyebi Adedeji Solomon for South-west. See more pics bellow....

Mass Protest Against Oshiomhole Administration Rocks Benin City

Residents Benin City, Edo State, on Monday expressed their rejection of the policies of the state government by embarking on a peaceful mass protest in major streets of the city. The protesters marched the streets over Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s policies on tax and school fees hike, as well as growing number abandoned roads projects. They also frowned at the ‎what they called the dictatorial tendencies of the Government.

Sifiso Dabengwa dumps his post as MTN CEO over N1.04 trillion Nigeria fine


Sifiso Dabengwa, the embattled chief executive of MTN, has announced his resignation following sanctioned by the Nigerian government for failing to disconnect 5.1 million unregistered subscribers.

N1.04 trillion ($5.2 billion) fine imposed on the telecom giant by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.

However, rumors suggested he might be replaced by Non-Executive Chairman, Phuthuma Nhleko, will act as executive chairman for a maximum period of six months while the company identifies a successor to Mr. Dabengwa, MTN said in a statement issued in Johannesburg on Monday.

Sunday, November 8, 2015

A new war began on October 31…

The most up-to-date information indicates the October 31 tragedy was the result of a terrorist act on board the Airbus A321. If that supposition is confirmed, and considering the reaction by the Russian authorities, one might say that Qatar finally got what it wanted—a war.
Incidentally, Qatar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Khaled al-Atyya publicly threatened Russia with “World War Three”. We can’t speak for Russia, but as far as Qatari clans are concerned, the war is on.

BREAKING: Wanted Boko Haram terrorist Member Nabbed

A member of the dreaded Boko Haram sect who was declared wanted by the Army was arrested today in Abuja. Army spokesman Colonel Sani Usman said the suspect was arrested at the Abuja airport on his was to Lagos.

Week Five of the Russian Intervention in Syria: The Russians Are Digging in



This column was originally written for the Unz Review: http://www.unz.com/tsaker/week-three-of-the-russian-intervention-in-syria/
Whether this tragedy was directly linked to the war in Syria or not, there is no doubt that the downing of Kogalymavia Flight 9268 was the main event of the past week. Since I have covered this issueelsewhere, I shall not return to it in detail again here. I will just repeat here my personal conclusion that this tragedy will not impact the Russian operation in Syria or affect the political situation inside Russia. As for the cause of the tragedy, there are increasing indications that both western and Russian security services have come to a tentative conclusion that it was, indeed, a bomb. On Friday, the head of the Federal Security Service has recommended canceling all flights to Egypt and the evacuation of all the Russian citizens in Egypt (roughly 70,000 people). Several EU countries have also taken similar measures.

5,000 Naira Monthly Stipend: Group Threatens To Drag Buhari, APC To Court


A group, South East Progressives Assembly, SEPA, has threatened to drag President Muhammadu Buhari and the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, to court over the inability of the Federal Government to commence the payment of the monthly five thousand naira (N5, 000 stipend) it promised unemployed Nigerian youths.

President Buhari and his party, the APC, had during electioneering campaigns, promised to drive the ‘change’ policy through certain programmes which include payment of N5, 000 monthly stipend to unemployed Nigerian youths.

Oba Eweka I, the kingdom's first 'Oba' of the benin empire

In this image: Oba Eweka I, the kingdom's first 'Oba' of the benin empire. The Benin Empire (1440–1897) was a pre-colonial African state in what is now modern Nigeria. It should not be confused with the modern-day country called Benin, formerly called Dahomey.

What is written on the walls of KEMET and in the books of TIMBUKTU is also written in the hearts of AFRICAN WARRIORS who carry the spirit of MENES, SETI, TUT-MOSES, HANNIBAL, SHAKA and other great AFRICAN "LEADERS.

Investigators Complete Preliminary Analysis of Data From A321 flight data recorder


The Moscow-based Interstate Aviation Committee said that investigators have completed the preliminary analysis of data from the black boxes that were abroad the crashed Russian airliner Airbus 321.

Investigators have completed the preliminary analysis of data from the black boxes that were abroad the crashed Russian airliner Airbus 321 when it came down in Egypt last week, the Moscow-based Interstate Aviation Committee (MAK) said early Sunday.

Saturday, November 7, 2015

President Buhari Calls Golden Eaglets, Urges Them To Victory Against Mali Email FB share Tweet


For about 25 minutes on Saturday evening, President Muhammadu Buhari spoke with the Golden Eaglets and their officials, urging them to strive for victory tomorrow in the final of the Under-17 FIFA World Cup holding in Chile.

Nigeria first won the same tournament in China in 1985, when President Buhari was military head of state, and he urged the team to repeat the same feat tomorrow against Mali, to make it the fifth time Nigeria will win the trophy.

Taraba Tribunal judgement ridiculous, It can't stand before men & God - Fayose

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has described the tribunal judgement sacking the Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku as a ridiculous political judgement that can never stand before men of good conscience and God.

Governor Fayose, who maintained that there was a conspiracy by the All Progressives Congress (APC) led federal government and a section of the judiciary against the People's Democratic Party (PDP), called on the Supreme Court to save the country from impending anarchy.

Secondary School Student Arrested For Killing A Prefect Who Punished Him For Coming To School Late


A 19 year old student of Gaskia College, Amukoko, Lagos, Saka Hammed, who allegedly stabbed the school’s Labour prefect, Saheed Jimoh, to death on Wednesday for punishing him over being late to school, has been arrested by police.
He was allegedly arrested by policemen attached to Amukoko Division, sometime around 6.40p.m. yesterday.

Pictures From The Building Collapse In Isheri-Magodo, Lagos In The Morning





Catastrophe struck at the beginning of today at Orisha, Isheri-Magodo, Ojodu after a hill from a slope slipped into a 3 room cottage building causing partial breakdown of building – trapping 4 children of same father.
Three kids from one mother specifically Sylva Odiah 23; Sayo Odiah15; Clinton Odiah11 and Endurance Odiah 8 years were recouped dead. The mum sustained minor injury and was hurried to Yaba General Hospital for treatment. The eldest wife, Felicia Odiah had minor wounds and was given First Aid treatment.

Discomfort, ​a​nger as collapse​d Ikem ​bridge cuts off Enugu, Benue, Ebonyi communities


The collapse of the Ikem bridge, which is at Ebonyi River in Isi-Uzo local government area of Enugu state, has caused untold hardship for commuters in communities within Enugu, Benue and Ebonyi states, with some people having to actually swim in order to get to their destinations. The hanging bridge, built by the Nigeria army shortly after the civil​ war, finally caved in when a Dangote truck carrying 900 bags of cement tried to pass through... Many communities in Enugu, Ebonyi, Benue have been cut off & Commuters traveling from Ehamufu to Enugu now terminate their journeys at different ends of the river and swim across to continue their journey.

Oshiomole Accused Of Diverting $31M State Cement Factory Funds

Former Edo State governor, Lucky Igbinedion, has replied his successor, Adams Oshiomhole on allegations of diverting $31 million meant to build a cement factory in the state during his administration.
Igbinedion was governor of the state from 1999 to 2003.
On Wednesday, the Edo State Government, through the Commissioner for Information, Loius Odion, said an investigation would be launched on the alleged missing funds and has directed the Attorney General to commence legal action.

Tell Them The Truth, MASSOB Is A Distraction - Gov Rochas Replies Uwazuruike On Biafra

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has reacted to comment by the leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, that he was sabotaging the Igbo cause.

His Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemedo, in a statement yesterday said, “Although Chief Uwazuruike had made his claim and his allegation, the indisputable fact remains that the real Igbo saboteur is Chief Uwazuruike himself and not Governor Okorocha, because all over the world, the real enemies of the people are those who fail or refuse to tell them the truth”.

Friday, November 6, 2015

Buhari Bars Ministers From Using Large Convoys


President Muhammadu Buhari has outlawed the use of large convoys and retinue of aides by the ministers-designate.
This revelation was made by a minister-designate, Dr. Chris Ngige, who briefed State House correspondents at the end of a two-day retreat held for the 36 ministers-designate at the Presidential Villa on Friday.
According to him, the order was in line with the nation's economic reality.
Asked whether Buhari told them anything about the economy, Ngige said: "Yes, lean economy because we are going to block areas of leakages, retinue of aides, protocol staff, large convoys of cars are things that will not fly in this administration."

APC Senators Describe ‘N5,000 For Jobless Youths’ As A Wicked Trap From PDP.


Two senators of the All Progressives (APC) have defended the rejection of a motion proposing the payment of N5, 000 stipends to unemployed youths. Describing the motion as a “bobby trap” from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the lawmakers accused their colleagues of trivalising sensitive issues. Ibn Na’Allah, deputy leader of the senate, said the 8th senate was committed to the welfare of Nigerians and will contribute positively on any matter that will create jobs.

FG Plans N8tn Budget For 2016, Proposes 40% For Capital Projects. - Yemi Osinbajo.


The Federal Government is currently working on the 2016 budget that will be between N7tn and N8tn. The figures are higher than the 2015 budget of N4.4tn. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo disclosed in a paper entitled: ‘The economy – Where we are today’, which he delivered at a presidential retreat organised by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for ministers-
designate on Thursday. The retreat, which ends today (Friday), is holding behind