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 TV/Movies › Re: Big Brother Africa Logo & Illuminati Seeing Eye Are Similar? by johnie: 12:14pm On Jun 11, 2013 |
The Washington Post, at his request, also revealed Snowden's identity on Sunday and reported that his motivations stemmed from a desire to expose the growing ‘surveillance state’ in the US. Along with the Guardian, the Post published an explosive report about the existence of a program called PRISM on Thursday, which was based on documents provided by Snowden and showed that the spy agency has the ability to access the online data from the world's largest private internet systems. “As I advanced and learned the dangerous truth behind the U.S. policies that seek to develop secret, irresistible powers and concentrate them in the hands of an unaccountable few, human weakness haunted me,” Snowden wrote in a note that accompanied the first documents he leaked to the Post. “As I worked in secret to resist them, selfish fear questioned if the stone thrown by a single man could justify the loss of everything he loves." http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/06/10 |
| TV/Movies › Re: Big Brother Africa Logo & Illuminati Seeing Eye Are Similar? by johnie: 11:35am On Jun 11, 2013 |
Jay5000: OP; The phrase "big brother" originally comes from a very interesting book titled "1984" by George Orwell (real name Eric Arthur Blair). Completed in 1948 and published in 1949, a year before his death, the book paints a prophetic and accurate picture of a future dystopia where we are all enslaved, controlled and our every move spied on by the elite. It is shocking how accurately this guy describes todays events in 1948. It is strongly believed he had access to manuscripts of the occult elite describing their plans for total physical and psychological enslavement of man and their plans for world government divided into "police-state" regions that are controlled by them. It talks about spy cameras used to spy on everyone and all. "Big brother" is the unseen eye of the government that monitors your every move. Get the book or look it up on Wiki. It'll answer all your questions. [size=12pt][/size]1984 is here already. Interview with Edward Snowden: Why did you decide to become a whistleblower? A: "The NSA has built an infrastructure that allows it to intercept almost everything. With this capability, the vast majority of human communications are automatically ingested without targeting. If I wanted to see your emails or your wife's phone, all I have to do is use intercepts. I can get your emails, passwords, phone records, credit cards. "I don't want to live in a society that does these sort of things … I do not want to live in a world where everything I do and say is recorded. That is not something I am willing to support or live under." http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/09/nsa-whistleblower-edward-snowden-why |
| Politics › Re: Only In Naija by johnie(op): 9:23am On Jun 07, 2013 |
'Beggar' who sat outside Natwest bank with a 'hungry and homeless' sign raked in £300 A DAY while living in a £300,000 flat Simon Wright, 37, sat in ragged clothes with his dog in Putney High Street Packed up sleeping bag at end of day and headed to plush Fulham home Handed an Asbo banning him from begging in London or entering SW15 Duped commuter: 'I gave him about £20. I wonder if I can get that back?' By Daily Mail Reporter PUBLISHED: 14:48 GMT, 5 June 2013 | UPDATED: 06:32 GMT, 6 June 2013 Sitting on the pavement next to his dog and sleeping bag, Simon Wright looked to all the world like a homeless beggar. But what the passers-by who gave him cash didn’t know was that he was earning over £50,000 a year and living in a £300,000 council flat in west London. At the end of every day he would pick up his handwritten sign and head back to his Fulham home. Locals say he regularly went into bookmakers and amusement shops to change up his loose coins. The homeless man... with a home: Simon Wright has been given an Asbo after it emerged he had been begging for years in Putney despite living in a plush £300,000 flat On many occasions they added up to between £200 and £300. Magistrates have now imposed a two-year Asbo banning him from begging anywhere in London. PC Oliver Strebel, who brought the case to court, said: ‘He had a reputation for getting a lot of gifts while begging. 'He used a sign saying he was homeless and people gave him money on that basis, which is clearly fraud. He would take the money from his cup and change it over at a local betting shop or amusement arcade. ‘He worked pretty much every day, and had done so for about three years. He certainly put in the hours.’ Wright proved Putney High Street in south-west London was such a lucrative venue that he attracted up to nine other beggars. Since his arrest, they have all but disappeared. Wright would sit wearing ragged clothes outside NatWest bank in Putney High Street, near Putney station, with his dog and ask the public for money. But after a hard day’s begging Wright would pack up his sleeping bag and, instead of heading to a shelter, he would make his way across Putney Bridge to his comfortable flat in Simms Court, Fulham High Street. Commuters who fell for his bad luck story said they were shocked to learn Wright had duped them. Chris Faversham, from Putney, said: 'I definitely gave him money over the years. Probably about £20. I wonder if I can get that back?' In December 2012 suspicious residents were suggesting that something was not quite right about Wright’s predicament. Some said he changed up his donations in Greggs in Putney High Street while others said he lived in a tent on Putney Embankment. But Wright’s days of fleecing the public are over after magistrates slapped an Asbo on him banning him from visiting the SW15 area (Roehampton and Putney) and from begging anywhere in the capital. Wimbledon Magistrates' Court, sitting on May 14, also ordered him to keep his dog muzzled and under control at all times in a public place after magistrates were told it had bitten at least one person. The Asbo will remain in place until May 2015 but if Wright, who admitted fraud and begging, breaches any of its terms he could be sent to prison for up to five years and face an unlimited fine. The council’s community safety spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said: 'Anyone who lives, works or shops in and around Putney High Street will be mightily relieved to see this unpleasant individual given his marching orders. 'He deliberately targeted people making cash withdrawals from this cashpoint and was extremely aggressive and abusive to anyone who refused to give him money. 'Many people felt frightened and intimidated by him and there is some evidence to suggest that he used his dog to threaten and pressure people into handing over their cash. 'His behaviour was an absolute disgrace. The fact that he was actually living in a comfortable flat in Fulham, something that many of his victims can only dream of, just adds insult to injury. 'Everyone who has been appalled by Mr Wright’s behaviour will I’m sure wish to congratulate the Thamesfield Safer Neighbourhoods Team, especially PC Oliver Strebel, who was the officer in the case and also the Crown Prosecution Service whose lawyers worked so closely with the police to bring about this very positive result for Putney.' Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2336145/Beggar-sat-outside-Natwest-bank-hungry-homeless-sign-earned-300-A-DAY-living-300-000-flat.html#ixzz2VW97joOt
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| Politics › Re: Fashola's 2200 Days In Office At LASU. The Best Speech Ever And Pics. by johnie: 9:11am On Jun 07, 2013 |
Why put the projector on a chair?
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| Politics › Re: Rivers ACN Blast Tinubu For Meeting With Amaechi by johnie: 9:00am On Jun 07, 2013 |
donem: Let me see if he would be banned for Anti party activities.You mean Tinubu, abi?  |
| Politics › Re: Only In Naija by johnie(op): 8:41am On Jun 07, 2013 |
Philadelphia rescue crews pull 61-year-old woman 12 hours after deadly building collapse Published June 06, 2013 Philadelphia rescue crews pulled a 61-year-old woman from the rubble early Thursday morning, 12 hours after a four-story building being demolished in the city’s downtown area collapsed, killing at least six, MyFoxPhilly.com reported. Myra Plekam was reported to be awake and talking to rescuers before she was placed in an ambulance and taken to a nearby hospital where she is listed in critical condition. Fire crews continued their search and recovery operation through the night. There was activity on the pile Thursday morning. So far, 14 people were removed from the tons of debris. Mayor Michael Nutter held a press conference on Thursday and said about 25 percent of the site was still being searched. He said there is now a large crane at the scene. The mayor reiterated that they don't know exactly how many people were in the store, so they cannot say for certain that there are no more people trapped. At least 13 other people were hospitalized at nearby trauma centers with minor injuries and listed in stable condition. "It's dangerous environment for our members, our firefighters, our paramedics -- we're going to take our time," Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers said. One witness, Marc Newell, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he heard an "unbelievable rumble," "like a freight train." "You could hear the moaning," he told the paper. The collapse involved a Salvation Army corner thrift store and a four-story building next door with a sandwich shop on the first floor. Officials said the demolition contractor was Griffin Campbell Construction in Philadelphia. Messages left for Campbell were not returned. Records show that Campbell was charged in 2005 with dealing crack cocaine near a playground. The charges were dismissed after prosecutors misplaced evidence. He pleaded guilty in an insurance fraud case in 2009, and was acquitted of aggravated assault and related offenses in 2007. Campbell has also filed for bankruptcy protection twice since 2010. The first bankruptcy was dismissed because he didn't follow through on a repayment plan approved by the court. A second bankruptcy petition was filed in March. There were no existing violations on the collapsed building, and Campbell had proper permits for the work being done, according to Carlton Williams, of the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections. The city issued a demolition permit for the four-story structure on Feb. 1. Records show the property owner as STB Investments Corp., a company linked to prominent businessman and developer Richard Basciano, who has been best known as the owner of porn theaters in New York City and Philadelphia. Messages left at the company's New York offices were not immediately returned. The accident happened on the western edge of downtown, between the city's business district and its main train terminal, 30th Street Station. The block had long been a seedy link between gleaming skyscrapers and the busy area around the station. The collapse involved an empty building that once housed a first-floor sandwich shop and apartments above. The thrift shop was on one side. The other side was an adult bookstore and theater that had been taken down within the last few months. A demolition expert wondered what precautions were taken to protect the Salvation Army store, especially since it remained open. Stephen Estrin, a Florida contractor who has testified as an expert at several trials involving building collapses, also questioned whether the demolition was being done by hand or with machinery. A piece of equipment with a claw device was seen amid the debris Wednesday. "This is an inner-city demolition of a masonry building, which would normally be done manually because of the inherent risk -- predictable if certain things are not done very slowly and very carefully -- of a collapse," Estrin said. "One of the problems with claw work is it sets up a vibration in the walls." Records show the collapsed building was sold to STB in 1994 for $385,894. Plans tentatively called for the block to be redeveloped into retail stores and apartments. http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/06/06/rescues-under-way-after-building-collapse-in-north-philadelphia/ |
| Politics › Re: Only In Naija by johnie(op): 8:35am On Jun 07, 2013 |
johnie: ^^^Even in the grand'ol US of A? |
| Politics › Re: Only In Naija by johnie(op): 8:33am On Jun 07, 2013 |
^^^ This is not new. Report from 1997: Military weapons stolen; 6 Marines arrested In this story: Officials: 'Lethal' explosives involved Captain arrested in Massachusetts Joint undercover sting operation Pentagon orders security review October 16, 1997 Web posted at: 7:17 p.m. EDT (2317 GMT) WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Six Marines and seven civilians were arrested Thursday in connection with what Pentagon and law enforcement authorities called a scheme to sell stolen military weapons. The arrested Marines include a captain and five enlisted personnel. The case involves the theft of explosives and weapons from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, officials said. "On a scale of 1 to 10, this is a 10," said one official, referring to the weapons that were seized. However, Pentagon spokesman Ken Bacon said he understood that "there are primarily small weapons at stake" in the case. "I am not aware that there has been a huge problem" with military arms thefts, Bacon said. Weapons seized [b]The stockpile of stolen weapons includes mortars, grenades, .50-caliber machine guns, land mines and C-4 plastic explosives, federal officials told CNN. A Treasury Department spokesman described the plastic explosives involved as "very lethal weapons" and said they were the weapons of choice of terrorists. [/b]The investigation, dubbed "Operation Longfuse," centered on "the theft and subsequent distribution of U.S. government property, particularly military ordnance, throughout the southeastern United States," said William Perry, special agent in charge of the FBI's office in Charlotte. Two of the seven civilians arrested in the case were identified by the FBI as weapons dealers, including a manager at the Coach and Sons Military Surplus store in Raeford, North Carolina, and the manager of Classic Arms in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina. The Coach manager, Alton Laverne Sharpe Jr., 34, was accused of illegally selling the C-4 explosives and "knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such material was stolen," the FBI said. Weapons were reportedly sold out of the backs of cars at local gun shows in North Carolina. Captain arrested in Massachusetts The Marine captain was arrested at the Marine Reserve Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he worked. The man, identified by Marine officials as Capt. Thomas Crawford had recently been transferred from Camp Lejeune. He was being returned to North Carolina. Crawford's arrest came after federal agents seized what appeared to be crates of ammunition at his home in Millis, Massachusetts, a small town about 30 miles southwest of Boston. In Millis, authorities cordoned off the area around Crawford's white frame home and seized at least 10 boxes and crates with military markings "similar to what munitions are usually stored in," said Naval investigator Jeff Morrow. Camp Lejeune officials identified the other five as Staff Sgt. Timothy Witham of Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina; and Master Gunnery Sgt. Alfred Gerich, Gunnery Sgt. James Sanders, Sgt. Ronald Moerbe, and Sgt. Darius Hill, all of Camp Lejeune. The specific charges they face were not immediately known. Officials said the charges involved the illegal manufacture and distribution of firearms and explosives. Joint undercover sting operation The arrests stemmed from a joint undercover sting operation involving the FBI, the Treasury Department's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The investigation began after a non-commissioned officer noticed weapons were missing and reported the problem to his superiors. The arrests were made after suspects attempted to sell material to undercover agents. The investigation also targeted the illegal manufacture and sale of automatic weapons and explosives. Pentagon orders security review In the wake of the arrests, Defense Secretary William Cohen ordered a 30-day review of security and accountability procedures for small arms and ammunition. "It is imperative that we be confident that military arms and munitions are tightly controlled and safeguarded," Cohen said in a statement. Earlier Thursday, Cohen told reporters, "Obviously, no security system is 100 percent foolproof." http://edition.cnn.com/US/9710/16/stolen.weapons/ |
| Politics › Re: Only In Naija by johnie(op): 8:28am On Jun 07, 2013 |
Marines, sailor arrested in San Diego sweep netting stolen cars, military gear, illegal drugs By Associated Press, Friday, June 7, 12:38 AM SAN DIEGO — Authorities in San Diego say seven active-duty Marines, seven former Marines and a Navy sailor are among 50 people arrested in a law enforcement sweep that busted up crime rings allegedly dealing in illegal drugs, stolen military gear and cars. San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis announced the 64-count indictment Thursday following an eight-month investigation. Dumanis says undercover detectives infiltrated the rings across the county and invited suspects to a storefront. The suspects were videotaped selling weapons, stolen cars, cocaine, methamphetamine, and military contraband, including bullet-proof vests, Kevlar helmets, night-vision goggles, gas masks, and more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition and high-capacity magazines. The case yielded nine firearms and 92 stolen vehicles worth nearly $700,000. Charges include vehicle theft, gun possession to insurance fraud, among others. http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/marines-sailor-arrested-in-san-diego-sweep-netting-stolen-cars-military-gear-illegal-drugs/2013/06/06/270a3714-cf02-11e2-8573-3baeea6a2647_story.html |
| Politics › Re: Only In Naija by johnie(op): 8:24am On Jun 07, 2013 |
U.S. Marines Sold Nearly $2 Million in Stolen Guns, Combat Equipment, To Gangs And Foreign Countries By Laura Matthews | May 15 2012 5:00 PM U.S. Marines at Camp Lejeune, N.C., stole and sold approximately $2 million in guns and combat equipment to streets gangs and to China and Russia, military officials confirmed. The stolen guns and combat gear included assault rifles, night-vision goggles and flashlights. More than 60 people have been implicated in the incident, the Daily News in Jacksonville, N.C., reported. 47 service members and 21 civilians have been charged so far. Several of them have already pleaded guilty, Ed Buice, public affairs officer for Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in Quantico, Va., told the paper. Buice said the case is still active. I can't go into much detail, he said. The accused allegedly stole, over-ordered or or obtained the equipment by other means. An official familiar with the operation told the paper that those who were a part of the criminal network did so out of greed and because it was easy to steal the material. We're talking about sophisticated, hi-tech flashlights that cost the government up to $800 per unit, that official said, as reported by Stars and Stripes. The temptation and ease with which to steal and sell them, for some, is irresistible. Authorities managed to uncover the conspiracy within the Armed Forces through an investigation that began more than a year ago. At that time, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) agents were carrying out undercover operations in an effort to reduce the theft, sale and transfer of stolen U.S. Government property. The investigation has since grown to include manpower from several federal and local law enforcement agencies. Military officials told the paper that Marine and naval authorities helped the NCIS recover $1.8 million in stolen property. They found that some of the equipment was being sold through websites such as eBay and Craigslist. Items such as weapons and ammunition were being sold through yard sales and secret face-to-face meetings, the Daily News reported. That paper said that two Marines have been convicted in the case. They are Sgt. Daniel Adam Reich and Capt. Donald E. Pump Jr. Reich was convicted Monday of selling and attempting to sell military property and conspiracy. He was sentenced to 40 months in prison and given a dishonorable discharge. Pump was convicted of similar offenses, sentenced to 18 months in prison and dismissed from the Corps. http://www.ibtimes.com/us-marines-sold-nearly-2-million-stolen-guns-combat-equipment-gangs-and-foreign-countries-698575# |
| Politics › Re: What's Happening On The Lagos Badagry Axis (2) by johnie(op): 12:29pm On Jun 06, 2013 |
Dis Guy: we go see train for august soo?Any updates, Dis Guy? |
| Politics › Re: What's Happening On The Lagos Badagry Axis (2) by johnie(op): 12:26pm On Jun 06, 2013 |
Thanks Gbanikiti. Kindly provide us with regular updates. |
| Politics › Re: Only In Naija by johnie(op): 11:42am On Jun 06, 2013 |
Ghana airport security boss arrested in US drug bust By AFP | June 5, 2013 ACCRA, Jun 5 – The head of security at Ghana’s main international airport has been arrested in the US on charges of heroin trafficking, in the latest sign of a growing narcotics trade in west Africa, statements obtained by AFP on Wednesday said. Solomon Adelaquaye, the head of a private firm contracted to run security at the Accra airport, was charged alongside his Colombian and two Nigerian co-conspirators, Ghana’s Narcotics Control Board and the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) said. In February 2012, Adelaquaye used his influence at the airport to guide a laptop packed with heroin through security in exchange for $10,000, (7,600 euros), according to the DEA. Then, last month, the group made new plans to move 3,000 kilograms of cocaine through Accra in 25-kilogram instalments. All of their negotiations, held mainly in Accra, were caught on tape by uncover DEA agents, statements said. Adelaquaye, 48, and the two Nigerians – Frank Muodum, and Celestine Ofor Orjinweke – were arrested in New York on May 9, according to the DEA. It was not clear why they travelled to the US ahead of their arrest and the US embassy in Accra did not immediately respond to enquiries. Samuel Antonio Pinedo-Rueda, 72, was arrested in Colombia on May 16 and is awaiting extradition, the DEA said. “Drug trafficking in west Africa has become a plague,” Derek Maltz, DEA special agent said in the June 3 statement. http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2013/06/ghana-airport-security-boss-arrested-in-us-drug-bust%E2%80%8E/ |
| Politics › Re: Fashola Commissions Lekki-ikoyi Link Bridge. PICS by johnie: 4:56pm On Jun 04, 2013 |
ilugunboy: We now can see the testimonies of actual stakeholders....not some people that have nothing doing around the axis..but here on NL are making noise about tolling..I have something doing on that axis and I can categorically tell you three things I am angry about with the tolling of the Lekki-Epe Expressway: 1. The many odd roundabouts are serious bottlenecks causing traffic on the axis and increasing the risk of accidents; 2. Several months after we started paying the toll, the lights on the road are not always functional. 3. I doubt the long-term efficacy of the 'alternatives' to the plazas. The one at the Conservation Plaza is going to be a sight to behold when they start tolling there. I however commend the quick and professional help offered by LCC to owners of broken down vehicles. If LASTMA was given that job, people would have had to pay heavily for break-downs! |
| Politics › Re: Fashola Commissions Lekki-ikoyi Link Bridge. PICS by johnie: 12:46pm On Jun 04, 2013 |
^^^ So, it was the Phase 1 and Parkview people that were causing all the traffic between Falomo and Admiralty Plaza? |
| Politics › Re: Fashola Commissions Lekki-ikoyi Link Bridge. PICS by johnie: 10:17am On Jun 04, 2013 |
The perennial traffic from Lekki Phase 1 first gate through the Admiralty Plaza to Falomo seems to have disappeared this morning. Or was I just imagining it? Is that the effect of the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge? Let's observe for a few days. |
| Politics › Re: Fashola Commissions Lekki-ikoyi Link Bridge. PICS by johnie: 10:15pm On Jun 01, 2013 |
naptu2: By the way, I think it's time we revive your thread "What's Happening on the Badagry Axis". The first phase of the Blue Line (Orile - Mile 2) is scheduled to be completed this month. I passed there about 2 or 3 weeks ago. I saw metres and metres of track. Workmen were laying the tracks. I saw the dummy train that's being used to test the tracks. It looks like they might actually meet their target, but they've still got some work to do at the Mile 2 station. Maybe we can get Berem to feed us info (she lives in that area).https://www.nairaland.com/869785/whats-happening-lagos-badagry-axis#16015086 |
| Politics › Re: What's Happening On The Lagos Badagry Axis (2) by johnie(op): 10:14pm On Jun 01, 2013 |
naptu2: By the way, I think it's time we revive your thread "What's Happening on the Badagry Axis". The first phase of the Blue Line (Orile - Mile 2) is scheduled to be completed this month. I passed there about 2 or 3 weeks ago. I saw metres and metres of track. Workmen were laying the tracks. I saw the dummy train that's being used to test the tracks. It looks like they might actually meet their target, but they've still got some work to do at the Mile 2 station. Maybe we can get Berem to feed us info (she lives in that area).Berem, over to you o! |
| Nairaland General › Re: Identical Twins : Can You Tell Them Apart? by johnie: 5:49pm On May 31, 2013 |
Jamie b: they are not twins. This is the work of photoshop and corel draw. Just wasted my 1MB now!!And you made others lose extra 1MB by repeating the original post!  2 Likes |
| Politics › Re: Fashola Commissions Lekki-ikoyi Link Bridge. PICS by johnie: 5:38pm On May 31, 2013 |
naptu2: I forgot. He also said the bridge will be opened to the public on June 1st, when the tents and other things used during the commissioning would have been removed[/i].I just saw this now. [i]Na so the party sweet reach? |
| Politics › Re: Fashola Commissions Lekki-ikoyi Link Bridge. PICS by johnie: 5:32pm On May 31, 2013*. Modified: 5:51pm On May 31, 2013 |
I tried to use the bridge to beat the terrible go-slow at Rewane/Kingsway Road on my way to Lekki last night. To my shock (and am sure many other 'smart-alecs' like myself), the bridge was closed! Is it fully open now? |
| Foreign Affairs › Re: Robert Mugabe Sleeping During AU Summit by johnie: 5:11pm On May 31, 2013 |
Who would dare to wake him up? 1 Like |
| Politics › Re: Fashola Inspects Ikoyi Bridge Now At 80% Completion. Pics by johnie: 6:49pm On May 29, 2013 |
naptu2: Awolowo Road has been commercialised and there's a company responsible for maintaining it.Can you explain how Awolowo Road is commercialised? Ozumba Mbadiwe is not completed! They have been working on the Falomo (old Oceanic Bank H/O end) to Bonny Camp (Cantonement) for months now. The stress this lingering work creates especially in the evening is too much! |
| Politics › Re: Oba Ovonramwem Arrested And Taken-Out Of His Palace (Picture) by johnie: 7:02pm On May 24, 2013 |
jonot: Found this on Wikipedia:Why does this remind of the Allied invasion of Iraq? |
| Politics › Re: Michael Oluwatobi Adebowale Is The 2nd Woolwich Suspect by johnie: 10:51am On May 24, 2013 |
Pedagogue:Ghanaian, 32 who pulled Britain's largest-ever bank fraud totaling £1.4 billion jailed 7 years A Ghanaian rogue trader who almost brought down an international banking giant by losing £1.4billion was jailed yesterday for committing Britain’s biggest ever fraud. http://www.www.africanoutlookonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5363:ghanaian-32-who-pulled-britains-largest-ever-bank-fraud-totaling-p14-billion-jailed-7-years&catid=29:courts-a-crime&Itemid=53 1 Like |
| Politics › Re: Only In Naija by johnie(op): 8:24am On May 24, 2013*. Modified: 8:48am On May 24, 2013 |
Bridge collapse in Washington state sends cars and people into water Part of bridge over the Skagit river gives way, with rescuers using boats to search for people in the water Associated Press in Mount Vernon guardian.co.uk, Friday 24 May 2013 06.50 BST The major highway bridge linking the Washington state city of Seattle with Canada and the rest of the Pacific north-west region collapsed late on Thursday, dumping several vehicles and the people inside into a river. The four-lane Interstate 5 bridge collapsed about halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, Trooper Mark Francis of the Washington state patrol said. Francis said he did not know what caused the collapse, which came at the start of one of the country's busiest holiday weekends of the year. Kari Ranten, a spokeswoman for Skagit Valley hospital, said two people who were injured in the collapse were being taken to the facility. She said another person was being taken to a different area hospital. A search of the river continued and a dive team was on the scene. "We don't think anyone else went into the water," said Marcus Deyerin, a spokesman for the North-west Washington Incident Management Team. "At this point we're optimistic." Helicopter footage aired by KOMO-TV in Seattle showed one rescue boat leaving the scene with one person strapped into a stretcher. A damaged red car and a damaged pickup truck were visible in the water. A Skagit Valley Herald reporter at the scene said a sheriff's office rescue boat had arrived and rescue crews were looking for people in the water. A man told the local Skagit Valley Herald newspaper he felt a vibration and looked in his rear view mirror to see that the part of bridge he had just crossed was no longer behind him. "I thought something was wrong with my car at first," he said The bridge is not considered structurally deficient but is listed as being "functionally obsolete" meaning that its design is outdated, according to a database compiled by the Federal Highway Administration. The bridge was built in 1955 and has a sufficiency rating of 57.4 out of 100, according to federal records. That is well below the statewide average rating of 80, according to an Associated Press analysis of federal data. Washington state was given a C in the American Society of Civil Engineers' 2013 infrastructure report card and a C- when it came to the state's bridges. The group said more than a quarter of Washington state's 7,840 bridges were considered structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/24/bridge-collapse-washington-state-cars/print
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| Politics › Re: Only In Naija by johnie(op): 3:16pm On May 03, 2013 |
SA fighting losing battle against corruption May 3, 2013 | Sapa-AP | 4 comments The author of a new report says South Africa is fighting a losing battle against corruption, with graft costing taxpayers nearly one billion rand ($111 million) last year. Lawyer Peter Allwright of law firm Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs says although 88 percent of people tried for financial misconduct are found guilty only 19 percent are dismissed. He says most get off with a written warning and remain in government service and continue stealing. Allwright says his report, based on figures from the Public Service Commission, covers only national and provincial governments, indicating the amount of money going missing from public coffers is more than that being reported. He tells the AP that corruption "is rampant, it is out of control" and units fighting it "are essentially losing the battle." http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2013/05/03/sa-fighting-losing-battle-against-corruption |
| Politics › Re: Only In Naija by johnie(op): 2:04pm On May 03, 2013 |
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| Politics › Re: Only In Naija by johnie(op): 1:59pm On May 03, 2013 |
2 May 2013 Last updated at 17:16 GMT South Africa probes India over Gupta wedding South Africa's government is investigating if the Indian embassy abused diplomatic privileges over a society wedding, an official has said. The embassy is alleged to have helped a wealthy Indian family gain landing rights for a private jet at a military base near the capital, Pretoria. The Gupta family flew guests, reportedly including Bollywood stars and Indian government officials, to South Africa for the wedding. The family denies any wrongdoing. The Gupta brothers - Atul, Ajay and Rajesh - are said have wielded enormous influence in South Africa since white minority rule ended in 1994. Their business interests cover mining, aviation, technology and the media. Two of President Jacob Zuma's children have served as directors of Gupta-owned firms, according to South Africa's companies database, the AFP news agency reports. 'Serious matter' On Wednesday, the governing African National Congress (ANC) party and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) demanded an investigation into how the guests of the family flew from India to the Waterkloof Air Force Base near Pretoria. "The African National Congress, driven by the concern for the safety and sovereignty of South Africa, shall never allow a situation where our ports of entry and National Key Points are penetrated with impunity," ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe said in a statement. Police escorted the guests to the casino resort of Sun City for the wedding of 23-year-old Vega Gupta, the Gupta brothers' niece, to Indian-born Aaskash Jahajgarhia. On Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane said top-level investigations were under way to establish how the chartered flight landed at the military base. The investigation would also unearth whether diplomatic privilege had been abused, he added. "The investigations will point out to us if that is the case," Mr Chabane is quoted by Bloomberg news agency as saying. "If so, the necessary steps will be taken. This is a serious matter." Gupta family spokesman Haranath Ghosh said South African officials had authorised the landing of the plane following a request by the Indian embassy in Pretoria. "Waterkloof Air Force base was used with full permission of the authorities to receive foreign dignitaries, including some ministers," Mr Ghosh said, Bloomberg reports. South Africa's International Relations Department said the Chief of State Protocol, Bruce Koloane, had been placed on suspension while an investigation took place. The Indian embassy has not yet commented on the affair. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22386704 |
| Politics › Re: Only In Naija by johnie(op): 1:42pm On May 03, 2013 |
South Africans are backward – Zambian vice-president 2 May 2013 11:18 Zambian vice-president Guy Scott has said that South Africa is backward in terms of historical development, despite the country being Africa’s biggest economy. The Guardian reported yesterday that the 68-year-old grandfather, who is also an MP for Lusaka, said South Africa was the cause of so much trouble on the African continent. “The South Africans are very backward in terms of historical development,” he said. “I hate South Africans. That’s not a fair thing to say, because I like a lot of South Africans, but they really think they’re the bee’s knees and actually they’ve been the cause of so much trouble in this part of the world. “I have a suspicion the blacks model themselves on the whites now that they’re in power. ‘Don’t you know who we are, man?’” Scott also scoffed at the inclusion of South Africa in the Brics grouping of emerging economies. “They think in Brics that the ‘s’ actually stands for South Africa whereas it stands for Africa. Nobody would want to go in for a partnership with Brazil, China, India and South Africa, for Christ’s sake. “I dislike South Africa for the same reason that Latin Americans dislike the United States, I think. It’s just too big and too unsubtle.” Warming to his theme, Scott let rip at South African President Jacob Zuma, comparing him with the last apartheid leader, FW de Klerk. “He’s very like De Klerk. ‘You just leave Zimbabwe to me.’ Excuse me, who the hell liberated you anyway, was it not us? I mean, I quite like him, he seems a rather genial character, but I pity him and his advisers.” Scott became vice-president in 2011 but his presence baffles some African leaders at high-level meetings. “I think they regard me as a sort of mascot, a good luck charm for African politics.” He also had something to say about Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe who has remained in power for 33 years: “I think if you asked him, he’d say it was enough. That’s what he said to us a few months ago. I said the way forward in African democracy is the way we do it in Zambia. He said: ‘I absolutely agree, I wish it would happen to me.’” Scott went on to describe 89-year-old Mugabe’s persona. “He’s a funny chap. He seems to doze off and then he suddenly laughs at a joke while in the middle of dozing. And very articulate, without a note, without a scrap of anything. “He’s an anglophone. He loves to give lectures on the English language, English weighing systems, English this or that. He was a teacher, and so he taught himself all that.” Zambian president Michael Sata – whom Scott refers to as “the boss” – is known to be on friendly terms with Mugabe, who used to work as a teacher in Zambia. “I’m sure any good African nationalist admires Mugabe,” Scott added. - News24 http://www.citypress.co.za/politics/south-africans-are-backward-zambian-vice-president/ |
| Foreign Affairs › South Africans Are Backward – Zambian Vice-president by johnie(op): 1:29pm On May 03, 2013 |
South Africans are backward – Zambian vice-president 2 May 2013 11:18 Zambian vice-president Guy Scott has said that South Africa is backward in terms of historical development, despite the country being Africa’s biggest economy. The Guardian reported yesterday that the 68-year-old grandfather, who is also an MP for Lusaka, said South Africa was the cause of so much trouble on the African continent. “The South Africans are very backward in terms of historical development,” he said. “I hate South Africans. That’s not a fair thing to say, because I like a lot of South Africans, but they really think they’re the bee’s knees and actually they’ve been the cause of so much trouble in this part of the world. “I have a suspicion the blacks model themselves on the whites now that they’re in power. ‘Don’t you know who we are, man?’” Scott also scoffed at the inclusion of South Africa in the Brics grouping of emerging economies. “They think in Brics that the ‘s’ actually stands for South Africa whereas it stands for Africa. Nobody would want to go in for a partnership with Brazil, China, India and South Africa, for Christ’s sake. “I dislike South Africa for the same reason that Latin Americans dislike the United States, I think. It’s just too big and too unsubtle.” Warming to his theme, Scott let rip at South African President Jacob Zuma, comparing him with the last apartheid leader, FW de Klerk. “He’s very like De Klerk. ‘You just leave Zimbabwe to me.’ Excuse me, who the hell liberated you anyway, was it not us? I mean, I quite like him, he seems a rather genial character, but I pity him and his advisers.” Scott became vice-president in 2011 but his presence baffles some African leaders at high-level meetings. “I think they regard me as a sort of mascot, a good luck charm for African politics.” He also had something to say about Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe who has remained in power for 33 years: “I think if you asked him, he’d say it was enough. That’s what he said to us a few months ago. I said the way forward in African democracy is the way we do it in Zambia. He said: ‘I absolutely agree, I wish it would happen to me.’” Scott went on to describe 89-year-old Mugabe’s persona. “He’s a funny chap. He seems to doze off and then he suddenly laughs at a joke while in the middle of dozing. And very articulate, without a note, without a scrap of anything. “He’s an anglophone. He loves to give lectures on the English language, English weighing systems, English this or that. He was a teacher, and so he taught himself all that.” Zambian president Michael Sata – whom Scott refers to as “the boss” – is known to be on friendly terms with Mugabe, who used to work as a teacher in Zambia. “I’m sure any good African nationalist admires Mugabe,” Scott added. - News24 http://www.citypress.co.za/politics/south-africans-are-backward-zambian-vice-president/ |
| Politics › Re: GEJ In Handshake With A Muslim Woman In Purdah (PHOTO) by johnie: 3:36pm On Apr 30, 2013 |
~Bluetooth:Omo,your eye sharp o! Wetin you sef look find that side? |
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