₦airaland Forum

South African magistrate Desmond Nair has granted bail for Oscar Pistorius, the Olympian athlete star accused of murdering his girlfriend.

During his summarising of arguments on Friday, the forth day of the bail hearing, Chief Magistrate Nair said he did not believe that Pistorius was a flight risk.

Earlier in the day, the prosecution vehemently opposed bail to Chief Magistrate Nair in a case that has transfixed South Africans and brought international media attention to the nation’s justice system and police capabilities.

Pistorius is charged with one count of premeditated murder in the February 14 killing of Reeva Steenkamp. He says he accidentally shot her, thinking she was a dangerous intruder inside his home, lurking in a toilet stall off his bedroom.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel called Pistorius’ version that he shot Steenkamp accidentally improbable and argued that Pistorius did not have to have planned the killing for days in advance for it to be premediated.

“He planned it that night when she (Steenkamp) locked herself in (the toilet),” Nel said in response to a question from the magistrate on why Pistorius hadn’t staged a break-in at his home to make his story look more believable.



“The fact that we have only one survivor of that tragic night is difficult for the state.”

No escape

Pistorius’ defense lawyer, Barry Roux, brought up culpable homicide as a possible charge for the first time in the case when answering questions from the magistrate.

“He did not want to kill Reeva. He had no intent to kill Reeva,” Roux said as Pistorius began weeping again, like he has done for much of his bail hearing.

Roux said it was impossible for Pistorius, as famous as he is and with his prostheses, to escape South Africa before trial and bail should be granted.

“Let me tell you how difficult it is for this man to disappear from this world,” Roux said.

Prosecutor Nel earlier countered that everyone, whether disabled or famous or otherwise different from the majority, should be treated equally under the law.

Nel noted that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is famous but is now holed up in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden to face sex-related charges.
[AL Jazeera]

http://dailypost.com.ng/2013/02/22/breaking-oscar-pistorius-granted-bail/

i expected this, who wud hav agreed to be spying any country considering the implications. thatz why they decided to use Nigerians so if they are caught, they will strictly be on thier own (OYO),it was wisely planned. No spy network accepts when caught, for instance when Amir Mirza Hekmati, the Iranian American dat was caught spying for USA, white house denied dat he was working for them even when all evidences pointed to that fact...Iran still went ahead to sentence him to death anyway. Even in the case of the Cuban Five...when the US caught them, Cuba denied them, so it is a known theory (game) used by any spy networks, when u r caught, u r strictly on ur own...So for them to deny spying in Nigeria against their alleged enemies, Isreal and America, isnt surprising at all, i just pray that our security agencies become more secure cos they may likely come after them now.

Abdullahi Mustapha Berende, who is saccused of spying for Iran in Nigeria with a view of attacking some targets, was paraded by State Security Service (SSS) in Abuja.
The SSS claims Berende is suspected of working with some Iranian elements to operate a high profile international terrorist network and is alleged to have given the names of several prominent Nigerians, including former President Ibrahim Babangida and a former Sultan of Sokoto as targets of the attack being planned by his Iranian handlers.  
The objective seems to be that if the Nigerians are attacked, it could possibly provoke and unsettle the West.
The SS also paraded two people Olayinka SAKA and Saheed Aderemi ADEWUMI, who they claimed Mr. Berende recruited as accomplice. other members of the Iranian spy network are reportedly at large.

http://mobile.saharareporters.com/news-page/photonews-suspected-iranian-spy-network-members-paraded-abuja

if such efforts is replicated by other companies, the prob of unemployment will be half solved, kudos to KRPC...but youths are only interested in white collar jobs, forgeting that any job provides services, and daily consumption needs gives so much income...talking from experience.

The Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), has offered skills training to 405 youths as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Its Managing Director, Mr Bolanle Ayodele said on Thursday in Kaduna that the beneficiaries were trained under the company's Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programme, started in 2008.

He said at the presentation of certificates to 105 participants of the 2012 programme, that the company had set up a grant with a micro finance bank in Kaduna to be accessed by any of those trained to establish their own businesses.

Ayodele explained that the partnership with the bank was due to the ``low success rate'' recorded in assisting those who graduated earlier.

The managing director expressed appreciation to the host communities for providing ``harmonious and peaceful environment'' for the company's operations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the participants acquired skills in 10 trades, including construction, poultry and fisheries.

In his speech, Gov. Mukhtar Yero commended the KRPC for its support in addressing the unemployment challenges in the state, and pledged to tap its experience in the implementation of similar programmes by the state government.

http://www.leadership.ng/nga/articles/47138/2013/02/07/kaduna_refinery_empowers_405_youths.html

Kslib: Fooool!!!!! Wetin you even understand by the word revolution.. Iiddiot,you think say na to fight physically only be revolution abi?? You be wasted sperm!!!!

U suppose de zoo dey break kernel, i no no wetin u de do for here, who say make u go fight,empty skull

ifihearam: Bonanza! Bonanza!! Bonanaza!!!

Have you been on nairaland for years and your topic has NEVER made the front page? Simply create a thread with the alphabets GEJ on it and Boom you must make a homepage

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Useless people,every goat wants to shine with his excellency on nairaland. Thunder fire all of una. Eedddiioootttsss

sorry r u new here?? itz called frontpage, ok? meanwhile ensure the house is kept clean before oga returns.

playboy19: Sorry but you forgot the bolded part

u no wot, all those mentioned including ur bolden line, doesnt change the fact that he is the President, a feat u can never achieve, whether now or in the nearest future, not even ur pikins (cnt call them kids cos u can give them the kind of training the deserve) will..so go break or chew a nail

Kslib: Mtchhheeeeeeeww!!!! I no blame you and your cohorts!! Dont worry,we are preparing for revolution,we have started laying the foundation and when we are ready,una go see pepper. If una get any sweet thing,maybe na 50yrs in prison.. Gej and your evil men,better theif while you still have time oooh... Wicked big nosed kpomo liped shoeless clueless retardeen fisherman..

when time reach for revolution, fear no go gree u stand for front, u just de make mouth...reasonable pple de think how Naija go beta, u de think of revolution...olodo...i sure say u no get papa, u no no say na person papa u de curse so, lack of home training, u don carry am come show outside.

ONCE A NAIRALANDER DONT SUPPORT SOME INTEREST HERE, AND TRY TO BE PATROTIC AND TRUTHFUL IN THIER ANALYSIS, HE/SHE BECOMES A LAPTOP CREW..SMH...@Find out my mind stings for your unintelligent conclusion

GARRI (x7):
The "Amampour" Saga should be an eye-opener to the PDP-led FG as to the current mood of Nigerians as it relates to the "alleged spurious" claims of "MASSIVE" improvements of power supply.

Even If like some say the interview wasn't representative of people's opinion, check her twitter handle and tell me if the message from Nigerians aint clear enough. If you've got an "mg" of common sense, you'd get the clear message from Nigerians.

THE "IMPROVEMENT" IN THE POWER SECTOR ISN'T WORTH CELEBRATING YET AS MANY ARE YET TO BE AFFECTED!!

but there is improvement sha...that is what pple r saying, atleast the power situation is better than before.

Dear friends on facebook,

The determination of this administration to create wealth in Nigeria and for Nigerians has led us to focus our investment drive towards attracting Foreign Direct Investments in manufacturing and the service sector to ensure that jobs are created. And this drive is not an exercise in futility as Nigeria is becoming the preferred destination for FDI. Just last week, General Electric announced a decision to invest $1 billion in setting up a manufacturing plant to support power generation and oil production. Their plant, to be situated in Calabar, will provide jobs for thousands with multiplier effect for tens of thousands more and will make Nigeria a hub for power equipment in the region. The end result of this investment is that Nigeria’s power generating infrastructure will be expanded meaning more power for Nigerians which translates to even more jobs.

While we continue to encourage the Private Sector to help grow our economy and create jobs for our youths, we will do all within our powers to also keep our youths engaged. In this regard I am happy to report that the 600 bed Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State which this administration began working on in February 2011 has reached 95% completion and when commissioned later this year it will provide jobs for 3000 people. Similar projects are ongoing in other geo-political zones and I will keep you updated.

Similarly, ongoing massive investments in the rehabilitation of our railways are being carried out with direct labour, thereby providing jobs to thousands of our youths especially around the Ilorin-Minna-Kaduna-Kano corridor of our rail network. In addition to the regular Lagos to Kano service, the Nigerian Railway Corporation has introduced new routes including the Offa-Kano intercity service. These initiatives are generating employment and providing an inexpensive means of travel as well as an alternative means of hauling heavy goods and petroleum products to the hinterland.

Rehabilitation works are also ongoing in the nation’s pipelines to ensure a resumption of the supply of petroleum products by pipelines all over the nation thus reducing the pressure on our roads and railways and freeing up space for hauling other products. Jobs are being created as this is ongoing and moribund services are being resumed. Just last month, the Benin Depot of the Pipeline Product Marketing Company (PPMC) was reopened after a successful completion of rehabilitation works. Products can now be transferred by pipelines to this facility.

And it is not just in the service sectors that we are seeing construction and rehabilitation. During the maiden meeting of the Executive Council of the Federation meeting, the Federal Government approved the establishment of three new universities in Yobe, Kebbi and Zamfara states. Apart from the jobs that the construction works will generate in those states, value is being added to the local economy as more citizens will have access to tertiary education with its attendant effect in wealth generation and improved health.

My dear friends on facebook, may God bless you, even as I pray for Almighty God to bless our country, Nigeria. GEJ

https://www.facebook.com/jonathangoodluck/posts/513341448716234

she is trying to divert attention from the unfortunate incident that happened capitalizing on tweets from Nigerians...it is no news that we have power problem but the good news is that so much effort is being geared towards revamping the sector, and this what the President reiterated in his interview with her...ever since that interview, this has been an issue of discourse, but truthfully, there have been great improvement in power supply, letz leave sentiment and political interest aside, it isnt as bad as the later. Amanpour is a professional who is selling her product, she can decide to make news headline from whatever she likes, but that won't change the fact that Power supply has improved...she is just manipulating Nigerians against their own country, and most of them are ignorantly following. right now nobody is talking about the power outage in superbowl, they are all focusing on Naija like say na our own bad pass...abeggiiii

Hatred for GEJ has clouded alot of peoples reasoning, some believe that once you r not criticising him, u r a bootlicker...shame on you. Imagine Amanpour using Nigeria to score point for her self, shifting attention from what happenned in the super bowl which affects the image of her country negatively to that of Nig which we already know has been there, and efforts are made by the present administration to improve the situation. And we Nigerians are helpin her run down our country, truth be told, comparing power situation now and some yrs back, one will realise that the current situation is far better than the previous, we can comfortably boast of having a good power supply, no doubt, it may not be steady like 24hrs, but it last for a reasonable number of hours. let not allow this foriegn guys manipulate us for their gains, it doesnt speak good of us...they turn against us once they get what they want. This prob of light has always been there, and no government has ever shown any interest like this one, if u look critically and want to be sincere in your judgement, you will agree with me. So why should the one who is trying to allieviate this prob be the one taking all the insults and blames, at least for once, letz keep political sentiment (i no itz impossible) aside and be truthful in what we say.

hope they perform far better than thier predecessors

Two new ministers were, Monday, sworn into the Federal Executive council by President Goodluck Jonathan in what he said was an injection of new members to the council that is expected to up the ante in governance.

The new ministers, Chinedu Osita Nebo (Enugu) and Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (Kebbi), replaced the former Ministers of Power and Defence, Barth Nnaji and Haliru Bello Mohammed respectively who had earlier exited the cabinet last year.

President Jonathan who likened their introduction midway into his government to changes made by a football coach in a game charged them to justify their introduction by bringing about changes in their various ministries. A formal inauguration of the new ministers would be done Wednesday at the federal Executive Council meeting.

President Goodluck Jonathan told the new ministers that Nigerians would judge his coaching abilities by the new innovations  they would  bring into the federal cabinet.

“We are admitting two new ministers into our fold. From the profile we have heard about them they are eminently qualified to serve this country at all levels. If it is in  politics they are eminently qualified to serve as councilors up to the president of the Federal Republic by their antecedents.

“But then background qualification is one thing but serving as a minister is another, because the challenges are different.

“One thing I believe is that you will succeed but to me it is a big challenge to me and you because if a coach of a football team sends his 11 players and decide to make changes getting close to half time then he knows that there may be weaknesses in some areas and he is bringing people to strengthen the team to make sure they score goals.

“So Nigerians are expecting that if I am bringing ministers in at this time, I must be bringing people that will strengthen the team and make sure I bring people that will score more goals than we are already scoring. And If Nigerians don’t realise that they will feel that I am not a good coach….

“Just like when the coach introduces a new player, sometimes 10 minutes to the end of the game and you are introduced to the field they expect you to score the next goal.

“So you are welcome on board you will be formerly inaugurated again on Wednesday when we will have the FEC meeting. You will get your letter  from the SGF and I assigned you to where we think you will serve  this great country. Congratulations”.

The swearing in was attended by the Deputy Senate President, Senate Majority Leader, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives , ministers and families members  of the newly sworn in ministers.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/02/new-energy-power-ministers-sworn-in/

Boyoorisha: You think so?

i dnt no wot u r doing outside when u r suppose to be doing the dishes, do u no wot twitter is?if u do, go and check the profile of the account, and u will see that it is a parody account..

how does this dis affect the growth of this country, we all know Patience Jonathan doesnt operate any twitter account/handle, i cnt believe omojowa will stoop so low to interact with an impostor, so appalling...probably he is trying to score more point on the platform...all this is uncalled for, if u ever have the opportunity to listen to Liu Yongqing, wife of Chinese President, u will hail urs...she isnt dis bad like we portray her, meanwhile most pple dat criticize her arent even better, let alone their folks back der in the village..YES i no wot i'm saying..a situation u greet som1's mom in english and she replies u in once conc. deep dialect, and believes u must understand yet her son, daughter is somewhr in town criticize anoda woman for same..i think itz too bad, morally and 'woteva u may think of' bad..letz not allow political gains becloud our sense of morality, letz accord pple with som respect, just the way u'll expect from others.

Mikel has bin cleared by CAF to play on sunday, CONFIRMED.

Elrufai is stl unrepentant, stl pressing home is previous tweet.

So who de heck is dis comrade Azizi, pple will just sit and decide to initiate problems frm their homes, dis dude needs to be arrested for threatening de soveriegnty of this country. Good a thing, Henry Okah relationship with them has bin clarified. We pray for peace in this country, Lord plz help us

take dat: Guess this is your latest assignment, @lastpope also opened a similar thread just to score cheap political point. The man erred and has apologised, "The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him"
And the Battle is Mine saith the Lord of Host." You guys should stop forming the defenders of Christ.

On a lighter note, didn't see any member of the Government Bootlicking Association on the police pension chairman's thread!

You are even the bootlicker here, trying to politicize a very serious issue, he has apologize, and so wot? EL rufai that i no can neva say wot he neva means, he is a very smooth and intelligent talker, who tries to inform us all (his fans), and answer most of our questions, Now u put ur hand in the mouth and talk abt him erring and someone tryin to score political point, jeeeZ! It beats me crazy for ur level of discernment, hw cud u? This would hav caused a serious riot or even killings if it was to be said abt Mohammed, our muslim brodas wudnt have taken it lightly at all, but since christaininity is a religion of peace, we can afford to allow it pass. Even at that, truth be told, and YOU owe ur boss the truth, Tell Elrufai the truth cos de intended damage has bin done already b4 he served his camelionic apology,his intent wasnt right. He read that tweet very well very accenting to it by retweeting it so we should beta know the the kind and category of person he falls into, he is just an extremist, that shouldnt be trusted, if he can go this far mocking our Lord and saviour, then he is capable of doing worst things. Yes, de Bible said dat battle is of the Lord, who do u think God will use to fight the battle? Even though u dnt fight or defend ur faith, the Lord will raise stones to do dat, so stop deceiving urself cos u get little favor frm rufai, ok? That's y most tyms i love dis muslim guys, u dnt joke with issues boarderin on their faith,they take it out on u, itz just unfortunate that most of them just take it out of proportion. Which is were itz usually bad.If u like stay der and be castigating pple dat r speaking up for their beleive, if u dnt like, all is ur pot of soup to lick, Nigerians need to be careful with Elrufai and his likes, de r not to be trusted @ all shikena.

Boko Haram, the dreaded Islamic sect that has been terrorizing some states in Northern Nigeria on Monday agreed to lay down their arms for peace to prevail after an agreement was reached in a closed door meeting of members of the group also called the Jama’atul Ahalis Sunna Lida’awati Wal with the Borno state Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, other top government officials and religious leaders from the state.

The acclaimed Commander in-charge of North and Central Borno, Sheikh Abu Mohammad Abdulazeez Ibn Idris, while briefing journalists after the meeting that lasted for hours said that after due consultation with the leader of the sect, Shiekh Abubakar Shekau, as well as intervention and pleading from respectful individuals/groups in the state, they have all come to terms and agreed to lay down their arms.

The group however insisted that, Government should immediately and unconditionally release all their members from custody.

It also demanded that their places of worship be rebuilt, adding that the government compensate them, among other demands.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/01/boko-haram-agree-to-a-cease-fire/

http://247ureports.com/boko-haram-announces-cease-fire/#.UQaqjUlQu8c.twitter

The law will catch up on all of them terrorist...this is just de begining

A South African court has found Henry Okah guilty of terrorism charges leveled against him by the federal government of Nigeria.

Okah is accused of masterminding two car bombings in Abuja on October 1 in 2010.

12 people were killed and 36 were injured. He was arrested in Johannesburg the following day.

Okah was allegedly the leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend), that claimed responsibility for the blasts.

He was charged with engaging in terrorist activities, conspiracy to engage in terrorist activity, and delivering, placing, and detonating an explosive device.

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, who was first to give evidence at the opening of Okah’s trial said Okah was a “key figure in the Niger Delta struggle and the militants had a lot of respect for him”.

Okah denied involvement in the attacks, which were claimed by MEND militants, and also denies being the leader of the group.

http://www.channelstv.com/home/2013/01/21/breaking-henry-okah-found-guilty-of-2010-independence-day-bomb-attack/

El rufai adviced Buhari to retire yet he is projecting him as the candidate for 2015 when he realised Buhari was his only hope to remain relevant, such happenings only enlightens Nigerians on the kind of politician El rufai is, never to be trusted.

they have done all this, de were only patching the space close to the gutter, which de wud hav just partition one side of the road while doing thier job, itz so insensible on their path...i have a feeling u work there...somethng shud be done abt it fast.

vanstanzy: JB, normally doesn't block the entire assess road and stay doing nothing at the same time. Another assess road may have been provided somewhere, but those motorists are just too impatient to find out.

but surprisingly the was none this around, all motorist were forced to pass tru a narrow path which inturn caused a very terrible hold up...and this happens even in the evenings after close of work, i think de r driving at something, cos de roads r completed, itz so frustrating...

all the best Eagles, even though keshi went with most of his brothers

Members of the senior national soccer team, the Super Eagles have been charged to improve on their performance during the 2013 African Cup of Nations which kicks off in South Africa this weekend.

President Goodluck Jonathan handed down the charge Wednesday at the Federal Executive Council (FEC), urging the team to ensure that it makes the country proud.

Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed at the end of the Council’s meeting that the President who led members of the FEC in a prayer session for the Super Eagles urged the team to perform in a manner that reflects Nigeria’s status as Africa’s giant.

He said the Eagles are well prepared to take on their opponent in the opening match and Nigerians should expect the best from the team.

The minister explained that President Jonathan has called on the players to bring laurels to the country.

Abdullahi pointed out that Nigeria’s absence at the medal tables in major outings recently was most unacceptable.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Sonni Yusuf, has expressed satisfaction with the facilities at the disposal of the Super Eagles for the AFCON.

Yusuf told NAN in Johannesburg that the team got the best hotel allocated to it.

“I must say that the Super Eagles, of the four teams in the group, have the best facilities; the hotel has two standard training pitches located within its precincts.

“We also intend to meet with the LOC on the issue of accreditation for key government officials to have access to the team and to discuss other logistics required for the team.

“The hotel that the team will be staying in was used for the 2010 World Cup and is still in very good shape; it is located in a secluded area of the town, with heavy security,’’ Yusuf said.

He added that the mission had notified the Nigerian community in South Africa to come out en masse to support the Super Eagles.

“In the area of support for our team, there will be no problem at all. Nigeria has one of the largest immigrant populations in South Africa.

http://dailypost.com.ng/2013/01/17/perform-in-a-manner-that-reflects-nigerias-status-as-africas-giant-jonathan-tells-eagles/

The ranks of people calling for the immediate prosecution of a member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan, for corruption is growing by the day as activist lawyer, Festus Keyamo, has asked the police to charge the lawmaker to court or be made to do so.

Mr. Lawan is accused of collecting N93,000,000 ($620,000) from oil importer, Femi Otedola, to shield two of his companies indicted in the oil subsidy scam.

Mr Keyamo’s call is coming on the heels of a similar call by another activist lawyer, Femi Falana.

Mr. Keyamo is outraged that six months after the scandal broke, Mr. Lawan “is yet to produce the said money before the Police investigators, fuelling the speculation and suspicion that the money has been spent.”

The lawyer who described the case against Mr. Lawan as “simple and straightforward” said the matter has taken on the ridiculous as the police and office of the Attorney-General of the Federation are playing flip-flop with the case

“What ought to be a simple and straightforward matter has since assumed an absurd dimension. The Police and the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation have traded blames back and forth as to what is actually happening. The public has been treated to all sorts of shameless and obvious attempts to drag the investigation into the murky water of politics instead of treating at purely as a crime,” he said.

He said it is wrong for the police to create the impression that it requires the permission of the Attorney General before it could charge Mr Lawan.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the impression the Police has created that it is the office of the Attorney-General alone that can give it directives to charge the matter to court is complete nonsense. The law presently as espoused by the Supreme Court in the case of FRN Vs. OSAHON (2006) 5 NWLR PT (Pt. 973) 361, says that the Police and other law-enforcement agencies can directly charge matters to court without the consent or fiat of the Attorney-general of the Federation or of any State. The Attorney-General can only intervene by taking over to continue or discontinue the proceedings,” he said.

Mr. Keyamo said blame trading between the police and the Attorney-General’s office is a ploy to make the people forget about the case. He said he will not forget.

“Consequently, I have taken it upon myself as a responsible citizen to bring Farouk Lawan to justice. I expect that Farouk Lawan and his cohorts in the House of Representatives should be arraigned before a court of law within one week of this release,” he said.

He said those calling for the prosecution of the alleged bribe giver, Mr. Otedola, are in the wrong. He said Mr Otedola committed no crime as he was instrumental in helping investigators uncover the alleged crime.

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/115585-keyamo-gives-nigeria-police-one-week-ultimatum-to-prosecute-farouk-lawan.html

Ete Flexible: Hmmmmm, Berger are taking we Nigerians for a ride that's all i can say. What stops Berger from doing the little % left at night or if that's not possible which it is. Why can't they open the roads say till 9am because they ain't working at that time and traffic is usually on the high side in the mornings. 2. Open the roads again from 5pm because by this time traffic is also high and also we see that them Berger have closed for the day.... If this was in the South or East Berger in either wildest dreams will not try what they are doing now.... Its about time government reviews their contract because this shows that they are not capable of handling more that two jobs at a time like seriously..... Call the Chinese..

i dnt just understand, govt really need to look into this cos very soon some GEJ haters will start saying he is insensitive to their plights whereas he may not even be aware that this Germans r causin alot of headaches on the road...itz simple, Berger shud open de road when the more traffic in the mrgs and evenings afterall itz just a small portion by the gutter they r working on..de r gradually becoming demi-god in nig..*hisssssssss*