2015-02-13 10:07
Abuja - The remains of a middle-aged woman along the Benin-Agbor
Expressway have caused a stir after it was discovered that she had been
calling for assistance from the same spot for five days.
According to a PUNCH
report, the deceased was first sighted at Lucky junction on February 2,
where she laid helplessly and periodically called for help after what
seemed to have been a rape attack.
It has been reported that
the woman was seen bleeding profusely from her private parts but was not
helped by neither passersby, nor traders in the nearby market.
Traders subsequently avoided the spot where the woman had died after a foul stench began radiating from her decomposing corpse.
The corpse is said to have been removed by a relative of the deceased.
Joseph
Ediogiawerie, Public Relations Officer at the Police, has said that no
official report has been made to officials. He had, however, heard of
the corpse and subsequently written to council authorities on the
matter.
Read more at PUNCH
Friday, 13 February 2015
CBN may devalue naira again
2015-02-13 10:07
Abuja - Indications have emerged that the Central Bank of Nigeria may devalue the naira again following developments in the foreign exchange market, Punch reports.
The currency has been experiencing free fall since November 25, 2014 when the CBN Monetary Policy Committee devalued it by eight per cent from 155 to 168 against the United States dollar.
The Bankers’ Committee which comprises the Central Bank of Nigeria governor, the deputy governors, chief executive officers of Deposit Money Banks and other stakeholders gave the hint of further devaluation on Thursday just as the nation’s External Reserves dropped by $1bn in 12 days.
Read more at Punch
Abuja - Indications have emerged that the Central Bank of Nigeria may devalue the naira again following developments in the foreign exchange market, Punch reports.
The currency has been experiencing free fall since November 25, 2014 when the CBN Monetary Policy Committee devalued it by eight per cent from 155 to 168 against the United States dollar.
The Bankers’ Committee which comprises the Central Bank of Nigeria governor, the deputy governors, chief executive officers of Deposit Money Banks and other stakeholders gave the hint of further devaluation on Thursday just as the nation’s External Reserves dropped by $1bn in 12 days.
Read more at Punch
Niger deputy governer ordered out of state meeting
2015-02-13 11:12
Niger - The deputy governor of Niger State, Ahmed Ibeto, was ordered out of the state council meeting by the state governor Babangida Aliyu, Punch reports.
The deputy was reportedly asked to leave the meeting following his defection from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor who accused his deputy of referring to him as a thief during some of his campaigns threatened not to preside over the council meeting unless the deputy leaves.
The deputy governor was said to have hurriedly left for his office and parked his valuables after Aliyu allegedly threatened to use the security agents against him.
Read more at Punch
Niger - The deputy governor of Niger State, Ahmed Ibeto, was ordered out of the state council meeting by the state governor Babangida Aliyu, Punch reports.
The deputy was reportedly asked to leave the meeting following his defection from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor who accused his deputy of referring to him as a thief during some of his campaigns threatened not to preside over the council meeting unless the deputy leaves.
The deputy governor was said to have hurriedly left for his office and parked his valuables after Aliyu allegedly threatened to use the security agents against him.
Read more at Punch
NLC delegates destroy ballot boxes
2015-02-13 11:12
Abuja - The 11th National Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Labour Congress was on Thursday abruptly disrupted as aggrieved parties hijack, and smash ballot boxes being used to elect incoming leaders of the organisation, the News Agency of Nigeria is reporting.
The International Conference Centre’s venue of the conference was thrown into confusion as delegates ran for dear lives after some aggrieved contestants and their supporters suddenly became violent, hijacking and destroying ballot boxes even while voting was still underway.
The Conference, which began Tuesday, was organised to elect new leaders for the country’s central labour union following the expiration of tenure of the current executives.
It
is not clear yet how the event, which had been peaceful since it began
suddenly descended into crisis, but the election for the President of
the Union had created tension among delegates and split them along
partisan lines.
After the disruption, the police took over the venue and delegates were sent away, ostensibly to protect the facility from being vandalised.
Over 3 000 delegates commenced voting on Thursday as the General Secretary of National Union of Electricity Employees, Joe Ajaero and the President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Wabba Ayuba, presented themselves for election to replace Adbulwaheed Omar.
With the outcome of the delegates conference, the NLC appears to be heading for a major division.
Abuja - The 11th National Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Labour Congress was on Thursday abruptly disrupted as aggrieved parties hijack, and smash ballot boxes being used to elect incoming leaders of the organisation, the News Agency of Nigeria is reporting.
The International Conference Centre’s venue of the conference was thrown into confusion as delegates ran for dear lives after some aggrieved contestants and their supporters suddenly became violent, hijacking and destroying ballot boxes even while voting was still underway.
The Conference, which began Tuesday, was organised to elect new leaders for the country’s central labour union following the expiration of tenure of the current executives.
After the disruption, the police took over the venue and delegates were sent away, ostensibly to protect the facility from being vandalised.
Over 3 000 delegates commenced voting on Thursday as the General Secretary of National Union of Electricity Employees, Joe Ajaero and the President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Wabba Ayuba, presented themselves for election to replace Adbulwaheed Omar.
With the outcome of the delegates conference, the NLC appears to be heading for a major division.
Nigerian poll delay saves Valentine's Day
Lagos - "No Elections Till March! So Let's Drink and Dine,
This Valentine," screams a bright red flier decorated with hearts from
an upmarket restaurant in Lagos.
Residents had thought they would be deprived of one of their favourite festivals this year because of movement restrictions imposed for general elections.
But Valentine's Day is now back with a vengeance after the presidential and parliamentary vote initially scheduled for this Saturday was pushed back to March 28 because of security concerns.
Tannaz Bahnam, who runs the "Lost In Lagos" restaurant and listings website, said it's hard to underestimate the importance of the annual festival celebrating love and affection.
"It's massive! Bigger than Christmas and New Year's! People buy cakes and balloons and wear red. It's as cheesy as it can get," she told AFP.
- Campaigning to Cupid -
Television presenter Tabia Princewill, who came back to Nigeria after studying abroad, said she has seen the phenomenon grow in size in the last five years.
Its popularity has gone hand-in-hand with the development of shopping centres and fast-food outlets, as well as the opening of a large number of trendy restaurants and bars.
"People go to the theatre, to the cinema, to restaurants on Valentine's Day... Offering gifts to girlfriends on the day has become a custom," she said.
"I was surprised when I first came here to see that it was so respected here," added Bahnam, who comes from Iran.
"But then I realised that it was quite logical because actually love is quite important and central in Nigerian culture."
In this election year, however, the romantic messages that normally fill the airwaves on radio stations have been dropped for political adverts and songs in praise of election candidates.
On the walls of the city, home to some 20 million people, thousands of political posters are stuck one on top of the other, leaving no space for sugar-sweet adverts declaring undying love.
But since the country's electoral commission announced the controversial date change of polling, focus has shifted from campaigning to Cupid -- which is just as well, said Bahnam.
"Restaurants were freaking out (at the initial polling date)... because they make so much money that night. Normally restaurants are fully booked days in advance," she added.
- Voter card to Valentine's card -
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that the election would be delayed last Saturday because of fears that the military would not be able to provide security.
The country's national security adviser said redeploying troops currently fighting Boko Haram alongside regional forces in northeast Nigeria was not feasible.
The delay is seen as giving INEC more time to distribute permanent voter cards to the 68.8 million registered voters.
One spoof letter circulated online last week said INEC chairman Attahiru Jega had resigned in protest at the election date.
Also read: PDP splits over Jega
"I will not stand and watch while Valentine is ruined for everyone," the joke letter said.
Since last Saturday, restaurateurs have been going all out to book tables, with a publicity drive of seductive menus and romantic decor.
"Now that the elections are postponed, our chef needs a couple of days in order to prepare something nice," said Samson Oyedele, who works in the restaurant at the Federal Palace, a luxury hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Lagos docks.
"It's a special day. People are willing to pay a lot... so we have to offer something nice. It's always busy here for Valentines. It's a whole day of non-stop activity.
"We are going to decorate the restaurant with glitter. It's going to look very nice, I tell you."
- Champagne and teddy bears -
In all the trendy restaurants in Lagos, one thing is certain: the champagne will be flowing.
Bistrot 7, on Victoria Island popular with expats and richer Nigerians, said they were nearly fully booked for a four-course candlelit meal accompanied by a soothing romantic orchestra.
Its Valentine's Day special costs 45,000 naira ($225, 200 euros) per couple, champagne included. A 100,000-naira menu comes with a bottle of Dom Perignon.
Lagos' upper classes won't be the only ones drinking to love on Saturday evening.
Fast-food chain Tantalizer, whose outlets are found in more working class areas, are offering their yearly special of a teddy bear and box of chocolates to customers.
Last year it offered a special menu with wine and ice cream for a more modest 4,000 naira.
Residents had thought they would be deprived of one of their favourite festivals this year because of movement restrictions imposed for general elections.
But Valentine's Day is now back with a vengeance after the presidential and parliamentary vote initially scheduled for this Saturday was pushed back to March 28 because of security concerns.
Tannaz Bahnam, who runs the "Lost In Lagos" restaurant and listings website, said it's hard to underestimate the importance of the annual festival celebrating love and affection.
"It's massive! Bigger than Christmas and New Year's! People buy cakes and balloons and wear red. It's as cheesy as it can get," she told AFP.
- Campaigning to Cupid -
Television presenter Tabia Princewill, who came back to Nigeria after studying abroad, said she has seen the phenomenon grow in size in the last five years.
Its popularity has gone hand-in-hand with the development of shopping centres and fast-food outlets, as well as the opening of a large number of trendy restaurants and bars.
"People go to the theatre, to the cinema, to restaurants on Valentine's Day... Offering gifts to girlfriends on the day has become a custom," she said.
"I was surprised when I first came here to see that it was so respected here," added Bahnam, who comes from Iran.
"But then I realised that it was quite logical because actually love is quite important and central in Nigerian culture."
In this election year, however, the romantic messages that normally fill the airwaves on radio stations have been dropped for political adverts and songs in praise of election candidates.
On the walls of the city, home to some 20 million people, thousands of political posters are stuck one on top of the other, leaving no space for sugar-sweet adverts declaring undying love.
But since the country's electoral commission announced the controversial date change of polling, focus has shifted from campaigning to Cupid -- which is just as well, said Bahnam.
"Restaurants were freaking out (at the initial polling date)... because they make so much money that night. Normally restaurants are fully booked days in advance," she added.
- Voter card to Valentine's card -
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that the election would be delayed last Saturday because of fears that the military would not be able to provide security.
The country's national security adviser said redeploying troops currently fighting Boko Haram alongside regional forces in northeast Nigeria was not feasible.
The delay is seen as giving INEC more time to distribute permanent voter cards to the 68.8 million registered voters.
One spoof letter circulated online last week said INEC chairman Attahiru Jega had resigned in protest at the election date.
Also read: PDP splits over Jega
"I will not stand and watch while Valentine is ruined for everyone," the joke letter said.
Since last Saturday, restaurateurs have been going all out to book tables, with a publicity drive of seductive menus and romantic decor.
"Now that the elections are postponed, our chef needs a couple of days in order to prepare something nice," said Samson Oyedele, who works in the restaurant at the Federal Palace, a luxury hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Lagos docks.
"It's a special day. People are willing to pay a lot... so we have to offer something nice. It's always busy here for Valentines. It's a whole day of non-stop activity.
"We are going to decorate the restaurant with glitter. It's going to look very nice, I tell you."
- Champagne and teddy bears -
In all the trendy restaurants in Lagos, one thing is certain: the champagne will be flowing.
Bistrot 7, on Victoria Island popular with expats and richer Nigerians, said they were nearly fully booked for a four-course candlelit meal accompanied by a soothing romantic orchestra.
Its Valentine's Day special costs 45,000 naira ($225, 200 euros) per couple, champagne included. A 100,000-naira menu comes with a bottle of Dom Perignon.
Lagos' upper classes won't be the only ones drinking to love on Saturday evening.
Fast-food chain Tantalizer, whose outlets are found in more working class areas, are offering their yearly special of a teddy bear and box of chocolates to customers.
Last year it offered a special menu with wine and ice cream for a more modest 4,000 naira.
PDP denies governors' alleged support for Buhari
AkwaIbom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, who spoke on behalf of the PDP governors said reports of alleged anti-party activities by governors from the North were sponsored by the APC to cause crisis within the PDP.
Akpabio, who doubles as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF), said his colleagues have resolved to return President Goodluck Jonathan to Aso Villa.
He promised that all the PDP governors would deliver their states to the PDP
Read more at New Telegraph.
Will Smith wants to return to hip-hop!
2015-02-13 12:14
Los Angeles - Will Smith may be Gettin Jiggy Wit It again. He says he's hoping to return to hip-hop and never stopped recording privately.
Smith, whose last solo album was released in 2005, and Kanye West were photographed in a recording studio together in Brazil last February.
"Oh, so you know. You've been paying attention?" the 46-year-old actor said in a recent interview.
"I did a fun thing with Jimmy Fallon the other night messing with music, so you know, I got the bug. I might see if I got one more in me."
Smith was the MC of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince with his childhood friend Jeffrey "DJ Jazzy Jeff" Townes.
He starred in the TV series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His films include Ali, The Pursuit of Happyness and the Men in Black movies.
"Over the years I've always recorded," he said. "... Yeah, tons of songs. But ... it's nothing I like. Recording will be a part of my life forever whether or not I feel that something is of the quality for public consumption."
His new film, the crime comedy Focus, will be in theaters soon.
Los Angeles - Will Smith may be Gettin Jiggy Wit It again. He says he's hoping to return to hip-hop and never stopped recording privately.
Smith, whose last solo album was released in 2005, and Kanye West were photographed in a recording studio together in Brazil last February.
"Oh, so you know. You've been paying attention?" the 46-year-old actor said in a recent interview.
"I did a fun thing with Jimmy Fallon the other night messing with music, so you know, I got the bug. I might see if I got one more in me."
Smith was the MC of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince with his childhood friend Jeffrey "DJ Jazzy Jeff" Townes.
He starred in the TV series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His films include Ali, The Pursuit of Happyness and the Men in Black movies.
"Over the years I've always recorded," he said. "... Yeah, tons of songs. But ... it's nothing I like. Recording will be a part of my life forever whether or not I feel that something is of the quality for public consumption."
His new film, the crime comedy Focus, will be in theaters soon.
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