Breaking news nobel laureate soyinkas daughter dies.

Iyetade Soyinka, a daughter of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, has died. Ms. Soyinka, who was born June 6, 1965, died at the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital where she was being treated for an undisclosed ailment.

Arsenal will not win the league - Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, has claimed that the Premier League will be won between the Manchester teams and Liverpool.

Arsenal are currently on top of the log, one point ahead of Manchester City, as the league reached its mid-way point this weekend.

Ahead of the clash between the Blues and Liverpool who are in fourth, Mourinho has declared that the visitors will be in the mix, especially since they don’t play in Europe this season.

Mourinho said: “At this moment, everybody’s there. It’s Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and City in the top four.


“This year the pressure will be not just to win the title, but to get top four. I think it’ll be hard.

“If I have to say, and I know you’d like me to say, Manchester City are the big, big, big favourites.

“Liverpool are on holidays for the whole season, one week to prepare a match, play the match, one more week to prepare the next match, which is an unbelievable advantage.

“And Manchester United, in spite of being a few points behind, are the reality of the last years.

“Leave us there, behind them. We’ll try and do our job and finish top four.

“Arsenal are like us. They play in the Champions League. They are trying to improve from the last few years. For many years they’ve not been at the top of the league.

“Chelsea were 25 and 14 points off the leaders in the last two years. For us and Arsenal we have to try and do our best.”

Arsenal will not win the league - Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, has claimed that the Premier League will be won between the Manchester teams and Liverpool.

Arsenal are currently on top of the log, one point ahead of Manchester City, as the league reached its mid-way point this weekend.

Ahead of the clash between the Blues and Liverpool who are in fourth, Mourinho has declared that the visitors will be in the mix, especially since they don’t play in Europe this season.

Mourinho said: “At this moment, everybody’s there. It’s Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and City in the top four.


“This year the pressure will be not just to win the title, but to get top four. I think it’ll be hard.

“If I have to say, and I know you’d like me to say, Manchester City are the big, big, big favourites.

“Liverpool are on holidays for the whole season, one week to prepare a match, play the match, one more week to prepare the next match, which is an unbelievable advantage.

“And Manchester United, in spite of being a few points behind, are the reality of the last years.

“Leave us there, behind them. We’ll try and do our job and finish top four.

“Arsenal are like us. They play in the Champions League. They are trying to improve from the last few years. For many years they’ve not been at the top of the league.

“Chelsea were 25 and 14 points off the leaders in the last two years. For us and Arsenal we have to try and do our best.”

Presidency Orders Sanusi Lamido To Retire.

B-R-E-A-K-I-N-G News!!!Presidency Orders Sanusi Lamido To Retire.The false alarmist CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has been ordered by the Presidency to proceed on compulsory retirement on or before March 2014 as his tenure as CBN governor will not be renewed.Sanusi Lamido Sanusi's order to proceed to a forced to leave will come months before his term expires in 2014.Mallam Sanusi Lamido wrote a fallacious letter to the President, complain about missing £50billion, from funds NNPC suppose to remit to the Federation accounts. Regrettable after a two-day of reconciliation with NNPC, FIRS, DPR and CBN, Mallam Sanusi aplogised to Nigerians that he got his figures wrong and blamed his staffs for providing him with wrong data. He concluded that $12billion was the new difference, while the team saw a difference of N10billion. After about 3 more days of reconciliation, the CBN announced that the N10billion was actually remitted to CBN months before Sansui's false alarm, under a separate heading by FIRS and DPR (Department of Petroleum Resources).Sanusi's tenure was marred with controversies, especially his inability to reconcile the accounts of CBN or making accounts of CBN available to Nigerians or lawmakers. He was using the bank's funds for personal donations to unapproved causes. Na wah!

Akpabio opens flood of good tidings for Akwa Ibom with 9999 choir

God loves Akwa Ibom!  Amen!
A resounding response of Ameen which almost shook the Uyo Stadium to its foundation accompanied the affirmation of God’s love for  Akwa Ibom State by Bishop David  Oyedepo, shepherd of  the Living Faith Mission, who was  the guest pastor at this year’s  Akwa Ibom State Government 9999 Christmas  Carol night.
Bishop Oyedepo was in his ecclesiastical best. Decked in a sparkling white suit, radiant in his looks and brilliant in the delivery of what he does best, he said “I bring you good tidings according to the words of God.”
This is what Governor Godswill Akpabio has been organising  for his people  in the past four years, gathering them for praise worship in acknowledgement of the mercy  of the Lord on the state, the people and Nigerians in general, since 2008. It has featured renowned men of God like the Catholic Archbishop of Calabar, Archbishop Joseph Ekuwem; the General Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi and Pastor Enoch Adeboye  of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
To Governor Akpabio, leadership should be in totality. A leader must not only seek and make available the worldly desires of his people, but must and should strive hard not only to  boost their spiritual relationship with God but  lead them  in unison to  worship and praise Him.
Thus, this year’s  2013  9999 Christmas  Carol was packaged in reflection of its mission as the  praise and worship songs  delivered melodiously by both the local and international gospel singers sparked the  celestial spirits of the Akwa Ibomites  on Saturday  21 December, 2013  at the Uyo township  stadium  where  they all gathered in unison to appreciate their Creator for His blessings and mercy.
 The atmosphere was enveloped in the mood of the season. The Uyo stadium was bedecked and baked in refined splendour of Christmas decoration, making it a spectacle of excitement and glamour. Christmas symbols were seen everywhere. The uniqueness  of the carol was not only in its largest congregation of the carol singers in the world, but also in its being a uniting force  by the people of the multi-ethnic state to offer  sacrifice of praise  and  honour to God and, at the same time, have direct economic  advantages.
Indeed, all the sectors, especially the hospitality sector,  enjoyed  good patronage. This is buoyed by the great numbers of tourists, artistes  and  Akwa Ibomites in the Diaspora who trooped in to join the  annual  special praise festival.
 The festival has gained much recognition and acceptability, so well that it commanded distinguished Nigerians and personalities including past and serving  governors of the neighbouring states. They included Rev Jesse Jackson from America,  Mr Peter Obi, Governor,  Anambra State; Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, former  governor of  Abia State; Mr Victor Umeh, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)National  Chairman; Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church International; Primate  Sunday Mbang;  Dr Ade Abolurin, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); Mrs Sally Mbanefo,  Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC);  Mr Udom Ekpo Udom,  a retired  police chief and many others.
Apart from the melodious renditions of the 9999 singers, the Akwa Ibom  State choir, the visiting  National Choir of St  Kitts and  Nevis showcased classical acts of praising the Lord with songs and dances which angels in heaven will appreciate. There were also Akwa Ibom State indigenes in the entertainment industry, including Dr Goodie Goodie, Folake Umoren, as well as the  Ibom brass band, among others. The NSCDC and others gave  special Christmas carols while the likes  of  Lionel Peterson, Osinachi Kalu (Sinach), Frank Edwards, Freke Umoh , el Mavis,  Israel Houghton and others ministered  in songs  which pulled the distinguished guests off their seats to  “shake their body” in appreciation of the melody.
The  Chief  host,  Governor Akpabio ,  in a chat with journalists, said “My expectations in this year’s carol is  God’s blessing upon Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and Africa. I believe strongly that this is the way Africa should behave. We should go back to the roots and worship our God.
“Once you have a solid foundation which is God—and God is love—and once you can show love to your neighbour, there will be no conflict in Africa. There will be  no vices such as kidnapping, armed robbery and other social vices. Once we show genuine love to our neighbours, automatically, all the crises we are seeing in Africa will come to an end. It is very important to love yourself and others.
For  me, Christmas is all about love, it is about the birth of Jesus Christ which is a great sign that God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to come and die for  the world. This  is the way we want to celebrate it and this is the way Africa should celebrate the foundations by God for us.”
Governor Akpabio, who took the only reading of the carol  from the book of Mathew  Chapter 1 verses 18 to 23, maintained that Akwa Ibom is a Gilgal of Africa. Gilgal was that place in the Bible where God commanded his prophets to gather all His people whenever there was trouble, “and then renew your covenant with me.’’ And truly when trouble came, they went to Gilgal  and renewed their covenant and God saved Israel.
“Today, I want to tell you that Akwa Ibom has become the Gilgal of our nation where every single organisation, including corporate organisations that want to make profit, come for a retreat. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Muslims, NIREC and others, even the Nigerian Senate came to Akwa ibom for  a retreat. Unknown to us, God has picked our state as a citadel to reach out to the rest of Africa. We may not  yet be in  Jerusalem but we are getting there.
“ My message is that we are returning ourselves  to God, that the foundation of every good thing is God. The progress that we’ve been having is God, the foundation of  every good thing we are doing today is God and nothing  else. So, my people in the  Diaspora, I want to urge you to return to God  and once you do that, I can assure you that 2014 will bring development and  progress for  everybody, “ he concluded.
 Also the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, said  that  “9999  Christmas Carol Night has become a major tourist attraction to the  state. It is  also  serving  as an avenue for the promotion of spiritual growth, peaceful co-existence among ethnic, religious and cultural groups in an evening of praise; worship, love and unity. Apart from boosting the tourism potentialities of Akwa Ibom State, the Carol Night, which has maintained its unique theme and tradition, has evolved with new ideas and concepts on a yearly basis. The tourism potential of the carol has been enhanced by a rapidly growing international reputation and acceptance of the state.”
He revealed  that with a blend of unique vocal and digital renditions of a medley of lyrics as well as a repertoire of colourful visual decoration, dance, costumes and lighting, “the ambience in and around the event venue often engenders bliss and spiritual awakening.”
Senator Ita Solomon Enang, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business in a chat also said: “This is awesome, we are repeating the history that we’ve been making. This is one opportunity that we have in showing the entire world that tourism in Nigeria has moved from everywhere and is congregating in Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of Governor Akpabio. If you walk through all the state from Ikot Ekpene and some other communities in the state, what we  have in Uyo is what you see there.
“You don’t need to come to Uyo. Christmas is celebrated everywhere but the governor has said “today, let us all come together  in unity and sing to God in appreciation of what He has been doing for us since the beginning of this year, most importantly how He has been helping us in our state.”
John Etim, Commissioner for Works, said “What we are witnessing today is the result of the uncommon style of leadership of an uncommon transformation agent, which is His Excellency,  the governor of Akwa Ibom State,  Akpabio. Significantly, this is one unique event emphasising, first, the need for all of us in the state to jointly sing in appreciation of our Lord and Father and secondly to showcase to the world, the tourists  around, the stuff we were  made of in the  state. And if you go around, you will see the effect on the economy of the state, as all the hotels around have been booked, everybody is positively feeling the impact of this programme.”
Udom Ekpo Udom,  a former Deputy  Inspector General of Police, said “This is Christmas season and everybody is celebrating but here in my state, Akwa Ibom, my governor  takes the celebration in a special way. This is about the fourth time we are having this kind of ceremony created by Governor Akpabio  for people to rejoice and praise God. The significance is that it draws us closer to God because when you praise Him, you get something in return and part of what we get in return isthe uncommon transformation that has been in place by the Mr. Governor and his team. You can see the unprecedented changes that we are witnessing in his era. It is a sign that God accepts our  praises and hears our requests.”
The  Commandant  General of Nigerian Civil Defence Corps,  NSCDC, Dr Ade Abolurin, said: “This is a unique event and we thank God for his mercies. It is very excellent and that is why we are here. I notice that there is improvement in the organisation and  I believe it is as a result of answered prayers. When you praise God and give Him honour and glory, He will give you something good in return.”
Mrs Sally Mbanefo , the Chief Tourism Officer for the nation said “This is a wonderful  religious event packaged beautifully well to appreciate God  Almighty by Governor Akpabio and his team. The NTDC will take a prominent participation in the subsequent years. This is a pride to domestic tourism, a nice concept from Governor Akpabio.”
Bishop David Oyedepo, the guest preacher, spoke on the significance of Christmas, pointing out that  the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas brought us good news, hope,  joy and good tidings.Bishop Oyedepo harped  on the fact that the peace  of God can only be enjoyed  by those who love  God and keep his way: “A nation without the peace of God is in crisis and the only solution is  for such a nation to return to God, live in peace and seek peaceful relationship with everyone.”
 He,  however, urged Nigerians  to continue to pray for peace from  God for their  leaders and society at large so that they  can enjoy meaningful  development that could help all and sundry. Bishop Oyedepo, who cautioned against war and crisis in Africa said it was high time Africa  wore an  identity and Nigeria took its leading position in the world. He commended Governor Akpabio for packaging such a wonderful Christmas Choir Carol to thank and eulogize God almighty for doing so well for the state.
Bishop Oyedepo  declared that “ The Peace of the Lord be unto Governor Akpabio, his family, his team , the people and state of Akwa Ibom, Nigeria,  and the world, as you all shall be partakers of year 2014 in glory and abundance blessing of the Lord in Jesus name.”

Ex-CAN president, Akinola kidnapped

Peter Jasper Akinola, the former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and retired Primate of the Anglican Church has been kidnapped in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital with his driver by a gang of unknown gunmen.
BusinessDay gathered that Akinola was kidnapped at the entrance of the his youth empowerment foundation centre – Peter Akinola Foundation Centre for Youth Industrial Training at kilometer 10, Abeokuta-Lagos expressway at about 3pm in his Sports Utility Vehicle.
When contacted, Muyiwa Adejobi, the State Police Public Relations Officer told pressmen that it was too early to conclude that the incident was a kidnapping, but later disclosed that the State Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, had ordered a hunt for the suspects.
He said, “We are aware of the incident but it is too early to jump to the conclusion that it is a kidnapping. We were told that some armed men waylaid him and went away with his vehicle. But we have seen cases where armed men will steal a vehicle and go away with its owner or occupant for their own safety. Therefore, it’s too early to draw the line that it is kidnapping.
“However, we have alerted our men. We have details of the vehicle. By God’s grace, it won’t be a sad situation. The primate will be safe. The Commissioner of Police and the Area Commander are out to make sure he is safe.”
Meanwhile, reactions have however trailed the reported kidnapping of the 69-year old cleric from concerned individuals and groups who pleaded that the revered cleric should be released.
The Nigeria Association for Care and Resettlement of Offenders (NARCO), a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) that spoke with some sections of the media, appealed for immediate release of the clergyman without any conditions attached to it.
Gbenga Gbesan, the Association Chairman, who spoke on behalf of the Association plead thus: “We appeal for the immediate release of the revered Primate without any condition attach to it whatsoever.
2 Responses to Ex-CAN president, Akinola kidnapped
What are you gaining from this act of kidnapping when you will definately be caught, it is a matter of time. Then, you will be blaming devil you did not seen or known. Shame on you!


Bro Kareem Azeez
December 24, 2013 at 9:22 pm
Reply

I REJOICE WITH HIS GRACE THAT HE WILL CELEBRATE XMAS WITH HIS FAMILY TOMORROW. GLORY BE TO GOD. VEN M. B. JODA, CHAIRMAN, AVM, EGBA ANGLICAN DIOCESE.


VEN ENGR M. B. JODA,CHAIRMAN,AVM,EGBA,ANG. DIOCESE.
December 24, 2013 at 9:36 pm
Reply

Nudist Couple Stage Naked Wedding, Ends In Arrest During Couple’s Dance (photos)

She’s 44, He’s 20: Nudist Couple Stage Naked Wedding, Ends In Arrest During Couple’s Dance (PHOTOS)

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something…nude?
Nude rights activist Gypsy Taub, 44, was arrested on Thursday after her wedding to Jaymz Smith, 20, on the steps of City Hall in San Francisco, according to the Associated Press.
The bride — a mother of three from Berkeley, Calif. — arrived in a dress, but eventually stripped down to nothing but a veilto say her vows.
“This is a protest against the nudity ban as much as it is a wedding,” she shouted to a crowd of roughly 100 people before the nuptials, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. “I know that the people of San Francisco are behind me.”
Officiant and former San Francisco nudist mayoral candidate presided over the ceremony and finished with the words, “Kiss and conjugate.”

According to the Chronicle, there was a matinee performance of “The Nutcracker” about to start at the Opera House close by, and many mothers and children were passing by.
After the ceremony, Taub was taken to a police van and received a citation for public nudity — her eighth citation of this kind. She was then released after agreeing to put the dress back on. Her husband and several of her guests were cited as well.
In spite of the arrest, was the bride’s Big Day everything she dreamed of?
“It was fantastic,” Taub told the Associated Press. “It surpassed all my expectations. It was just an awesome party.”

San Francisco police lead away Gypsy Taub, right, and Jaymz Smith, left, to a van after their nude wedding outside City Hall, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, in San Francisco. Taub, the face and body of San Francisco’s nude rights movement, tied the knot outside City Hall and was later cited and released by police. Taub, a mother of three who conducts nude interviews on public access TV, has been arrested repeatedly for violating the city’s public nudity ban. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Gypsy Taub, left, dances with Jaymz Smith, right, following their nude wedding outside City Hall Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, in San Francisco. Taub, the face and body of San Francisco’s nude rights movement, tied the knot outside City Hall and was later cited and released by police. Taub, a mother of three who conducts nude interviews on public access TV, has been arrested repeatedly for violating the city’s public nudity ban. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Gypsy Taub, right, embraces Jaymz Smith, left, following their nude wedding outside City Hall Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, in San Francisco. Taub, the face and body of San Francisco’s nude rights movement, tied the knot outside City Hall and was later cited and released by police. Taub, a mother of three who conducts nude interviews on public access TV, has been arrested repeatedly for violating the city’s public nudity ban. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

PHOTOS: Kelly Handsome, M.I. Reconcile, Thrill Port Harcourt Fans with Joint Performance

Kelechukwu and M.I. Abaga may to clap for themselves, as it looks like the two rappers have put aside their long running feud in the interest of peace and collaboration.

The rappers have been spotted on stage in Port Harcourt recently rocking the crowd in a joint performance.

See the photos below:

NAKED CHRISTMAS - NIGERIAN FEMALE CELEBRITIES TAKES NUDITY TO NAZARETH

An army of angry Facebook and Twitter followers have matched on Gospel singer Maheeda, ex-Big Brother Africa house mate Beverly Osu and actresses Juliet Ibrahim and Adaora Ukoh for posting X-rated Christmas cards of themselves.

The war of comments have been raging for more than forty eight hours since Maheeda; a Gospel artist released her version of the 2013 Christmas card to her fans; a gift that was immediately word-bombed and hurled back at her. The other celebrities had quickly followed suit with their cards.

Beverly's card

The general consensus of the protest is that the latest trend of semi-nude X-mas cards must stop.

Maheeda's version

A defiant Maheeda has defended herself against criticisms by Charles Novia. She told a reporter "I'm not posting those nude pictures on the internet to teach people to start going naked, I posted them because I felt I am sexy and I love sexuality. In Europe, where I live, at a certain age, parents will start to teach their children about sex education. But it is unfortunate that I came from this part of the world where sentiment is attached to everything.

I'm 31 years old and I can't pretend to behave like a baby or something. I'm sexy and I like it. I'm still spiritually inclined and I have some gospel songs which are not out yet. One of them is Papangolo. Those nude pictures you see is Maheeda. That is me. I am just expressing myself. I'm sexy and I am only appreciating that fact because I love sexuality.

Adaora Ukoh

Juliet Ibrahim

Maheeda's response has been received with much indignation and the drums of war have heightened.

Sources say that family and friends are racing to get her to stop but have so far met brick wall as her resolve remains unshaken.

While the others have remained silent to the angry roar on their walls, their semi-nude pictures have not been taken down.

The protesters however believe that the war has been worn. Until the online siege broke out, it was rumoured that an avalanche of more lingerie clad female celebs especially from Nollywood were planning to get their own Christmas cards posted online … None has since surfaced.

Their supporters have cried that these celebrities be left alone but even they may not be able to hear themselves.

APC Commends Reps Report On Oduah, Says Jonathan Should Proof Anti-Corruption Stance By Firing Minister

The All Progressives Congress has hailed the House of Representatives for its stand on the N255m armoured cars scandal involving the Minster of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, following the adoption of the recommendation of its Committee on Aviation, which called on President Goodluck Jonathan to “review the continued engagement of the minister over her role in the scam”.

 

In a statement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital on Monday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said by its action, “the House of Representatives has again signalled its readiness to play its own part in fighting the massive corruption which has enveloped the country.”

The opposition party added that “by its unequivocal stand on the scandal, coming on the heels of the recent criticism of President Jonathan’s tepid fight against corruption by House Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, the House has left no one in doubt that the legislature is taking its oversight role very seriously”.

The APC said, “There is no doubt that the House of Representatives took its stand, which included asking the EFCC to investigate and prosecute all those involved in the scandal, after a painstaking work by its Committee on Aviation. This action is commendable and reflects the general opinion of Nigerians on the shameful scandal.

“Therefore, Ms. Oduah has no basis for continued occupation of her post as Minister of Aviation and should step down immediately. If she fails to do so, she should be fired by the President”.

APC said if the Minister failed to resign and the President refuses to relieve her of her appointment, it would confirm the general perception across the country that “this President is not ready or willing to fight corruption; that he is comfortable in the company of corrupt officials”.

The party said the failure of Mr. Jonathan to heed the recommendation of the House of Representatives on Oduahgate would also add to “his earlier failure to act on the House’s decision on the massive oil subsidy scam and the failure of his administration to bring to justice all those behind the series of corruption cases that have dogged the administration”.

It added, “The list is long, and includes the pension scam, the Malabu scandal, the massive corruption in SEC, the Halliburton scandal, the unprecedented crude oil theft and the extensive corruption in the oil sector.

”The President’s decision to hug corruption rather than fight it has also been reflected in his comments; for example that the perception people have about corruption in Nigeria is exaggerated; and that his administration is ‘winning’ the war against corruption”.

Utah Turns to Higher Court to Halt Gay Marriage

Utah state lawyers have again turned to a Denver-based federal appeals court in their bid to put a stop to gay couples getting married, saying the state should not be required to abide by one judge's narrow view of a "new and fundamentally different definition of marriage."

About 700 gay couples have obtained wedding licenses since U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby on Friday declared Utah's gay marriage ban unconstitutional, but lawyers for the state are trying every legal avenue to halt the practice. Shelby on Monday denied their bid to temporarily stop gay marriage while the appeals process plays out, and they then quickly went to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Utah is the 18th state where gay couples can wed, and the sight of same-sex marriages occurring just a few miles from the headquarters of the Mormon church has provoked anger among the state's top leaders.

"Until the final word has been spoken by this Court or the Supreme Court on the constitutionality of Utah's marriage laws, Utah should not be required to enforce Judge Shelby's view of a new and fundamentally different definition of marriage," the state said in a motion to the appeals court.

It is estimated that nearly two-thirds of Utah's 2.8 million residents are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Mormons dominate the state's legal and political circles. The Mormon church was also one of the leading forces behind California's short-lived ban on same-sex marriage.

The legal wrangling over the topic will likely continue for months. The 10th Circuit could rule as soon as Monday evening or Tuesday on whether to temporarily halt the weddings. But the same court likely will hear the full appeal of the case several months from now.

People began lining up Sunday night at the Salt Lake County clerk's office in the hopes of getting licenses amid the uncertainty of the pending ruling by Shelby. Couples then got married once every few minutes in the lobby to the sound of string music from a violin duet.

They anxiously eyed their cellphones for news on Shelby's decision, and a loud cheer erupted once word spread that he wouldn't be blocking weddings. "We feel equal!" one man shouted; his partner called it "this magic happening out of the clear blue."

Adam Blatter said he was in a panic to get married Monday morning before a judge could halt the issuance of licenses. He and his partner, Joseph Chavez, were elated when it became clear their wait was worthwhile, and they were shocked that it was happening in a state long known as one of the most conservative in the country.

"We expected Utah to be the last place we could get married," Blatter said.

Even if the 10th Circuit grants a stay, the marriage licenses that already have been issued probably will remain valid, said Carl Tobias, a constitutional law professor at Virginia's University of Richmond who has tracked legal battles for gay marriage. It's not entirely certain, however, because Utah's situation has unfolded differently than those of other states, and there's no direct precedent, he said.

Not all counties are issuing the licenses. In Utah County, one of the most conservative in the state, County Clerk Brian Thompson made a conscious decision to defy the judge's ruling and not grant marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples. He said he wants to see if the appeals court grants the stay first.

"I totally understand the position I'm in," he said, "but I have a responsibility as elected official to proceed with caution."

The appeals court already has rejected two previous requests from the state due to procedural issues, but it has not yet considered the case based on merits.

The Mormon church said Friday it stands by its support for "traditional marriage" and hopes a higher court validates its belief that marriage is between a man and woman.

In court Monday, Utah lawyer Philip Lott repeated the words "chaotic situation" to describe what has happened in Utah since clerks started allowing gay weddings. He urged the judge to "take a more orderly approach than the current frenzy."

"Utah should be allowed to follow its democratically chosen definition of marriage," he said of the 2004 gay marriage ban.

In explaining his decision, Shelby said the state made basically the same arguments he had already rejected.

Adding to the chaos is the fact that Utah Attorney General John Swallow stepped down about a month ago amid a scandal involving allegations of bribery and offering businessmen protection in return for favors. The state has been relying on an acting attorney general, and Gov. Gary Herbert appointed a replacement Monday who will serve until a special election next year.

Peggy Tomsic, the lawyer for the same-sex couples who brought the case, called gay marriage the civil rights movement of this generation and said it was the new law of the land in Utah.

"The cloud of confusion that the state talks about is only their minds," she said.

Shelby said in Friday's ruling that the constitutional amendment that Utah voters approved violates gay and lesbian couples' rights to due process and equal protection under the 14th Amendment. He said the state failed to show that allowing same-sex marriages would affect opposite-sex marriages in any way.

Legal scholars speculate that the case could someday be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court if the justices decide they want to weigh in on whether state same-sex marriage bans violate the U.S. Constitution.

Tobias said that's a real possibility, but far from imminent. It will depend on what the appeals court decides and what happens with other court challenges in Nevada, Pennsylvania and Virginia, he said.

Snowden says his 'mission's already accomplished'

WASHINGTON (AP) — National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden said his "mission's already accomplished" after revealing NSA secrets that have caused a reassessment of U.S. surveillance policies.

Snowden told The Washington Post in an interview published online Monday night that he was satisfied because journalists have been able to tell the story of the government's collection of bulk Internet and phone records, an activity that has grown dramatically in the decade since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

"For me, in terms of personal satisfaction, the mission's already accomplished," he said. "I already won."

"As soon as the journalists were able to work, everything that I had been trying to do was validated," Snowden told the Post. "Because, remember, I didn't want to change society. I wanted to give society a chance to determine if it should change itself."

President Barack Obama hinted Friday that he would consider some changes to NSA's bulk collection of Americans' phone records to address the public's concerns about privacy. His comments came in a week in which a federal judge declared the NSA's collection program probably was unconstitutional. A presidential advisory panel has suggested 46 changes to NSA operations.

Snowden was interviewed in Moscow over two days by Post reporter Barton Gellman, who has received numerous leaks from the former NSA contractor. The interview was conducted six months after Snowden's revelations first appeared in the Post and Britain's Guardian newspaper.

Gellman described Snowden as relaxed and animated over two days of nearly unbroken conversation, fueled by burgers, pasta, ice cream and Russian pastry.

In June, the Justice Department unsealed a criminal complaint charging Snowden with espionage and felony theft of government property. Russia granted him temporary asylum five months ago.

The effects of Snowden's revelations have been evident in the courts, Congress, Silicon Valley and capitals around the world, where even U.S. allies have reacted angrily to reports of U.S. monitoring of their leaders' cellphone calls. Brazil and members of the European Union are considering ways to better protect their data and U.S. technology companies such as Google, Microsoft and Yahoo are looking at ways to block the collection of data by the government.

Snowden, now 30, said he is not being disloyal to the U.S. or to his former employer.

"I am not trying to bring down the NSA, I am working to improve the NSA," he said. "I am still working for the NSA right now. They are the only ones who don't realize it."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the Snowden interview.

Asked about the Snowden interview, White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said: "Mr. Snowden faces felony charges here in the United States and should be returned to the U.S. as soon as possible, where he will be afforded due process and all the protections of our criminal justice system."

Frank Edoho of 'WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE' Remarries.

After several months of speculation, TV presenter and ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’ host Frank Edoho has married his girlfriend, Sandra Onyenenecheya.
The popular TV personality was in Arochukwu, Abia State on December 18 for the traditional ceremony.
The couple were said to have lodged in a hotel called “Brick House” and left the following morning.
His celebrated marriage with Katherine Obiang, his ex-wife and mother of three, collapsed on the grounds of irreconcilable differences.
The ex-NTA/ Classic FM presenter was quoted to have said in an interview that “they should never have married”.
However, the news of his marriage to Sandra didn’t come as a surprise to many, particularly because of their whirlwind romance in the past years.

Female Banker Cuts Off Husband Penis For Refusing To Give Her Money

A female banker has been arrested by the Lagos State Police command for cutting off her husband Penis over money.

The incident occurred by 2am last monday at their 99, Falolu Street, home in Surulere, Lagos. She was angry over his refusal to grant her money, making threats that between them only one will survive.

The victim Olamilekan Idowu Daniji, 34, told The Nation yesterday that his wife of three years, Nofisat, woke him up from sleep on the fateful day, threatening that between them, one person must die.

"At first, I thought armed robbers broke into our home because she hit me hard, waking me forcefully. She tore my under-pant and held my private part. Everything was like a movie.

And before I could say anything, she cut my private part. When I saw blood I shouted and she said: 'That is where you will die.' She abandoned me and fled," Daniji said.

He recalled that two days earlier, his wife, who works in a bank, quarrelled with him over his inability to provide food allowance. He said: "I am a gospel artiste. On Saturday morning - December 14 - I was preparing to go out when my wife came and said she needed money for food.

I told her I had nothing on me. But before I left, she told me there were some noodles in the house which she and my son would eat. After she finished preparing it, she left a little in the pot which I ate before going out.

But before I left the house, I called one of my sales representatives who told me he sold some copies and had about N2,500 for me. "After collecting the money, I went home and my wife said she wanted to eat fufu and white soup.

I bought it for her. Shortly after, she requested bread, which I also bought for her. I did not complain because she is pregnant. On Sunday, I went to church, came back home and saw my wife and my son eating rice. I was happy that at least they had something to eat. I went out and bought beans and bread for myself and as I was eating, my wife came and started abusing me.

She said I was selfish; that I did not care to ask how she got money to prepare the rice they ate. When she realised I was not responding, she carried the plate of beans and turned it on my head. She held my tie and threatened to strangle me. I begged her but she would not listen. So, I forced myself off her and ran away.

But she caught up with me and broke a bucket on my head." Daniji added: "She broke three empty bottles and attempted to stab me, but I escaped through my sister's shop.

Her mother came around and I called my mother's sister and they were able to calm her. After we settled, I left the house." The artiste said when he returned in the evening, he could not find his son.

He asked his wife but she said nothing, but his elder sister told him that his mother-in-law took his son away. "I told my wife to go and bring my son and that if I did not see him before 8pm, she would not like what I would do to her.

At exactly 8pm, she left the house and came back after 30 minutes without my son. We quarrelled, after which I slept off on the chair. That was where she woke me up and cut my private part." Daniji said he was rushed to a private infirmary in Surulere by members of his family.

The matter, he added, was reported at the Barracks Police Station, Surulere, and the woman was arrested. In her statement at the station, Nofisat wrote: "Ever since we got married, my sister-in-law and her twin brother have not allowed us peace.

I was praying that my husband would make money and rent his own apartment so that we can live together in peace without any interference. I did not use knife on him; it was my finger nails."

Daniji said he disallowed the police from charging the matter to court, because all he wanted was separation from his wife.

I have nothing further to say to the President – OBJ reacts to Jonathan’s letter

He said although he had received several requests from local and international media, asking him to respond to the president’s letter, he would prefer to keep his promise in his letter to maintain silence.

The former president had in an 18-page letter to Mr. Jonathan accused the president of failing to deliver on his electoral promises, promote national unity, check corruption and strengthen national security.

He also accused the president of planning to renege on his promise to spend one term of four years in office and of training a killer squad ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Mr. Obasanjo added in the letter, which he also shared with some past leaders, that he was ready for whaterver backlash his letter would provoke from the Presidency.

In his reply to Mr. Obasanjo’s letter, the president, in a letter dated December 20, slammed the former president, describing his (Obasanjo) letter to him as “distinctly ominuous.”

Mr. Jonathan, who listed 10 reasons for replying Mr. Obasanjo, said the former president’s letter was an attempt to instigate people from other regions against him and cause disaffection within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

But speaking Monday, Obasanjo referred to page 14, paragraph 2 of his letter in which he promised to maintain serenity in the face of attacks, the former president said he would not bandy words with Mr. Jonathan, insisting that he had done his duty to the Jonathan administration, the PDP and the country.

“Since the publication of the letter written by the President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, we have received several requests from local and international media asking to know Chief Obasanjo’s reaction to Mr President’s response,” Mr. Oladunjoye said.

“One, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo acknowledges Mr President’s letter/response. However, Baba, as he already indicated in his December 2,2013 letter, does not wish to make further comments beyond the contents of his last letter to Mr President or react to the said letter/response from Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

“I will maintain my serenity, because by this letter, I have done my duty to you as I have always done, to your government, to the party, PDP, and to our country, Nigeria.”

‘I have my facts…’: OBJ stands by issues raised in letter to Jonathan

Despite criticism levelled against him from several corners, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has maintained his stance regarding the 18-page letter he sent to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Chief Obasanjo is said to have stated this during his meeting with the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday.

The former president also said that he wrote the letter not for selfish interests as most people believe, but for the greater good of the country.

The Nation reports:

He said he wrote the letter in the larger interest of the survival of Nigeria and its democracy, contrary to the notion that he was self-seeking, The Nation learnt.

The letter contained many allegations, including that Jonathan was training snipers. The former President, according to sources, said he was ready to prove the allegations.

Obasanjo reportedly opened up to some top leaders of the APC at a closed-door session in Abeokuta.

It was gathered that although the ex-President had warmly received all members of the entourage, he bared his mind to select few on the state of the nation.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “After the initial obeisance, banters, and the purpose of the APC mission, the ex-President had audience with a group of six or seven leaders.

“He told the them that he believed in what he wrote and he had no regrets for doing so. He said he was not ‘self-seeking’ in writing President Jonathan.

“The ex-President also told the team that ‘if it is necessary, I will provide evidence on some of the issues. I have my facts.’

Another source said the ex-President’s body language was a “bit stronger on his point on snipers but he did not go into details”.

Responding to a question, the source added: “Obasanjo restated his faith in a united and indivisible Nigeria. He also pleaded with APC leaders to remain committed to one Nigeria, irrespective of the political situation in the country.”

The source quoted Obasanjo as saying: “I did not write the letter to curry favour or seek undue attention but at my age, I should talk when things are going wrong. I am not on a self-seeking mission.”

The source said Obasanjo declared that he would not leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

President Goodluck Jonathan Replies Former President Obasanjo

President Goodluck Jonathan Replies Former President Obasanjo
Posted: Dec, 22 2013, 2:12PM
By Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
December 20th 2013
His Excellency,
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR
Agbe L’Oba House, Quarry Road,
Ibara, Abeokuta.

RE: BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

I wish to formally acknowledge your letter dated December 2, 2013 and other previous correspondence similar to it.

You will recall that all the letters were brought to me by hand. Although both of us discussed some of the issues in those letters, I had not, before now, seen the need for any formal reply since, to me, they contained advice from a former President to a serving President. Obviously, you felt differently because in your last letter, you complained about my not acknowledging or replying your previous letters.


It is with the greatest possible reluctance that I now write this reply. I am most uneasy about embarking on this unprecedented and unconventional form of open communication between me and a former leader of our country because I know that there are more acceptable and dignified means of doing so.

But I feel obliged to reply your letter for a number of reasons: one, you formally requested for a reply and not sending you one will be interpreted as ignoring a former President.

Secondly, Nigerians know the role you have played in my political life and given the unfortunate tone of your letter, clearly, the grapes have gone sour. Therefore, my side of the story also needs to be told.

The third reason why I must reply you in writing is that your letter is clearly a threat to national security as it may deliberately or inadvertently set the stage for subversion.

The fourth reason for this reply is that you raised very weighty issues, and since the letter has been made public, Nigerians are expressing legitimate concerns. A response from me therefore, becomes very necessary.

The fifth reason is that this letter may appear in biographies and other books which political commentators on Nigeria’s contemporary politics may write. It is only proper for such publications to include my comments on the issues raised in your letter.

Sixthly, you are very unique in terms of the governance of this country. You were a military Head of State for three years and eight months, and an elected President for eight years. That means you have been the Head of Government of Nigeria for about twelve years. This must have, presumably, exposed you to a lot of information. Thus when you make a statement, there is the tendency for people to take it seriously.

The seventh reason is that the timing of your letter coincided with other vicious releases. The Speaker of the House of Representatives spoke of my “body language” encouraging corruption. A letter written to me by the CBN Governor alleging that NNPC, within a period of 19 months did not remit the sum of USD49.8 billion to the federation account, was also deliberately leaked to the public.

The eighth reason is that it appears that your letter was designed to incite Nigerians from other geopolitical zones against me and also calculated to promote ethnic disharmony. Worse still, your letter was designed to instigate members of our Party, the PDP, against me.

The ninth reason is that your letter conveys to me the feeling that landmines have been laid for me. Therefore, Nigerians need to have my response to the issues raised before the mines explode.

The tenth and final reason why my reply is inevitable is that you have written similar letters and made public comments in reference to all former Presidents and Heads of Government starting from Alhaji Shehu Shagari and these have instigated different actions and reactions. The purpose and direction of your letter is distinctly ominous, and before it is too late, my clarifications on the issues need to be placed on record.

Let me now comment on the issues you raised. In commenting I wish to crave your indulgence to compare what is happening now to what took place before. This, I believe, will enable Nigerians see things in better perspective because we must know where we are coming from so as to appreciate where we now are, and to allow us clearly map out where we are going.

You raised concerns about the security situation in the country. I assure you that I am fully aware of the responsibility of government for ensuring the security of the lives and property of citizens. My Administration is working assiduously to overcome current national security challenges, the seeds of which were sown under previous administrations. There have been some setbacks; but certainly there have also been great successes in our efforts to overcome terrorism and insurgency.

Those who continue to down-play our successes in this regard, amongst whom you must now be numbered, appear to have conveniently forgotten the depths to which security in our country had plunged before now.

At a stage, almost the entire North-East of Nigeria was under siege by insurgents. Bombings of churches and public buildings in the North and the federal capital became an almost weekly occurrence. Our entire national security apparatus seemed nonplussed and unable to come to grips with the new threat posed by the berthing of terrorism on our shores.

But my administration has since brought that very unacceptable situation under significant control. We have overhauled our entire national security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, training, funding, logistical support to our armed forces and security agencies, and security collaboration with friendly countries with very visible and positive results.

The scope and impact of terrorist operations have been significantly reduced and efforts are underway to restore full normalcy to the most affected North Eastern region and initiate a post-crisis development agenda, including a special intervention programme to boost the region’s socio-economic progress.

In doing all this, we have kept our doors open for dialogue with the insurgents and their supporters through efforts such as the work of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and the Peaceful Resolution of the Security Challenges in the North-East. You also know that the Governor of Borno State provided the items you mentioned to me as carrots. Having done all this and more, it is interesting that you still accuse me of not acting on your hardly original recommendation that the carrot and stick option be deployed to solve the Boko Haram problem.

Your suggestion that we are pursuing a “war against violence without understanding the root causes of the violence and applying solutions to deal with all the underlying factors” is definitely misplaced because from the onset of this administration, we have been implementing a multifaceted strategy against militancy, insurgency and terrorism that includes poverty alleviation, economic development, education and social reforms.

Even though basic education is the constitutional responsibility of States, my administration has, as part of its efforts to address ignorance and poor education which have been identified as two of the factors responsible for making some of our youth easily available for use as cannon fodder by insurgents and terrorists, committed huge funds to the provision of modern basic education schools for the Almajiri in several Northern States. The Federal Government under my leadership has also set up nine additional universities in the Northern States and three in the Southern States in keeping with my belief that proper education is the surest way of emancipating and empowering our people.

More uncharitable persons may even see a touch of sanctimoniousness in your new belief in the carrot and stick approach to overcoming militancy and insurgency. You have always referred to how you hit Odi in Bayelsa State to curb militancy in the Niger Delta. If the invasion of Odi by the Army was the stick, I did not see the corresponding carrot. I was the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State then, and as I have always told you, the invasion of Odi did not solve any militancy problem but, to some extent, escalated it. If it had solved it, late President Yar’Adua would not have had to come up with the amnesty program. And while some elements of the problem may still be there, in general, the situation is reasonably better.

In terms of general insecurity in the country and particularly the crisis in the Niger Delta, 2007 was one of the worst periods in our history. You will recall three incidents that happened in 2007 which seemed to have been orchestrated to achieve sinister objectives. Here in Abuja, a petrol tanker loaded with explosives was to be rammed into the INEC building. But luckily for the country, an electric pole stopped the tanker from hitting the INEC building. It is clear that this incident was meant to exploit the general sense of insecurity in the nation at the time to achieve the aim of stopping the 2007 elections. It is instructive that you, on a number of occasions, alluded to this fact.

When that incident failed, an armed group invaded Yenagoa one evening with the intent to assassinate me. Luckily for me, they could not. They again attacked and bombed my country home on a night when I was expected in the village. Fortunately, as God would have it, I did not make the trip.

I recall that immediately after both incidents, I got calls expressing the concern of Abuja. But Baba, you know that despite the apparent concern of Abuja, no single arrest was ever made. I was then the Governor of Bayelsa State and the PDP Vice-Presidential candidate. The security people ordinarily should have unraveled the assassination attempt on me.

You also raised the issues of kidnapping, piracy and armed robbery. These are issues all Nigerians, including me are very concerned about. While we will continue to do our utmost best to reduce all forms of criminality to the barest minimum in our country, it is just as well to remind you that the first major case of kidnapping for ransom took place around 2006. And the Boko Haram crisis dates back to 2002. Goodluck Jonathan was not the President of the country then. Also, armed robbery started in this country immediately after the civil war and since then, it has been a problem to all succeeding governments. For a former Head of Government, who should know better, to present these problems as if they were creations of the Jonathan Administration is most uncharitable.

Having said that, let me remind you of some of the things we have done to curb violent crime in the country. We have reorganized the Nigerian Police Force and appointed a more dynamic leadership to oversee its affairs. We have also improved its manpower levels as well as funding, training and logistical support.

We have also increased the surveillance capabilities of the Police and provided its air-wing with thrice the number of helicopters it had before the inception of the present administration. The National Civil Defence and Security Corps has been armed to make it a much more effective ally of the police and other security agencies in the war against violent crime. At both domestic and international levels, we are doing everything possible to curb the proliferation of the small arms and light weapons with which armed robberies, kidnappings and piracy are perpetrated. We have also enhanced security at our borders to curb cross-border crimes.

We are aggressively addressing the challenge of crude oil theft in collaboration with the state Governors. In addition, the Federal Government has engaged the British and US governments for their support in the tracking of the proceeds from the purchase of stolen crude. Similarly, a regional Gulf of Guinea security strategy has been initiated to curb crude oil theft and piracy.

Perhaps the most invidious accusation in your letter is the allegation that I have placed over one thousand Nigerians on a political watch list, and that I am training snipers and other militia to assassinate people. Baba, I don’t know where you got that from but you do me grave injustice in not only lending credence to such baseless rumours, but also publicizing it. You mentioned God seventeen times in your letter. Can you as a Christian hold the Bible and say that you truly believe this allegation?

The allegation of training snipers to assassinate political opponents is particularly incomprehensible to me. Since I started my political career as a Deputy Governor, I have never been associated with any form of political violence. I have been a President for over three years now, with a lot of challenges and opposition mainly from the high and mighty. There have certainly been cases of political assassination since the advent of our Fourth Republic, but as you well know, none of them occurred under my leadership.

Regarding the over one thousand people you say are on a political watch list, I urge you to kindly tell Nigerians who they are and what agencies of government are “watching” them. Your allegation that I am using security operatives to harass people is also baseless. Nigerians are waiting for your evidence of proof. That was an accusation made against previous administrations, including yours, but it is certainly not my style and will never be. Again, if you insist on the spurious claim that some of your relatives and friends are being harassed, I urge you to name them and tell Nigerians what agencies of my administration are harassing them.

I also find it difficult to believe that you will accuse me of assisting murderers, or assigning a presidential delegation to welcome a murderer. This is a most unconscionable and untrue allegation. It is incumbent on me to remind you that I am fully conscious of the dictates of my responsibilities to God and our dear nation. It is my hope that devious elements will not take advantage of your baseless allegation to engage in brazen and wanton assassination of high profile politicians as before, hiding under the alibi your “open letter” has provided for them.

Nevertheless, I have directed the security agencies and requested the National Human Rights Commission to carry out a thorough investigation of these criminal allegations and make their findings public.

That corruption is an issue in Nigeria is indisputable. It has been with us for many years. You will recall that your kinsman, the renowned afro-beat maestro, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti famously sang about it during your first stint as Head of State. Sonny Okosun also sang about corruption. And as you may recall, a number of Army Generals were to be retired because of corruption before the Dimka coup. Also, the late General Murtala Mohammed himself wanted to retire some top people in his cabinet on corruption-related issues before he was assassinated. Even in this Fourth Republic, the Siemens and Halliburton scandals are well known.

The seed of corruption in this country was planted a long time ago, but we are doing all that we can to drastically reduce its debilitating effects on national development and progress. I have been strengthening the institutions established to fight corruption. I will not shield any government official or private individual involved in corruption, but I must follow due process in all that I do. And whenever clear cases of corruption or fraud have been established, my administration has always taken prompt action in keeping with the dictates of extant laws and procedures. You cannot claim to be unaware of the fact that several highly placed persons in our country, including sons of some of our party leaders are currently facing trial for their involvement in the celebrated subsidy scam affair. I can hardly be blamed if the wheels of justice still grind very slowly in our country, but we are doing our best to support and encourage the judiciary to quicken the pace of adjudication in cases of corruption.

Baba, I am amazed that with all the knowledge garnered from your many years at the highest level of governance in our country, you could still believe the spurious allegation contained in a letter written to me by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and surreptitiously obtained by you, alleging that USD49.8 billion, a sum equal to our entire national budget for two years, is “unaccounted for” by the NNPC. Since, as President, you also served for many years as Minister of Petroleum Resources, you very well know the workings of the corporation. It is therefore intriguing that you have made such an assertion. You made a lot of insinuations about oil theft, shady dealings at the NNPC and the NNPC not remitting the full proceeds of oil sales to the of CBN. Now that the main source of the allegations which you rehashed has publicly stated that he was “misconstrued”, perhaps you will find it in your heart to apologize for misleading unwary Nigerians and impugning the integrity of my administration on that score.

Your claim of “Atlantic Oil loading about 130, 000 barrels sold by Shell and managed on behalf of NPDC with no sale proceeds paid into the NPDC account” is also disjointed and baseless because no such arrangement as you described exists between Atlantic Oil and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company. NPDC currently produces about 138, 000 barrels of oil per day from over 7 producing assets. The Crude Oil Marketing Division (COMD) of the NNPC markets all of this production on behalf of NPDC with proceeds paid into NPDC account.

I am really shocked that with all avenues open to you as a former Head of State for the verification of any information you have received about state affairs, you chose to go public with allegations of “high corruption” without offering a shred of supporting evidence. One of your political “sons” similarly alleged recently that he told me of a minister who received a bribe of $250 Million from an oil company and I did nothing about it. He may have been playing from a shared script, but we have not heard from him again since he was challenged to name the minister involved and provide the evidence to back his claim. I urge you, in the same vein, to furnish me with the names, facts and figures of a single verifiable case of the “high corruption” which you say stinks all around my administration and see whether the corrective action you advocate does not follow promptly. And while you are at it, you may also wish to tell Nigerians the true story of questionable waivers of signature bonuses between 2000 and 2007.

While, by the Grace of God Almighty, I am the first President from a minority group, I am never unmindful of the fact that I was elected leader of the whole of Nigeria and I have always acted in the best interest of all Nigerians. You referred to the divisive actions and inflammatory utterances of some individuals from the South-South and asserted that I have done nothing to call them to order or distance myself from their ethnic chauvinism. Again that is very untrue. I am as committed to the unity of this country as any patriot can be and I have publicly declared on many occasions that no person who threatens other Nigerians or parts of the country is acting on my behalf.

It is very regrettable that in your letter, you seem to place sole responsibility for the ongoing intrigues and tensions in the PDP at my doorstep, and going on from that position, you direct all your appeals for a resolution at me. Baba, let us all be truthful to ourselves, God and posterity. At the heart of all the current troubles in our party and the larger polity is the unbridled jostling and positioning for personal or group advantage ahead of the 2015 general elections. The “bitterness, anger, mistrust, fear and deep suspicion” you wrote about all flow from this singular factor.

It is indeed very unfortunate that the seeming crisis in the party was instigated by a few senior members of the party, including you. But, as leader of the party, I will continue to do my best to unite it so that we can move forward with strength and unity of purpose. The PDP has always recovered from previous crises with renewed vigour and vitality. I am very optimistic that that will be the case again this time. The PDP will overcome any temporary setback, remain a strong party and even grow stronger.

Instigating people to cause problems and disaffection within the party is something that you are certainly familiar with. You will recall that founding fathers of the Party were frustrated out of the Party at a time. Late Chief Sunday Awoniyi was pushed out, Late Chief Solomon Lar left and later came back, Chief Audu Ogbeh and Chief Tom Ikimi also left. Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo left and later came back. In 2005/2006, link-men were sent to take over party structures from PDP Governors in an unveiled attempt to undermine the state governors. In spite of that, the Governors did not leave the Party because nobody instigated and encouraged them to do so.

The charge that I was involved in anti-party activities in governorship elections in Edo, Ondo, Lagos, and Anambra States is also very unfortunate. I relate with all Governors irrespective of political party affiliation but I have not worked against the interest of the PDP. What I have not done is to influence the electoral process to favour our Party. You were definitely never so inclined, since you openly boasted in your letter of how you supported Alhaji Shehu Shagari against Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe and others in the 1979 presidential elections while serving as a military Head of State. You and I clearly differ in this regard, because as the President of Nigeria, I believe it is my duty and responsibility to create a level playing field for all parties and all candidates.

Recalling how the PDP lost in states where we were very strong in 2003 and 2007 such as Edo, Ondo, Imo, Bauchi, Anambra, and Borno, longstanding members of our great party with good memory will also consider the charge of anti-party activities you made against me as misdirected and hugely hypocritical. It certainly was not Goodluck Jonathan’s “personal ambition or selfish interest” that caused the PDP to lose the governorship of Ogun State and all its senatorial seats in the last general elections.

You quoted me as saying that I have not told anybody that I will seek another term in office in 2015. You and your ambitious acolytes within the party have clearly decided to act on your conclusion that “only a fool will believe that statement” and embark on a virulent campaign to harass me out of an undeclared candidature for the 2015 presidential elections so as to pave the way for a successor anointed by you.

You will recall that you serially advised me that we should refrain from discussing the 2015 general elections for now so as not to distract elected public officials from urgent task of governance. While you have apparently moved away from that position, I am still of the considered opinion that it would have been best for us to do all that is necessary to refrain from heating up the polity at this time. Accordingly, I have already informed Nigerians that I will only speak on whether or not I will seek a second term when it is time for such declarations. Your claims about discussions I had with you, Governor Gabriel Suswam and others are wrong, but in keeping with my declared stance, I will reserve further comments until the appropriate time.

Your allegation that I asked half a dozen African Presidents to speak to you about my alleged ambition for 2015, is also untrue. I have never requested any African President to discuss with you on my behalf. In our discussion, I mentioned to you that four Presidents told me that they were concerned about the political situation in Nigeria and intended to talk to you about it. So far, only three of them have confirmed to me that they have had any discussion with you. If I made such a request, why would I deny it?

The issue of Buruji Kashamu is one of those lies that should not be associated with a former President. The allegation that I am imposing Kashamu on the South-West is most unfortunate and regrettable. I do not even impose Party officials in my home state of Bayelsa and there is no zone in this country where I have imposed officials. So why would I do so in the South West? Baba, in the light of Buruji’s detailed public response to your “open letter”, it will be charitable for you to render an apology to Nigerians and I.

On the issue of investors being scared to come to Nigeria, economic dormancy, and stagnation, I will just refer you to FDI statistics from 2000 to 2013. Within the last three years, Nigeria has emerged as the preferred destination for investments in Africa, driven by successful government policies to attract foreign investors. For the second year running, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Investments (UNCTAD) has ranked Nigeria as the number one destination for investments in Africa, and as having the fourth highest returns in the world.

Today, Nigeria is holding 18 percent of all foreign investments in Africa and 60 percent of all foreign investments in the ECOWAS Sub-Region. Kindly note also that in the seven years between 2000 and 2007 when you were President, Nigeria attracted a total of $24.9 Billion in FDI. As a result of our efforts which you disparage, the country has seen an FDI inflow of $25.7 Billion in just three years which is more than double the FDI that has gone to the second highest African destination. We have also maintained an annual national economic growth rate of close to seven per cent since the inception of this administration. What then, is the justification for your allegation of scared investors and economic dormancy?

Although it was not emphasized in your letter of December 2, 2013, you also conveyed, in previous correspondence, the impression that you were ignorant of the very notable achievements of my administration in the area of foreign relations. It is on record that under my leadership, Nigeria has played a key role in resolving the conflicts in Niger, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Guinea Bissau and others.

The unproductive rivalry that existed between Nigeria and some ECOWAS countries has also been ended under my watch and Nigeria now has better relations with all the ECOWAS countries. At the African Union, we now have a Commissioner at the AU Commission after being without one for so long. We were in the United Nations Security Council for the 2010/2011 Session and we have been voted in again for the 2014/2015 Session. From independence to 2010, we were in the U.N. Security Council only three times but from 2010 to 2015, we will be there two times.

This did not happen by chance. My Administration worked hard for it and we continue to maintain the best possible relations with all centres of global political and economic power. I find it hard therefore, to believe your assertions of untoward concern in the international community over the state of governance in Nigeria

With respect to the Brass and Olokola LNG projects, you may have forgotten that though you started these projects, Final Investment Decisions were never reached. For your information, NNPC has not withdrawn from either the Olokola or the Brass LNG projects.

On the Rivers State Water Project, you were misled by your informant. The Federal Government under my watch has never directed or instructed the Africa Development Bank to put on hold any project to be executed in Rivers state or any other State within the Federation. The Rivers Water Project was not originally in the borrowing plan but it was included in April 2013 and appraised in May. Negotiations are ongoing with the AfDB. I have no doubt that you are familiar with the entire process that prefaces the signing of a Subsidiary Loan Agreement as in this instance.

Let me assure you and all Nigerians that I do not engage in negative political actions and will never, as President, oppress the people of a State or deprive them of much needed public services as a result of political disagreement

I have noted your comments on the proposed National Conference. Contrary to the insinuation in your letter, the proposed conference is aimed at bringing Nigerians together to resolve contentious national issues in a formal setting. This is a sure way of promoting greater national consensus and unity, and not a recipe for “disunity, confusion and chaos” as you alleged in your letter.

Having twice held the high office of President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I trust that you will understand that I cannot possibly find the time to offer a line-by-line response to all the accusations and allegations made in your letter while dealing with other pressing demands of office and more urgent affairs of state.

I have tried, however, to respond to only the most serious of the charges which question my sincerity, personal honour, and commitment to the oath which I have sworn, to always uphold and protect the interests of all Nigerians, and promote their well-being.

In closing, let me state that you have done me grave injustice with your public letter in which you wrongfully accused me of deceit, deception, dishonesty, incompetence, clannishness, divisiveness and insincerity, amongst other ills.

I have not, myself, ever claimed to be all-knowing or infallible, but I have never taken Nigeria or Nigerians for granted as you implied, and I will continue to do my utmost to steer our ship of state towards the brighter future to which we all aspire.

Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration and warm regards.



GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN

Soyinka Warns Of Political Shipwreck As APC Leaders Court Obasanjo, Others

Dec, 22 2013, 2:12PM — siteadmincaption:APC leaders with former President Olusegun ObasanjoBy Saharareporters, New YorkNobel laureate Wole Soyinka has warned that Nigeria might be headed for a shipwreck as top officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo to court his support.In a statement titled “SHIPWRECK AHEAD!” Mr. Soyinka warned that Nigeria would need urgent rescue operations if the APC wants to invite people like Mr. Obasanjo to serve as a navigator for the ship of state.Part of Mr. Soyinka’s short statement read: “An APC-led group, we understand, has been paying courtesy visits to former Heads of States.” Then he asked: “Would it be correct to state that their purpose is captured in the following Mission Statement? ‘Tinubu added that the APC had resolved to rescue Nigeria, appealing to Obasanjo to lead the mission. We’re resolved and determined to rescue Nigeria. We want you as navigator,’ he said.”Mr. Soyinka, who is one of the strongest critics of former President Obasanjo, then added: “If this attribution is correct, may I urge you, as an urgent public service, to advise families to begin the stockpiling of life-belts for the guaranteed crash. Don't forget to alert the coastguards—ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), AU (African Union), UNO (United Nations Organization) etc etc—to be on the alert for possible salvage operations.Nigeria’s foremost living writer then wondered, “If General Sani Abacha were alive today, would he also have been on the ship's complement? As Captain perhaps?”Mr. Obasanjo recently wrote a public letter criticizing President Goodluck Jonathan of deception and dishonesty, adding that the incumbent president was reneging on a commitment not to seek a third term in office. The former president’s Boston, Massachusetts-based first

How To Have A Hawaii Vacation Like The Obamas

How To Have A Hawaii Vacation Like The Obamas
Dec 18, 2013
On Friday night, the Obamas will arrive in Hawaii for their sixth, annual Christmas vacation. At this point, they've pretty much perfected their Hawaii itinerary, which means that we lucky observers can simply take note and learn from the experts.

Here's how the Obamas vacation in Hawaii:

1.

Stay in a $25,000/week house in Kailua on Oahu

Kailua is a posh neighborhood on Oahu's windward side (i.e., the side of the island that enjoys steady breezes). It has gorgeous, white-sand beaches, adorable boutiques, and one of the two Whole Foods on the island.

The town has drawn attention to itself lately, however, separate from the Obamas' visit. The town's board recently petitioned the Hawaii State Tourism Authority to stop promoting Kailua as a destination for visitors, complaining that the influx of tourists has prompted rental properties and bed and breakfasts to spring up without proper permits. "It doesn't feel like a neighborhood when you don't know the people there," board member Lisa Marten said.

Well, at least everyone knows who Obama is.



2. Get Shaved Ice at Island Snow

Shave Ice is a Hawaii staple; it's more refreshing than ice cream and more delicate than a snow cone. Whereas snow cones are made by dousing artificial flavors on crushed ice, shave ice is finely shaved (like fresh, powdery snow), which allows it to absorb the natural flavors like guava, coconut and pineapple that Hawaii is known for.

Obama's reported favorite has three flavors: "choo-choo cherry," "da kine lemon-lime" and "tangy guava-orange." ("Da kine" is a versatile Hawaiian pidgin term most closely resembling "whatchamacallit.")

3. Golf at Marine Base Kaneohe

For servicemembers, golfing at Marine Base Kaneohe is just one of the perks of being stationed in Hawaii. The course is stunning and secluded with mountain views for the front nine and ocean vistas for the back nine. It's consistently ranked as one of the best Department of Defense golf courses in the world, and while it is open to the public, getting a tee time can be difficult since priority goes to active and retired servicemembers.

Obama golfs here every year not just because it's gorgeous, but also because it's an easy spot for the Secret Service to secure.



4. Pay your respects at Pearl Harbor and/or the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl

Pearl Harbor is an obvious stop for visitors to Hawaii, but the Punchbowl cemetery is a lesser known gem. Visiting a volcanic crater is cool on it's own (this one offers panoramic views of Honolulu), but the Punchbowl crater intertwines Hawaiian and American history. Known as the "Hill of Sacrifice" in ancient Hawaii, the crater was used for human sacrifices. That name takes on a different meaning now that the crater is used to honor servicemembers and their sacrifices.

President Obama’s maternal grandfather, Stanley Dunham, a World War II veteran, is buried here. Obama lived with his grandparents for a time as a child and is known to stop by the cemetery to lay a flower lei on his grandfather's grave.



5. Have dinner at Alan Wong's

With influences from across the Pacific Rim, including Japan, the Philippines, Korea, and Vietnam, Hawaiian food is a diverse and yummy culinary treat. Alan Wong's restaurants use locally sourced ingredients (a big deal in Hawaii since imported items must travel a minimum of 2,500 miles!) and feature such tantalizing concoctions as the "New Wave” Opihi Shooter (local limpet, or sea snail, in spicy tomato water with fennel basil ume shiso essences).

Obama has eaten here with friends and family, including his half-sister Maya Soetoro-Ng, who lives in Honolulu. Alan Wong has been added to the prestigious American Chef Corps and Obama invited him back to the White House to cook a luau for the Congressional Picnic in 2009.

According to Wong, the President's favorite entree is Twice Cooked Soy Braised Short Ribs with Ko Choo Jang sauce, and his favorite dessert is "The Coconut": Haupia sorbet in a chocolate, coconut-shaped shell with lilikoi (passion fruit) sauce.



6. Stay active with hikes & workouts

Plenty of hikes in Hawaii feature waterfalls, but there are only so many that you are allowed to swim in, which apparently matters to the Obamas. The Maunawili trail, which the family has been known to hike, winds through a lush tropical jungle (thus keeping the Obamas cool and out of the sun!) and ends at a great swimming hole and waterfall. Courageous hikers usually jump from the top of the waterfall, but we doubt the Secret Service lets Obama do this. It can be muddy, especially after it rains, but is otherwise a pretty easy-to-moderate hike.

For his more vigorous workouts, the President uses Semper Fit -- the gym at the Marine base, which is only open to military ID holders. “They make the gym spic and span before he comes," according to one Marine spouse. "It’s great for us.”



7. Enjoy family time

Vacation is a chance for everyone in your family to unplug from the rest of the world and reconnect with each other. As Arianna Huffington -- who will be escaping to Hawaii as well this holiday season -- recently blogged, "Big Data, unfettered information, the ability to be in constant contact and our growing reliance on technology are all conspiring to create a noisy traffic jam between us and our place of insight and peace. Call it an iParadox: our smartphones are actually blocking our path to wisdom."

Between school, homework and running the country, the Obamas don't get many opportunities to unplug and focus on family time. Their annual Hawaii vacation receives a lot of scrutiny from the public and the press, but it's clearly an important family tradition for them. Michelle Obama once said that, "You can’t really understand Barack until you understand Hawaii," by which she meant the unique local lifestyle and the values held by many in the island community.



8. Bodysurf at Sandy's Beach

Believe it or not, there is more to bodysurfing than just letting the waves pound your body into the shoreline. Watch the President in the below video and you'll notice he cuts lines and maneuvers within and around the waves, rather than slamming into them. Impressive stuff.

Sandy's beach is a favorite among locals on Oahu because the waves break close to shore, making it ideal conditions for bodysurfing. It can also be dangerous, however, so novices might want to brush up on their skills before attempting anything like the President's smooth moves.


9. Grab lunch at Zippy's

Georgia has Chic-Fil-A, California has In-N-Out Burger, and Hawaii has Zippy's. It's a local obsession, the appeal of which is confusing to outsiders, but the diner chain features such Hawaiian comfort foods as Korean fried chicken and saimin noodles. With locations all over Oahu, it's no wonder Obama grew up loving Zippy's and it's easy to understand why he has to have it when he comes home.

Obama has cited his favorite dish as the "Zip Min," a hot soup with saimin noodles, won tons, breaded shrimp, choi sum, fish cake, dried seaweed egg, sweet pork and green onions.

Sounds delicious.



10. Enjoy the wildlife at Hanauma Bay

Located near Sandy's beach, Hanauma Bay is one of Oahu's most popular snorkeling destinations. As a nature preserve, it's home to over 400 types of fish and an abundance of green sea turtles. Obama and his family have been known to both snorkel there and to visit Sea Life Park, the only place in the U.S. that raises green sea turtles in captivity.

Green sea turtles are known as honu in Hawaii and are revered for both their dopey expressions and seemingly lazy lifestyle. It's not uncommon to come across them while paddleboarding or snorkeling, but because of their protected status (they're categorized as endangered species) you can be fined up to $2,000 or jailed for 30 days for touching them.



**Bonus points: Get everyone in your entourage to wear aloha shirts!

Although the President himself doesn't don the classic threads, his entourage of Secret Service does its best to fit in in Hawaii. According to Honolulu magazine, they sport high-end aloha shirts like Iolani and Tori Richard.

They apparently embrace the aloha spirit as well. Despite the many complaints about traffic and security measures when the President is in town, Hawaii locals had nothing but nice things to say about the Secret Service agents themselves.

“You'd think they’d get tired of their job, wanding people," one Kailua resident told Honolulu magazine. "They’re so kind about it, and they’re not pushy or arrogant. They are so gracious. I’ve been impressed by running into them.”