₦airaland Forum

i think it's high time we have a thread on this - who would you say is Nigeria's best looking predient - past and present - pls note: looks at the period of incumbency counts not -present looks. lets go dia!!!

sentiments apart - IBB was the best lookin president we've had - Gowon and Jonathan come next

what gets wet as it dries?

a woman's v_g_na!

President Obama
White House sources have denied and ‘laughed off’ an internet news report which claimed that Jonathan has promised President Obama that Maurice Iwu’s term will not be renewed.

A certain internet blog reported late today that Jonathan held a conversation with Obama on the subject of renewal of tenure for Nigeria’s election chief; and suggested that Obama also requested Jonathan not to re-appoint Nigeria’s INEC Chairman.

In debunking the story, one White House source laughed it off, saying that “It is doubtful that President Obama would disrespect and embarrass a visiting foreign leader with such an intrusive request, especially when he believes that Nigeria’s problems go well beyond that”.


Goodluck Jonathan
Asked to comment on a similar statement credited to Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson, the source said that “Ambassador Carson was most probably just speaking his mind, not necessarily stating the US official policy on the issue of who runs Nigerian elections.

“Though the US believes that Nigeria requires reforming her elections, we also know that credible election is not necessarily a function of who chairs the election board. It encompasses the entire society. So, if we make any demands at all, we will go beyond the minor issue of routine personal changes that squarely lie within the sole prerogative of Nigerians”, said the source.

Speaking further, another Obama aide wondered why “Some Nigerians believe that all their problems as a nation will disappear once their election chief is removed. That sounds funny to most of us here.

“As for Ambassador Carson, we believe that he speaks out of his close friendship with some Nigerians with a political interest in who chairs the country’s national election board. Officially, that is none of America’s or Obama’s business. Period”, the aide said.

Concluding, he said that “President Obama has not yet even been fully briefed on the visit of Nigeria’s Jonathan, and when he is fully briefed, I doubt seriously that personnel changes at Nigeria’s national election board will figure at all, except for some general concerns Obama may express on reforming Nigeria’s national institutions, which happen to include her election board”.

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On the Nigerian side, a source in Jonathan’s office answered this reporter’s question with a question, impatiently retorting: “Since when did Nigeria start clearing their political appointments with Obama”?

He added that “If you believe that the acting President will get permission from Obama before re-appointing or not re-appointing Prof Iwu, then you also have to believe that Jonathan also got permission from Obama before he reconstituted the Federal Executive Council”.

A source at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington sounded even angrier, saying that “It is Johnnie Carson’s undue and single-minded interest in this matter that is fuelling these baseless and embarrassing rumours of Obama dictating ‘left and right’ to Jonathan. We, at the Embassy feel embarrassed by all these; and sometimes we wonder if these people believe that Nigeria has suddenly lost her sovereignty to America when it comes to the man Iwu”.

Concluding, the Embassy source said that “Prof Iwu is not even on the cards of issues we will advise Jonathan to touch on with Obama; and we don’t even think that their private meeting will last that long for such petty matters to be brought up. As far as we know, Obama will be more concerned with Gulf of Guinea security, peacekeeping, Abdulmutallab, Niger Delta; and of course, he will worry a bit about how stable Nigeria is in view of recent political developments”.

Pitching in his last words, the Nigerian diplomat added that “appointing Chairman of INEC is a joint constitutional responsibility of the Presidency and the Nigerian Senate that must give its consent. So, if it true that Jonathan has promised anything to Obama, then at some point Jonathan also has to get the consent of the Senate before he can keep that promise”.
http://www.pointblanknews.com/News/os3180.html

it was john himself! abi?

can somebody pls post the songs here for us to review them - thanx

Abygul:
studio baba hw far now d meaning of d no na ofo owa n foo otun fooo, anyway i cant give my number to som1 dat is crazy abt me i mite beeat me up 1 day.wen he tells u his alrite he can tell u my P.A den we can reload is file

who told u i was "crazy" about u? where did i mention the word 'crazy'? i think it was wise to try speakin to someone b4 make weird conclusions on them.

Saturday, April 10, 2010



Iwu
•Photo: Sun News Publishing
More Stories on This Section

The time may just be up for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu, as Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has promised officials of the United States that he would soon effect a change in the leadership of the electoral body.

Saturday Sun gathered that efforts to get United States officials to put pressure on the Nigerian government to renew Iwu’s tenure may have failed, as Jonathan pledged commitment to electoral reforms, which would see the removal of several top officials of INEC.

Jonathan, who is travelling to the US tomorrow, is said to have vowed to “give the INEC a new direction under the leadership of a credible and competent Nigerian, who will earn the respect of the international community.

The official added: “The United States is encouraged by the fact that Mr. Jonathan would move on electoral reforms, anti-corruption measures and peace efforts in the restive Niger Delta, and we remain supportive of his efforts”

Last week, Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Jonnie Carson, openly tied the removal of Iwu to the ability of Nigeria to hold credible polls. Carson is believed to have spoken the mind of President Barack Obama, who was briefed by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the shortcomings of the INEC during the last general elections.
Meanwhile, the White House said President Obama looks forward to welcoming Jonathan.

“Acting President Jonathan has shown uncommon courage in his decisions so far to move the country forward. We are encouraged that he is sincere in ensuring credible polls in the country and tackling corruption to improve the lives of Nigerians,” the White House said.
Already, an advanced Nigerian team is in Washington for the historic visit. The Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napalitano has also expressed satisfaction with steps taken by Nigeria to secure airports and flights into the US. She said the administration is pleased that Nigeria has started to install body scanners at its international airports after requests from the United States, following the Detroit incident, in which a Nigerian attempted to bring down a US-bound plane.

Nigerian Diaspora groups have also concluded arrangements to accord Jonathan a rousing welcome. Sources said the Nigerian leader may meet with select leaders of the community to explain his recent actions to move the country forward.
According to the World Bank, the United States is by far Nigeria’s largest trade partner, accounting for nearly 45 per cent of the West African country’s exports, mainly crude oil.
http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/newsonthehour/2010/apr/10/newsbreak-10-04-2010-001.htm

Those who underrated Acting President Goodluck Jonathan may soon have the shock of their lives as the Bayelsa politician is proving to be a master strategist worming his way to the top. There are indications that the former governor is looking beyond completing the tenure of President Umar Yar’Adua, as acting president or substantive president. The signs are getting very clear that the academic who later found fertile turf in power play is actually preparing to contest next year’s presidential election and becoming the elected president.

Saturday Sun findings indicate that Jonathan, working closely with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is angling, first, towards emerging as consensus presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for next year’s election and then winning the election. Feelers from the presidential villa indicated that the acting president has already foreclosed the possibility of Yar’Adua’s return to office and, therefore, using the opportunity of the interlude to put machinery in place to not only make it difficult for any other politician to emerge as the PDP presidential candidate but also to ensure that the party settles for him.

The new cabinet
The dissolution of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) is the first step the Jonathan group has taken to exercise full control of government, expand the acting president’s influence across the country and, therefore, prepare the ground for his 2011 presidential project.

Before the cabinet was dissolved, the Jonathan camp considered many options and finally settled for the one that would enhance his presidential ambition. First, the camp considered a partial dissolution of the cabinet, whereby ministers he did not want in government would be dropped, while the favoured ones would be left. This option was jettisoned, as the Jonathan camp reasoned that dissolving the entire cabinet and reappointing some ministers would ensure that the lucky ones would owe him a debt of gratitude and, therefore, work for his personal political interest.

Also, the acting president’s camp considered doing away with all the ministers in the former cabinet and constituting an entirely new cabinet made up of fresh ministers. This was later discarded as the advisers said that such move would work against him. Their reason was that the new ministers would be novices in the system and may not have the clout already garnered by the old ministers to play the role required of them in the Jonathan-for-president project.

Contrary to the belief that the new cabinet may invoke Section 144 on the constitution and, therefore, begin the process for the removal of President Yar’Adua from office on health grounds, there are indications that the rezal plot of the Jonathan camp is to have a cabinet whose members would rather influence his choice as presidential candidate for the PDP next year. Part of the mandate given to the ministers is to perform well, so that Jonathan would take the glory. And if the ministers deliver, they would be in a position to sell the proposed Jonathan candidature to the party later this year.

Retaining Prof. Dora Akunyili as Minister of Information and Communication is believed to be part of the 2011 presidential scheme, as the acting president’s group wants to ride on the popularity of the former director general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which she garnered because of her vicious attacks on the clique that held the nation hostage when Yar’Adua was away in Saudi Arabia for medical treatment.

The transfer of Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke and Mr. Odein Ajumogobia to the ministries of petroleum and foreign affairs respectively, is also towards this goal. Ajumogobia, specifically, has the mandate to sell Jonathan to the international community, especially since the acting president had got external support during the controversy over transfer of power from ailing Yar’Adua to him.

The fear
However, there are fears, among Jonathan’s supporters, that some members of the federal cabinet may be covertly working for Yar’Adua’s interest and pretending to be loyal to Jonathan. The group is, therefore, cautious not to be carried away by Obasanjo’s perceived promises and commitment to ensure his presidency, knowing that he would be running against the North. The followers adopt circumspection as a tiny core group actually works the details of the game in order not to rock the boat or let out the full plans of what it has in store for the project.

To get the North on his side, Jonathan had set out to please the geopolitical zone in his appointments into the new cabinet. The decision to assign the Ministry of Agriculture and Federal Capital Territory to the North is believed to be part of the grand design to curry the geopolitical zone’s favour. However, some elements in the North were said to be disappointed when the portfolios were unfolded. They have accused the acting president of appropriating the oil ministry and power as well as giving most of the juicy appointments to the South.

Obasanjo connection and running mate option
Saturday Sun impeccable sources reveal that Obasanjo is the anchorman in the Jonathan 2011 presidency project. The former president has promised to deploy all manner of tricks to ensure that Jonathan is announced as the PDP candidate, the same way he influenced the choice of Yar’Adua in 2007. He is also believed to be looking beyond the PDP presidential ticket, and working for the declaration of Jonathan as president in the election.

“Obasanjo plans to pair Alhaji Adamu Bello with Jonathan in the 2011 race. The choice of Adamu Bello, from Adamawa, is predicated on the comeback bid of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to the PDP. The former president intends to checkmate Atiku in the Adamawa axis, to prevent him having full control of the party. Adamu Bello is an influential PDP member in Adamawa and has large followership.

“However, if the Adamu Bello option fails, former minister, Alhaji Muktar Shagari, from Sokoto State, is on line to stand as vice presidential candidate to Jonathan”, a senator from Nasarawa State, who served between 1999 and 2007, narrated in an interview.

Currently, Obasanjo, the arrowhead of the gamble is said to have filed some irons in the fire to make sure as he juggles the game, it must pay off one way or the other. One of the strategies is to checkmate former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, who is reportedly interested in the race. He fears the possibility of an alliance of the National Security Adviser, General Aliyu Gusau and Babangida. Gusau is also interested in becoming president. However, Obasanjo plans to work on Gusau and Babangida, with the particular task of finding out their plan for 2011 before unleashing the Jonathan option.

The lobby to come
Before the first half of the year is over, many individuals and groups would start agitating for the Jonathan presidency. Prior to that, Jonathan is expected to take some impressive measures in addressing the energy crisis in the country. This explains why he is personally in charge of the power ministry. Also, the acting president is expected to use his proposed visit to the United States to canvass the erasing of the perception of Nigeria as a terror nation as well as ask for some direct aid from America. Securing such concessions and being the first Nigerian leader to meet President Barack Obama would make Nigerians believe that if he has a full tenure as president he would do well.

The Jonathan camp reasoned that such accomplishment would endear their man to the hearts of Nigerians and, therefore, would spark agitation for his presidency.

Royal endorsement
Since a Jonathan presidency campaign would be seen as an orchestrated attempt to deprive the North eight years occupation of Aso Rock, the Jonathan camp would soon embark on a tour of the North to persuade emirs to support the acting president’s presidential bid.
When the day comes, one of Jonathan’s aides, Hassan Tukur, is to handle the beat of working out a liaison for Jonathan to meet the cream and top notch of the northern emirs for their endorsement.

In the usual Nigeria’s political double speak, there are already signs that some northern leaders are even today secretly supporting Jonathan’s plot, but prefer to remain silent until when the PDP finally releases the timetable for the selection of its presidential candidate, so as not to incur the wrath of their people before the whole project is unfolded.

To prove his claim, our source advised: “Don’t get carried away by all the zonal interests and zoning arrangements you hear in the media. Secretly, these powerful individuals who influence the tide of our politics are more interested in personal benefits. Whether they are from the North, East or West, they prefer a ‘stranger from another zone’ whom they would benefit from his administration to that from their clan who would put them by the side while the goodies of the government are allocated.”

The North’s fear
The major worry of the Jonathan camp is how to sell the acting president to the North, against the backdrop that Yar’Adua is still alive and that he did not complete his tenure.
Also, another snag is that a Jonathan presidency would be against the gentleman agreement entered into by the PDP leaders for power to rotate between the North and South at eight years interval. Besides, some elements in the North are said to be angry with the ongoing scenario, which has indirectly pitted them against Obasanjo and have vowed to ensure that the former president does not have his way this time.

Another worry for the Jonathan camp is that the acting president is of the Nembe tribe, a small minority group within the Ijaw axis. “His Ijaw neighbours are not cooperating with him because the major Ijaw leaders are not carried along. Besides, his fight with the governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Timipre Sylva, has put the acting president on collision course with the Ijaw people of Bayelsa. That is bad politics for him, although not a prevailing factor”, an Ijaw rights activist explained.

IBB challenge
Although Ibrahim Babangida said he was still consulting on the role he would play in 2011, the retired General is believed to be very much interested in succeeding Yar’Adua next year. With some support he enjoys across the country, he is seen as the last man standing that could disorganise a plot against the North.
Babangida is reported to be holding series of meetings with stakeholders to announce his interest for the plum job soon. Reliable sources said Babangida is working on who would be his running mate, whether it would be from South South or South East. He is, however, said to favour Yar’Adua’s return to power for the expiration of his tenure and bow out. The retired Army officer is interested in running for one term and hand over to a southerner, in line with the unwritten agreement. If he makes good his plans, that would be a major threat to the aspirations of Jonathan.

The Atiku return
Another obstacle Jonathan faces is the return of Atiku to the PDP. Although, the former vice president has been out of the party for three years, he still commands respect among members. His return would reinforce the North’s claim to the presidency in 2011.
Atiku is believed to be interested in contesting the PDP presidential ticket in 2011. However, he might team up with Babangida to fight Obasanjo, who indirectly stopped them in 2007 election.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/apr/10/national-10-04-2010-001.htm

Abygul:
sheddy babyyyyyyyy.u can av it 04-014-024.let a ypruba boi xplain d number to u.hw was your nite

i'm cool! didn't u say u were stayin in the uk? how come ur number come resemble US number?

na2day?:
he doesnt know your intentions either, just like u, he was afraid of rejection. i am only pointing this out to u for u to learn and hopefully other girls how good things walk away from u when a simple act can change everything. u dont have to ask him out but there are things u could have done to make him feel a little more comfortable. a guy that shows up every week to check on u is no joke my sister and u cant tell me u didnt know his intention

@na2day - well done! for the very first time, you have spoken wisely - keep it up!

OBJ picks Shagari as Jonathan’s VP
•Northern groups reject choice
From ISMAIL OMIPIDAN, Kaduna
Friday, April 09, 2010



Obasanjo
•Photo: Sun News Publishing
More Stories on This Section

Following the move by some interest groups to get ailing President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua out of the way, to allow Acting President Goodluck Jonathan become substantive President, former President Olusegun Obasanjo may have again begun efforts moves to install Sokoto State Deputy Governor Muktar Shagari, as Jonathan’s Vice President, Daily Sun can authoritatively reveal.

But as the immediate past president is planning, different groups in the north are also making frantic efforts to frustrate him. Two meetings were held in Kaduna on Tuesday, with the groups’ resolve to move against Obasanjo’s choice.

Sources close to one of the meetings held by a leading northern-based interest group told Daily Sun that the group has nothing against Shagari, but members do not want Obasanjo’s hand in the process any more after deliberately unleashed Yar’Adua on them in 2007.

“You see, whether we like it or not, the truth is that Yar’Adua will have to give way. If he does not go on his own, he may be forced out. And as soon as that is done with, there will be a need for a Vice President, even if it is for one month. “So it is in preparation for this that Obasanjo has again begun plotting how to force Shagari on us. We have nothing against Shagari, but must the old man from Ota continue to dictate what we do and what we don’t do in the north? We will resist him by whatever means possible.

“Already, we have started reaching out to our elite and those who make things happen in this country. We will resist it. We want the process to throw up someone naturally,” the source said. Daily Sun learnt that the contacts made by the north’s interest groups after their meetings on Tuesday appear to be yielding result, as another name had been thrown up by Obasanjo and his group on Wednesday evening, following the opposition to Shagari’s choice.

Although Daily Sun gathered that Obasanjo has not completely given up on the choice of Shagari, in spite of the opposition, he may have equally started looking the way of Alhaji Adamu Bello, should he find it difficult pushing Shagari’s candidature through. Bello, who hails from Adamawa, is one of the longest serving ministers of agriculture as he served under Obasanjo for about six years.

But the northern establishment, would also move against Bello. There is already a tailor-made blackmail for this purpose that he failed to develop agriculture as an alternative to oil, in spite of his long stay in the ministry.
“Go to the market, the prices of garri, cassava flour, have not dropped. So if he can stay there for that long without the north feeling his impact, what can he do to benefit the north in one year? So we want someone that will benefit the north. Period!

“Obasanjo should wait, when it is the turn of the south that is after the north’s second term, he can meddle in the affairs and decide who becomes President in 2015. But he should stop meddling in our affairs.
“That we did not say anything on Yar’Adua was because we accepted it as act of God. Don’t forget, Murtala had to die for Obasanjo to be Head of State, his kinsman Abiola had to die for him to be President, the third one will not happen. He should better keep off,” one of the sources warned.

Asked to elucidate more on what he meant by the third one will not happen, the source simply said “just put it the way I said it, those with wisdom will know by the time they interpret the analysis. I know you also know.”
A very senior official of one of the major northern socio-cultural group, who also confirmed that his group had also not met over the issue, said that apart from what would happen in the next 14 months, the zone is also looking to how to make the best use of its remaining four years at the presidency.”

Hear him: “One must concede that the entire north now has an image problem. We have made a bad name for ourselves for never giving or putting up our best everytime it’s our turn to produce the President of this country. This must now stop because the north is overflowing with persons willing, able and qualified to lead this country. And we must bring them up from all our three geo-political zones without giving prefrence to any one zone.”

Asked if the move to stop Shagari was not as a result of this seeming bid to reduce the influence of Sokoto and the North-West on the politics and political patronage in the north, the official said that there was “no such movement against any section of the north.” When the need arises, Shagari would be considered just like any other person from any other part. In fact, it is those people who raise this matter that have now introduced this concept of core north that is threatening the unity of the north.

The official who actually hails from Katsina, further said that it was rather patronizing to always throw everything billed for the north at the North-West geo-political zone. “We have discovered that enemies of the north use this to divide us, by alienating other parts of the north. This thing about ‘core north’ must stop. We’ll not go out of our way to throw up anybody, based on ‘core’ or ‘non-core’ north. We must get the best, either now or in 2011 or even beyond.” he said.
http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/newsonthehour/2010/apr/09/newsbreak-09-04-2010-001.htm

Loveworld award songwriter, choir leader and vocalist, Osinach Kalu, ( aka Sinachi), recently launched her album, I’m blessed. The second daughter of seven children told Daily Sun how her father objected to her musical career, her passion to touch lives with her songs, and her born again experience which she describes as awesome. Excerpts:

The name Sinach
“I chose that from my name Osinachi because it is easy to pronounce and catchy. The title of my album is I’m blessed. It is a 15-track album. The title is prophetic. I’m blessed was not a pre-meditated song. It was just a rehearsal we did and the song clicked. I got the inspiration when my pastor was preaching. As a Christian, you have to know that once you step into a relationship with God, you are blessed automatically. The Bible confirms this by telling us that everything we do is blessed.”

Aim of the album
“My aim for this album is that everyone who listens to the messages contained in it will be inspired to the next level. The messages appeal to everyone. Everyone can take in messages they need to lift their souls. The songs are so easy that choir directors can teach their choir members to sing the songs. Individuals that are down would be lifted if they absorb the wordings with faith in their hearts. The album contains worship and praise songs. They are all original because they were written by me and inspired by the Holy Spirit.”

Inspiration
“It comes from God’s word. This is because the word of God is life. I have been under the tutelage of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome for over 20 years. I have listened to God’s word through him and these words have always inspired me to write songs. I have seen situations change and hopeless people have a reason to live and enjoy life through God’s word. My life is a testimony that one can be anything and achieve anything. A lot of people ask me from what part of the world I come, they don’t believe I am from Nigeria. I always tell them that anything good can come out from anywhere with the application of God’s word.”

Before I’m blessed
“I have been writing and performing my songs. I have wriiten over 200 songs including I want more of you and Awesome God. I’m blessed is my second album. My first album is Chapter one. My intention is to push this album farther than the first one so that people can feel the presence of God in their everyday lives and apply God’s word to their situations. They can actually experience church at home.”

The craze for gospel music
“A lot of people are singing gospel music lately because they want to be inspired. People are tired of listening to the wrong music. They want the right music to lift them when they are down. Music is a way of life. Everyone at one point in time needs good and inspirational music to calm down. It is important you listen to the right music.”

Experience in the industry
“My experience is great because I see it as a privilege to impart lives positively through my songs. My pastor taught me to write songs that I would leave in the mouths and hearts of people. I was taught to write songs that would be remembered for a long time.”

Challenges
“I have less challenges because I have a team behind me from the Loveworld Music. I am blessed because I belong to a good ministry and in the midst of good people.”

Was music your childhood dream?
“Yes. Music was my dream. My father objected to my musical career. He told me I would go hungry as a musician, that musicians amount to nothing. It was when I met Pastor Chris that he changed my perspective. He told me I could be anything I want to be in life with God’s word.”

How lucrative is the music ministry?
“I don’t know. The first album was released under the Love World Music Ministry. My work is not based on the commercial aspect. My interest is passing the good news across to listeners. My sole aim is to affect lives. The first album was a trial actually and it went very far.”

My music
“It has substance. Any listener can take valuable substance out of it. My team of producers and writers always take time to work on my songs.”

Schedule
“I am very busy. Each day is a new challenge and an opportunity to impact more lives through music.”

Myself
“I am Osinachi Kalu, the second daughter of seven children. I am from Ebonyi State. I studied Physics at the University of Port Harcout, Rivers State. I discovered I had a talent and I pursued my passion rather than practicing my profession. My objective in the music ministry was to write songs for the church alone. But there was a great demand to make my songs available to other people, hence, the need to launch this new album.”

Born again experience


Osinach
Photo: Sun News Publishing

“It is awesome. I got born again over 20 years ago. The Bible says He takes us from glory to glory. This experience is true for my walk with God. I have experienced increasing grace and favour.”

Growing up
“Growing up was exciting. My father was a loving man and I had a great family. The memories of my childhood are wonderful and exciting. My parents taught me to be truthful at all times. They instilled discipline in us.”

Marriage
“Not yet. It would come at the right time.”

How much have you affected lives with your songs?
“The platform to excel has been provided by my pastor. We were working with God’s word. I didn’t know how much impact we were making in people’s lives until we traveled outside the country. When I go for programmes, I get tired of singing into people’s phones. I have seen miracles take place through my songs and I give God all the glory.”

How do you handle criticisms?
“Criticism comes with success. If you are not doing something big, nobody will criticize you. It is a sign that you are making an impact and that you are influencing lives. I do not dwell on negative criticism. However, it is important that I listen to constructive criticism from someone who knows what it takes to succeed in life. I am so blessed to be surrounded with valuable and godly mentors who continuously offer positive and constructive criticisms and I listen to them.”

Mentors
“I have great examples of leadership, godliness, faith, excellence, courage and success around me. Pastor Chris and Pastor Anita Oyakhilome are my mentors. Rev. Tom and Pastor Joy Amenkhienan, Evangelist Eddy Owase, Pastor Ose Oyakhilome and my mum, Mrs. C.M. Okoro. These people and more have influenced my life in great ways. I thank God for surrounding me with them. I couldn’t have been able to do what I am doing without the direction and influence of my pastors.”

Upcoming artistes
“They would need a lot of patience. They have to cook first, endure and do music overtime before reaping the fruits. They must have true passion and courage, acquire experience and build their fan base. They must also be faithful in building relationships.”

Where do you see the brand Sinach in the next five years?
“I have been working with the LoveWorld Music for over 15years and we have consistently improved and increased in quality, delivery and influence. I believe that the influence of my kind of music will consistently appreciate in the coming years. My music is gospel, and it is good news. It is a collection that will inspire, empower and improve every listener. You can find yourself in my music. In the next five years, I will have more people listening to my kind of music. Children can have godly music to sing and dance at home, especially at this time when young people are looking for hope and help. My music presents hope, faith for the future and points them to the help that they need. Good news!

“In the coming years, I see us doing more DVD recordings and more studio recordings from our team here in the LoveWorld Music. As a song writer, I see me writing songs that will influence the whole nation and the world. I also see us writing songs that will majorly influence praise and worship genre. I believe that we are going to see quality and extraordinary music production that is filled with the anointing of the Spirit of God coming from this side of the world to the rest of the world making global impact.”

An 82-year-old man, (name witheld) was on Wednesday, last week, paraded by the Ekiti State Police Command, allegedly for defiling a 13-year-old girl(name withheld). The octogenarian, however, denied the crime.
He told Daily Sun that he knew the girl at a spot where she sold banana close to his duty post at Eki Cinema in Ado-Ekiti.

When asked about the whereabouts of his wife, the octogenarian said she had relocated to her country home in Edo State, due to a stroke which afflicted her three years ago.

The old man was hitherto a night guard at Eki Cinema in Old Garage area of Ado-Ekiti. The victim was reported to have been defiled by the suspect at night, after luring her with some money to the company’s premises.

The victim led policemen to the duty post of the octogenarian after she reported to the police how she was defiled by the grandfather and another 33-year-old man.

The second suspect confirmed to Daily Sun that he actually had carnal knowledge of the 13-year-old Seri, but without forcing her. He explained that he met the victim when he came out of the cinema house to ease himself around 3:00pm:

“She walked up to me where I was easing myself and said she knew me somewhere. That was how we started talking. She told me she wanted to know my place and we went. Voluntarily, she allowed me to have sex with her after I gave her N200. I wanted to prepare food for her after the romp, but, she said she would buy food with the money I gave her.”

He allegedly duped the young girl of N50,000 being the proceeds of the sales of her banana. He was not forthcoming with the way he collected the money from the girl. The police disclosed that the octogenarian was the first to defile the 13-year-old girl before transferring her to the other accused who did not only defile the girl, but also duped her of N50,000.

The octogenarian denied knowing the second suspect or having anything to do with him in respect of the little girl.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Jimoh, said investigation was still on into the incident.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/apr/09/national-09-04-2010-005.htm

Man, 28, kills mother
| Print | E-mail
Written by David Olagunju

A 28-year-old man, Mr Sunday James, on Tuesday, allegedly killed his mother through an acid bath, a witness said. The witness told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that James attempted to commit suicide after attacking his mother.

James, who hailed from Ikot Usekong in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, allegedly accused the mother of bewitching him and causing him misfortunes.

NAN reported that the mother, Mrs Iko James, was, until her death, the deputy headmistress of Government Primary School, Idung Offiong, in Eket, and a mother of five.

An eyewitness told NAN that trouble started with an argument between James and his mother on Tuesday morning during which he poured acid on her and forced her to drink some of the substance.

When neighbours heard her cry, they forced the door open and rushed her to the hospital but she died before medical help came her way.

The eyewitness added that the assailant attempted to set himself ablaze but was saved by sympathisers, who handed him over to the police.

On interrogation, James, an itinerant photographer, accused the mother of refusing to send him to school.

He said, “I have been suffering as a photographer with my bicycle since I left secondary school but instead of my mother, a teacher who knows the value of education to send me to school, she abandoned me and faced her new husband.

“She was the one working against my progress; she was a witch and that was why I killed her.”

Five cutlasses, electric cables and a gallon of acid were recovered from his room.

Police sources in Eket confirmed the incident and arrest of the suspect who later died in their custody.

The remains of James were immediately taken back to his family compound in Ikot Useng Ikot, while the mother's corpse was deposited in the mortuary at Eket General Hospital.
http://www.tribune.com.ng/index.php/news/3748-man-28-kills-mother-

@abygul - pls let me hav ur digits i'm serious

ifyegede:
All of una no get work or better thing to do.

you who has work to do, why are you here then?

we've had the male version - it's only right to have the female version - ladies have you been accosted by any silly toasters in the past? share your experiences

the truth is - when she won miss world, she claimed she was 18 then but legend has it that she was actually 25 then - so she must nearing 40 now

Lagerback Will Fail Nigerian —Amodu
April 07, 2010 15:44 (13 minutes ago), 40 views

Shaibu Amodu is ready to fight his critics and has launched an attack through Football365.co.za that Nigeria will not achieve anything extraordinary under the tutelage of new Super Eagles Manager, Lars Lagerback.

The Swede signed a five-month deal with the Eagles in February and will lead the side to the World Cup finals in South Africa.

Amodu, who guided Nigeria to a third-place finish at the African Nations Cup in Angola and through the qualification process for the global showpiece, believes that Lagerback will not be able to take the team forward.

“I don’t see any new thing he will bring to the team. We are talking of a team that is already cooked and trimmed for success by previous handlers,” Amodu said.

“It is not as if he has some rough materials that needs fine tuning. All of that has been done already, so where lies the change and necessary overhauling that people are talking about? The boys are capable of holding their own against any opposition. The team, from where I left off, is very easy to handle at the moment.

“It is unfortunate that somebody’s dislike for my guts ended up making a mockery of the whole team as if we were a bunch of school boys who lacked direction. The situation wasn’t that bad as the picture painted by my detractors sought to portray. These players aren’t rotten apples. They are among the finest you can find on the market.”

Amodu, who was sacked despite meeting the requirements set out in his contract, feels that Lagerback needs to prove himself at the World Cup.

“Sincerely, he may just be holidaying around the team. People shouldn’t expect anything dramatic or different to change under the new coach,” added the former Super Eagles boss.

“He might even end up performing woefully than how the world was made to believe I did. He is new, so everyone seems to believe he is the messiah they have been waiting for.

“It doesn’t work that way. Winning one or two matches doesn’t make you a top notch coach. The real test lies ahead. Being cosmetic is not enough. We all wait to see if he is a good material or not.”

Amodu also warned the Swede that he will find it difficult to find friends amongst the Nigerian set-up.

“He may be a good man with the right intentions but I am sorry he will have to contend with the egos of the people around him. That is the reality in handling a key position like the Super Eagles coach,” he said.

“I don’t know him but he must have been a tough-hearted person to have accepted the position. If I were him, I will not be happy at this time because everyone is praising me. Two months after today, the story might change.”

Amodu, meanwhile, is still disgruntled at being axed from his managerial post.

“The decision to sack me was cruel and smacks of wickedness. Coaches know that someday, they will be fired but certainly not in this way,” he admitted.

“After qualifying the team for the World Cup and going beyond the targets they set for me in Angola, it was only honourable for someone out there to say that ‘Ok, we don’t like him but he hasn’t shamed us all.’ Rather, a decision that can only be explained by the perpetrators was taken.

“Maybe a group of people don’t feel comfortable seeing me around but whether they like it or not, I will still go down in history as the perfect gentleman, who under very difficult and tough circumstances, qualified the Super Eagles to South Africa, the same accomplishment their new messiah failed to achieve with Sweden.

“When I am dead and gone, the story will be told, it won’t change a bit. I have made my mark and got nothing more to prove,” concluded Amodu.

Comment
source: pm news

mine happened in a church service - there was this lady i had been eyeing during church service then after service i moved closer to her to chat with her. For some reason, she already knew what i was going to say, then i started off by saying "oh, your face looks familiar" and she just shouted at me "what?!" - and everybody heard her shout - i felt as if the ground should open and swallow me  

just like it happened with the American elections two years ago, the British election is here - the date has been set for May 6th. It would be nice to know would Nigerians love to see on the British hotseat - the incumbent Gordon Brown or conservative candidate David Cameron? - Discuss

pls does anybody have this song? can anybody provide a link to download it?

hehehehe! very funny!

Another Christ Embassy bashing thread. Why do people always love creating unnecessary controversy? Let God be the judge

hahahaha! April fool!

is this true or an april fool joke?

Ghaddafi Begs Nigeria, As Jonathan Warns Against Diplomatic Gaffe

By Chesa Chesa, State House, Abuja



Libyan leader, Muammar Ghaddafi, on Wednesday sent a delegation to Aso Rock to appease the Federal Government over recent comments proposing the splitting of Nigeria along religious and ethnic lines.

Liberian President, Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson, who came to the Villa with Ghaddafi’s special envoy and Secretary-General of Tripoli-based World Islamic Call Society, Muhammed Sherif, brokered the rapprochement.

Also on the delegation were Executive Secretary of the Forum for Arab-African Non-governmental Organisations, also based in Tripoli, Rafa Al-Madani, and three workers of the Libyan Embassy in Nigeria.

Addressing newsmen after the parley, Jonathan’s spokesman, Ima Niboro, declined to say exactly the terms of appeasement being sought by Ghaddafi but admitted the meeting was aimed at re-establishing good relations between Nigeria and Libya.

According to him, “it is actually an initiative on (Sirleaf-Johnson’s) part to broker rapprochement between Nigeria and Libya; so she came with two special envoys from President Ghadaffi of Libya, and the purpose of the meeting basically was to establish a level of rapport so that the two nations can put behind them the recent statement that has been made and move forward.

“Acting President Jonathan made it abundantly clear that all leaders should be diplomatic in their comments about other nations, that there are certain kinds of statements that you can make that can substantially ruffle feathers in other nations.

“So, he actually said that there should be an effort from all other leaders to be a little circumspect over the affairs of other nations.

“This process that is brokered by the President of Liberia is to restate African unity, pull together as brothers and to move ahead. It is a process that is continuing”.

Asked how remorseful Ghaddafi was regarding the meeting, Niboro replied that “envoys are here to talk about these issues. It is a process that is continuous.

http://www.independentngonline.com/DailyIndependent/Article.aspx?id=11262

Ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua, who was scheduled to be flown to Saudi Arabia this week, has been rejected by the Saudi authorities.

His family had concluded plans to return him to King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Jeddah, where he spent 93 days before he was hurriedly brought back to the country in the dead of the night last month.

P.M.NEWS can authoritatively disclose that the refusal to allow him back in the Saudi hospital, is creating panic in the Yar’Adua family and also within the fold of his allies.

According to sources close to the family in Abuja, the ailing president’s health rather than improve, has worsened since he was hurriedly transported from King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Jeddah in the early hours of 24 February, 2010 to Abuja. Yar’Adua landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja under heavy security mounted by soldiers at about 2 a.m.

Coincidentally, a six-man delegation of the Federal Executive Council was in Saudi Arabia at about 10 p.m. on the night of 23 February only to be informed by the Saudi authorities that Yar’Adua was already airborne on his way to Nigeria.

Ailing President Yar’Adua was flown out of the country on 23 November, 2009. He was said to be suffering from a heart-related disease called pericarditis. His 93-day stay in the hospital in Jeddah brought a lot of confusion in the polity and a protracted logjam. While his loyalists insisted he must continue to rule in absentia, the National Assembly refused to invoke section 145 of the constitution to remove him.

However, with rumours of a coup d’etat flying around the country, the Governors Forum backed the National Assembly and on 9 February by a unanimous resolution, the vice president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was pronounced the Acting President.

The following day, Jonathan demonstrated the power conferred upon him as acting President when redeployed the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, (AGF) Michael Aondoakaa (SAN) who had been in the forefront of Yar’Adua must remain in power.

Aondakaa, had earlier ridiculed his office and courted the anger of many Nigerians when he declared that Yar’Adua could rule as president from anywhere in the world.

Aondakaa was named Minister of Special Duties while Adetokunbo Kayode, another Senior Advocate in the cabinet took over as AGF.

Many Nigerians have been expressing outrage at all forms of lies being peddled by the Yar’Adua loyalists concerning his health since 36 days ago when he was smuggled into the country like a thief in the night.

While his loyalists have continued to announce the speedy improvement in his health, nobody has seen or spoken to him. He has not been seen in public. Not even Acting President Jonathan has seen his boss since he was smuggled into the country.

Determined to take full control of government, Jonathan on 17 March, sacked all the ministers and dissolved the Federal Executive Council, an action many Nigerians received with applause as a way out of the political impasse and power vacuum created by the ailing president’s failure to vacate power even when it is obvious he is incapacitated and cannot continue in office.

Having failed to achieve its aim of stopping Jonathan from assuming power through the hurried movement of Yar’Adua from the Saudi hospital back to Aso Rock villa, his worsening health, sources confirmed to P.M.NEWS, has forced the family to do a rethink and plan to return him to hospital
http://thepmnews.com/2010/03/31/saudi-arabia-rejects-yaradua-as-family-plans-to-return-him-to-hospital

Ebonyeyes:
I dont think "CELEBRITY" and "OBASANJO" should be used in the same sentence, INFAMOUS? yes but CELEBRITY? HELL NO.

sooooo funny!

do you know any? pls contribute

would u - especially if they are very thick and obvious ones