Suicide Bomber Kills 17 in Maiduguri

At least, 17 persons were killed when suspected suicide bomber detonated bomb at the popular GSM Market near the Post Office in Maiduguri on Tuesday.


Survivors told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri that the incident occurred at about 2p.m. shortly after the Zuhur prayers.
Alhaji Lawan Tanko, Commissioner of Police in the State, confirmed the blast.


``It is true that we had a blast at the GSM market after a suicide bomber driving in a firewood seller's vehicle detonated his bomb around 1p.m.


``Security agents rushed to the scene and cordoned off the place to restore normalcy.
``We counted about 17 dead bodies as at 2.30 p.m. but the evacuation is ongoing. We also counted five injured persons that were carried to hospital.''


He said that the casualties included a Traffic Warder who sustained injuries.
He said he had instructed his men to visit hospitals in the state capital to get comprehensive details of the casualties of the blast.
Tanko said that the police had also fortified security in all public places to prevent any incident in the state capital.


A Red Cross official who helped in evacuating the victims, Malam Ibrahim Mubi, confirmed the development, saying the he could not give the actual number of the casualties at the time.


Malam Fantami Ali, a trader at the GSM market said he counted about 30 corpses after the blast.
``We were busy conducting businesses at the market when we heard explosion on the road.


``We later realised that it was a suicide bomber using fire wood seller's pick up van that detonated bomb in the middle of the road during a busy hour at the market'', he said.


Fantami said about 50 persons were also injured in the incident. ``We counted about 30 dead bodies after the incident.
``We also helped to evacuate about 50 persons who were injured at the scene'', he said. (NAN)
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Jonathan’s photographer shot by unknown gunmen

President Goodluck Jonathan's official photographer, Callistus Ewelike, who also works with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was on Monday shot by unknown gunmen.
The incident took place in front of his house in Nyanya, a suburb of Abuja, between 10pm and 11pm.
He was attacked in front of his residence after covering an assignment attended by the President in another FCT community, Shape.
The two men who carried out the act were said to have arrived his resident on a motorbike, and as he came out of his vehicle, one of the assailants immediately shot him in the neck at close range.
The assailants reportedly sped off the scene when the gunshot attracted residents of the area, and no personal item was stolen from the victim.
Ewelike was rushed by his neighbours to a nearby hospital but was later  transferred to the National Hospital, Abuja where medical doctors were preparing him for surgery although he is said to be in a stable condition.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command,  DSP Altine Daniel, confirmed the incident.
She said the Commissioner of Police, Femi Ogunbayide, has directed "full scale investigation" into the shooting and has given a marching order for the manhunt and arrest of the assailants.
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No S*X until Marriage – Nigerian Female Artiste

Former Artiste of Toni Payne, Dencia has announced she will not have s3x anymore until  marriage .Dencia who is a struggling female artiste revealed this recently in a convo with a friend, she claims to have remained untouched in the last 2years and will remain as such until the right man comes to ring her finger legally
Ooopz to all the prickling eyes on Dencia
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See Pastor Who can make police go to sleep when they come to arrest you

Hmmm…Pastor Lesego Daniel, General Overseer of Rabboni Centre Ministries in Pretoria, who's name became very popular in the last one week over his instructional "Eat Grass and Get Healed" miracle session is in the news again, Pastor Lesego Daniel who told his congregation to eat grass boasts about how he can throw people to sleep

"Sleep," he screams. Six people in the marquee immediately go into deep slumber. The "miracle man" orders other congregates to slap and trample on them. But the sleepers remain rigid and unresponsive.

Several minutes later, he yells: "Wake up,"and they break out of their deep sleep.

"You can leave them like this for six months. I love this, I don't want to be bored. You can even make police go to sleep when they come to arrest you," the "miracle man" preaches as he paces around the marquee.

The pastor's "miracles" attract people from all walks of life, including teachers, nurses and accountants, whose luxury German sedans adorn the church's parking lot.

"Yes, we eat grass and we're proud of it because it demonstrates that, with God's power, we can do anything," says Rosemary Phetha.

A 21-year-old Unisa law student says she had been battling a sore throat for more than a year. She claims it was healed after Daniel "turned me into a sheep and instructed me to eat grass".

Her testimony is shared by 27-year-old Doreen Kgatle, of Ga-rankuwa, who suffered a stroke two years ago.

"I could not walk but soon after eating the grass, as the pastor had ordered, I started gaining strength and an hour later I could walk again," said Kgatle, clad in the ministry's R150 T-shirt. Nearby, a visibly sick woman lies draped in a black cloth.
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I will never Marry Again- Femi Kuti

Femi feels marriage means nothing, he feels having a relationship with his wife is enough. The Afro legend we heard say's "I will never ever get married again, never. I will always emphasize it, I never believed in it and I don't still believe in it. If two people love themselves why do they have to get married"? The singer also said he has companions even when it was obvious that he has no marriage.

 

"Did they tell you I don't have any companion, must we get married before she knows I love her? Now, I'm very close to two women in my life, mothers of my children, I don't have to mention their names. I don't want to put pressure on them. People know them and we are taking care of the children. We have our differences like everybody but marriage is out of the question". He concludes.

Femi Kuti got married to Funke and both parted ways on allegation of infidelity which was controversial. The couples had two issue together but both has remain single. We heard they still find time to see each other. Femi who has travelled all over the world adopted four other children adding to his two children who he can't let them off his sight. He is a staunch antagonist of the government of the day just like is father.
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Gays All Over The World Mobilise For Action Against Nigeria, List What They Will Do In The Coming Days

Gays all over the world are mobilising for actions against Nigeria over the Same sex Prohibition law signed by President Goodluck Jonathan last week.
The leading gay nation on earth, the USA has already voiced its concern.
According to the Secretary of State, John Kerry in a statement:
"The United States is deeply concerned by Nigeria's enactment of the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act. Beyond even prohibiting same-sex marriage, this law dangerously restricts freedom of assembly, association, and expression of Nigerians. Moreover, it is inconsistent with Nigeria's international legal obligations and undermines the democratic reforms and human rights protections enshrined in its 1999 Constitution.

People everywhere deserve to live in freedom and equality. No one should face violence or discrimination for who they are or who they love. We join with those in Nigeria who appeal for the protection of their fellow citizens' fundamental freedoms and universal human rights."
Outside the US statement of disapproval, the gay community are rallying themselves for a series of actions against Nigeria.
Blogger, Melanie Nathan has listed the 10 steps gays are going to take against Nigeria in the coming days:
1. Write polite letters to the President of Nigeria expressing your thoughts and explain what being gay really means – and send a copy of your letter to protectlgbt@gmail.com for publication in this BLOG. (no more than 600 words).
2. Organize protests at Nigerian Consulates and Embassies.
3. Write to the Nigerian Ambassador/ consuls/ President in Nigeria/ in their countries that the World is shocked at the passage of Nigeria's inhumane and horrific 'Jail The Gays' law that President Jonathan just signed into law.  Cos the laws against LGBT Nigerians and visitors are based on lies and myths about homosexuality.
4. Start to Boycott all things Nigerian – to include travel, tourism, industry, exports and imports. Call companies that conduct safaris in Nigeria expressing the danger and your anger (politely) at the support of Nigeria.
5. Call upon their employers to speak out against the Jail the Gays Bill, especially if they work for a large Hotel, Airline, Bank etc. Chain that operates in or does business with Nigeria.
6. Write a letter to President Obama.
7. Call their local or national LGBT organizations and ask them what they are doing to help protest this Bill.
8. STATE DEPARTMENT: Call the U.S. State Department and ask them if they are willing to make special humanitarian considerations for Nigeria's LGBT community. Tell the State Department and their member of Congress that they want Nigerian lawmakers banned from entering the U.S.A.
Also they are sure that the State department will soon update their Travel Advisory to a severe WARNING for LGBT people traveling to Nigeria.
9. Call their Mayors' office/ City Councils / Human Rights Commissions and ask for a Proclamation to Condemn the Nigerian law and request that all City dealings exclude business with Nigeria.
10. Join LGBT Protection Coalition, Worldwide, by sending their name and email address to protectlgbt@gmail.com so as to get updates about protests and actions.
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Sack Me If You Can, PDP Chairman Bamanga Tukur Dares President Jonathan

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has challenged President Goodluck Jonathan to remove him from office if he can.

Tukur's outburst followed the refusal of members of the party's National Working Committee to attend a meeting he called at the party's secretariat in Abuja last Wednesday.

The Adamawa State born politician, who is growing isolated at the top levels of the party where he is being held responsible for its dwindling influence and the defection of members, was infuriated by the attitude of his fellow national officers. He told reporters that he can only be removed from office through a properly conducted National Convention and that unless and until that takes place, nobody, including President Jonathan can remove him.

The National Chairman also dismissed the allegation that he has been asked to resign by the President, and accused the opposition of planting the story to create disharmony in the party.

"I am an elected National Chairman, I have my certificate of return, I cannot resign," he bragged. "The convention brought me, so it has to take the convention that brought me for me to resign. So, not even the President can ask me to resign. Remember, some members of the NWC were asked to go recently because the election that brought them was flawed, so Mr. President cannot tread that route again."

http://saharareporters.com/news-page/sack-me-if-you-can-pdp-chairman-bamanga-tukur-dares-president-jonathan
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Christian ronaldo Wins Best Footballer Of 2013 (ballon)

Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has won the FIFA Ballon d'Or award for player of the year.



Ronaldo scored a staggering 62 goals in 52 matches for club and country in 2013 and was hot favourite to claim the prestigious award which he last held in 2008.

 

Barcelona and Argentina's Lionel Messi has claimed the honours over the past three years but had to make way for his La Liga rival, despite his 43 goals in as many matches last year.

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery was the other player in the running but the France international was also to be disappointed.

Pele's place in football history was also recognised after he won the inaugural Ballon d'Or Prix d'honnneur award.

The Brazilian master was ineligible for the award during his playing career, which at the time was limited to players plying their trade in Europe.

FIFA inaugurated the world footballer of the year award in 1991 and with world football's governing body amalgamating their award with the Ballon d'or in 2010, the decision was made to honour Pele.

Nadine Angerer was named Women's player of the year for her part in Germany's 2013 European Championship wining side.

The 35-year-old saved two penalties in the final on 28 July 28 and was named player of the match following her side's 1-0 win over Norway.

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President Jonathan Approves “Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill”

President Goodluck Jonathan has signed into law the bill for the prohibition of same-sex unions.

The signed bill says the gays, lesbians in Nigeria will risk a 14-year jail term if they do not retrace their steps and renounce such marriage.

Also, any person who operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organizations directly or indirectly will earn 10-year imprisonment. Those who administer witness, abet or aid the solemnization of a same sex marriage are going to bag 10-year jail term.

The Senate previously passed the bill in November 2011. Lawmakers in Nigeria's house of representatives affirmed the decision by the Senate on May 29, 2013.

The President assented to the Act last week, on January 7, 2014, but the details on this action have just leaked the web.

"I certify that this Bill has been carefully compared by me with the decision reached by the National Assembly and found by me to be true and correct decision of the Houses and is in accordance with the provisions of the Acts Authentication Act Cap. A2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. I assent," The assent note read.

"The President has signed the Same sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill into law. This has foreclosed any pressure on President Jonathan not to assent to the bill.

"We received inquiries from some foreign embassies on why the bill was signed into law. But we told them that our cultural values do not tolerate same sex marriage.

"Also, we made it clear that since most Nigerians were opposed to the bill, the parliament acted in line with the wish of the majority. We are in a democratic setting, the President has no choice than to bow to the wish of the people.

"These embassies were shocked but there is no going back. We hope they will also abide by the decision of Nigerians," a source close the President revealed.

The Act also stipulates the volume of the sanctions awaiting the violators of the new law.

"A person who enters into a same sex marriage contract or civil union commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a term of 14 years imprisonment.

"A person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organizations directly or indirectly makes public show of same sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment.

"A person or group of persons who administers, witnesses, abets or aids the solemnization of a same sex marriage or civil union of supports the registration, operation and sustenance of gay clubs, societies, organizations, processions or meetings in Nigeria commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment.
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MISSING OAU LECTURER: Find The Professor Within 14 Days – NANS Orders

The National Association of Nigerian Students has ordered the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, the police and other security agencies in the state to find the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife missing lecturer, Prof. James Olomo within 14 days.

The Coordinator of the NANS in the South West, Mr. Sunday Ashefon, said this in a statement made in Osogbo on Sunday.

Olomo, a lecturer at the Department of Physics at the OAU had left his work place for Eket, Akwa Ibom State on October 17, 2013 but he has not been seen since then.

The student body said it was sad that neither Governor Akpabio, who is the chief security officer in the state where the lecturer went missing, nor the security agencies had done anything to find the university don.

The statement read in part,   "We are using this medium to remind our slumbering authorities at all levels, who are saddled with the primary responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of the citizens, to wake up from their deep slumber and begin to take actions necessary to safeguard the people.

"We wish to state that Nigerian students across the South West, and indeed the entire country, shall hold the Government of Akwa Ibom State responsible for whatever happens to our much revered professor. We wish to remind them that state governors remain the chief security officers of the states they govern.

"The government of Akwa Ibom, as a matter of compulsion, must ensure that Prof. Olowo is found within 14 days.

"Failure to do so will attract serious actions  from all Nigerian Students across the South West.

"Equally, we wish to call on the Nigeria Police Force and every other security agencies to intensify efforts at ensuring unconditional release of Prof. Olomo from wherever he may be."

ASUU Chairman, OAU branch, Prof. Akinola Adegbola, and a human rights lawyer, last week condemned the nonchalant attitude of security agencies to the plight of the Olomo family who had been traumatised since their breadwinner got missing.

Olomo had embarked on the trip to Eket for an engagement by an oil company. His belongings were later found in the hotel where he lodged but the don has not been seen for almost three months.
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