Thursday 4 July 2013

Kanye West Is “Not Changing Diapers” for Baby North

Kanye West Is "Not Changing Diapers" for Baby North
It’s a dirty job and somebody’s gotta do it, but that somebody is not Kanye West. Since welcoming baby daughter North with girlfriend Kim Kardashian on June 15, West, 36, has embraced almost every aspect of fatherhood, with one notable exception: dirty diapers.

A source close to the Kardashian family told Us that although the “Black Skinhead” rapper is totally in love with his newborn little girl, he’s not so keen on dealing with her messes. “He’s not changing diapers,” the insider revealed in the July 8 issue of Us Weekly.
He is, however, stepping up in other ways. “He doesn't leave North for more than an hour,” one source marvelled of the proud new dad. Added another: “Kanye holds the baby all the time.”
Indeed, both West and Kardashian seem to be settling in quite nicely to life with their little bundle of joy. “Kim is breast-feeding constantly,” one source told Us of the 32-year-old first-time mom. “She’s loving it.”
Added long-time friend and Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin: “When I walked in to see her, Kim was holding the baby. I said, ‘Oh, my God. You’re a natural.’ Kim said, ‘I know — it’s so weird!’”
Motherhood has definitely changed the media-savvy reality star. Since giving birth five weeks early in mid-June, the normally tweet-happy new mom has surfaced on social media only twice — to wish sister Khloe a happy 29th birthday and to promote the June 30 episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.
Sources say both she and West are adamant about keeping their baby out of the spotlight, at least for the time being. In fact, as Us Weekly previously reported, the couple turned down a whopping $3 million deal with an Australian magazine for the first baby photos of little North.
This article originally appeared on Usmagazine.com: Kanye West Is “Not Changing Diapers” for Baby North

Revenge mission: 3 people arrested as masquerade, residents clash (again) in Ibadan

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Barely a year after an attack on the dreaded masquerade in Ibadan, Oloolu at Popoyemoja area, supporters of the masquerade and residents of the area again clashed, Wednesday.

Last year, the masquerade was attacked with machete and had his head bandaged but, Wednesday, no fewer than 16 vehicles were vandalised.

Already, three persons have been  arrested by the Oyo State Police Command in connection with the fracas.

The incident, according to a source, happened in the evening when the masquerade visited two chiefs in the area.

The supporters who wore vests with inscription Odun Esan,  meaning “year of revenge,” unleashed terror on their perceived enemies. Dangerous weapons were said to have been freely used.

One of the attackers was quoted as saying it was to revenge  what happened to the masquerade during last year’s festival.

It would be recalled that it took the intervention of some chiefs to settle the crisis, last year.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP Olabisi Ilobanafor, said  some hoodlums  attempted to attack the masquerade with dangerous weapons.

She confirmed that vehicles were vandalised but said the owners were yet to be identified. The PPRO also added that three persons, Ibrahim Isiaka, Yakubu Isiaka and Fatai Bakare had been arrested.

The vehicles vandalized include Volkswagen Jeta car with registration number AG 483 SHK, AA 893 SHK, Toyota with registration number AB 470 AAB (Ogun), MUS 952 BE, Mercedes Benz marked EJ 161 ABC (Abuja), Merzedez with number MS 194 AAA (Lagos), AA 768 TUN (Ekiti), Ford car with number AJ 191 YNF (Oyo) and AA 102 RRU (Edo), Honda car with number EPE 452 BH (Lagos), AM 59 KSF (Lagos), and AR 19 NRK(Oyo) among others.

Read more: Vanguard Newspapers

Isn’t it the kids’ sports day? David Beckham wins the fathers’ race but Victoria is beaten by Stella McCartney

Every year, parents head to their kids’ schools to watch them take part in their annual summer sports day, and it was no different for the Beckham brood, who enjoyed the company of both their mother and father on Wednesday afternoon.
Ever the competitor, David, 38, proved himself to be the fatherly champion as he won the dad race in front of the whole student body.
However, rather than just stand on the sidelines, Victoria, 39, proved she wasn’t too Posh to take part, throwing off her heels to take on fellow celebrity parent Stella McCartney in a foot race.
Mum on the run! Victoria Beckham throws off her heels to take part in her kids' school sports dayMum on the run! Victoria Beckham throws off her heels to take part in her kids’ school sports day
Sadly Victoria didn’t manage to beat Stella, 41, but from the smile on her face, just taking part was all that mattered as she caught back her breath while the crowd of watching parents and kids cheered her on.
And it seems when it comes to her kids, her usual cold exterior thaws to reveal a bright lively parent who isn’t too big to run across a school playing field in a pair of designer flared jeans and a leather jacket.
And just like your typical parental unit, out came the video camera to record the family antics at Cruz’s sports day.
Mummy on film: David recorded his wife running in the fun race with Harper watchingMummy on film: David recorded his wife running in the fun race with Harper watching
Wooden spook: From the looks of the other racers in front of Stella, Victoria came lastWooden spook: From the looks of the other racers in front of Stella, Victoria came last
Winner: Stella McCartney seemed to win the mother's race in bare feetWinner: Stella McCartney seemed to win the mother’s race in bare feet

No hard feelings! Victoria grinned as she caught back her breath while Stella patted her on the backNo hard feelings! Victoria grinned as she caught back her breath while Stella patted her on the back
But not wanting to miss out on all the action, even their youngest Harper had a little race for herself, and she definitely got the most cooing appreciation as she ran towards her daddy filming her as she hurried towards the finish line.
Of course David won his race, having only just retired from professional football himself, although his rival wasn’t going to let that little fact put him off his game, as the white-collared father pulled a face of steely determination in his bid to beat the English football legend.
Maybe that fiery look was the reason why Beckham couldn’t help but smirk as he looked back at his competitor like Usain Bolt did when drew closer to the finish line to win a Men’s 200m qualification heat at the World Athletics Championships in 2011.
No chance: David Beckham grins back at his older, harder trying rivalNo chance: David Beckham grins back at his older, harder trying rival
Didn't stand a chance: Having on ly just retired from professional football it's safe to say Becks had an unfair advantage
Didn't stand a chance: Having on ly just retired from professional football it's safe to say Becks had an unfair advantage
Didn’t stand a chance: Having only just retired from professional football it’s safe to say Becks had an unfair advantage
Harper's turn! The Beckham's youngest has a go at running too and everyone clearly finds it adorableHarper’s turn! The Beckham’s youngest has a go at running too and everyone clearly finds it adorable
Proud dad: David videos his son Cruz playing with a football during one raceProud dad: David videos his son Cruz playing with a football during one race
David and Victoria Beckham take Harper to watch her brother Cruz
David and Victoria Beckham take Harper to watch her brother Cruz
Can’t help it! Ever the footballer, Becks can’t stop kicking a ball around when it gets near him

Doting parents: Victoria, David and Harper watch as Cruz takes part in sports dayDoting parents: Victoria, David and Harper watch as Cruz takes part in sports day

The former Paris St. Germain player wore a red baseball cap turned backwards, with a blue jumper, white T-shirt, light blue jeans and neon green Adidas trainers.
But when he was presented with his gold medal, David wore it with pride for the rest of the day, as though it was that FIFA World Cup medal he never managed to win during his tenure as England captain.
However the day wasn’t about them but their eight year old son Cruz, who looked like he impressed his dad as he kicked a football around during one event.
Active: Victoria cheers on her son and the other kids during the day of sportsActive: Victoria cheers on her son and the other kids during the day of sports

Designer parents: Victoria and Stella join their husbands David and Alasdhair Willis for their kids' sports dayDesigner parents: Victoria and Stella join their husbands David and Alasdhair Willis for their kids’ sports day

Merry bunch: No doubt the other parents were chuffed to rub shoulders with such famous facesMerry bunch: No doubt the other parents were chuffed to rub shoulders with such famous faces

Stella McCartney
Victoria Beckham
Formal versus casual: Stella opted for a black jumpsuit and strappy heels while Victoria chose jeans, a vest and a leather jacket
Competitive mother: She may not be the sporty one but she sure knows her tactics when it comes to succeedingCompetitive mother: She may not be the sporty one but she sure knows her tactics when it comes to succeedingVictoria was there too to shout with pride, watching her youngest son with studious regard and cheering him on every step of the way. Earlier on in the day the fashion designer had been taking part in a photo shoot with Boo George, of which she tweeted about: ‘Shoot in London with Boo George and @misslotten and @thesamhair x thank u!!!’
When she wasn’t watching her boy, or keeping an eye on her daughter Harper, Victoria could chat to fellow designer Stella and her husband Alasdhair Willis who was also present to see his son Miller – who is the same age as Cruz – and seven-year old daughter Bailey take part.
Two birds one stone: Victoria keeps Harper entertained while keeping an eye on Cruz's competitionTwo birds one stone: Victoria keeps Harper entertained while keeping an eye on Cruz’s competition
Ever the mother: Victoria sorts Harper's hair out while she sits in her daddy's armsEver the mother: Victoria sorts Harper’s hair out while she sits in her daddy’s arms

Don't be late: David and Cruz run with Harper in the buggy during the sports dayDon’t be late: David and Cruz run with Harper in the buggy during the sports day
Home time: The Beckham clan head back to their car after a winning afternoonHome time: The Beckham clan head back to their car after a winning afternoon
Read more on DailyMail

Man, 30, rapes 6-year-old girl at his daughter’s birthday party


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A 30-year-old man from Delaware County has been charged with raping a 6-year-old girl at his daughter’s birthday party.

The horrible incident occurred last month and Arturo Olivar of 9408 Shawnee Trail in Shawnee Hills, faces one felony count of raping a child younger than 12.

The Columbus Dispatch reports:

The girl’s father reported the rape to Shawnee Hills police on June 26, Chief Sean LeFever said. The girl was at the party at Olivar’s home on June 22 when Olivar attacked her, LeFever said. The girl, who is not related to Olivar, told her parents, and her father went to police.

Olivar is being held in the Delaware County jail. Bail was set at $200,000.

Heartbreaking: Boy, 8, dies in horrific US Independence Day parade accident

4th of july parade

An Oklahoma boy died at a 4th of July parade. According to police, he was riding on a martial arts group’s float at Edmond’s LibertyFest. At some point he either fell or jumped off. Then the truck and trailer, which was loaded with bales of hay, struck him. Unfortunately, the driver couldn’t see the boy and ran over him. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police Officer James Hamm says the driver was not being reckless or violating laws. ”It’s just a freak, unfortunate accident.” I’m sure that’s cold comfort for the boy’s parents and loved ones, though. The 4th of July will never be the same for them.
Apparently the boy was about seven or eight years old. Beyond that, we don’t know anything else about him — his name has not been released. That age range is tricky. Kids are old enough to move about independently. They are not going to ride a float holding your hand the whole time. But they’re still young enough to be impulsive and misjudge the safety of a situation.
It makes me wonder what the float itself looked like if it was that easy for the boy to jump or fall off. Were there no barriers around it? That wouldn’t be surprising in a local parade. But if you’ve got children riding, I think there should be some kind of railing or protection — even for sensible, older kids. The truck could break suddenly, causing people to lose their balance.
But we don’t know anything about the float or the circumstances of the accident. And shoulda-woulda-couldas come cheap after an accident like this. Most of all, I feel for the boy’s family — my heart breaks for their loss.

Boy, 15, admits trying to rape 88-year-old woman


File photo. The 15-year-old's 88-year-old victim required hospital treatment after her ordeal.  Source: PerthNow
File photo. The 15-year-old’s 88-year-old victim required hospital treatment after her ordeal. Source: PerthNow
A 15-year-old boy who appeared before the Perth Children’s Court via video link. has pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, aggravated assault and two counts of aggravated attempted sexual penetration of an 88-year-old woman.
The teenager who was not named because he is underage attacked the woman in her home in the Great Southern, Australia.
The woman had to be taken to the hospital afterward. Hearing the details in court today, the teenager was said to have been crying, using his t-shirt to wipe away tears
The Australian News reports:
On April 26, the 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, went into the home of the elderly woman, stole from her, assaulted her and attempted to sexually penetrate her.
The woman required hospital treatment after the ordeal.
Five other charges were dropped because they doubled up on those the teenager had pleaded to, or were “not in the public interest” to continue.
The boy will be sentenced on August 23.

Father sets himself on fire in front partner and child


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A woman and her child stared helplessly as the child’s father set himself on fire in front of them yesterday in the Townspark housing estate in Navan, Co Meath.
Children playing around are believed to have witnessed the horrific event.
The incident took place at about 6.20pm shortly after as Pat Dunne, 42, arrived his ex-partner house and was heard shouting.
Suddenly eyewitness said he doused himself in petrol and set himself on fire as his ex, Nikita Campbell watching with her child.
According to reports, neighbours rushed to the scene with water and towels to help but Dunne died at the scene following what has been described by a “personal tragedy”.
Campbell told the Herald, that she is “distraught” and “shaken”.
“We are trying to get through this. We are distraught, shaken… I have the kids to think about,” she said.
“He came to the garden and was screaming… It’s a difficult time,” she said.
Herald reports:
Neighbours who heard the commotion ran out and poured buckets of water over the man in an attempt to put out the flames.
There were a number of children out playing in the estate at the time, while others watched the scenes unfold from their windows.
One local mother said she tried to save Mr Dunne by pouring water and placing towels on him.
“It was the most shocking thing I’ve ever seen. I ran so fast over to him after being told he was on fire.
“Other neighbours came out and we poured buckets of water over him. But he was gone within seconds, the petrol just destroyed his face and body.

SEVERE
“The fire brigade and ambulance came and we knew he was dead. It’s so sad to think anyone could do that to themselves.”
He was rushed to hospital but died from severe burns to his body.
Gardai described the incident as a “personal tragedy”.
The window of the front room of the property had burn marks on it today.
A source told the Herald: “The man was going through a very bad time and this episode has shocked the area”.
Mr Dunne is originally from Kells.

I Make N10,000 Daily From Picking Pockets – Suspect



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A 22-year-old man, Terry Umuokoro, who makes a living as a pickpocket, has been arrested by the Apapa Police Division.
Also in custody are five others, suspected to have taken part in a robbery operation at Senator Muse Road, Apapa in June 2013.

Umuokoro was arrested last week at a hotel along Ojo Road, Ajegunle, Lagos. He had allegedly resided at the hotel for two months.

But the suspect denied being part of any robbery operation. Umukoro explained that he was a pickpocket.

He said, “I pick pockets for a living, I am not a robber. I started in January 2013 because I had no job after completing my secondary school education.”

Explaining how he operates, the suspects said he usually armed himself with a school bag to create the appearance of a university undergraduate.

He said he would then board as many commercial buses as possible, where he would pick the pockets of unsuspecting passengers. His loot included money and phones.

He said, “I only steal Nokia phones because you can sell them easily. I steal about three phones daily and have a buyer at Boundary bus stop in Ajegunle. I give him the phones and get paid in return. I make about N10,000 daily.”

Due to the success of his trade, Umuokoro allegedly moved out of his family home to the hotel at Ojo road where a room goes at a rate of N5, 000 daily.

The other suspects, Desmond Ozore, Solomon Mibien, Nelson Mbabie, Jamiu Adigun and Akeem Apejoye, were initially arrested at the same hotel by the Victoria Garden City Police Post after a Blackberry Bold 5 which was stolen from a resident at Senator Muse road, was found with Ozore’s girlfriend.

 On June 4 2013, two buildings were robbed on Senator Muse Road and valuables such as BlackBerrys, laptops and money were allegedly taken by the armed robbers.

One of the stolen phones was traced to Ozore’s girlfriend who claimed that he had given her the phone.

Ozore said, “I am not a robber, none of my friends are. We are all into internet fraud. We stayed in the hotel because we need uninterrupted electricity.

“I bought the phone for N26,000 from Mibien. I never knew it was stolen.”

Mibien denied being part of the robbery gang and claimed he also bought the phone from another friend who is currently at large.

There was no response from the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ngozi Braide. She did not respond to calls or text messages to her phone.

Pastor, Wife Talk Dirty As Court Dissolves Marriage



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An Orile-Agege Customary Court in Lagos, yesterday, dissolved the 20-year-old marriage of a pastor, who had accused his wife of infidelity and threat to his life.

Pastor Sunday Owonikoko,51, had filed a petition at the court on May 27, saying he could no longer continue with his wife, Bolajoko, 47.

Ruling in the case, court president, Mr Joseph Adewusi, said the marriage has broken down irretrievably.

His words: “Starting from today, you cease to be addressed as husband and wife; you shall go your separate ways and maintain the peace.

“The custody of the under-aged among the children is referred to Ikeja Family Court for final decision, but in the interim, the children should remain with the petitioner.

“The petitioner, Pastor Sunday Owonikoko, should pay a compensation fee of N25,000 to the defendant and also secure accommodation for her.”
My wife still sees her ex

According to reports the pastor, who lives at 1, Alowole St., Papa Ashafa, Orile-Agege, had told the court that his wife was still seeing her ex-lovers.

“My wife once travelled to Ghana to meet one of her concubines. She did family planning without my consent and she goes out at will.

“She was suspended from the church for six months because she fought all ministers in the church. She then established her church, she fought all the members of the church, and they all left.”

The father of four children, aged between 19 years and 11 years, had also told the court that his wife threatened to destroy him and the church.

“I want the court to dissolve the union and grant me custody of my children,” he had said.

Bolajoko, an evangelist, had, however, denied the allegations in her response.
My husband is adulterous

She said: “My husband is adulterous. He has slept with almost all the sisters in the church. A mother of seven is presently living with himand he has made the woman an evangelist.“

Bolajoko told the court that her husband had “lost his mind” since he ate vegetable soup in the house of one of the sisters in the church. I don’t love him anymore, I want a divorce.”
Husband, wife trade blame on infidelity

Also yesterday, a couple, Muyideen and Simbiat Saula, urged an Ikorodu Customary Court, Lagos, to dissolve their marriage, accusing each other of infidelity.

Simbiat, 27, a trader who resides at Fajemisi St., Kokoro Abu, Ikorodu, had earlier told the court that
Muyideen beats her regularly, adding that she was tired of his infidelity.

She said: “My husband beats me whenever I make mistakes; he had battered me to the extent that I had two miscarriages.

“He usually beats me to the extent that he would tear my clothes to pieces. I have also heard him receive calls from different women. I am no more interested in the marriage.“

Muyideen, 40, a businessman, in turn accused his wife of receiving strange calls from different men in the midnight.

He said: “My wife receives calls from concubines which her mother knows about. She opened a Facebook account to chat with her concubines; she has also installed a security code on her phone, so that I would not have access to it.

“I am also no more interested in the marriage because her mother came to pack her belongings,“ he said.

I Was Forced To Arraign An Innocent Man For Murder, Police Officer Tells Court


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Shock pervaded the quiet atmosphere of the Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, after an investigating police officer, Corporal Alagbe Olumide, admitted that he was forced to arraign a murder suspect, Ayodimeji Alegbeleye, for the crime he never committed.

Alegbeleye, 29, was being tried for the murder of one James Igbahan in January 2013 at Ajah.

The police had claimed that the accused stabbed Igbahan with knife in his left ribs which led to his death.

 After the two counts were read to him, and he had pleaded not guilty, the prosecution lawyer filed application for his remand in prison custody pending the advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

However, the defence counsel protested the application, saying the accused knew nothing about the crime.

The magistrate, Mrs. M.O Tanimola, thereafter summoned the police to give an account of what had transpired.

In his report to the court, Olumide said he was told to arraign the accused, adding that the investigation had shown that he was only a friend to the real suspect.

He said, “My Lord, it was his friend that stabbed the deceased. The real offender is now at large.

“Alegbeleye was arraigned because we found him at the scene of the crime.

“The junior brother of the suspect had earlier been arrested, but the Ajah Police Division released him.”

The magistrate further queried why the defendant was charged when he was not the suspect.

“The police authorities said I should charge him with murder. I told them that my investigation showed he was not part of it, but they insisted that I should charge him, and I didn’t know what to do,” he submitted.

Olumide said statements taken from the accused showed he had returned from his work and met the two men arguing over matters connected with cultism.

He said he then went out to take his bath and on returning, found the deceased in a pool of blood and with knife wounds.

He said the police arrested him because he was a friend of the suspect.

The magistrate, in her ruling said since the accused was being punished for a crime he did not commit, there were no grounds for remand.

The case was subsequently struck out.

FG Rejects Overthrow Of Egypt’s President Morsi



Ousted President Morsi
Ousted President Morsi

The Federal Government said on Thursday that it received the news of the removal of Egypt’s President, Mr. Mohammed Morsi, and the suspension of the country’s constitution with grave concern,

Morsi was overthrown by the country’s military after days of protest near the Presidential Palace.
In a statement in Abuja, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the development as “a truncation of the aspirations of the Egyptian people to freely express themselves through the ballot box.”

It added, “This unfortunate development is a gross violation of the Constitutive Act of the African Union, which prohibits unconstitutional change of government. It constitutes a serious setback to the remarkable progress which Africa has made in fostering the culture of democratic governance in the continent.

“Nigeria calls for the immediate restoration of the democracy order in Egypt and urges the Egyptian Armed Forces to allow the democratic culture to thrive in the country.”
Meanwhile, South African Government has said it has immediately begun the withdrawal of all non-essential personnel from its embassy in Cairo.

The International Relations Department of South Africa was quoted on Thursday by the News Agency of Nigeria, as saying, “All non-essential personnel and families attached to the South African Embassy in Cairo will be temporarily withdrawn until the situation allows for their return,” Clayson Monyela spokesperson for department said in a statement.

However, a report by NAN and Reuters said Israel’s Government on Thursday avoided any show of satisfaction over the ouster of Morsi by the army.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declined any comment on the issue.
But a Netanyahu confidant, Tzachi Hanegbi, was quoted as expressing the hope that the appointment of Adli Mansour would lead to the restoration of contacts with Cairo.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who holds sway in the occupied West Bank, on his part, offered praise for the Egyptian army, saying it had preserved security.

You Are Free To Leave Our Party, PDP Tells Governor Amaechi




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The Rivers State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has declared that the state governor, Rotimi Amaechi, is free to leave the party if he so desires.The Rivers PDP chairman, Felix Obuah, said this after a closed door meeting on Thursday with President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo.

Mr. Obuah added that Mr. Amaechi was entitled to his opinion on issues concerning the party but if he wished to remain with the PDP, he had to learn to show respect for the party’s decisions.The National Working Committee, NWC, of the PDP had suspended Mr. Amaechi from the party over his alleged refusal to heed party directives.“He has been suspended because of anti-party activities. So, I don’t want to refer to Amaechi’s matter because it is with the NWC of the party. He has all to say with the party and not me.“If he wants to remain in the party, he has to show respect. If he wants to leave, I cannot stop him,” the party chairman said, adding, “As he leaves, two will come to PDP. That’s a plus for PDP”.

Mr. Obuah noted that since the governor has already taken his issues with the party to a court of law, the only possible (non-legal) road to reconciliation would be for Mr. Amaechi to apologise to the PDP.“If he shows remorse and goes to the party and apologises, we will call him back but if he still remains recalcitrant and refuses to change- we are not begging for everybody to be in PDP, that is the essence of multiple party democracy,” Mr. Obuah said.

The Minister of State Education, Nyesom Wike, commenting on the issue, restated that doors will not be shut on Mr. Amaechi if he decides to comply with party rules.Mr. Wike said that there was no personal misunderstanding between him and Mr. Amaechi, and accused journalists, especially the press unit of Government House, Port Harcourt, of producing a ‘syndicated job’ which alleged that the president snubbed Mr. Amaechi during a stop-over in Port Harcourt.

According to Mr. Wike, the president was happy with the reception he received at the airport from grassroots groups organised by Mr. Wike, which infuriated Mr. Amaechi causing him refer to Mr. Wike as a ‘betrayer’.

The former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili, who also spoke after the closed door meeting, remarked that the crisis threatening the PDP in Rivers State is not without solution.“What is important is for us to recognize that at any point in time respect for authority, respect for the rule of law, discipline is the guiding principles that will make us run whatever system or societies we are running in an orderly, disciplined fashion, in a way that will be inclusive for all stakeholders to contribute maximally to the well-being and purpose of the organisation,” he said.He assured that the crisis will soon come to an end.

Others at the meeting include Chibuzor Nwuche, Uche Secondus, Austin Opkara, Senator Lee Maeba, Fred Kpakol, Ama Pepple, Rivers PDP Party Secretary – Walter Opuene, Abiye Sekibo, Sergeant Awuse, Kenneth Kobani, Timothy Nsirim, Doris Fisher, Toru Ofili, Boma Iyaye, Evans Bipi, Hope Ikiriko, Vincent Nemieboka and Elemchukwu Ogbowu. [Premium Times]

Turn Off Mandela’s Life Support Machine – Doctors Advise Family



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Doctors treating Nelson Mandela said he was in a “permanent vegetative state” and advised his family to turn off his life support machine a week ago, according to court documents obtained by AFP Thursday.

“He is in a permanent vegetative state and is assisted in breathing by a life support machine,” said the court filing dated June 26.“The Mandela family have been advised by the medical practitioners that his life support machine should be switched off.“Rather than prolonging his suffering, the Mandela family is exploring this option as a very real probability,” read a filing from the family’s lawyer, relating to a dispute over the final resting place of Mandela’s three children.

Since the document was written, the government, family members and people visiting Mandela have reported his condition has improved.“He is clearly a very ill man, but he was conscious and he tried to move his mouth and eyes when I talked to him,” Denis Goldberg, one of the men who was convicted with Mandela, told AFP after visiting him on Monday.“He is definitely not unconscious,” he said adding that “he was aware of who I was.”Goldberg said he was asked by Mandela’s wife Graca Machel to pay him a visit “just to give him mental stimulation.”

Presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj refused to comment on the documents.“We don’t have a comment on that,” Maharaj told AFP, citing doctor-patient confidentiality.“We have indicated from our point of view that based on the doctors’ report the condition of the former president is critical but stable at this stage.”On the day the court document was written President Jacob Zuma reported that Mandela’s health had faltered and he cancelled a trip to Mozambique.

The next day the president reported that Mandela’s condition had “improved during the course of the night”.Lawyers for Mandela’s relatives and family members themselves were not immediately available for comment.

Mandela’s wife earlier Thursday said that while occasionally Mandela has been uncomfortable during his nearly one month hospital stay, he has seldom been in pain.“Now we are about 25 days we have been in hospital,” Machel said, giving thanks for the outpouring of well wishes from around the world for the Nobel peace laureate.“Although Madiba sometimes may be uncomfortable, very few times he is in pain,” she said.

The former president, who turns 95 later this month, was rushed to hospital on June 8 with a recurring lung infection. [AFP]

Nigeria Will Make Progress When Good Christians Lead The Way – President Jonathan




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President Goodluck Jonathan, Thursday, asked Nigerians to collaborate and strive to move the nation forward, saying  Nigeria will make tremendous progress and experience peace when good Christians resolved to show the light in all their activities.

Jonathan who spoke in Nsukka during the episcopal ordination and installation of Most Rev. Monsignor Godfrey Igwebuike Onah as the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, said time had come for good Christians in the country to rise up and show good examples as true believer in order to correct the ills in the society.

The president, who was represented by Senator Ben Obi, his Special Adviser on Inter-Party Affairs, urged members of the diocese to give necessary support to the new Bishop to enable him advance the work of God in the diocese.He charged Nigerians to always pray for peace in the country, saying that the nation would make progress when the citizenry dwell in peace and harmony.

At the colourful ceremony, His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan was assisted in the consecration of the new Bishop by Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke, metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, and the Bishop Emeritus of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Francis Emmanuel Okobo.

Dignitaries at the event were Senate President, David Mark, Governors Peter Obi and Rochas Okorocha of Anambra and Imo States, respectively, among others.

Tope Alabi's Husband Clears The Air On His Wife's Alleged Sex Scandal

Following the claim by a Lagos clergy, Prophet Ajanaku, that Yoruba
gospel artiste Tope Alabi asked him to have sex with her; Tope Alabi
had initially debunked the story HERE her husband, Soji Alabi, however
has this to say:
"This trouble started when we stopped attending Prophet Ajanaku's
church because he was beginning to see himself as a god in our lives.
All he has said to the media are bunch of lies, just to look for a way
to bring us down. I know there is a God in heaven who will judge
everything we do on earth and reward all of us accordingly. I
intentionally told my wife not to say anything and leave God to judge
everything but I am using this medium to tell everyone out there that
Tope Alabi never asked Prophet Ajanaku to sleep with her."
For now the couple has embarked on a church to church ministration
while waiting to choose the next church they will be attending.

UK Woman Sells Almost Everything to Pay for Dog’s Surgery

Vicky Hughes, a U.K. woman, has sold most of her belongings on eBay to
pay for her dog's surgery after she learned her pet insurance wouldn't
cover her dog.
The 33-year-old woman had to pay more than $6,000 for several hours of
emergency surgery for her dog, Emma, the Daily Mail reported.
"I broke down in tears on the phone when they told me Emma was not
covered. It was as if they didn't give a stuff about what had just
happened," she told the tabloid.
At the time, Hughes could not entirely pay for the six-year-old dog's
surgery after her insurer said the dog's treatment could not be
covered. She had to use the last several hundred dollars in her bank
account to cover the bill.

And afterward, she was forced to sell off her dresses, refrigerator,
and other items on auction site eBay.
She also started a charity website that netted her around $1,500 to
help pay it off.

"My bank account was empty," she elaborated. "I've had to sell
everything I absolutely don't need. I simply assumed my insurance
would cover all accidents. I had no idea that treatment would be
excluded."

Nigeria drop to 35th position in latest Fifa Ranking

The Super Eagles saw their fortunes tumble after their hectic campaign
in June saw them win two, lose two and draw one of their matches
The descent of the Super Eagles on the Fifa ranking continued as the
team dropped four spots to finish in 35th place in the new listing
released on Thursday.
Nigeria had a hectic June playing two 2014 World Cup qualifiers before
heading to Brazil to play in the Fifa Confederations Cup.
Stephen Keshi's side won two of their five matches last month, losing
two with one draw.
The Super Eagles beat Kenya 1-0 in Nairobi and drew 1-1 with Namibia
in Windhoek. They won 6-1 against Tahiti before losing 1-2 and 0-3 to
Uruguay and Spain respectively.
The team finished in 31st spot in the previous ranking released in June.

Cote D'Ivoire continue to be the top ranked African side staying in
the 13th position while Ghana dropped three spots to 24th and Mali
dropped five spots to 28th to remain the second and third ranked
African sides.
Algeria overtook Nigeria for fourth place in Africa as they climbed
one place to finish in 34th position with the African champions being
the fifth ranked side from the continent.

Despite losing the Confederations Cup final 0-3 to Brazil, Spain
maintained their hold on the top spot as the Selecao climbed up 13
spots to finish in ninth position following their heroic run to the
title on home soil.

Funke Akindele (Jenifa) Turned to Palm-wine Tapper

I know it's not exactly Newsy-News but come on, it shouldn't be all
about serious news, lol! Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele while
filming a movie today had to climb a tree, she had difficulties
climbing it at first but she made it through. See photos above.

SEE Tope Alabi's Response to her alleged sex scandal

Renowned yoruba gospel singer, Tope Alabi is allegedly involved in a
messy fight with her spiritual leader, Prophet Iretiola Ajanaku.

Prophet Ajanaku in a recent interview made a shocking revelation about
the respected Tope Alabi, he stated that his trouble with Tope Alabi
started because of sex...he said "I'm wondering if she's being foolish
or just stupid. I remember when she was putting pressure on me to have
sex with her. She did not hide her urge to have sexual relationship
with me. At a point she could not control her urge to do that but I
declined, I said never, not me" - huh?!
Tope Alabi has responded to the allegation via her face book page.
"My Friends, No matter the negative rumour you hear or read, I want
you to know it's never true and not inspired by the living Jesus
Christ…and I will never compromise my faith in God by the grace of
God. God is at work." she posted this some minutes ago...Oh well - so
who is the liar?

Mikel Obi Gets Distracted By Bikini Girl In Brazil While Being Interviewed (Photo)

*lol* Someone said this is obviously why our boys failed in Brazil.

That they were busy getting distracted by Latina girls in bikini, so
they couldn't concentrate on the game on the field.

Just look at Mikel in this photo. Funny Mikel

SEE Nigeria's First Blind Comedian

It does not take much to recognise talent. Abegnego Jacob, a
13-year-old Basic Four pupil of the Pacelli School for the Blind in
Surulere, Lagos, is a budding talent. While representing his school at
a charity performance organised in honour of Tunde Alabi-Hundeyin (CEO
of Dudu Productions) who turned 60 a few weeks ago, he unveiled an
aspect of him that gives credence to the saying that, 'some people can
see without their eyes'.
Called up to the stage by Yemi Sodimu, the host at the event, the
audience obviously never expected more from this child performer. But
the moment he got hold of the microphone, he
started reeling out jokes, most of them original, in a manner that had
several artistes present bewildered.
Taking turns, he engaged Gbenga Adeyinka and Segun Arinze in a comic
session that only confirmed that he is not new to the game. For
instance, when he was alerted on the stage that Segun Arinze was
approaching the podium to meet him, he mimicked his (Segun's) deep
baritone, portraying the character that earned Arinze his nickname,
Black Arrow, in home videos.
Abednego is not yet a professional, but for an amateur he shows a lot
of prospects. "I started this in 2008. I have friends in school and we
would all sit together telling jokes. But each time I spoke, they
would all laugh and from then on, they started asking me to join
comedy since I could make people laugh. At first, I did not take it
seriously until December 10, 2008, when I got the chance to perform on
a real stage. That first experience was what opened me to the
possibilities I have in me. I did it very well".
Since he cannot physically see his audience, one would be tempted to
wonder if Abednego knows what stage fright is. "I do not feel
frightened. That is because what I want to say flows in me. It just
runs in me and I say it out. The good thing is that I study my
environment to know what to say; I listen to the radio and watch
television too. So my ears help me to pick the things going on. Even
at shows, I listen to pick comments I could create jokes from".
While waiting to break into the big league, Abednego says he is
contented with the several accolades that come his way whenever he
performs. "I have not really started making money but I believe my
time is coming. A few days ago, I took part in a comedy show, where
they brought other upcoming comedians. At the end of that event, I was
chosen as the 'Best Comedian of the Year'. I have also been honoured
at many other events. The truth is that when I perform, people see the
potentials and encourage me to aspire to the top; that is exactly what
I am doing".
Getting to the top for him would, however, mean completing his studies
first because according to him, that is one task his parents have
assigned to him in order to pursue his talent in the creative
industry. "Honestly, I thank God for my parents. They have been very
supportive but they are worried about my education. Despite their
encouragement, they want me to finish my schooling first. Whenever I
am with them, they tell me about education and they need for me to
have it completed".
Another unique aspect of Abednego is his versatility in other area of
art. "I do not do only comedy; I also sing and I do a little 'emcee'.
Sometimes, I try my hands on DJ jobs too. But ultimately, I want to be
a producer. I know I would be happy producing and doing my comedy
sketches in future".
At most shows where Abednego has featured, he quickly opts to do
'Limpopo', the popular song by KC. Does that mean KC is his best music
artiste? "I just love his song. But I love an array of other artistes
too like Davido and Sheyi Shay; but my best rapper is Vector the
Viper".
Of course, he has a word of advice for visually-impaired children like
him who believe they have something the world needs. "If you have
something in you to showcase do not hide, come out and do it.
Opportunity comes only to those willing to grab it".
Abednego is right about opportunity coming to those willing to grab
it. At the event, he was promised a voice-over contract by Dudu
Productions' boss in his next television commercials.

At Last The Cure For HIV/AIDS Is Found By US Doctors

 The cure for the dreaded Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) may be on the way soon with the
report yesterday of two patients who were given bone marrow
transplants to treat cancer remained free of the virus even after
stopping HIV treatment.
The results presented at a meeting of the International AIDS Society
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia may yield growing hope that the virus could
someday be cured, not just kept in check with a cocktail of medicines
as it is now.

Giving an update in an eagerly followed trial, researchers said an
HIV-positive infant in Mississippi, United States, who was put on a
course of antiretroviral drugs within a few days of birth had remained
free of the AIDS virus 15 months after treatment was stopped.
In Boston, United States, two HIV-positive men who were given
bone-marrow transplants for cancer also had no detectable virus 15
weeks and seven weeks respectively after stopping AIDS drugs, a
separate team reported.
Both research projects are at an early stage and should not be taken
as a sign that a cure for the human HIV is around the corner,
researchers cautioned.
Even so, they said it strengthens the motivation for pursuing the
once-unthinkable goal of eradicating HIV or repressing it without
daily drugs – a condition referred to as a "functional cure" or
"functional remission".Indeed, an international non-profit
organisation dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention
and treatment education has reported a breakthrough in the case of two
HIV-positive patients who show no trace of virus following stem-cell
transplants.Dr. Timothy Henrich of Harvard Medical School, United
States yesterday reported that a 25 year-old amfAR-funded leadership
research in the fight against AIDS has at last produced evidence of
total cure. A statement by the organisation indicated that it is
closing in on a total cure for AIDS globally.

Henrich's patients had been on long-term antiretroviral therapy for
HIV when they developed lymphoma. To treat the cancer, the patients
underwent stem-cell transplants. Since the transplants, Henrich has
been unable to find any evidence of HIV infection. With support from a
special amfAR grant made possible by the Bucks County Friends of amfAR
and the Joseph F. McCrindle Foundation, Henrich conducted a clinical
study in which his research team withdrew the patients' antiretroviral
therapy and performed several sophisticated tests looking for signs of
viral rebound in blood and other tissues. One patient has been off
treatment with no detectable virus for approximately 15 weeks and the
second patient for seven weeks, but it is too soon to draw any
definitive long-term conclusions.

The first person to be cured of HIV, Timothy Brown ("the Berlin
patient"), also underwent a stem-cell transplant to treat his
leukemia. These new cases differ significantly, however, in that the
stem-cell donors lacked the genetic mutation (CCR5 delta32) that
renders a person virtually resistant to HIV infection.The statement
posited that these findings provide important new information that
might well alter the current thinking about HIV and gene therapy. It
stated that stem-cell transplantation cannot be used on a broad scale
to treat people with HIV because of its costs and complexity, but was
optimistic that the two recorded cases could lead the team of
researchers to new ways of treating- and ultimately even eradicating
HIV.An estimated 34 million people are infected with HIV worldwide,
and about 1.8 million die each year.The virus was first identified in
1981, and until the advent of anti-retroviral was essentially a death
sentence, progressively destroying the immune system until the patient
succumbed to pneumonia or another opportunistic disease.

Happy Birthday OJB Jezreel

Today is OJB's birthday. Remember he has kidney issue, drop a birthday
wish for his as he prepares to go for his kidney transplant.

VIDEO: Watch Yvonne Nelson on The Juice With Toolz



Watch Yvonne Nelson on The Juice With Toolz

In this intimate edition of the Juice, with super star Actress Yvonne Nelson, Toolz reveals a side to this Diva we have never seen before and uncovers some deeply personal truths, touching on her relationships, break-ups and being a sex symbol.
Check out the video.

 

Bayo Olupohunda: Is Remi Tinubu Next Lagos Governor?



Bayo Olupohunda
Bayo Olupohunda
It first began like a rumour. Now, it is spreading fast and furious like a wild bush fire in the harmattan. Before we knew it, the speculation had also gone viral on the Internet, creating an instant buzz and talking point online. It is not totally surprising though. As the race for 2015 gathers momentum, speculations about who will occupy which position have become the subject of intense public debate. Usually and as it is with our brand of democracy, they first brew like the anecdotal ‘’beer parlour gossip’’ but they soon begin to gain a life of their own over time. But as it has often been said, there can never be smoke without fire.
Also in this clime, politicians are usually evasive in declaring their intention for public office. Even when they so desire to run, they will still “insist on consulting with their consistency’’. And when their posters begin to appear like a thief in the night in the public space, they will lay the blame at the doorsteps of their detractors or play the ostrich altogether. It is all part of the game we have become familiar with. Expectedly, the debate about who will succeed Governor Babatunde Fashola in Lagos has begun to tread the same well-worn path. In recent times, speculations about Senator Remi Tinubu’s candidacy have begun to seep into public consciousness. Mrs. Tinubu needs no introduction. She is the wife of Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the past two-term governor of Lagos and the leader of Action Congress of Nigeria. Between 1999 and 2007, she was the First Lady of Lagos. Now, she is a Senator of the Federal Republic. In a recent newspaper interview, Mrs. Tinubu denied any interest in the governorship race. She insisted on concentrating on her charity work. Some newspaper reports had also listed the former school teacher as one of the main successors to the incumbent governor. However, in politics, nothing is certain. Intrigues, wild speculations and deliberate decoys all come with the territory.
In spite of the brouhaha surrounding Mrs. Tinubu’s rumoured ambition, I have decided, for argument’s sake, to debate in this piece, the controversies that have surrounded her political trajectory since her foray into politics in 2011. Let’s for once imagine that the speculation becomes a reality and the senator decides to run as governor; what would be wrong with her ambition? Why would her aspiration (if there was any) be so contentious? Are there factors that would make her ineligible besides being the spouse of a former governor? In 2011, when Mrs. Tinubu became a senator, her emergence was adjudged controversial. A rival candidate was alleged to have been pressured to step down for her at the party’s primary. It is thus understandable if there is a sense in which her political career has been tied to her husband’s influence.
Many people are of the opinion that Mrs. Tinubu’s foray into politics has largely been influenced by her husband’s clout. For example, the speculation about her governorship ambition is seen as an attempt to extend the leverage she has enjoyed thus far. It is also viewed in the public domain as a way to strengthen her family’s hold on Lagos politics. If truth be told, there is no denying the fact that the former First Lady had benefitted from her closeness to the party’s top hierarchy. But such manner of emergence has been the story of those that have gained political power in the party. In a discussion I had with friends recently about the propriety of siblings or spouses of leaders seeking to run for public office, I had posited seeing nothing wrong if the electoral process is not manipulated to favour ambitions. In a true democracy, candidates such as Mrs. Tinubu, must be free to aspire to any position they so desire no matter their family affiliations. But such aspirations must not be to unfairly leverage on their spouses’ political influence. In advanced democracies, where candidates are elected on their own merit, family affiliations count for nothing. In the United States of America, political families like the Kennedys, Clintons and Bushs are known to have a political lineage that transcends generations. During elections, candidates from such families do not enjoy special advantage over other candidates. The most recent example is that of Mrs. Dianne Rodham Clinton, the wife of Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States of America. She was the First Lady during her husband’s two-term in office. She contested and became a Senator from New York between 2001 and 2009. This was after her husband left office as president. In 2008, Mrs. Clinton was a leading candidate for the Democratic Party presidential nomination which she narrowly lost to the incumbent, President Barack Obama. She stepped down recently as the 67th United States Secretary of State and an influential American diplomat of the 21st Century.
In all of her time as a politician, never for once was Mrs. Clinton’s political career linked to the influence of her husband. She has since risen from her ceremonial role as a First Lady to become a leading presidential hopeful for the Democratic Party in the 2016 election. The case of the Bush family also provides a useful example. President George H. Bush, the 41st President of the US and his son, George W. Bush, the 43rd President were both presidents at different times. Perhaps, the most iconic is the Kennedy family. The Kennedys are prominent in American politics and government. Their political involvement revolved around the Democratic Party. The wealth, glamour, photogenic quality of the family members and their extensive and continuing involvement in public service, have elevated them to iconic status over the past half a century, with the Kennedys sometimes referred to as “America’s Royal Family”. Never for once was it reported that elections were manipulated in their favour.
Recently too, Obama’s wife, and the US First Lady, Michelle, is being touted to play a role as a future Democratic Party candidate. The example of Mrs. Clinton has shown that spouses of leaders can excel, not in the shadows of their husbands but as individuals willing to contribute to nation building. Leadership is about service. If an individual in a democracy demonstrates the capabilities to serve the people, they must be given the chance to do so. I make this case not just for Mrs. Tinubu but for spouses of political leaders. We have seen that this is possible even in the advanced democracies. But the electoral processes that produce them must be free and fair.
There are many advantages when spouses of leaders run for elective positions. Apart from being a boon to women participation in politics, it will also be an opportunity to bring their experience to bear on governance. This is because their closeness to their husbands affords them a deep knowledge of how government works. Mrs. Clinton is an example of this. Her rising political career has been attributed to how she successfully understudied her husband’s successful presidency as a First Lady. Incidentally, while many First Ladies have used their positions to perpetuate excesses and the mundane, others have impacted the society positively through social work. Those in the latter category must be encouraged to seek elective positions in a free and fair election. I absolutely see nothing wrong in this.

Kate Henshaw, Rita Dominic Funke Akindele & Uche Jombo In Promo Photos For Ebony Life Tv

See another picture after the cut.