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 Politics › Alleged N55m Fraud: Ex-police IG, Ehindero, Docked, Granted Bail. by Fatdon(op): 6:31am On Sep 22, 2012 |
Former Inspector General of Police, Mr Sunday Ehindero, was yesterday, arraigned before an Abuja High Court over his alleged complicity in the misappropriation of about N557million belonging to the Nigerian Police Force. He pleaded not guilty to a six- count criminal charge that was preferred against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC. The ex-IGP was docked alongside a former Commissioner of Police in charge of Budget, Mr John Obaniyi. Specifically, the anti-graft agency maintained that its investigations revealed that the accused persons, diverted the sum of N300million out of N557million that was donated to the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, by the Bayelsa State Government when President Goodluck Jonathan was its Governor, adding that the money was traced to a fixed deposit account at Wema Bank Plc where it had already yielded an interest of N9.8 million. Observing that the money was donated for the procurement of arms, ammunition and riot control equipment, ICPC, equally alleged that the accused persons placed another N200 million out of the money in a fixed deposit account at Intercontinental Bank Plc where it has generated an interest of N6.5 million. Though Ehindero piloted the affairs of the Nigerian Police between 2005 and 2007, however, the prosecuting agency said the fraud was perpetuated between May and November 2006. Meanwhile, shortly after the ex- IGP and his alleged accomplice took their plea yesterday, the trial court presided by Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi granted them bail in the sum of N10million each and a surety in like sum, stressing that they must depose to affidavit of means. The Court ordered that the duo should be remanded in prison custody should they fail to fulfill any of their bail conditions. Besides, the court dismissed as lacking in merit, separate preliminary objections that the accused persons filed through their respective lawyers, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and Mr A. S Odariko. Ehindero who yesterday begged the court to allow him to go home on self-recognition, had insisted that the ICPC lacked the powers to try him over the alleged offence. www.vanguardngr.com/2012/09/alleged-n55m-fraud-ex-police-ig-ehindero-docked-granted-bail/
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| Politics › Subsidy: FG Pays N56.7 Billion To14 Oil Marketers This Week. by Fatdon(op): 7:41pm On Sep 21, 2012 |
The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister Of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala on Friday said the Federal Government has this week paid a total of N56.7 billion to 14 oil marketers as fuel subsidy claims for 2012. The Minister said this week’s payment brings the total amount paid as subsidy claims for 2012 to N393 billion. Addressing journalists in Abuja, Mrs Okonjo- Iweala listed Bovas and Company Limited, Folawiyo Energy Limited, Forte Oil Plc, Ibafon Oil Limited, Integrated Oil and Gas Limited, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, NIPCO Plc, OANDO Plc as some of the companies that received payment for the 2012 fuel subsidy claims. Others are Northwest Petroleum and Gas Limited, Rainoil Limited, Shorelink Oil and Gas Services, Swift Oil Limited, Techno Oil Limited and Total Nigeria Plc. The Minister said based on the report of the Aig-Imoukhuede “We’ve been able to make some additional payments to marketers this week of N56.7 billion.” “We’ve made payments to 14 marketers, most of them are the major marketers who have been screened successfully now by the Aig- Imoukhuede committee,” she added. Mrs Okonjo-Iweala said that a total of N30 billion has been released for the actualization of the Subsidy Re- Investment Programme. She however assured Nigerians that talks on the 2013 Budget has commenced with members of the National Assembly. www.channelstv.com/home/2012/09/21/subsidy-fg-pays-n56-7-billion-to14-oil-marketers-this-week/ |
| Politics › VIDEO: Senate Threatens To Impeach Jonathan. by Fatdon(op): 12:16pm On Sep 21, 2012 |
A battle line may have been drawn between the senate and the executive over the non- implementation of its resolutions. The lawmakers expressed displeasure over the unwillingness of President Goodluck Jonathan to implement resolutions reached by the Senate particularly the recommendations on the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE). At Thursday’s proceedings of the senate, Uche Chukwumerijie (PDP Abia North), during debate on a bill for an act to amend the public enterprises act, threatened to move a motion to impeach the president if he continues to ignore the resolutions of the senate. “I have started collecting signatures. If we could collect up to two third of this senate here, we are going to get a motion that gives marching order to Mr President to do something about this report or else,” Mr Chukwumerijie said. “We can’t continue at this level at which we are going. This impunity in which they continue looting public fund and nobody is saying anything. We’ve come to the stage of threatening impeachments. “Uche Chukwumerijie will do it and move the motion,” the senator said. There was nothing to suggest at the beginning of plenary that lawmakers would vent their anger on the president over the non-implementation of their resolutions. Ifeanyi Okowa from Delta had earlier led a debate for the amendment of the BPE act. The bill seeks to amend the public enterprises act to provide further legislative framework for improved accountability in the sale of government assets. “The amendment provides for not less than five percent of the shares to be offered to Nigerians to be reserved for the host community of the public enterprises,” Mr Okowa said while moving the motion for amendment. The bill hit closely home for Ahmed Lawan (ANPP, Yobe) whose committee’s had exposed irregularities in the sale of government assets. The BPE report a product of the investigations which was completed and debated in November last year is yet to be implemented by the presidency. “It is time that the BPE report, the resolutions of the senate that has been passed to Mr President for his action are considered forthwith,” Mr Lawan said. Further worsening an already charged situation are the remarks by the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku who said resolutions by the National Assembly are only advisory. The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu said the National Assembly does not need the Minister to inform it that its decisions are not binding. “I don’t we need the minister of information or any other minister to remind us that our resolutions are not binding just as we don’t need to remind him that he was not elected,” Mr Ekweremadu. He said thought the resolutions of the senate are not binding but they are well thought of, researched and made out of patriotism. Mr Ekweremadu said the resolutions are an amalgamation of the views of very responsible Nigerians and “to that extent it is very persuasive.” With growing indignation against the executive by the national assembly, it is not clear what the next step of the presidency would be. The executive needs to act swiftly before the impasse with the national assembly gets out of hand. Click the link for the video www.channelstv.com/home/2012/09/20/senate-threatens-to-impeach-jonathan/ |
| Politics › Jonathan Approves N600 Billion For Demographic Database – NPC Chairman. by Fatdon(op): 10:02pm On Sep 19, 2012 |
The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Eze Odimegwu on Wednesday announced the approval of the sum of N600 billion by the Federal Government to establish a centralized demographic database for the country. Addressing participants from the Defence Intelligence School in Abuja, Mr Odimegwu said that the funds will help the agency provide relevant data to Nigerians for a period of five years in the areas of health, national security and agriculture. “We will use cutting-edge technology in the world to do everything we do; the best in class competencies, we are looking for the brightest and the best and we have to fully resource our strategy,” he said. “The president actually approved close to N600 billion for NPC for five years to review all the things we want to do. And if you think this N600 billion is big, if all the scattered places they are doing demographic now, they spend trillions of trillions of naira every year and yet the job is not done. So when we consolidate it and do it in five years, it is still cheap for the country. The president said so and he was happy we came to give him that quality of presentation. “So in our systems, we want to be open in all what we do. We want to hire the best people to do it and we want our vision, budget and strategy to drive our budgeting,” the NPC Chairman said. On his part, the course coordinator from the school, Wing Commander Idris Hassan stressed the need for improving the knowledge base of its participants through the provision of adequate data for a proper understanding of how to ensure national security. www.channelstv.com/home/2012/09/19/jonathan-approves-n600-billion-for-demographic-database-npc-chairman/ |
| Politics › Closure Of Lagos Computer Village. by Fatdon(op): 4:06pm On Sep 19, 2012 |
AGAINST the backdrop of numerous dangers street trading pose to lives as well as the unhygienic attitude of most Lagos residents, the State Government outlawed all forms of street trading. Those who run foul of the law, are liable to pay an unspecified amount of money as fines or go to jail as the case may be. Enforcement of the zero tolerance had led to the sealing of many markets in different parts of the state. The markets were later reopened after the traders had complied with the environmental law. For traders at the popular Computer Village in Ikeja, Thursday last week, was a day they would not forget in a hurry. Environmental sanitation This is because, the state government, as part of the ongoing environmental sanitation exercise and clampdown on illegal trading, temporarily shut down the Village over alleged security threats and violation of the state’s environmental laws. It would be recalled that the Computer Village, one of the biggest markets for all kinds of computer hard and software materials in West Africa sub- region, was sealed off recently but was later reopened by agents of the state government. Vanguard Features learnt that men of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, stormed the area in the afternoon and put the market under lock and key. The action of the Task Force followed a distress call from the market leaders that some displaced street traders were gathering to disrupt the business of shop owners for allegedly inviting the environmental unit to come after them. The Task Force was said to have been led by its chairman, Superintendent of Police, SP, Bayo Sulaimon. On arrival, the Task Force dislodged all the illegal street traders and their miscreants who had already mobilized to attack the shop owners. VF was told that the street traders took to their heels on sighting members of the enforcement unit. The stampede was said to have caused a pandemonium which resulted into temporary traffic gridlock around Kodesoh, Ikeja under bridge and Simbiat Abiola Way. As at 5 pm, when Vanguard Features got to the scene, men of the Task Force had left but some of the shop owners who spoke to VF said they left after restoring normalcy to the area. They debunked the reports that the market was shut down due to violation of environmental law. One of the shop owners who simply identified himself as Omotosho explained what transpired. “It is not true that the Task Force shut the market due to violation of environmental law. It was the leadership of the market that called in the Task Force to come and help protect lives and property as some of the recently displaced street traders have invaded the market and threatened a showdown with the shop owners. “They alleged that it was due to activities of the shop owners that the task force men flushed them out of business, hence, the plan for retaliation. As they were gathering to hatch their plan, men of the task force arrived and immediately dislodged them,” he said. Meanwhile, normalcy has since returned to the market as businesses have resumed with shop owners and customers going about their legal businesses. What led to the temporary closure: It was gathered that trouble started when a group of miscreants, already displaced in the market over street trading by the Lagos State Government, were addressed by the Oba of Ikeja, who allegedly ordered the dislodged traders to return to the street for business. The Assistant Secretary General of the Computer and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria, CAPDAN, the umbrella body of legitimate IT traders in the market, Mr. John Oboro, confirmed the development. Gathering of street traders He said: “Today, they came to the market ready to be inaugurated to take over the market. They insisted that the street trading that the governor has outlawed must come back. So, the Oba came to address the ‘area boys’ as they gathered in clusters with his entourage after them; they also addressed the street traders and that was what provoked the shop owners to close down business in the market until security was put in place.” Oboro, stated that CAPDAN leadership immediately alerted the office of the Task Force and Area and State Commands of an impending security breach in the village. “Having assessed the security situation, the President of CAPDAN, Mr. Tunji Balogun, later ordered that the market be reopened for business,” he said. Task force chairman speaks: The Chairman of the Task Force, Mr. Bayo Sulaiman, who later confirmed the incident, said normalcy had been restored to the market. He stated that the state government would not allow anyone to breach the law regardless of his or her status and position in the society. www.vanguardngr.com/2012/09/closure-of-lagos-computer-village/ |
| Politics › Fuel: More Scarcity Looms As JEPTFON Threatens Shut Down. by Fatdon(op): 8:35am On Sep 19, 2012 |
THE current scarcity of petroleum products being experienced in many parts of the country may get worse, if at the close of work today, the Federal Government has not ordered the removal of security operatives at the Integrated Oil and Gas Depot, in Apapa, Lagos. The development followed an ultimatum issued by the Jetties and Petroleum Tank Farm Owners of Nigeria, JEPTFON, yesterday in Lagos, warning that its members would shut their depots and tank farm facilities across the country if government failed to accede to their requests. JEPTFON ultimatum, it was gathered, is in response to the alleged forceful invasion and take-over of Integrated Oil and Gas Depot in Apapa, Lagos, by armed men on the orders of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, last week. It said: “The association unanimously resolved that if NIMASA did not vacate the illegal and criminal invasion of the depot and facilities of Integrated Oil and Gas, including their head office within 24 hours, we shall have no choice than to close all depots in the country.” If the association makes good its threats, the country would be plunged into even more serious scarcity of petroleum products, which had crippled business and social activities in many parts of the country. This is because JEPTFON members account for about 60 per cent of the nation’s total fuel distribution facilities. Indeed, some of its members are currently assisting the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, in distributing petroleum products by trucks around the country, pending when the corporation can resume pipeline distribution. Stolen product Integrated Oil and Gas was last week shut by NIMASA for allegedly receiving stolen petroleum products, in its tank farm. But the company had since provided evidence of the requisite approvals by the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, the regulator of the oil and gas industry, and the Nigerian Navy for the clearance of the vessel which brought the product on throughput agreements to its depot. Speaking with newsmen in Lagos, Executive Secretary of JEPTFON, Mr. Enoch Kanawa, said the association summoned an emergency meeting where members deliberated extensively on the matter. At the end of the meeting, he said, JEPTFON members condemned the illegal and unlawful seizure of the Integrated Oil depot and offices, especially as it was only the DPR that is empowered by law to close down a tank farm, and not NIMASA. He said: “The illegal and unlawful seizure of the depot and facilities of Integrated Oil and Gas Ltd. and their head office is in total disregard to the safety and sensitive nature of such an enormous asset. We totally condemn this action by NIMASA. “More worrisome is the physical torture of its Chairman, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, who was abducted and had to be rescued by the State Security Service, SSS.” www.vanguardngr.com/2012/09/fuel-more-scarcity-looms-as-jeptfon-threatens-shut-down/ |
| Politics › Gunmen Kill Borno State Commissioner For Justice. by Fatdon(op): 6:32pm On Sep 18, 2012 |
KANO (AFP) – Gunmen have killed the justice commissioner for Borno state, the hotbed of an Islamist insurgency, and an ex- prisons chief in another area, government and police sources said Tuesday. “We received the report of the death of the commissioner of justice, Zannah Malam Gana,” a government official said on condition of anonymity of the attack in the town of Bama in northeastern Nigeria late Monday. “He was shot dead by some gunmen in his house around 8:45 pm last night.” A police source said a former national prisons chief was also shot dead in Bauchi state in Nigeria’s north. “The former comptroller-general of prisons is dead,” the senior police officer said. “He died from the wounds he sustained in the attack last night.” While it was not immediately clear who was behind the killings, they occurred after security forces on Monday shot dead two suspected high-ranking members of Islamist extremist group Boko Haram. Boko Haram is blamed for more than 1,400 deaths in northern and central Nigeria as part of its insurgency. www.vanguardngr.com/2012/09/gunmen-kill-borno-state-commissioner-for-justice/
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| Celebrities › Kanye West To Spend $1 Mil On Kim Kardashian Birthday Bash. by Fatdon(op): 4:03pm On Sep 18, 2012 |
Kanye West has always lived by the edict, if you’ve got it, flaunt it—and he will certainly put this motto into action for the birthday of girlfriend Kim Kardashian. According to reports, West is prepared to spend $1 million for an extravagant bash on a private island —Pine Cay—in the Turks and Caicos with Kim’s friends, a five-star chef to cook for them and a flotilla of exorbitant gifts. This is more proof that the extremely wealthy are not like the rest of us. How many women in the normal world would let their man spend $1 million on their birthday? We just hope that the “Mercy” rapper wasn’t planning on the bash being a surprise—since it’s going to be on every gossip site in the world by the end of the day. According to published reports, West has been calling up Kim’s famous sisters, Kourtney and Khloe, to help him with the planning for the October 21 extravaganza. “Kim has been really down about turning 32 and having two failed marriages behind her and no children, so he wants to make this extra- special,” a source told The Sun. “Plus it’s her first birthday since they’ve been together as a couple. Kanye has never been shy of splashing out on the women he loves, but this time he’s pulling out all the stops with presents.” Ah, yes, the presents. Kanye has reportedly ordered a custom Prada bag, lined with a special “KK” print, a pink diamond bracelet and a couture Chanel gown. Surely just the items the 31-year-old needed. But perhaps we shouldn’t be so hard on Kanye—after all, what do you get the multimillionaire reality show star who has everything? www.atlantablackstar.com/2012/09/18/kanye-west-to-spend-1-mil-on-kim-kardashian-birthday-bash/
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| Politics › Re: Nigerians Are 4th Biggest Foreign Spenders Inuk – Report by Fatdon(op): 2:17pm On Sep 18, 2012 |
| Politics › Nigerians Are 4th Biggest Foreign Spenders Inuk – Report by Fatdon(op): 2:09pm On Sep 18, 2012 |
Nigerian shoppers are reported to be the fourth biggest foreign spenders in the United Kingdom. A report by the UK’s Guardian has revealed. According to the report “Visitors from the west African nation are the UK’s fourth biggest foreign spenders, ringing up an average £500 in each shop where they make purchases – four times what the average UK shopper spends.” One of the Nigerians interviewed in the report, Victoria Appiah disclosed that she stocks up on everything she needs for the next six months in Nigeria whenever she visits the United Kingdom. “I basically only do food shopping back home. It’s not that you can’t get these things in Lagos, but everything here is much more reasonably priced. If you want cheap products, Chinese-made have taken over in Nigeria, and you can’t always vouch for quality” she said. Holidaying or visiting relatives abroad is increasingly open to millions of middle class Nigerians, with the number of visitors to the UK increasing by more than 50% to 142,000 a year in the decade ending 2011, according to the Office for National Statistics. In a country projected to become Africa’s biggest economy next year, and the world’s fifth most populous by 2050, businesses at home and abroad are cashing in. In Debenhams’ Oxford Street branch, signs in Hausa-one of the official Nigerian languages in the country’s largely impoverished north- direct shoppers to items on sale. This year, the shop said that Nigerian customers were its biggest overseas spenders. Daily flights plying the lucrative route between Nigeria and the UK have ballooned in the last decade. British Airways permits almost double the normal baggage allowance for the six-hour haul. In some cases, Nigerians are literally using their deeper pockets on sprees. Shola Obadeyu wore a heavy duffel coat while queuing in Heathrow for a flight back to her sweltering home city of Abuja. “I can save [airline] baggage space by putting small things like vest tops and underwear in the pockets,” she said as she queued with other passengers, almost all struggling with bulging suitcases. Back in Abuja, Obadeyu sells wares bought in London “at prices that don’t kill you”. Others are tapping the market. A mushrooming middle class snapped up 10m microwaves last year. Big name brands from Apple to Zara have sprung up to feed those aspirations. The African-based discount supermarket giant Shoprite is pouring $205million into its current three outlets in Nigeria, while the US hypermarket Walmart sees scope for 50 outlets in the country. On a recent trip back from Europe, Marie Claire Lienou lugged 50kg of frozen meat in a freezer bag back to Nigeria. “You can’t compare [Shoprite's] prices here with their prices in Europe. For 10 steaks there I can buy two here. You just pay what you have to for the convenience and guarantees,” she said, pushing a trolley laden with relative luxuries such as bagged salads. “Nigeria is very crowded, traffic is terrible, fakes [wares] are everywhere. The only thing I’ll buy from the market is fresh bulk vegetables, because there are no fake tomatoes,” she added. Being middle class in Nigeria isn’t cheap. In a brightly lit KFC across the shopping centre, Taiwo Edun, an engineer, treated his girlfriend to crispy chicken and chips, a luxury beyond the reach of many at $20 (£13) a pop.”I don’t consider myself in the super-rich class, I’m not chartering flights for my friends to go on holiday like some Nigerians can. But I can come here maybe once a month,” he said. The widespread corruption and infrastructure woes that plague Nigeria – including daily power blackouts that are smoothed over by millions of generators–push up the costs of running businesses here, keeping most dependent on informal, market- style retail. Abrupt plans to introduce a new N5,000 (£20) note worth five times the current highest bill have caused an outcry, with market sellers saying it would drive up prices. On the back of one of the notes will be Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, mother of the Afrobeat singer Fela Kuti. Ransome-Kuti made her name as an activist with a mass protest against policies that increased prices for market women. Meanwhile, those who can afford it continue to see a better deal abroad. The country’s central bank throws billions of dollars into propping up the Naira at artificially high rates, hurting millions of local exporters and encouraging Nigeria’s shopping exodus. Indicating her clutch of M&S carrier bags, Appiah said it was her five-year-old grandson’s favourite shop. “As long as the weather is not too cold, Nigerians will be shopping in London,” she said. Culled from TheGuardian.
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| Politics › Fuel Scarcity Persists Across Nigeria. by Fatdon(op): 10:39am On Sep 18, 2012 |
The long queues that have been noticed at petrol stations appear not to be limited to the nation’s commercial capital alone, as other cities across the country have begun to feel the impact of the fuel scarcity as well.www.channelstv.com/home/2012/09/18/fuel-scarcity-persists-across-nigeria/
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| Politics › CBN To Mop Up N863bn Fromcirculation In Three Months by Fatdon(op): 6:36am On Sep 18, 2012 |
The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is set to mop up a total of N863.032 billion from circulation within the next three months, with the issuance of 91-days, 182-days and one-year Treasury Bills, TBs. The CBN, in its Treasury Bills Issue Programme for fourth quarter 2012, said it will mop up N220.052 billion from circulation through the issuance of TBs with maturities of three-month; N381.303 billion will be mopped up from circulation through the issuance of 182-days TBs , while it will issue N261.677 billion in one- year TBs. The issuance of the Treasury Bills will commence from September 20, 2012 to December 13, 2012. For the remaining part of September, the CBN will hold two auctions, issuing a total of N205.924 billion in TBs of different maturities. The CBN will issue N59.329 billion, N122.812 billion and N23.783 billion in 91- days, 182-days and one-year Treasury Bills. Specifically, September 20, the CBN will issue N37.489 billion 91- days TBs and N63.731 billion 182- days TBs. One week later, September 27, precisely, the CBN will issue 91- days TBs valued at N21.839 billion, 182-days TBs valued at N59.081 billion and one-year TBs worth N23.783 billion. In October, the CBN will mop up a total of N282.119 billion in its twice weekly auction, selling N64.048 billion, N118.5 billion and 99.571 billion in 91-days, 182- days and one-year TBs. The CBN, will on October 11, 2012, auction N30.159 billion 91-days TBs, N73.5 billion 182-days TBs and N68.185 billion TBs, while on October 25, it will sell N34.889 billion 91-days, N45 billion 182- days and N31.386 billion one-year TBs. In November, the CBN will issue N62.705 billion 91-days TBs, N95 billion 182-days TBs and 88.323 billion one-year TBs, representing a total mop up of N246.028 billion. November 8, the CBN will issue TBs totaling N129.843 billion, with the auction of N32.057 billion 91-days TBs, N50 billion 182-days TBs and N47.786 billion one-year TBs. The CBN, will on November 22, issue N30.647 billion in 91-days TBs, N45 billion in 182-days TBs and N40.537 billion in one-year TBs, totaling N130.537 billion. In December, the CBN will hold only one auction, selling N32.971 billion in 91-days TBs, N45 billion in 182-days TBs and N50 billion in one-year TBs, totaling N127.971 billion. www.vanguardngr.com/2012/09/cbn-to-mop-up-n863bn-from-circulation-in-three-months/
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| Crime › Gunmen Kill NSCDC Official, Wife, 3- Yr-old Daughter, Brother. by Fatdon(op): 6:39am On Sep 17, 2012 |
Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram yesterday in Kano, wiped out the entire family of an officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), sending panic across the metropolis. Eyewitness said that the surgents killed the man whose name was not known at Press time, his wife, four years old child as well as his physically-challenged younger brother. The tragedy occurred at about 12: 40 pm at Hotoro Quarters in the state capital. It was the exact place where an applicant was killed in his father’s car in front of the residence of a member of the House of Representatives, some days ago. The four gunmen came on two motorcycles to the home of their victims and went straight to their targets, who were all at home, given that it was a weekend. The gunmen killed the entire family and escaped ahead of the arrival of the Joint Task Force (JTF) whose soldiers arrived at the scene a few minutes after the victims had been killed. Spokesman of the state police command, Mr. Magaji Majiya, an Assistant Supreintendent, confirmed the attack on the family but declined further details. The residents said that the police and the soldiers cordoned off the whole area in search of the suspects. A police source, however, said that as at Press time, no arrest was made while adding that investigation had started. Meanwhile, a similar tragedy befell a young man from Benue State, who was killed at Dakata Quarters in the state capital, some three days ago. He was shot and killed inside his business centre by gunmen suspected to be Boko haram. The deceased, whose name was given as Mr. Matthew Akume, was shot at close range while some of his valuables, especially his laptop, were taken away by the suspects. “Four other persons were in the shop with him when they came. They asked two of them to lie down and the remaining two to go out of the shop, before they killed him”, said a witness. He recalled that the suspect that pulled the trigger had a ‘small gun’, while the his colleagues, who were shooting outside, had a” big gun” The late Akume was a renowned member of St Louis Catholic Church , Bompai, Kano. www.sunnewsonline.com/new/national/boko-haram-wipes-out-family-in-kano/
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| Politics › Anti-islam Film: Fear Grips North Residents. by Fatdon(op): 10:10am On Sep 15, 2012 |
Fear has gripped residents of volatile states in the North as violent protests over an anti-Islam film made in the United States and broadcast through social media spread from Middle East countries to North Africa. The development, which has not only created panic among residents of states prone to similar protests, has equally caused jitters in government circles. As a result, the Federal Government has moved swiftly to beef up security within and around embassies and foreign missions across the country. Reports from the northern states where the militant Islamist sect, Boko Haram, has successfully led a campaign of violent attacks in recent months indicate that some residents, especially non-indigenes, have already fled their homes since the violence began on Wednesday to avoid being caught unawares. Tension heightened yesterday over fears that Muslims in the northern states may pour on the streets after the Friday Jummat prayers to join the protests by the Muslim world. The situation was compounded when a text message from an anonymous source was broadcast to telephone lines at about noon yesterday, warning Nigerians to be on the alert for an outbreak of violence. The message reads: “Muslim brotherhood & WAMY asked Muslims to protest (on Friday after their prayer) over the anti-Islamic film acted in the U.S. It’s publically (sic) cited in Press tv & BBC. Please let’s be at alert and pls broadcast.” Already, the apex Islamic body in Northern Nigeria, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), has condemned the film released on Youtube, saying it was meant to belittle Prophet Muhammad, smear his dignity and cause anger among Muslims. The Islamic body, however, called on all Muslims to endure the humiliation for the sake of Allah, the way the revered Prophet used to, whenever his personality was attacked by his foes. JNI, in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna yesterday by its Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar, said the controversial film was unacceptable not only to Muslims, but to all right thinking people. According to the statement: “Jama’atu Nasril Islam under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, Sultan of Sokoto and President- General, JNI, expressed its shock and consternation on the film released on youtube, aimed at belittling our noble Prophet (peace be upon him) in a derogatory manner and smearing his dignity. “It is uncourteous and disrespectful to Muslims, intended to cause their anger, and, therefore, unacceptable not only to Muslims, but to all right thinking people. It is, however, condemned in the strongest terms.” While it urged Muslims to persevere and ignore the said video, JNI lamented that it was rather unfortunate that at a time when all efforts should be geared towards peace and calm, some elements wanted to create tension by insinuating that non-Muslim interest will be attacked. JNI added: “Muslims are enjoined to pertinently persevere for the sake of the Almighty Allah, the way our revered Prophet used to, when ever his personality is attacked by his foes. “He was called all sorts of derogatory names and persecuted, but never revenged and forwarded his complaint to Allah the Almighty for relief. “It is rather unfortunate at this time when all efforts should be geared towards peace and calm, some elements want to create tension by insinuating that non-Muslim interest will be attacked.” JNI equally said that Nigeria cannot afford any upheaval at this trying moment of insecurity in the country and called for restraint and perseverance among all Muslims, as it prayed: “Allah the Exalted console all.” Meanwhile, security had since Friday morning been beefed up around Kaduna metropolis to avert possible protest and breakdown of law and order. Saturday Sun, which monitored the situation around the metropolis, observed that while soldiers, police and other security agents were on patrol, combined forces of the security men were stationed at the major Jummat mosques. However, the controversial film was the topic of sermon by the various Imams during the Jummat prayer, where they all condemned the development. www.sunnewsonline.com/new/national/anti-islam-film-fear-grips-residents-of-northern-states-as-violent-protests-spread/
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| Politics › Re: Ibori’s $15m Bribe: EFCC Arrests Chibuike Achigbu. by Fatdon(op): 9:51am On Sep 15, 2012 |
| Politics › Ibori’s $15m Bribe: EFCC Arrests Chibuike Achigbu. by Fatdon(op): 8:42am On Sep 15, 2012 |
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Friday made good its threat to arrest the claimants of the $15 million bribe money, which the former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, gave to the commission in 2007. A Lagos-based businessman, Chibuike Achigbu, who claimed last week that he was the owner of the controversial money was arrested by the commission in Lagos and taken to Abuja on Friday for interrogation. Achigbu, who is described as a player in the oil and gas industry, is reported to have made useful statement to EFCC operatives. One source told Saturday Vanguard that the businessman had cooperated with the operatives of the commission interrogating him. The source said, “We arrested the mastermind of the dubious effort to claim the bribe sum and our officers have been interrogating him since his arrival in Abuja. “The man has cooperated with our operatives and made useful statement on the circumstance surrounding the dubious attempt to claim the money in the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria. “He may be granted Administrative bail and released from our custody if he meets the conditions attached to the bail,” the source hinted. Saturday Vanguard gathered that the operatives of the commission were on the trail of all those who played various roles in a desperate bid to reclaim the said money and that more arrests would soon be made. Asked to confirm how many persons had been detained in connection with the offence, the source declined to comment further. It was learnt that Achigbu had however made efforts to get off the hook of the EFCC and could be released at the weekend. When contacted, the Acting Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the arrest of Achigbu, adding that he had made useful statement to the operatives. Vanguard had exclusively reported on Tuesday that the Economic Crimes and Financial Commission had begun investigating the brains behind the spurious attempt to reclaim the $15 million bribe money. The following day, the commission through Festus Keyamo, obtained a court order authorising it to arrest Chibuike Achigbu and Andy Uba in connection with the bribe sum. A Federal High Court had given an interim forfeiture order of the amount to the Federal Government and gave 14 days period during which the owner of the money should come forward with evidence to claim it. Buoyed by the court order, some senior lawyers last week approached the court and prayed it to return the money to one Chibuike Achigbu, a player in the oil and gas sector. They claimed that they had the authority of the businessman to ask the court to return the sum to him. In fact, the law firm of Adeniyi Akintola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, leading two other Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and seven other lawyers, initiated the move to get the money returned to Achigbu. In a 30-paragraph affidavit in support of the prayers, David Alao, who claimed to have been instructed by both Adeniyi Akintola and Chibuike Achigbu, swore that the claimant was the owner of the money in question and asked the court to return same to him. Alao also stated that Andy Uba, in whose residence the money was given to Ribadu, would be ready to attest to the ownership of the money by Achigbu. www.vanguardngr.com/2012/09/iboris-15m-bribe-efcc-arrests-chibuike-achigbu/ |
| Politics › Obi Says Anambra Owns Disputed Oil Field. by Fatdon(op): 6:22am On Sep 14, 2012 |
The Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi on Thursday dismissed claims made by some groups and states over the ownership of the oil well discovered in the inland basin of Aguleri-Otu, Anambra East local government area. Addressing the state in a special broadcast at the governor’s lodge, Awka, the governor said the financial commitments of the state in the oil project running in billions which other states and groups laying claims have not done. Mr Obi said: “on August 30th 2012, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan – GCFR was in Anambra State on a one day working visit to commission the Orient Petroleum facilities among other projects. “Since then some groups and states have been trying to lay claims to the ownership of the oil fields located in Anambra State. “It is pertinent to recall that Orient Petroleum Resources Plc was formed during the government of Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju in 2001 and allocated oil fields domiciled in Anambra State. “Though Dr Mbadinuju did not make any direct monetary contribution. Under Dr Chris Ngige, in 2002/2006, Anambra State government invested the sum of N100 million in the project. Under our government between 2006 and 2009, with the vision and the belief in the positive impact of the project on the economy of the state and the country, we invested directly and indirectly the sum of N4.4billion. “This investment blustered the confidence of other investors to invest in the venture that made its commissioning a reality,” the governor said. Mr Obi however, maintained that Anambra state will remain a good neighbour and will continue to pray for oil to be discovered in other states of the country in other that Nigeria will emerge an economic giant in the comity of nations in the world. Moments after President Goodluck Jonathan opened the refinery built by Orient Petroleum and declared Anambra an oil producing state, the Kogi State, Idris Wada said “Kogi will be a major stake holder in the refinery, considering the fact the oil wells that will service the refinery are in Odeke Community in Ibaji Local Government Area of the state.” Mr Wada made this claim a day after a community group issued a public notice saying that the oil deposits claimed by Anambra State are within the Odeke community of Kogi State. The Kogi State governor said he “is doing everything humanly possible to resolve the issues surrounding the location of the oil wells with the contending states and that he is confident that “Kogi State will soon join the league of oil producing states in the country.” www.channelstv.com/home/2012/09/13/obi-says-anambra-owns-disputed-oil-field/
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| Travel › US Warns Citizens In Nigeria After Libya Attack by Fatdon(op): 2:59pm On Sep 13, 2012 |
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria issues this emergency message to update U.S. citizens on the current threat situation in Nigeria.http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/emac_09122012.html
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| Politics › Re: Nigerian Police On Red Alert After Violent Protests In Libya And Egypt. by Fatdon(op): 10:02am On Sep 13, 2012 |
| Politics › Nigerian Police On Red Alert After Violent Protests In Libya And Egypt. by Fatdon(op): 9:24am On Sep 13, 2012 |
Following recent violent demonstrations in some parts of the world linked to a recent US film believed to have offended a section of some religious faithful, the Nigeria Police said it has taken “immediate proactive security measures to ensure that no similar violence is replicated within our country.” The Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, in a press statement said “the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, has placed all Police Formations across the Federation on red alert. “In this regard, the IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and Command Commissioners of Police to ensure a 24-hour water-tight security in and around all Embassies and Foreign Missions in Nigeria as well as other vulnerable targets. “In addition, the AIG in charge of Intelligence and Commissioners of Police in charge of the various Police Special Squads such as the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Police Mobile Force (PMF) and Special Protection Unit (SPU) have been directed to ensure that their personnel are strategically deployed to prevent and nib all potential crisis in the bud. “While assuring law abiding citizens of the readiness and capacity of the Nigeria Police to provide adequate security for life and property, the IGP warned potential trouble makers to stay off the streets of Nigeria as the nation’s security agencies will bring to bear the full weight of the law on all laws breakers. “The IGP also advised parents and guardians to monitor their wards closely to protect them from negative influences of mischief makers who may want to lure them into criminal and unwholesome acts,” the statement reads. The US embassies in Libya and Egypt were attacked on Tuesday. The US Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens and the other staff were killed in an assault on the U.S. consulate and a safe house in Benghazi by suspected Islamist gunmen. The attackers blamed Washington for a low- budget anti-Islam film produced in the United States, excerpts of which could be viewed on the Internet. www.channelstv.com/home/2012/09/12/nigerian-police-on-red-alert-after-violent-protests-in-libya-and-egypt/ |
| Politics › South Korea To Deploy CCTV In Nigeria. by Fatdon(op): 2:33pm On Sep 12, 2012 |
South Korea has offered to deploy Close Circuit Television (CCTV) in Nigeria as part of measures to tackle the security challenges facing Nigeria.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/09/insecurity-south-korea-to-deploy-cctv-in-nigeria/
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| Foreign Affairs › BREAKING NEWS! US Ambassador 'killed In Libya' by Fatdon(op): 11:22am On Sep 12, 2012 |
The US ambassador to Libya has died after an attack by militiamen on the US consulate in the eastern city of Benghazi, reports say. Ambassador Christopher Stevens is said to be among four US officials killed in a protest over a US-produced film that is said to insult the Prophet Muhammad. The US state department has only confirmed the death of one official - but it has not named them. Protesters have also attacked the US embassy in Cairo over the film. In the attack in Benghazi, unidentified armed men stormed the grounds, shooting at buildings and throwing handmade bombs into the compound. Security forces returned fire but Libyan officials say they were overwhelmed. A Libyan official has said Ambassador Stevens died from suffocation as a result of the attack. 'No justification' In a statement earlier, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton confirmed the death of a US official, saying: "We are heartbroken by this terrible loss". "Some have sought to justify this vicious behaviour as a response to inflammatory material posted on the Internet," she said in a statement. "The United States deplores any intentional effort to denigrate the religious beliefs of others. But let me be clear: There is never any justification for violent acts of this kind." Reports say a militia known as the Ansar al-Sharia brigade was involved in the attack, but the group has denied the claim, the BBC's Rana Jawad in Tripoli says. Our correspondent says many people are still armed following the conflict that overthrew Col Muammar Gaddafi last year. The film that sparked the demonstration is said to have been produced by a 52-year-old US citizen from California named Sam Bacile, and promoted by an expatriate Egyptian Copt. The two men are described as having anti-Islamic views. A trailer of the low-budget movie has appeared on YouTube translated into Arabic. There were calls on social media networks for protests against US interests in the capital, Tripoli, but no disturbances have been confirmed, our correspondent says. The rally followed a demonstration in Cairo, in which protesters breached the US embassy and tore down the US flag, which was flying at half mast to mark the 9/11 attacks, and replaced it with an Islamist banner. Thousands of protesters had gathered outside the US embassy in the Egyptian capital. Egyptian protesters condemned what they said was the humiliation of the Prophet of Islam under the pretext of freedom of speech. "Both Muslims and Christians are participating in this protest against this offence to Islam," said one protester, according to Associated Press news agency. www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19570254 |
| Christianity Etc › National Fasting And Prayer Day: Jonathan, Adeboye, Oyedepo, Others To Attend. by Fatdon(op): 2:10pm On Sep 11, 2012 |
Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ayo Oritsejafor, Bishop David Oyedepo of the Winners’ Chapel and other anointed men of God have decided to gather at this year’s National Fasting and Prayer Day on September 22 in Ibadan.www.channelstv.com/home/2012/09/11/national-fasting-and-prayer-day-jonathan-adeboye-oyedepo-others-to-attend/ 1 Like
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| Politics › 'Tinubu Never Said Obama Invited Him' by Fatdon(op): 6:32am On Sep 10, 2012 |
National Publicity Secretary of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has berated those making issues over Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s invitation to the just concluded Democratic Party National Convention, DNC, in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America, describing their action as an ego massaging.www.vanguardngr.com/2012/09/tinubu-never-said-obama-invited-him/ 2 Likes
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| Crime › 26 Die In 2 Accidents On Sagamu-beninexpressway by Fatdon(op): 4:50pm On Sep 09, 2012 |
No fewer than 12 people were on Saturday burnt beyond recognition while three others sustained serious injuries in a ghastly accident along the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway. The accident was caused by a collision between a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Ajetunmobi motors and a Mack Truck. A witness said the two drivers, who were coming from Lagos, were on a top speed, competing with each other on the road before the Toyota bus lost control and collided with the truck a few metres away from the Ososa bridge. Mr Isa Seidu, the Ijebu-Ode Unit Commander of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), who confirmed the accident, said that over speeding was the cause. Seidu gave the registration number of the Toyota Hiace bus as registration number XA 650 DBN and the Mac Truck with registration number LG 35 BBG. He explained that the driver of the Toyota Hiace who was coming from Lagos to Akure, was on full speed, competing with the Truck driver before he collided with the truck and burst into flames. In his comments, on the incident, Mr Hamsat Tommy, the Ijebu Zonal Commander, the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, said that the 12 bodies had been taken to General hospital, Ijebu-Ode. Tommy said they had a hectic day controlling traffic along the three bridges of Odogbolu and Ososa on the express. Another accident which claimed many lives was also reported to have occurred along the popular J4 on the same express way. It was gathered that a 14 passenger bus travelling to Ondo State, ran into the river along the express, with no survivor The Ijebu-Ode unit commander of FRSC also confirmed the accident. He said that the number of casualties was yet to be ascertained because rescue operation was still ongoing. Seidu, noted that the rescue effort was slow because the command lacked necessary equipment to bring the people out of the river. “It was indeed a sad and busy day for us. We were trying to rescue those that plunged into the river when they informed us about the explosion at Ososa bridge“ He, however, urged passengers to always caution drivers whenever they noticed recklessness on his part, adding that the two accidents were caused by over speeding. http://.mobi/output.php?link=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmNewsNigeria/~3/xaknZCJIrAk/ |
| Business › Bank Manager, 2 Other Docked For Fraud. by Fatdon(op): 3:50pm On Sep 08, 2012 |
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, 7 September, arraigned a Business Manager with the United Bank of Africa Plc, University of Ilorin Branch, Sirajudeen Abdullahi alongside two others: Segun Adelodun and John Afolabi before a Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin . The three accused persons, who were arraigned on an eight count charge, allegedly conspired with others (now at large), to obtain the sum of N59.6 Million, from the University of Ilorin Personnel Cost Account with the bank. One of the counts reads: "That you Sirajudeen Abdullahi, Segun Adelodun, John Afolabi, Oloruntoba Akinyele (now at large), Badmus Kabir Omojasola (now at large), and John Balogun (now at large) on or about the 14th day of September,2011 at Ilorin within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court with intent to defraud conspired to obtain Fifty Nine Million, Six Thousand ,Two Hundred and Fifty naira Only (N59,006,250) from the University of Ilorin Personnel Cost Account in possession of the United Bank of Africa Plc by false pretence contrary to Section 8(a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act No 14 of 2006". Counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo informed the court that the prosecution had filed an amended eight count charge dated August 29, 2012 , pursuant to Section 185(A) of the Criminal Procedure Act of the State and urged the court to invite the accused persons to take their plea. The presiding judge, Justice Mahmood Gafar obliged the application and the three accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge. Oyedepo then asked the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial and remand the accused persons in custody. Responding, Bashir Oladipo, counsel to the first accused, Sirajudeen Abdullahi, said he was not against the speedy commencement of trial but prayed the court to admit his client to bail as the offence for which he was docked is bailable. "We are mindful that the granting of bail is at the discretion of your Lordship. I urge your Lordship to exercise your discretion in favour of the accused person.” Oladipo submitted. Counsel to the other accused persons, Y.A. Dikko and O. T. Olorunisola who appeared for Segun Adelodun and John Afolabi respectively, aligned themselves with the position of Oladipo. However, Oyedepo objected to the oral application for bail. He said there are facts available to the complainant which cannot be presented except under oath. He urged the court to insist on a formal bail application from the respondents to enable the prosecution place facts against the granting of bail before the court. After listening to the arguments of counsel, Justice Gafar ruled that the defendants file a proper bail application before the court and adjourned to September 11, 2012 for hearing of the bail application. He also ordered that the accused persons be remanded in Police custody. .mobi/output.php?link=http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmNewsNigeria/~3/mkkEIb1SIlM/ |
| Politics › EFCC Declares “missing” Oil Marketers Wanted. by Fatdon(op): 1:47pm On Sep 07, 2012 |
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared three oil marketers implicated in the fuel subsidy scam wanted. A statement by the acting head of media and publicity of the commission, Wilson Uwajuren, said. The trio of Abdul Afeez Olarenwaju Olabisi of Fargo Petroleum and Gas Limited, Abubakar Peters Ali Jeldi, managing director of Nadabo Energy Limited and Ikechukwu Onuabuchi Nworgu of Star Inspection Services Nigeria Limited were declared wanted by the Commission for offences bordering on Criminal Conspiracy, Forgery, Obtaining Money by False Pretences and Money Laundering running into several billions of naira. The statement described the trio as “Olabisi, 31, hails from Kwara State and speaks Yoruba, Hausa and English languages fluently. His last known address is Fargo Petroleum and Gas Limited”. “Jeldi, 34, is of the Igala stock from Kogi state, North Central Nigeria. He speaks his native Igala, Hausa and English languages fluently. His last known address are 4B Louis Solomon Close, Victoria Island, Lagos and 15 Ogbunike Street , Lekki, Lagos”. “Nworgu, 46, hails from Abia State . He speaks Igbo and English fluently. His last known address is Star Inspection Services Nigeria Limited, 4A, Lander Close, Off Liverpool Road, Apapa – Lagos . The statement further said “The trio allegedly obtained billions of naira as subsidy payments from the Petroleum Support Fund under false pretence, and disappeared in the wake of the Commission’s investigation of the subsidy regime”. “The Commission enjoins anyone having information as to their whereabouts to contact its Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt and Abuja offices or through these numbers: 09-4604620, 070-26350721,070-26350722,070-26350723,070- 070-26350725; or by e-mail to: info@efccnigeria.org or the nearest Police Station”. www.channelstv.com/home/2012/09/07/efcc-declares-missing-oil-marketers-wanted/
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| Politics › Re: Family Of 8, Friend Die In Sleep ... After Burial Of Mother. by Fatdon(m): 6:58pm On Jul 09, 2012 |
na wa o! |
| Celebrities › Re: Lil Wayne Anti Pic Underware In The Name Of Swaggs And Performance(pics) by Fatdon(m): 11:53pm On Mar 29, 2012 |
kemmeye: OH please stop hating go hang your self by your f0cking balls if you have a problem with me because if you have a brain that is bigger than a walnut your f0cking brain will tell you that that a.s.s is f0cking photo shopped so since youve decided to call your father an as.shole maybe you should go out in the street and yell about how your mum is a f0cking LovePeddler and how she SHOVES everything pole shaped down her throat and even though she has herpes her cerebal palsy is so intense that she doesnt know how to stop f0cking every tom dick and harry including your father so maybe you should try and reason with your insane parents how they gave birth to a child like you thats if your father really is your father so don't F0CKING attack me cuz i will come back at you with full force A.S.SHOLEu are just a big fool trying to make a fool of urself. So go and huge transformer. Think dat's were ur solution is. |
| Celebrities › Re: Lil Wayne Anti Pic Underware In The Name Of Swaggs And Performance(pics) by Fatdon(m): 5:21pm On Mar 29, 2012 |
kemmeye: dont mind. the a.s.s.hole he has glass in his eyesit's ur dad dat's an a.s.s hole... |
