Nigerian twins break world mathematics record

Nigerian 8-year-old twins from Waltham Forest in North-East London, are a part of the highest-achieving clan in the history of education in Great Britain.

The two young Nigerias, Peter and Paula are about to make British history as the youngest students to ever enter high school. They astounded veteran experts of academia when they became the youngest to ever pass the University of Cambridge's advanced mathematics exam.
That's on top of the fact they have set world records when they passed the A/AS-level math papers.

Chris Imafidon, their father, said he's not concerned about his youngest children's ability to adapt to secondary school despite their tender age. "We're delighted with the progress they have made," he said. "Because they are twins they are always able to help and support each other.
"
To Peter and Paula's parents, this is nothing new. Chris Imafidon said he and his wife have been through this before: They have other super-gifted, overachieving children.

Peter and Paula's sister, Anne-Marie, now 20, holds the world record as the youngest girl to pass the A-level computing when she was just 13. She is now studying at arguably the most renowned medical school in the United States, Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore. Another sister, Christina, 17, is the youngest student to ever get accepted and study at an undergraduate institution at any British university at 11. And Samantha, now age 12, had passed two rigorous high school-level mathematics and statistics exams at the age of six, something that her twin siblings, Peter and Paula, also did.

CORRUPT PRACTICES: Nigerian govt official spends 5,380 dollars on food in one day

Arunma Oteh

The Director General of the Security and Exchange Commission, Arunma Oteh, spent a huge 850,000 naira(about 5,380 dollars)on food in one day, in violation of regulations on how much Chief Executives can spend, a House of Representatives committee said on Wednesday.

Ms. Oteh was accused of multiple violations at a bad-tempered public hearing of the House committee on Capital market investigating a dwindling market that has weakened investors trust and cost the nation billions of naira.

The House committee, headed by Herman Hembe, said the commission’s boss flouted rules, compromised her position and engaged in a spending spree in the last one year she has held office.

At a point, Ms. Oteh accused the committee of pursuing an agenda and surpassing the mandate of the hearing. She branded the house sitting a Kangaroo court, and dodged questions put to her. The inquiry sets out to establish why the capital market is almost collapsing, and why big organizations are protected by the commission while investors face increasing risk. Lawmakers said the DG’s unbridled spending and her relationship with some of the organizations she oversights have eroded the commission’s regulatory role.

In one case, the DG spent as much as 30 million naira on hotel bills accommodation in eight months.

Arunma Oteh is of Nigerian/British nationality. She is from Abia State. She studied at the University of Nigeria in Nsukka, Nigeria, earning a first class honors degree in Computer Science. She went on to the Harvard Business School where she obtained a Masters Degree in Business Administration. She co-edited the book, African Voices African Visions.[2] Oteh worked for various institutions including the Harvard Institute for International Development and Centre Point Investments Limited of Nigeria in corporate finance, consulting, teaching and research. She joined the African Development Bank (ADB) in 1992.[2] She was a Senior Investment Officer/Senior Capital Markets Officer from 1993 to 1997, then Division Manager Investments and Trading Room from 1997 to 2001 when she was appointed the Bank's Group Treasurer responsible for fund raising and investments in major international capital markets.[3] Oteh was appointed Vice-President for Corporate Management at the ADB in March 2006, responsible for Language Services, General Services and Procurement, Human Resources, and Information Management and Methods.[2] The SEC Director General Musa Al-Faki resigned in April 2009 amid criticism of the SEC role in a share-manipulation scandal involving African Petroleum stock.[4] Oteh was nominated Director-General and Executive Commissioner (Legal & Compliance) of the Securities & Exchange Commission by President Umaru Yar'Adua in July 2009, subject to Senate confirmation.[3] Arunma Oteh became Director General of the SEC in January 2010.[4]

In a June 2010 interview with the BBC Oteh listed "wash sales, market rigging, pumping and dumping shares" as some of the abuses in Nigeria's capital market. She said the SEC expected to charge about 200 individuals and entities in civil or criminal cases. She faced resistance from the powerful Nigerian rent-seeking elite, but expressed confidence due to the backing she had received from President Goodluck Jonathan.[1] In August 2010 Oteh dismissed Okereke-Onyiuke from the stock exchange.[4

UK spokesman defends failed attempt by Nigerian govt to rescue kidnapped foreigners

Chris Mc Manus an Franco Lamolinara



The abortive bid to rescue Briton Chris McManus and Italian Franco Lamolinara in Nigeria was the hostages' "best chance", Philip Hammond has told MPs.A decision to act was taken because "there was a significant possibility" the kidnappers knew their location was known, the defence secretary told MPs.
But the pair were killed before they could be rescued.
Mr Hammond faced questions about the failure to inform the Italian government before the raid.
He told MPs that the UK government had kept in touch with the Italian government throughout the 10 months the two men, found dead during the raid, had been held.
The two countries' security services had also kept in close contact and the Italians had known of the general "direction of travel".
Pressed on when the Italian government was told about the operation taking place, Mr Hammond said he could not specify a time
The urgency is evident from the fact that the raid took place in daylight. It was deemed too risky to wait even 12 hours for dark”
He said that the go-ahead decision was taken at a Cobra meeting chaired by Foreign Secretary William Hague which ended just before 9am on Thursday, and the "responsible officials" then went away to contact the UK ambassador to Italy, who was then to go, as soon as possible, to inform the Italian foreign ministry.
The operation began at 10.58am. On Friday the Italian president said it was "inexplicable" that the British government had not told Rome about the rescue attempt until it had begun.
In his statement, Mr Hammond said by Thursday morning: "The assessment on the ground was there was a significant possibility the kidnappers, if present, were already aware their security had been compromised and, if they were not, the level of military activity in the town meant there was a real risk of them developing that awareness.
"The military judgement was the hostages were facing an imminent and escalating threat and while an immediate rescue attempt would inevitably involve risk it represented the best chance of securing the release of Chris and Franco alive."
He told MPs the operation had lasted about 90 minutes but that the bodies of the two hostages had been found by the troops in a room at the rear of the compound with "early indications clear both men were murdered by their captors with automatic gun fire before they could be rescued".
Mr Hammond said the UK and Nigerian government had worked closely together to try and establish where the hostages were being held - learning of the location after debriefing captured suspects last Wednesday.
He also rejected the idea that any ransom had been paid, saying that as far as he knew no demand had ever been made.
"The deaths of Chris McManus and Franco Lamolinara were a terrible tragedy. But let us be clear that the responsibility for their deaths lies squarely with the people who kidnapped them, held them, threatened them, and then murdered them in cold blood.
"Terrorism and kidnapping can never be justified. Many of the group responsible for the kidnapping and murder of Chris and Franco, including their senior leaders, are either dead or have been contained - and important achievement in reducing the threat of future kidnapping."
For Labour, shadow defence secretary Jim Murphy said: "We believe the government took the right course of action in seeking to rescue two innocent captives."
But he questioned the apparent failure to keep the Italians informed.
Mr Murphy also said: "This tragedy is another painful reminder the UK must retain the ability to act across the globe. It is also reflective of the vindictiveness of our opponents and the valour of our forces.
"Can you convey the appreciation of Parliament as a whole to the commanders of the Special Boat Service for their remarkable efforts and bravery

IMO STATE PAYS TRIBUTE TO OJUKWU AS ROCHAS CALLS FOR ADDITIONAL STATE FOR S/E

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered at the Heroes Square, Owerri yesterday where they paid tribute to the late Igbo leader, Ikemba Odimegwu Ojukwu whose body was flown into the State from Abuja after being honoured with a full military burial by the federal government of Nigerian same day.
In a speech at the ceremony, the governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha said that Chief Odimegwu Ojukwu was a courageous leader who fought for justice. He called on the National Assembly to create an additional State for the South-East geo-political zone as a way of immortalizing the name of the late hero, adding that the Igbos believe in the unity of the nation and as such, have over the years shed their blood for the unity of Nigeria.

He thanked the President of the federal republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for honouring the late elder Statesman with a State burial similar to what befits a late General and appealed to Nigerians to always sustain the legacy of Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu and to remember the family in their prayers always.

Ojukwu

In his tribute, the Imo State deputy governor, Sir Jude Agbaso remarked that the late Ojukwu gave the Igbos hope and pride that made them to rise in defence when their lives were threatened.

The Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Ben Uwajimogu in a brief tribute, said that the late Ojukwu was a great man among the people of Igbo ethnic group, hence, the Imo State House of Assembly had unanimously awarded a Posthumous Merit award to the late hero.
Highlight of the event was a match pass parade by the military band, 21-gun salutes and fire-works displays.

Also present at the ceremony were the National Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance , Chief Victor Umeh, former member of the House of Assembly in the old Eastern Region, Chief Arthur Eze, Her Excellency, the wife of the Imo State governor, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha and a host of others.

Nepalese man named shortest ever in history

A Nepalese man who stands no taller than a newborn has been declared the world's shortest man in history. Chandra Bahadur Dangi, 72, earned the title with a height of 54.6 centimeters (21.5 inches), Guinness World Records announced today Sunday, 26th Feb.

Boko Haram Gunmen Attack Kano Mosque Killing 5 Persons

Islamists militants from Boko Haram sect killed five persons at a mosque in the center of Kano city yesterday evening.
Five people died instantly and some people were injured after a brazen attack was carried out on the mosque as muslim faithfuls were observing evening prayers.

EFCC Secret Document Exposes Ohakim’s N57.9billion Financial Crimes

Ikedi Godson Ohakim


Two secret documents belonging to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC], dated August 23rd 2010 with subject “IntelligenceReport: Chief Ikedi Godson Ohakim, Governor Imo State, and the other dated July 2nd 2010 with subject “Intelligence Report: conspiracy, diversion of public funds and money laundering against governor Ohakim of Imo State” which was recently made available to 247ureports.com through sources close to the anti-graft agency reveals that the former governor of Imo State, Mr. Ikedi Ohakim may have committed financial crimes against the treasury of Imo State that is more damning than was publicly known.
According to the document, in the period leading to the final days of the former Governor’s stay in office, Mr. Ikedi Ohakim used conspiracy, diversion of public funds and money laundering to liquidate the various accounts of Imo State. On the eve of Ohakim’s departure from the State, the local government joint account housed at Bank PHB Account number082112000037 was drawn down to zero Naira. This was following Mr. Ohakim”s coerced collection of N2.8billion from 307 of the Councilors through his Special Assistant on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The document indicted Ohakim on the use of four road construction companies as fronts to siphon monies from Imo State government. The companies used were stated as – CODUC Construction [owned by his brother in law Mr. Chinedu Chukwuonye], Solid Foundation Construction [owned by his business partner], AMAIFEKE Construction [owned by HRH Eze Okeke], and Zerock Construction Company [owned by his political godfather and former governor of Abia State]. Among the many deals with the companies mentioned is the award of a 15kilometer road to Solid Foundation Construction for a whooping sum of N1.3billion – equivalent to N87million per kilometer. The road stretches from Standard Shoe Industry to Amulu Mbieri.
Prior to Ohakim’s accession to the seat of governor, Chinedu Chukwuonye lived at No 37 Savannah Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos and had an “office” along Sanusi Road in Lagos before he relocated to Imo State to start CODUC Construction. The company then,did not have materials and equipment for construction but has now transformed into one of the biggest construction companies in Imo State with “State of the art equipments” valued at over N7billion.
According to the document, the former governor also utilized other companies as fronts. On Friday November 9th 2007, he secretly awarded the supply of IBC transmitters to Pinnacle Communication Nigeria Limitedfor the sum of N776.32million. On June 5th, 2008, some sub-standard transmitters were installed. The transmitters have not worked till date.
In terms of security of the state, the former governor was reported to have siphoned a minimum of N6billion. This is as he appropriated the sum of N6billion in the 2009 Appropriation Bill for “the provision of security and purchase of operational vehicles” to police. The N6billion was spent but not for what it was meant for. It was later discovered that the vehicles were bought by Commercial Banks operating in the State.
EFCC Intelligence reports of July 2nd 2010 further disclosed that the former governor of Imo State mismanaged public funds to the extent that the indebtedness of the state became staggering as salaries are paid using overdraft facilities obtained from Commercial Banks that in turn,charge high interest rates. As at July 2010, the indebtedness of the State stood at over N70billion.
Persons fingered in the alleged mismanagement of the State funds include Emmanuel Ohakim [Chief of Staff and relation to the former governor], Onuoha Chukwem [Special Assistant], Anselem Okorie [Special Assistant on Millennium Development Goals].
The document reveals that monies from Ohakim’s fraudulent financial activities were paid into a particular bank account believed to be the personal and confidential account of Ikedi Ohakim. The particulars of the Bank account are J. O. Edeson and Sons – Zenith International Bank PLC, Account number 6010176554.
Acquisition of properties:
Until his appointment as the governor, Ohakim had a 3 bedroom bungalow and a plot land at Prefab Estate. Within 18 months he acquired mansions in major cities.
Some of these properties include:
1. A mansion located at Prefab Aladinma Housing Estate behind St. Andrew’s Anglican Church – valued N100million
2. Two storey building along wetheral road Owerri next to N. Nwasco and Sons Electronic Plaza. Ohakim allegedly bought the building using a fictitious name – valued N120million
3. A palace located at Civic Center Imo Concorde Hotel – valued N800million
4. A mansion for his in-laws at Anara Mbano – valued N150million
5. A house bought through his Commissioner for Youth & Sports [Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri] under Property Development Company – located in Prefab Aladinma housing estate behind Startright primary school.
6. A house acquired for his lady friend Ruth Osieme at Ikoyi, Lagos
7. Acquired a mansion at the Parview Estate Ikoyi, Lagos in October 2007 – valued N400million
8. Acquired a mansion at Asokoro Abuja – valued over N400million
Property and Investment Abroad:
1. A house in Kensington London – valued 2.1milion pounds
2. A house in Atlanta USA – valued $2.3milion
3. A house in Maryland USA – valued $2.2milion
4. A five star hotel in South Africa – $27million
5. $10milion investment in Chinese manufacturing company in China
In summation, both documents recommend that additional covert activity be conducted with a view to obtaining more information .It is also recommended that operatives be detailed to the state to covertly gather information that will assist further investigations. Sources within the Commission reveal that the former governor remains of interest to the Commission.

Man accused of witchcraft, hacked to death by relatives

Mr. Mfon Edung


The killing of a 45-year-old Akwa Ibom man, Mr. Mfon Edung, by people believed to be his relatives over allegation of witchcraft is generating concerns among the family of the slain man.
It was learnt that the father of three, who hailed from Mbokpu Eyoima in Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Area of the state, was killed on his way to collect his church’s pulpit from Mr. Ini Edung on Friday.
An eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, said the deceased was riding on a motorcycle when he saw some men at Oyoku Ubighi, drinking and eating dog meat at a joint.
The eyewitness explained that the men jumped inside a vehicle immediately they sighted him and chased the deceased.
He said, “We saw Mfon riding on a motorcycle and almost all the men that were drinking left immediately to close him. They followed him and when they got to a desolate area, hit him with their vehicle.
“As he tried to get up and run, people around the area, who thought it was an accident, rushed to the scene to rescue him.
“But no fewer than five persons got out of the vehicle, with axes and cutlasses and hacked the deceased. They shot into the air sporadically to scare the crowd, and took the body away to an unknown destination.”
Also, a bicycle rider, who also craved anonymity, corroborated the eyewitness’ account.
He added that as he was running to the scene to rescue the deceased, he saw some men coming out of a white Volvo car with no number plate.
He said, “When I saw them, I was afraid and quickly retreated. In the process of killing Mfon, I heard one of them say, ‘You use your witchcraft power to kill my mother. I warned you if the woman died, you too would die. And let us see if your witchcraft will be able to save you.’
“I held my breath. When they finished cutting the deceased up, they took the body away, and nobody could trace them anymore.”
The wife of the deceased, Ikwo, said her husband was going to ask Etim how far he had gone with the aluminium pulpit he was making for the church.
She said from what she learnt, when her husband was returning home around 5pm at Mbokpu Oyoima, a vehicle was trailing him but he didn’t notice it.
She said she learnt her husband was killed at a desolate area, opposite a church at Oyoku Ibighi, in Urue Offong/Oruko LGA.
She said her husband had abandoned home to live with friends following repeated threat messages by his relations.
She said, “All along they had been sending threat messages to the extent that a Deacon in a church, summoned my husband and advised him to avoid some of his relations because of the threats.
“My husband had on two occasions been mercilessly beaten by his own people and some cult men in the village. When I reported the matter to the police who came to my husband’s rescue, his relations blamed me and fined me one she-goat and 10 bottles of locally-made gin for insulting them by calling the police.
“They blamed my husband for the sickness of her sister and said if the woman should die, my husband would also be killed. And so, they carried out their threat.”
Ikwo said when she reported the matter to the police in the area, they asked what she expected them to do after the man had been killed.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Onyekaozuru Orji, said the police were unaware of the incident but would do everything within their constitutional power to bring all the culprits to book.

Culled from punch

Man sets self ablaze, attempts to kill judge

A man identified as Abdulsalam Al-Kazeem, on Wednesday in Delta State, set himself ablaze at about 2.30pm and attempted to wrap his burning body around his boss.

The suspect, Al-Kazeem, worked as a guard at the residence of Justice Patience Keujubola, an Effurun High Court judge, until he attempted to set her ablaze along with himself.

Security sources said the suspect had bought a keg of fuel and hid it in the premises of his boss’ house and when the judge came out, he immediately soaked himself with the fuel and lit a match.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Charles Muka confirmed the incident.

“We have a report that an Hausa man poured petrol on himself and set himself ablaze and he attempted to wrap his burning body around the judge, but she was rescued. The suspect sustained severe burns all over his body in the process,” he said.

It was gathered that Al-Kazeem was angry that the judge was paying him peanuts and therefore decided to kill his boss and commit suicide.

Cyclist charged to court for defiling daughters

Nigerian Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke



A 51-year-old Okada rider, Collins Oleka, has been charged before a Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, for allegedly harassing, sexually assaulting and having carnal knowledge of his daughters, aged 15 and 18 years old respectively.

According to the eldest of the girls: “He has been sleeping with me since I was 12 years old and when I reported him to my mother, she warned me not to tell anybody because it will bring shame to our family.

”Now, I am 18 and I can’t continue to bear it, so I told my friend, who informed a non-governmental organisation about it. He also sleeps with my younger sister.”

The alleged offence, which was reported to the police by a Lagos-based NGO, was said to have been committed on September 17, 2011, and contrary to and punishable under sections 262 and 259 laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

However, the girls’ father (Collins), a native of Mbano in Imo State, denied the charge and pleaded not guilty, when he was asked to enter his plea.

Magistrate Oshoniyi admitted him to bail in the sum of N200,000 and a surety, whose address must be verified.

Collins was later ordered to be remanded in Kirikiri Prison, when nobody indicated interest in standing as surety for him, while the matter was adjourned till February 13.

Meantime, in another development, a 37-year-old pastor, Joseph Olukaiyeja, has been charged before an Ejigbo Magistrate‘s Court, Lagos, for allegedly obtaining N1.6 million from two brothers, Akintunde Akinloye and Akindele Akinloye, under false pretence.

Olukaiyeja (accused) was arraigned on a five-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing, offences that contravened Sections 390 (9), 419 and 516, Cap C17 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.

Bangladesh man 'admits' cutting off wife's fingers

, Hawa Akther Jui



Human rights groups in Bangladesh have demanded a severe punishment for the husband of a young woman who allegedly cut off most of her right hand.
Police say Rafiqul Islam, 30, attacked her because she pursued higher education without his permission.
They say Mr Islam, a migrant worker, admitted to the crime shortly after returning home from the Gulf.
However there has been no independent confirmation from the suspect that he carried out the attack.
The incident is one of a number of acts of domestic violence targeting educated women in recent months.
Police say that Mr Islam, who works in the United Arab Emirates, tied up his 21-year-old wife, Hawa Akther Jui, earlier this month. He then taped her mouth and cut off the five fingers.
'Severe consequences'
Doctors say the fingers cannot be re-attached and it appears that Ms Akther will have to live with permanent disfigurement.
Rafiqul Islam is reported to have confessed to the crime
"After he came back to Bangladesh, he wanted to have a discussion with me. Suddenly, he blindfolded me and tied my hand," Ms Akther told the BBC from the town of Narsingdi.
"He also taped my mouth saying that he would give me some surprise gifts. But, instead he cut off my fingers."
She said her husband, who is not well educated, did not approve of her enrolling in a college for higher studies.
During their earlier telephone conversations, she said, he warned her of "severe consequences" if she went against his word.
"Doctors said my fingers could be re-attached within six hours but he refused to give them. After that time, another relative of my husband threw the fingers in a dustbin.
"We finally recovered them but it was too late," said Ms Akther, who is still recovering at her parents' house.
She said that she did not want to live with her husband - who is now in police custody - any more.
The police officer investigating the case, ARM Al-Mamun, said "preliminary investigations" had led police to believe that it was a "pre-planned attack".

Islam


"He [the husband] admitted to cutting off his wife's fingers. We will be pressing charges against him," Mr Al-Mamum said.
A family member of Mr Islam said that the couple had "differences" on some issues, including her decision to pursue higher studies.
Ms Akther - who is eager to continue her studies - said that she wanted her husband to be severely punished for the attack.
"I have now started practising writing with my left hand. I want to see how far I can go. I never imagined that my fingers would be chopped off like this because of my studies."
The attack follows an incident in June in which a university lecturer lost one eye while the other was badly wounded in an attack allegedly carried out by her husband.
The accused man in this case, Syeed Hasan Sumon, died in custody earlier this month while awaiting trial.

Culled from BBC

Indian student Jyoti Amge named world's shortest woman

Jyoti Amge





An Indian student measuring just a little over two feet has been confirmed as the world's shortest living woman by Guinness World Records.
Jyoti Amge, at 62.8cm (24.7in), is 7cm shorter than previous title holder, American Bridgette Jordan.
Ms Amge was conferred the title on Friday as she celebrated her 18th birthday in the city of Nagpur.
Ms Amge has a condition called achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, and is not expected to grow further.
In 2009, she was named the world's shortest teenager at 61.95cm.
The shortest woman ever recorded was Pauline Musters (1876-1895) of the Netherlands, who stood at 61cm.
'Grateful'
Ms Amge was presented with a certificate, watched by her parents in Nagpur.
"It is wonderful to celebrate my 18th birthday with a new world record, it's like an added birthday present," she said.
"I feel grateful to be this size, after all if I weren't small and had not achieved these world records I might never have been able to visit Japan and Europe, and many other wonderful countries," she said.
Dressed in a traditional sari, she stood on a chair next to a seated Rob Molloy, official adjudicator for Guinness World Records, to cut her birthday cake.
"In accordance with our guidelines, Jyoti was measured three times in 24 hours by a doctor," Guinness World Records said.
Ms Amge has attended regular school since she was four and has just finished her high school exams. She plans to undertake a university degree.
Guinness World Records said she dreamed of becoming a Bollywood film star.

culled from BBC

Former President of France jailed for graft

Chirac





FORMER French President Jacques Chirac was found guilty yesterday on corruption charges stemming from his time as mayor of Paris and given a two year suspended sentence, a court in the French capital announced.
Chirac was convicted of breach of trust, misappropriation of public funds and illegal use of influence, the Paris Court’s media office said.
It was uncertain whether Chirac, 79, would appeal the verdict, a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) stated.
“We have to talk about it with the person concerned,” said his attorney, Georges Kiejman. “We’ll know tonight if he accepts this decision or if on the contrary he wants to appeal,” Kiejman added.
Chirac was mayor of Paris, from 1977 to 1995, before he became president.
He had immunity from prosecution during the 12 years he was president of France, from 1995 to 2007.
He was accused – along with the other defendants – of using public money to pay people to work for his political party, the RPR, and to pay others to perform jobs that did not really exist.
Former French Prime Minister Alain Juppe was sentenced in December 2004 for his role in the affair.
After Chirac left office as president, he made it known he was available to answer any questions on the matter. He always denied wrongdoing.
Some in France praised the court’s decision.
“Finally, the justice of the Republic has come,” said a post from Pierre-Marie Muraz on the French newspaper Le Monde’s website.
It shows that “no, we are not a banana republic, but a democracy, and we are proud of it!”
Others were not pleased. “Who are we kidding? Let’s review: Politician and union leaders have flouted the country’s rules for years, enriching themselves and betraying the trust of their citizens, and when 20 years later we relax, we hand out a penalty or a suspended sentence, a certain political class and the complacent media congratulate themselves on the exemplary justice!” posted someone with the user name “pas dupe” - which means “not fooled” in English.

culled from Guardian

Death toll in India’s hospital inferno hits 91

AUTHORITIES India yesterday disclosed that six hospital managers arrested on negligence charges are in custody for questioning after a hospital blaze killed 91 people in eastern part of the country.
The Cable News Network (CNN) reported that the six managers that worked at a five-storey Kolkata hospital that erupted into flames at 4 a.m., were sent by a local court to 10-day in police custody.
However, a popular anti-corruption activist, Anna Hazare, ramped up pressure on India‘s government for strong measures to fight graft by staging a brief symbolic fast yesterday in the capital.
The CNN showed the scene of the fire as crowds of people wearing face masks rushed patients out onto the street in stretchers.
About 60 other people were injured, said Javed Ahmed Khan, the West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services minister.
A “majority” of the bed-ridden patients were abandoned by most of the staff on duty, he said.
The blaze started in the hospital’s basement, and authorities were trying to determine its cause.
A preliminary investigation showed that the hospital had safety violations in the basement, Khan said.
In addition to using the basement as an oncology department, it was also being used to park cars and house medical supplies, Khan said. The hospital’s licence has been revoked.
Surrounded by thousands of flag-waving supporters, Hazare held a seven-hour fast to demand sweeping legislation to end India’s culture of corruption, in which bribes are paid for everything from health care to marriage certificates, the Associated Press (AP) reported.
“My fast has begun. I will not speak much now,” Hazare told his cheering fans gathered around the stage where he sat with about a dozen politicians discussing the bill.
Later, he told the politicians they could take protests “to the streets” if the government rejects their suggestions in drafting a strong bill.

Kidnapped Doctor dies 4 days after release

Dr Moses Amako, the immediate past Chief Medical Director of Owerri Specialist Hospital, Umuguma in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State who was kidnapped on December 1, but later released one week after, has reportedly died.

Dr Amako died last Saturday at about 7 pm following bullet injuries he sustained in one of his legs. The abductors shattered his leg with bullets and kept him captive for over one week.
Daily Sun reported that the late Dr Amako was released to the family last week Wednesday having paid a ransom of N 20 million. He was immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
It was gathered that more than 10 medical consultants battled to save his life but the injuries were affected by tetanus.

Confirming the report to Daily Sun yesterday, one of the younger brothers to the late Amako, Kingsley, described his death as a big loss to the community. He said that his demise has put the community in painful mood. According to him, one of the younger brothers to the late doctor collapsed on hearing the sad news and he was receiving medical attention at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri. The youths are planning a peaceful demonstration to the Government House, Owerri today (Monday) over the cruel demise of Dr. Amako.

Dr Amako was kidnapped on Thursday, December 1, while going back to his hometown, Ohii, in Owerri West L.G.A in company of his wife. His widow was later released by the hoodlums after shattering his leg with bullets.

Nigeria Produces First Female Fighter Pilot

Blessing Liman




She’s a blessing to womenfolk, the military and the nation, judging by her achievement – and her name.
Blessing Liman, a 25-year-old lady from Kaduna State, has become Nigeria’s first female military pilot.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) at the weekend commissioned her along with 126 others who completed the Direct Short Service Course 2010/11 Cadets of 325 Ground Training Group at the NAF Base, Kaduna.
Liman said she was very excited and proud to make history.
She said: “It is very uplifting and I feel very proud of myself though it has been very challenging. Coming from the civil war and the civil mentality, the Air Force has done a great job because it has changed our orientation.
“I believe that all females have equal opportunity to dignify their rights in whatever adventure they choose they can do.”
Blessing, who wants to encourage other females, called on other womenfolk to see her feat as a challenge for them to explore their capabilities “for nation-building”.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar, said the successful passing out from cadet training of the first female pilot was “a very laudable achievement” to the nation.
The armed forces were directed to produce female combatants, he said, in order to give impetus to gender equality in the polity as part of President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda – as well as affirm the belief that women can make valuable contributions to nation building.
Umar said by producing the first female military pilot, NAF had given a good account of itself and justified the vision of its founding fathers as a veritable tool for nation-building.
He noted that although the Federal Government had taken steps to address the internal security situation across Nigeria, there was the need for the armed forces to be abreast of the general security situation in the country.

“Your primary responsibility is ensuring national security and the territorial integrity of our dear nation; hence I need to remind you where your loyalty lies,” he said, charging members of the armed forces to cultivate harmonious relationships with the populace without compromising military values.

culled from Thisday

Gunmen steal nine-day-old baby, doctor and 2 nurses detained

Mrs Mbidom




Imagine how a woman will feel after passing through the pangs of a nine-month pregnancy including the pains of a successful caesarean section only to lose her baby nine days later to gunmen! She will be traumatized. Or don't you think so?
This is the present fate of two women namely Ifeoma Mbidom and Ifeyinwa Udoyibo. The two women who hail from Amaifeke Community in Orlu LGA and Akatta in Oru-East LGA of Imo State are currently ruing over the loss of their babies. They did not lose the babies to the grim riper, death but to hoodlums who stormed the hospital where they gave birth to the babies.
According to fair-skinned Mrs Mbidom who visited Nigeria Newspoint Monday in the company of her 36-year-old husband, Mr.Ifeanyi Mbidom, on noticing she was bleeding, she had to contact a mid-wife, simply known as Angelina of Ange Maternity in Okporo Community. It was the mid-wife, she said, that took her to Dr. Anthony Irobi.
Mrs Mbidom disclosed that Dr. Irobi who resides in Amaifeke community but owns and runs the Seat of Life Hospital in Akuma, Oru East LGA thereafter took drove her to the hospital on the fateful day.
She added that a caesarean section was performed on her and she was delivered of a baby girl on November 15.
Her story is similar to that of Mrs Ifeyinwa Udoyibo. According to Ifeyinwa's 26year-old husband, Mr. Obinna Udoyibo, his wife was referred to the Seat of Life Hospital, Akuma by the mid-wife of Joe Nwanchi Maternity, Akatta Community.
At the hospital, he said she gave birth to a baby boy through caesarean section. The boy was also stolen by the hoodlums same day Mrs. Mbidom's baby girl was snatched from the hospital. Mrs Mbidom had gone to the hospital dispensary to collect drugs and left her child in its cot when the urchins came calling.
They disclosed that the armed miscreants numbering five stormed the hospital in the night of November 23, seized and disappeared with the tots. Till date, nobody has seen the toddlers neither have the malefactors made any contact with the families. The police have also not made any arrest except detaining Dr. Irobi and two nurses as they went to the police station to report the incident.
Mr Mbidom and Udoyibo are weeping and gnashing their teeth. Their wives and family members are not left out. Their communities are alarmed at the development.
Mbidom, a wood sawer prayed God to intervene in the matter. He also appealed to whoever seized his baby girl to return her to him. Incidentally, the tots are the first children of the couples. His wife, Ifeoma said the pains of pregnancy and caesarean section would be assuaged when she recovers her child. Udoyibo, a petty trader pleaded with the state government to come to his aid by recovering his boy.
Nigeria Newspoint gathered that Dr. Irobi reported the matter at the police station in Omuma. He was arrested alongside his two nurses and transferred to the headquarters of the state police command where they are currently being detained.
When contacted yesterday on telephone, one Uwaoma who claimed to be Dr. Irobi's younger brother confirmed the story. He also confirmed that his brother was still in detention.
Mr. Samuel Oodee, the new police public relations officer in the state was also contacted on telephone last night and he said he would need time to get in touch with the Divisional Police Officer in Omuma to get the facts of the matter

culled from Newspoint

Former US Governor Blagojevich gets 14 years prison sentence

Rod Blagojevich



Former Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for political corruption including attempting to sell the United States Senate seat vacated by then President-elect Barack Obama, Reuters reports.
Blagojevich, who turns 55 on Saturday, must serve at least 85 per cent of the sentence or about 12 years before being released under the sentencing guidelines.
He was convicted of seeking jobs and campaign contributions in exchange for state government action.
Blagojevich, a Democrat who was ousted from office in 2009, had asked U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel for mercy, saying he was ``unbelievably sorry.’’
Zagel said before sentencing that he accepted Blagojevich's apology, but ``it comes too late.’’ disputing the defence theory that Blagojevich was misled by his staff.
``The governor was not marched along the criminal path by his staff. He marched them and ruined a few of their careers,’’ he said
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Blagojevich sought 1.5 million dollars in campaign contributions from supporters of Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr., in exchange for appointing him to the Senate seat.
They also said Blagojevich sought a cabinet post or a high-paying Washington job in exchange for appointing Obama's choice to the Senate seat, Valerie Jarrett, now a White House aide.
He was also convicted of attempting to shake down the head of a children's hospital for campaign cash in exchange for authorizing an increase in doctor reimbursement fees, and shaking down the head of Illinois racetracks in exchange for approving legislation favourable to the industry.
Federal authorities, who had been taping Blagojevich's profanity-laced conversations with aides, arrested him in December 2008, before he could complete the crime, prosecutors have argued.
Blagojevich was tried twice, first in August 2010, when he was convicted of one charge of lying to investigators and jurors deadlocked on 23 other counts.
After a second trial this year, he was convicted of 17 of 20 counts. Blagojevich must report to prison on February 16.
His predecessor in the governor's office, Republican George Ryan, is currently in prison on corruption charges.

Israel ex-President goes to jail

Moshe Katsav



The disgraced former Israeli President, Moshe Katsav, has arrived at Maasiyahu prison near Tel Aviv to begin a seven-year sentence for rape, the BBC reports.
Leaving his home in the town of Kiryat Malachi, he insisted he was innocent and accused the state of "executing" him and "burying a man alive".
Katsav's case has entranced and horrified the Israeli nation.
He was convicted a year ago, but was allowed to remain free while he appealed against the conviction.
Katsav, who turned 66 on Monday, resigned from the largely ceremonial post of president two weeks before his seven-year term was to expire in 2007, under a plea bargain that would have allowed him to escape a prison sentence.
But he then rejected the deal he had struck with prosecutors, vowing to prove his innocence in court.
In November, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld his conviction for raping a former employee when he was a cabinet minister in the 1990s, and for sexually harassing two other women while president.
"Moshe Katsav will go to jail as planned and will receive the same conditions as other prisoners," Israel's minister for internal security, Yitzhak Aharonovich, told Israel Radio on Tuesday.
Suicide watch
Katsav will be placed in a wing at Maasiyahu that is reserved for observant Jews, and will share a cell with ex-government minister Shlomo Benizri in a move intended to ease his transition, reports say.

Fuel subsidy scam : Senate releases names of cabal

Oando Oil, CONOIL, African Petroleum and MRS Oil are among the powerful players in the petroleum sector that have shared over N3.655 trillion between 2006 and September 2011 in pursuit of importation of refined petroleum products.
This was revealed today in Abuja by the Nigerian Senate joint Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Appropriation and Finance.
Senator Magnus Ibe, the chairman of the committee, also disclosed that some 100 companies in the downstream sector and in construction, shared over N1.426 trillion between January and August 2011 alone.
Oando Oil is owned by Wale Tinubu’s Oando; Mike Adenuga owns CONOIL, Femi Otedola owns AP, while MRS Oil is run by Aliko Dangote's brother, Sayyu Dantata. Other key players named today include Pinaccle Construction Ltd, as well as Integrated Oil and Gas, which is owned by a former Minister of the Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.
The full list, and their individual haul, as read out by Senator Abe, is as follows:
1. Oando Nigerian Plc. – N228.506 billion
2. MRS –N224.818 billion
3. Pinnacle Construction-N300 billion
4. Enak Oil & Gas –N19.684 billion
5. CONOIl – N37.960 billion
6. Bovas & Co. Nig. Ltd. – N5.685 billion,
7. Obat N85 billion and AP; N104.5billion.
8. Folawiyo Oil - N113.3 billion
9. IPMAN Investment Limited- N10.9billion
10. ACON - N24.1billion
11. Atio Oil-N64.4billion
12. AMP- N11.4billion
13. Honeywell-N12.2billion
14. Emac Oil- N19.2billion
15. D.Jones Oil-N14.8billion;
16. Capital Oil - N22.4 billion
17. AZ Oil- N18.613billion
18. Eterna oil- N5.57 billion
19. Dozil oil- N3.375 billion
20. Fort oil-N8.582 billion.
21. Integrated Oil and Gas- N30.777 billion
With reference to 2011, the companies named by the Senate and the amount of money they have received this year alone include Otedola's African Petroleum, N104.58 billion; A.A. Rano, N1.14 billion; A.S.B, N3.16 billion; Arcon Plc, N24.116 billion; Aminu Resources, N2.3 billion; Avante Guard, N1.14 billion; Avido, N3.64 billion; Boffas and Company, N3.67 billion; and Brilla Energy, N960.3 million.
Others also listed are: DownStream Energy, N789.648 million; Dosil Oil and Gas, N3.375 billion; Inco Ray, N1.988 billion; Eternal, N5.574 billion; Folawiyo Energy, N113.32 billion; Frado International, N2.63 billion; First Deepwater Oil, N257.396 million; Heden Petrol, N693 million; Honeywell Petrol, N12.2 billion; Integrated oil, N30.777billion; AMP, N11.417 billion; Ascon, N5.271 billion; Channel Oil, N1.308 billion; Fort Oil, N8.582 billion; Enak Oil & Gas, N19.684 billion; IPMAN Investment Limited, N10.9 billion; Atio Oil, N64.4billion; AMP, N11.4billion; and Emac Oil, N19.2billion.
Findings by SaharaReporters correspondent indicate that in 2006, only MRS, TOTAL and OANDO were officially listed as beneficiaries of the fuel subsidy recognised by the Federal Government. The three companies were said to have been listed as “major marketers.”


culled from Sahara Reporters