Friday, 31 January 2014

Update On The National Conference Modalities

After a few weeks of suspense, federal government on Thursday unveiled modalities for the proposed national conference. A total of 492 delegates are billed to participate in the conference that will last three months.

Out of the 492, President Goodluck Jonathan is to nominate 77 across specified strata of the society while state governors are to collectively nominate 109 delegates.

Following the modalities released by the secretary to the government of the federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, the socio-political group of the north, Arewa Consultative Forum(ACF), and its counterpart in the south-west, the Afenifere, both gave their stand on the national conference and it's modalities.

ACF’s spokesman, Anthony Sani, in a terse statement said he had nothing to add or subtract from it.

“I have just read the statement by the federal government on the national conference, and pleased to say that I have nothing to add or subtract. I therefore pray the nominees will be our first 11 endowed with public intelligence and patriotic courage,” Sani said.

On its part, the Yoruba socio-political body, Afenifere, acknowledged the template for the conference as the first of its kind to recognize the ethnic nationalities in the country.

Afenifere’s spokesman Yinka Odumakin, who made the position of the group known, however, cautioned that the representations to the conference could be better handled by stakeholders.

“Again, Afenifere finds it commendable that stakeholders will nominate their delegates, and not the government interfering in the process of nomination by interest groups; this is a welcome development.”

But the APC said the proposed conference is just to keep Nigerians busy so people wont ask questions about the rot in the country as well as question the scandalous 2014 budget.

Interim national publicity secretary of the APC Lai Mohammed said:

“What is there that would make us change our position? Has anything happened that could make us change our position? We stand by our position. It is a deceit, fraud and a diversionary tactic to cover up the failure of the PDP.”

EXPOSED: The Okonjo-Iweala's Scandalous 2014 Budget

One of the key functions the National Assembly are expected to dwell on is the consideration and passage of the 2014 budget proposal as present by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the Executive. Below are the sad details:

Apparently, our State House functions as an integrated town that must have every facility within. After all it has its own church (chapel) and mosque and even a zoo where N8m would be spent to upgrade and maintain it and an additional sum of N14.5m would be spent to purchase two beasts, all for the pleasure of its privileged patrons. And this is after we budgeted N7.5m for wildlife conservation in the State House last year. [Pure MADNESS]!

Still in the State House, there is plan to spend N76.3m to purchase ‘crested cutlery, flatware and glassware’. Now, isn’t that too much to spend on those items, for a State House that has existed for years and been playing host to several dinners? We don’t dispose of dinnerware on a yearly basis, do we?

General maintenance in the State House will cost N1.19b of which N138.9 will go for motor vehicle and transport equipment maintenance, N907m for office and residential building maintenance; N17.4m for office furniture maintenance and N40m to maintain office and IT equipment (that comes to spending more than N3m each month to maintain office and IT equipment in the office of the president).

Recalling that only last year, we budgeted N90.9m for this item, it is bewildering why we plan to spend so much this year. Yet, this is aside N188.3m to be spent on office stationery and computer consumables (for which we budgeted N507.9m last year).

It is hoped this exposé will help our parliamentarians make informed decisions when considering the budget:

One way to look at the budget is to consider what each of the heads and figures allocated means for our country and its development. Here are a few of those queries.

The first observation to make is that the budget proposal allocates 76.3% to recurrent expenditure and just 23.7% to capital expenditure. One interpretation of this is that the budget is meant to just keep the country and its institutions running with nothing spectacular to show for. A budget focused on massive development of infrastructure would assign more to capital rather than to recurrent which covers personnel and overhead costs.

About 42 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) will spend more on their recurrent than on capital and in some instances the difference is so huge. Here are a few cases:

The Ministry of Interior which is expected to spend N144.7b in recurrent and just N6.29b on capital; Police formation and commands, N285.5b and N6.79b; Education including UBEC, N443.9b and N49.5b and Health, N216.4b and N46.3b.

Zeroing in on the Interior Ministry’s budget shows that the Prisons Service would spend N45.2b on recurrent and a mere N2.3b on capital. With such lopsided allocation, it is doubtful if our prisons infrastructure would be revamped from their current state of dilapidation and dehumanisation this year.

Equally difficult to carry out would be construction of new prisons to decongest the present number, even as the country has just signed a deal with the UK that might see the repatriation of more than 600 Nigerians serving jail terms in the UK to come home to complete their sentences.

But why is the recurrent expenditure so huge?

Perhaps we should look at what typically appears under the recurrent expenditure, particularly under the overhead costs. Here are a few of such expenditure heads which need more explanation to the Nigerian public. What do we mean by ‘Welfare packages’, which will gulp as much as N40.4m in the headquarters of the Ministry of Water Resources? Please note that the said figure is not for the entire ministry and agencies under it, rather for the headquarters. Welfare package typically appears in the budget of every MDA and one wonders who audits this spending. How is the money disbursed, to whom and under what circumstances? Who determines the quantum to be disbursed in every office? Under what rules of engagement or laws did we turn our government offices to welfare package disbursers? This budget head is one that needs to be checked or discouraged as it is susceptible to abuse and corruption.

Other heads of interest demanding explanation include:

‘Cleaning and fumigation services’ (for which the Headquarters of the Foreign Affairs Ministry would spend N201.7m and the Niger Delta Ministry will spend N25m on) and ‘Anniversaries and celebrations (for which the Ministry of Women Affairs will spend N71.6m)’. There are also budgetary heads for ‘Printing of security documents’; ‘Printing of non-security documents’; ‘Field and camping materials supplies’ (N4.39m in the Ministry of Women Affairs); ‘Uniforms and other clothing’; ‘Refreshments and meals’ (N16.7m in the Ministry of Women Affairs); ‘Honorarium and sitting allowance’ and ‘consultancy services for budget preparation’ (N8.36m in the Ministry of Women Affairs). This last bit suggests that the Ministry of Women Affairs has no internal personnel to prepare its budget for the year and for that reason it would procure consultant(s) to help it do so and it would then part with N8.36m).

There are even more interesting budgetary provisions elsewhere, including the State House. For instance, the State House Headquarters plans to purchase an embalming machine at the cost of N1.65m and a hydraulic post-mortem table at N4m. What morbid humour! Of course we know what embalmment and post-mortem are about, but in the State House Headquarters? No doubt there is a clinic in the State House, but I am not sure that clinic caters for a very large number of clients requiring it to have every kind of specialised units including mortuary. I am sure any such requirement for embalmment and post-mortem would not be routine and frequently required in a clinic in the State House and thus the said equipment cannot be seen as necessities. If and when such needs arise, referral could be made to larger state hospitals like the National Hospital.

A peep into the budget for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs brings its own excitement. For instance, we plan to spend money for the maintenance of plants and generators in several of our foreign missions, including the one in London. It’s with the same incredulity that we notice the plan to spend money in fuelling boats and aircraft in virtually all of our foreign missions. As an example, we plan to spend N2.38m and N1.78m respectively for the above services in our Foreign Mission in Abidjan. As earlier mentioned the foreign ministry’s headquarters would part with N201.7m for fumigation and cleaning services during the year.

There is this entry of N100m for the maintenance of Nigeria’s seat in the UN Security Council. Pray what does that come to? One would think that since we have a permanent representative to the UN, that office would be responsible for attending Security Council meetings, which cost would be borne by the UN anyway. So what would the N100m be used for?

Other interesting budgetary provisions proposed in this ministry include N40m for ‘global power on women’s empowerment, HIV and SRHR’ and N9m to be spent by one of its agencies, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution for ‘building democracy as an instrument of peace’. And although every MDA budgets for health insurance subscription as well as medicals, there is still this curious budgetary head in the foreign affairs ministry known as ‘cost of medical treatment for Mrs. XYZ (I have withheld the real names) at St. Andrews Burns Service at Broomfield Hospital’ for the sum of N49.76m. [Medical bill of one woman N49.76m?] I am just curious why an individual’s name is listed in a federal budget as a spending. Who is the person? Why is this cost not subsumed in other medical costs or covered by insurance?

Next, the Foreign Affairs ministry plans to spend N834.4m to purchase and freight 40 ‘representational cars’ to 40 of our foreign missions. This translates to N20.86m as average cost for the cars. Wouldn’t this cost be reduced if these cars are bought in the locations they are to be used?

The above are just some of the numerous scandalous items in the budget that one could query because they don’t appear to show prudence in the management of our resources.

As the National Assembly considers the budget, it is hoped that they would be detailed enough to query these and more bogus and phoneey entries in the Appropriation Bill.

B00bs Alert: Actress Anita Joseph Shows Off What She's Got

Anita is not getting enough movie roles yet but each time she steps out, heads must turn. More pix below...

#OpenBallotSystem....lol!

Atiku Opens Up On 2015: My Deal With Tinubu and Buhari

He is a man who has regularly presented himself as a true democrat in the Nigerian political space. His love for the democratic process may be as a result of his long years of sowing the seed of bridge-building across the country. He is, therefore, may be expecting to reap from where he has sown.

Atiku Abubakar, had a very interesting chat with some journalists on political issues. Excerpt:

Sir, which party do you belong to now?

Which party? Well, let me tell you a story. Immediately after our nomination after the Jos convention of our party, I arranged a meeting between the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, governors-elect and Olusegun Obasanjo where we solicited their support. The then governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, spoke on behalf of the ANPP governors and he said they would support him because I was involved and that they had had dealings with me in the past.

Then we arranged another meeting with the Alliance for Democracy, AD, governors-elect and after the meeting they said they would support him because of me. After the two meetings, he [Obasanjo] called me aside and asked, Mr. Vice President, which party do you really belong to? We met ANPP governors they said you are with them; we met AD governors they said you are with them; so which party do you belong to? I hope that answers your question.

But seriously speaking, Nigerians would want to know where you stand now?
My brother, it is not just about political party now. It is about saving the situation that Nigeria has found herself. It is not about elections or offices to be occupied. It is about the political parties obeying the Constitution of Nigeria and also obeying their own constitution that there must be elections and nothing else.

Consensus or affirmation
I went to court to challenge Obasanjo when he said we could do it by consensus or by affirmation. A Federal High Court pronounced that there must be voting by casting of ballot and not just affirmation. And I told him that everyone he wanted elected, I had gotten the person elected so why was he afraid of an election. He said he agreed but consensus was another way of doing it. We got one person each from the zones to support the case but he knew that once we got that judgment, it would mean that all his actions of that executive would be null and void … (he makes a gesticulatory posture of being elbowed out of contention). (Laughter followed)

It is about the parties being guided by their own constitution and not until you can produce the right leadership that would allow that, we would continue from one crisis to another.

How do you see Mu’azu succeeding as PDP chairman?
Before Mu’azu was made chairman, he came to me and we spoke. I told him that much as he is passionate, he may not be able to do the job he has been given. Almost all the founding fathers of the party have left.

As for Mu’azu, I reminded him that I brought him into the party and I funded his governborship election in 1999 and I do not know what he would come and preach to me about the party. And our brother Bamangar Tukur, I once asked him on the eve of our convention if he was in charge of the party. I asked why the convention planning committee and the sub-committees were prepared for him from the Villa? In our own time, the party handled all that and it was robust.

We could agree that the PDP may not be healthy but the APC itself is having problems. Look at Shekarau running up and down. Now he is in PDP. Even you, you were in AC, mind you?APC is a completely new experiment. I say this because in 2009, I initiated the formation of another strong party like the PDP, even while still there. I visited General Buhari, I spoke to my brother here, Asiwaju; I spoke to Bafarawa on the other side, and we came together and set up a committee and we almost came to an agreement.

Registration certificate
The day we were to sign was when Buhari produced the registration certificate of Congress for Progressive Change, CPC. (laughter). The whole thing collapsed. Then in 2011, even within PDP, I said there was a need for a strong opposition so I initiated an alliance between CPC and ACN. We came to almost signing an agreement – IBB, Adamu Ciroma, Aliyu Gusau, we were the brokers – to exchange letters, Buhari withdrew; that one collapsed.

Believe me if there was that electoral alliance, there would be no PDP today forming government because Buhari would have brought the votes from the North West to add to the votes from the South West.

So, when I visited Buhari last week, I went through all these with him and I asked him if he agreed with me that we would all lose if he didn’t and he said ‘yes, now I agree.’ I said you did it in 2007, you failed; in 2011, you did it again you failed, I failed, everybody failed.

I asked if he agreed that if we all come together it would be better he said he agreed. So, APC is a completely new experiment, just like when PDP was formed, it was thought to be unthinkable because we came from the SDP and some from the NRC – right of left and left of right.

APC has the chance of succeeding if well managed and I concede to you that really, politicians have lost a lot of credibility in the last year or two.

So, really, there is need for politicians to re-invent themselves so that the credibility they have lost, can be regained. Last night I told Asiwaju and we agreed that General Buhari is now becoming a politician unlike before. Now, Asiwaju said he is more democratized and now, you can sit down and he is not rigid like before. There is hope for this country.

Obviously you are interested in the presidency?
Let’s not talk about the presidency. Let us talk about Nigeria and Nigerians. Believe me it is not an issue of presidency. I don’t have to be president to serve the people. If you are passionate about your country you cannot but feel concerned about what is going on and you want to be part of the process.

Okay let me assume that you want to be president?
No. Assume that I don’t want to be president. (laughter) Because this is the starting ground; and both General Buhari and I have said we should forget the presidency.

I say so because of the crisis that may come up during the contest for the ticket
I don’t see that happening because we have all agreed that it would be a fair contest.

Having said all these, what is the way forward?
The best way forward is to give Nigerians the ability to change from one party to the other so that they can compare one party to the other. Our case is not like that of Ghana where they can compare the then ruling party to the opposition that took over. My fear about one strong big ruling party is that we would be moving moré and more towards a dictatorship if we allow that to continue. I don’t want to see in my life a dictator.

INEC time table, how should it have been structured.
We have always said that one-day election is better and at a point in time INEC agreed but I don’t know why INEC back tracked.

The crises in Rivers, the presidency and the President say they are not involved?
I don’t believe the President and the presidency. Obviously they have a hand in it. How do you explain a situation when a police commissioner is being transferred from one state to Rivers and on his way to his new destination he is called back. Who does that except the Presidency and the President is involved.

But the IG is in charge?
The IG? That is my problem with a situation where the security agencies are being used by a party in power or a government. That is not how it should be.

Your associates are threatening to abandon you if you don’t abandon the PDP and they cite many reasons including non-invitation to some bodies of the party that you are statutorily supposed to be part of?They are right because in the past four years nobody has been communicating with me. And for a political animal like me, that is not right. I have not been attending all the meetings I am supposed to be attending – NEC, caucus, BoT. It is true what they’ve said and I am still there. That is why I am going round and consulting with the people who have been with me in the last two decades and they have been consistent. It is a difficult situation.

You talked about Mu’azu and his incapacitation to do the needful in terms of bringing the PDP back on track. What if the President calls you to say we want to turn a new leaf?The issue is not about the President running or not running. I have been talking about the internal contradictions within the PDP. It is not about the President at all. There are inherent contradictions within the party. If the younger generation presents a candidate and that candidate wins, what is the big deal

What we are saying is that there should be a democratic process instead of running round to short-circuit the process. In Benin, yesterday, somebody asked why I want to leave; and he gave the instance of Mugabe and he said, “why do you want to leave the PDP; at least you are still young and Mugabe is still in Zimbabwe ruling so don’t go anywhere; after Jonathan you can become President and I said it is not about presidency but about the common people in the country.

PHOTOS: Naija Babe Exposes Her "Flat" B00bs

Some ladies think that being séxy is all they need and this is the mess you get. See more photos below...

Maybe if this babe was even showing us something that is still standing, guys for manage am. SMH

Thursday, 30 January 2014

Proud Mum!! Popular Yoruba actress, Opeyemi Aiyeola shows off her Cute sons! [PHOTOS]

Five Years after her marriage, Popular Yoruba actress, Opeyemi Aiyeola, who was known for her regular appearances in home videos, relocated permanently to the United Kingdom with her husband, Olayiwola Owolonse.
The beautiful mother of two, recently visited Nigeria with her sons - the second boy is Samuel, he is three years old while the first boy is six.

Tuesday, 28 January 2014

Here Are Great Tips On How To Truly Win Your Woman's Heart

Are you having problems with gaining the heart of the woman you love? Have you tried all your best possible methods of gaining their heart, trust and yet not working out? Hopefully, this article might solve your issues.

Welcome to the 21st century; an era where building a relationship is as tasking as getting a good girl for a serious relationship. Paraventure you get a good lady, gaining her heart is another problem.

Guys, it is of no doubt that most ladies in this era lack morals, respect and home etiquettes as compared to those of the 20th Century.

In the 20th Century, parents pray most times for their daughters in respect of a good, responsible husband but in this century, this prayer is the reverse because "THE GOOD HAS TURN BAD WHILE THE BAD HAS TURN GOOD."

Nevertheless, amongst them we still have some "house materials" with good moral upbringing and a very high self esteem. Now the question is, how do we get them? This kind of ladies don't take shit and they are very hard to get.

Guys you need to be brave and have self-confidence and not over-confidence because over-confidence kills faster and also spoil relationships. At your first meeting be smart, introduce yourself, get to know her, start a little conversation and get to read her responses and body language if it states "I feel cool with you" or "this guy is dull and not smooth".

If there is probability of meeting her again, don't be too forward, your previous chat and her body responses will lead the way. Don't be too forward in requesting for her contact details. Just stay cool with her.

If there is no probability of meeting her again,I will advice you to try your luck by asking her contact politely and if she doesn't,Na your luck oooooooo.

If you succeed in exchanging contacts, it is advisable you be reasonable about it. Don't rush by disturbing her with calls and texts. As a matter of fact studies have shown that it is not advisable you call or text her that same day you got her contact. At least there must be an interval of 24 hours before doing so.

I think the mistake we guys makes the most is not taking our time to understand the lady we are dealing with. Don't come on too strong at the early stage. Let the relationship develop at its own pace. Coming on too strong at the early stage will almost certainly creep her out. Let the feelings gradually develop and get stronger towards her as you go on with the relationship together.

Once you guys understand each other and you both can see that the relationship is waxing strong and stronger, I think the next step is for you to make her see the man in you. Be the kind of guy she wants. Every lady wants a neat, caring, lovely and intelligent guy.

You can't possess all these characteristics because nobody is perfect but all the same you can still show her the best of out of yourself and still gain her heart. You should also be the kind of guy that would be there for her anytime she needs someone to talk to.

After putting all these in place, I believe she must have been sensing something. Just go straight to the point and let her no how you feel about her.

Be truthful about whatever you say. Let the words come straight from your heart and you must not lie on whatsoever circumstances that might happen because when she later knew you lied, that might be a red card for you. "First impression Last longer".

On a final note, this article if for guys like me Ogbeni Akinremi who finds it difficult to ask ladies out. So, Casanovas you already have what it takes, ignore it. Lol!!!

PDP Main Problems Just Starting, Says Atiku; Backs Obasanjo

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that the real troubles of the PDP is just about to start and that the party's new chairman, Adamu Muazu, whose daughter is married to his son, cannot save PDP.

“I don’t think the end of PDP’s trouble is over with Bamanga Tukur’s ousted. I don’t think so; the troubles of the PDP are yet to come. I don’t think Bamanga is the trouble, I don’t think Bamanga is the issue.”

On why he is in agreement with ex-President Obasanjo over President Jonathan, Atiku said:

“We don’t consult with Obasanjo, but the striking thing I want you to reflect upon is, read my convention address, read President Obasanjo’s letter. In fact there are very striking similarities, the only thing is that I foresaw what is happening before him, that is just the difference but basically my convention speech and the letter Obasanjo wrote to President Jonathan have very striking similarity.”

Atiku stated this in an interview with a radio station, Liberty Radio. He said he is in agreement with Obasanjo who recently in an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, attacked the latter’s failures in managing the affairs of the country, and for allowing his tribal Ijaw sentiment into governance.

Asked whether the PDP that has vowed to rule Nigeria for 60 years now have their days numbered, the angry Atiku answered in the affirmative: “Definitely!”

On the difference between PDP and APC, Atiku explained, “The PDP represents the conservative wing of the electoral divide, the APC represents the social democratic [wing] of our political divide.”

UPDATE: El-Rufai Regains Freedom from SSS after 15 Hours

After 15 long hours of interrogation, the Department of State Security Services has released ex-Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, from its custody in Abuja.

“Mallam El-Rufai will not be silenced. He will continue to do his patriotic duty of challenging INEC and the security agencies to guarantee the climate for free and fair elections in Nigeria by desisting from partisanship and the embrace of impunity.”

The former minister’s media advisor, Muyiwa Adekeye, said. Mallam El-Rufai, who voluntarily made himself available at the SSS headquarters around on Monday, was released after midnight.

“Mallam Nasir El-Rufai left the SSS premises at 12.35a.m today after more than 15 hours,” his aid tweeted at 12.40 on Tuesday morning.

El-Rufai has however vowed that no amount of intimidation can stop him from telling Nigerians the truth.

Adults Only: Ladies, See How to Win 'His Heart' in The Bedroom

As a lady, it's easy to please your man and keep his eyes from other woman if you are good in bed...

1. Outside the room
Being the best isn’t only about what you do in bed, but also what you do out of bed. For a steamy night, start by spicing things up outside the bedroom. When he’s at work, text him a naughty message that will drop a hint about what he should expect when he gets home or go out for a romantic dinner. If he’s had a long day, treat him to a sensual massage. The little sexy things you do outside the bedroom count in a big way.

2. Get wet, go!

When we talk about sex, wetter is better. Don’t be afraid to use lubricant to make things better in the bedroom. Lubricants enhance sensation and make things under the sheet more pleasurable. You could use some lube while giving him a hand job too. Trust us, he will love you for this.

3. Don’t be afraid to experiment...

Being experimental and adventurous in bed is a trait most men look for in their women. You don’t have to force yourself to bring out the whips and costumes if you’re not into that kind of stuff but don’t say no to everything without even trying it. You could start with subtle stuff like blindfolds and massage oils. He will appreciate the effort and will have a hard time forgetting the sexy night.

4. Get down and dirty
It’s no secret that guys love it when their women go down on them. A lot of women frown upon the idea of a blowjob. But if you want to be the best, you got to get down and dirty, girls. Try not to be mechanical about it and enjoy yourself when you go down on him. He will treasure you all his life.

5. Eye contact
Make sure you make eye contact with your man next time you’re in bed with him. There’s something very intimate and sensual about making eye contact especially when you’re so close to someone. Don’t stare him out as that can be plain creepy. But soft glances here and there are cute. Also, looking him in the eye confirms that you’re confident about yourself, which can be a huge turn on.

6. Initiate
It’s a huge turn on for a man, if a woman makes the first move. It makes him feel desired and loved and who could say no to that? If you want to be the ultimate sex goddess in bed, don’t wait for him to make the first move. Take matters in your own hands and give him the time of his life.

7. Take control
Most women like playing coy in bed and allow their men to take control. But, to be the best in bed you have to take control of the situation once in a while. Tie him up and treat him to some amazing moves. He won’t forget the night for a long time.

8. Dirty talk
The thing about talking dirty is that it can either be very sexy or a turn off. You have to do this tactfully to not sound crass. You could read erotic novels to get the drift or practise by talking dirty to yourself during your alone time. If it sounds stupid to you, then keep practising till you feel good about it before using it on him. Dirty talking is a rare quality in women, so he is sure to cherish it.

Monday, 27 January 2014

Photos: Tony Elumelu with Bill Gates, Bono, John Kerry at Davos

The World Economic Forum is a gathering of top political leaders, heads of international organizations, young global leaders, A-list entertainers etc to discuss how global governance can be improved through public-private cooperation. It held in Davos, Switzerland from January 22-25.

Here are photos of ex-bank chief Tony Elumelu at a dinner hosted by the world's richest man, Bill Gates, (pictured above) and singer Bono on the last day of the event. See more photos after the cut...


With Bono

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry

With South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe

With President Alpha Conde of Guinea

President Jose Barroso of the European Commission proudly donned the green and white scarf with Minister Adesina

Fani-Kayode opposes re-arraignment for money laundering

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode
| credits: File copy

HIV/AIDS Data For Nigeria - Broken Down By States & Zones [Photo] MUST SEE!!!

El-Rufai surrenders to SSS

ABUJA-Former Minister of Federal Capital Territory FCT Mallam Nasir El-Rufai this morning turned himself over to the State Security Service SSS at Abuja.
El-Rufai who is the current Interim Deputy National Secretary of the nation’s leading opposition party, All Progressives Congress APC was driven by Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi to the National Headquarters of the security outfit at about 9.15 am in an ash-coloured Mercedes sports utility vehicle. Others who accompanied him were his wife, Mrs El-Rufai; Senator Chris Ngige; Interim National Secretary of APC, Tijani Tumsa and El-Rufai’s lawyer.
However, at the SSS headquarters, only Amaechi, Ngige and El-Rufai’s lawyer were allowed to follow him into the premises of the security outfit.

Nasir-el-Rufai

Speaking to news men at his Maitama home before he was driven to the SSS Headquarters, El-Rufai insisted he was innocent adding that his comment about the possibility of violence erupting if next year’s general elections are rigged was based on Nigeria’s electoral history.
He maintained that his comment was his in line with his freedom of speech as enshrined within the amended 1999 Constitution.
Said he: “The statement I made was based on historical fact because it happened in 1964, 1983, 2003, 2007 and 2011.”
He further said that he was ready to go to court to enforce his fundamental human rights if the need arises.
According to him: “….We are ready to pursue the enforcement of our rights in the law court and in the court of public opinion”.
He continued: “Whoever does anything against the law should face the consequences”.
When asked what he thought was responsible for the invitation by the SSS, he said he believed the security outfit decided to invite him because of a legal action he filed challenging the decision of SSS operatives to detain him in his hotel room at Awka during last November’s governorship election in Anambra State.
Commenting on the development, the APC Scribe Tumsa , dismissed the impression in some quarters that El-Rufai’s statement was inciting adding that Nigerians were aware of those who had been making incendiary statements about next year’s general elections.
Said he: ” El-Rufai’s statement was not inciting. It was based on historical facts. I think his invitation by SSS is all political. He made those comments to forestall what may happen next year. We are insisting on free and fair elections in 2015″.
He continued: ” If you listened to some recent statements made by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, it means we should be expecting flaws in the 2015 polls”
Tumsa further stated that the APC’s cardinal position is that the rule of law and the fundamental human rights of Nigerians should be respected.
Only last Friday, operatives of the SSS who were in search of El-Rufai had besieged his houses at Asokoro and Maitama. It would be recalled that the SSS had reportedly invited El-Rufai for a chat last Thursday.
Although the reason for the invitation was not known, it was learnt it was in connection with a statement attributed to him that there might be violence if the 2015 general elections are not free and fair.
While speaking at the Transformed to Transform, T2T Nigeria, Conference and Career Fair, a leadership and empowerment initiative for the National Youth Service Corps members in Abuja last Wednesday, the APC deputy secretary said the elections could be marred by riots and other forms of violence that might lead to loss of lives and properties unless the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the security agencies ensured they were free and fair.
It was however gathered that El-Rufai, declined the invitation citing the pending suit he filed against the SSS as his reason.
El-Rufai was reported to have told the Director General of SSS, Ita Ekpeyong, that he was willing to meet with him in his home or office or that in the alternative, the SSS should produce a warrant of arrest.
The spokesperson of the SSS Marilyn Ogar had last Thursday warned ” those making provocative statements ahead of the 2015 general election to desist from such remarks or face the full weight of the law.”
In its own reaction to the siege that was laid at El-Rufai’s house last Friday,
the All Progressives Congress (APC) had strongly condemned what it called “the harassment of its Deputy National Secretary, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, by the Department of State Security (DSS)”.
In a statement that was issued by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, APC described the development as ” a shameful overkill”.
The party further expressed shock that the DSS was seeking to arrest El-Rufai for merely exercising his constitutional right of free speech.
APC further asked: “…Why has the DSS suddenly found its agility, after playing dead when people like Chief Edwin Clark, Asari Dokubo and Chukwuemeka Ezeife issued a direct threat to Nigeria’s continued existence over President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term ambition?”
The party’s statement concluded that : ”The DSS is free to join the police in becoming a partisan and compromised national institution, but it should weigh the consequences of such action on its long-term credibility,”

Saturday, 25 January 2014

The Ejigbo saga: The power of social media

There is the saying that ‘injustice any where is injustice everywhere.’ In this light, The Ejigbo market saga makes this assertion ever more relevant in our collective consciousness. As Nigerians and the rest of world saw the horrific video of man’s inhumanity to man, many have drawn their own conclusion to this event depending on which ever side of the divide you may stand. To this end therefore, the main thrust of this piece is to remind us that social media is truly a potent tool to fight injustice wherever we find it.

When Aristotle declared that ……man without law is but a beast unto man….. He was not only talking about the nature of man as it were but also describing the way man ought to function in a just and equitable society using the instrumentality of the Law as that parameter to guide her behaviour.

In today’s modern society, Nigeria in particular and Africa in general, the Law still functions as described above. But a lot will agree that the same Law meant for every one seems not to hold certain powerful oligarchy accountable when they do wrong. Therefore bringing the question again, is the Law the last resort of the ordinary man who feels injustice has been done to him?

This is where the Ejigbo saga once again reminds us all that injustice can be done, but can also be corrected because we are all watching and saying this thing is wrong through the instrumentality of the social media. The social media is gradually becoming a very potent platform for people to state their case and let the world be the judge. The Ejigbo drama tells it all that the police would have paid lip service to this case but for the persistent attitude Nigerians who saw those victims de-humanize beyond imagination and they all came out in mass calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice using the various available social media platform to air their views, hence the police could not keep silent any more even the IG, the Lagos state House of Assembly all came out in strong condemnation of this event. This is not to say that the various women NGOs did not do their job but that the social media was even at the forefront in pushing their fight making it more relevant.

Africa has been a place where so many atrocities are committed and kept in the dark all in the name of cultures with both victims bearing the scars and perpetrators walking free. This cannot be the case anymore; people must be courageous enough to tell the world what is going wrong in their neighbourhood. All they require is just a click away and the world will hear your story.

The social media will be more powerful only if we use it to tell the truth and those who love to be in the dark will remain in the dark because they cannot stand the power of light for where there is light, justice can be found……….this is what the social media brings with it.

PHOTOS: Tracy Ogbonna Shows Off Womanly Curves In Tiny Bikini

She's got an "incredibly insane body" "Dr's Pill in the bag" "Super Sexy Nigerian" and "Booty Exhibition" were some of the words used to describe newly published raunchy pics of US-based Nigerian model, Tracy Obonna.

Tracy Ogbonna Bikini: Nigerian Model Shows Off Figure In bikini

SEE TRANSFORMATION!! A New Bleaching Queen has Surface! [PHOTOS]

Rara Avis is the brain behind some Nigerian ladies who claim they were born Yellow.
She is a UK-Based trained cosmetologist, beautician and skincare expert.
Rara says changing the colour of one's skin is a personal decision, and the person shouldn’t be criticized if it is properly done. The lady who is very proud of her profession also says her aim is to help more and more Nigerian women beautiful!

Indeed she was transformed...

Goldie Hawn 'appalled' for calling President Jonathan wonderful after finding out about anti-gay law

Hollywood actress and activist Goldie Hawn met President Jonathan on January 22nd at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, took a pic with him, shared it on twitter and described the president as 'wonderful president of Nigeria'.

Thing is, Goldie Hawn is a staunch supporter of gay rights and when some fans lashed out at her for taking a pic with an anti-gay president and praising him, Goldie said she had no idea & was appalled. She immediately deleted the pic with the president and apologized to her twitter followers. Continue.

She told Huffingtonpost this morning at Davos

"First of all, the pic had every right to cause an uproar. I had no idea," Hawn said, noting she "literally hadn't looked at the news" because she's been traveling and writing a book.

Hawn said that's "no excuse," and she was "absolutely appalled" when she found out about Jonathan's anti-gay views. "This has nothing to do with my philosophy,"

Hawn called Jonathan's anti-gay actions "very fear-based" and "full of hatred."

"It breaks my heart because I have my own personal feelings about this. This is man's inhumanity to man of the first order. It's more than ridiculous, it's barbaric," Hawn said

Sunday, 19 January 2014

Photos from Jim Iyke Unscripted photoshoot

These are photos from the super luxurious three-day photo shoot Jim Iyke has just completed with Nadia Buari for the promo of season two of the Jim Iyke Unscripted reality television show.

The shoot, which features a Phantom Rolls Royce and a private jet, took place at various locations in Ghana and was handled by two of Ghana’s highly respected fashion photographers Barrak and Steven Adeusei. More pics after the cut...

Photos: Actress Oge Nwuba Flaunts Her Séxy Assets

Oge Nwuba is a graduate of Law but she thinks she's got the assets to run things in Nollywood and make her mark in the movie industry. Check out more photos of the beautiful actress below...

Welcome To Fashtyg Plus Blog