Our Salaries Are Outrageous... Senator Admits

Amid the increasing criticism of the huge salaries and allowances of Nigeria's lawmakers, a senator (name withheld) has affirmed insinuations that their earnings are indeed outrageous.

The senator, who made this disclosure in Abuja, said he was of the utmost belief that his salary, along with those of his colleagues, is not justifiable.

The senator, who noted that the perceived outrageous salaries by senators were unnecessary plundering of the nation's resources, said rejecting the jumbo pay would be viewed as madness having found himself within the system.
Furthermore, the senator said the jumbo pay was part of the reason National Assembly's intervention in the ongoing strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which  did not yield any fruitful result.

According to him, even though the demands of ASUU are highly provocative, unmerited and self-centred, members of the National Assembly Education Joint Committee lacked the effrontery to confront members of the union during recent meetings with them because of the consciousness of their seeming unmerited wages.

He said: "I believe what we earn is not justifiable. That is why ASUU is making unnecessary demands. I wonder why the federal government should reach an agreement with them on such demands. These are demands that are not made by lecturers anywhere in the world. If they are asking for well equipped libraries, laboratories or more conducive learning environment, it would have been understandable. But everything is about themselves.
"How can they be asking for extra pay because they have large classes? Is it not their responsibilities to teach whether a class is large or not? And in any case, who admitted the large class? But they are making these demands just because they know what we earn," he disclosed.
Also affirming this position, Senator Sola Akinyede,  in a recent interview with THISDAY, said the executive should not only be blamed for high cost of governance, noting that the legislature also contributed largely to the problem. He added that the judiciary also has its own share of the blame.

Akinyede, who represented Ekiti South senatorial district in the Senate between 2007 and 2011, said he felt guilty having benefitted from such unjustifiable pay as a senator.
"High cost of governance does not only affect the executive, it also affects the legislature and the judiciary. I think what we should do is that heads of the three organs of government at every level along with leaderships of political parties should sit down and agree on how to reduce the cost of governance.
"Honestly, l think it's unfair. I'm also guilty of it because l benefitted from it as a senator. It's unfair for us elite to arrogate so much of the country's resources to ourselves and still expect economic development," Akinyede said.

Nigerian senators' salaries have been a subject of controversy since the inception of this democratic era. With alleged N2,484,245.50 as basic salary, a senator is alleged to be cruising home with  a whopping N11 million as regular salaries and allowances and N27 million as quarterly allowances besides irregular allowances such as estacodes and duty tour allowances.
It was also alleged that the entire Senate leadership comprising 10 principal officers draw N1, 024,000,000 as quarterly allowance.
It was repeatedly published in local and foreign media that a Nigerian senator earns far higher than United States president, whose total salary per annum was $400,000. The situation is also the same in House of Representatives.

Nollywood Star Monalisa Chinda unveiled as an Ambassador for the Nigeria 100 Centenary Project

Mona is cashing in!

Nollywood star Monalisa Chinda was officially unveiled as an ambassador for the Nigeria 100 Centenary Project, an intercontinental road show set to hold across the world.

The press conference took place at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Ever the stylish Nollywood diva, Monalisa looked pretty in a colourful outfit.

She styled the ensemble which features an Ankara bodice, lace sleeves and peplum detail, as well as a bright red velvet skirt, with silver drop earrings, a gold ring, gold wrist watch and a pair of silver heels.

Soft wavy locks and luscious pink lipstick finished the look.

According to the project director Ikemefuna Mordi, Monalisa was chosen because "as a multi-talented superstar who keeps contributing her quota to the emergence of a new Nigeria by supporting and spearheading diverse noteworthy and noble causes, Monalisa Chinda easily represents the true Nigerian picture we seek to project."

Music star Iyanya as well as Stephanie Linus, Segun Arinze, Desmond Elliot, Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, RMD and Ali Nuhu, have also been unveiled as ambassadors of the project.

Dbanj DROPS “Raise Your Glasses” For Hennessy Artistry 2013

International hitmaker, Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as Dbanj has released the official theme song for Hennessy Artistry 2013.

The mid-tempo track, which is titled "*Raise Your Glasses*", premiered at 1PM today on The Beat 99.9 FM. It is a celebratory feel good song with which Hennessy artistry blended Dbanj's energy in his voice with Hennessy's coolness reflected by the synth sound and heavy bass on the instrumental.

There is a strong feel of confidence and freshness to this track. It is a track you will assuredly bop your head to, a track for any celebration, a track you definitely want to blast while you cruise in your car, and most definitely for the Clubs.

'Raise Your Glasses' was produced by a new producer and DB Records signee, *DeeVee*and the Executive Producer; Hennessy Artistry of course!

When asked by Hennessy Cognac Brand Manager, Lere Awokoya, about his thoughts on the track, he simply said "I believe we have definitely found a perfect blend and balance between energy and cool. It is a very fresh sound
and you will have no control of your head bopping to the beat when it plays. I only ask that before you play this track, you make sure you have the right speakers, I think it is essential to the appreciation".

Over the years, Hennessy Artistry has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the Nigerian music industry like Banky W, eLDee, MI, Naeto C, Tiwa Savage, Shina Peters, Nneka, and others.

The prestigious music platform also has a number of music hits including "Toast To The Good Life" featuring Banky W, eLDee and Tiwa Savage as well as "Bartender" featuring MI and Naeto C.

No money to meet ASUU’s demands, says Okonjo-Iweala

There ap-pears to be no end in sight to the lingering strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, in the country as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala declared, yesterday, that the nation's economy cannot accommodate the demands of the lecturers for now.

The minister spoke while delivering her keynote address at the opening ceremony of this year's National Council on Finance and Economic Development, NACOFED, in Minna, Niger State, yesterday.

She said that if other sectors were to be adequately and urgently developed, less emphasis should be placed on recurrent expenditure, especially salaries and allowances of workers.

According to her, "at present, ASUU wants government to pay N92 billion in extra allowances over and above their salaries. Though we are in discussion with them, the problem is that the resources to take care of the demands are simply not there."
She said that with the present situation in the country, Nigerians need to make a choice.

She said: "People are supportive when there is agitation to increase salaries, pensions among others.
"But on the other hand, people also turn around to say the recurrent budget is too high and there is no way you can have it both ways and so we have to make specific choices in this country."

Cause
Okonj
o-Iweala noted that the country was still suffering from the impact of the wage increase in 2010, adding that by the time other demands are added, the recurrent budget will be getting higher, thus leaving virtually nothing for capital.

She said: "Do we want to get to a stage when virtually all the monies and resources we earn are being used to pay salaries and allowances for public servants, who make up a minute percentage of the country's population?

"If we do, it means that government workers will take up the entire budget of the country with nothing left for roads, water, education and others."

She, therefore, challenged the commissioners and other stakeholders to use the conference to find permanent solutions to the lingering financial problems in order to move the nation forward.
 
Challenges
The minister enumerated some of the challenges facing the country to include, over-dependence on oil revenues, the lopsidedness of the public expenditures, the budget formulation process and the need to improve the actual public financial management system.

She, however, said that despite these daunting challenges, there is progress in agriculture, housing and real estate, manufacturing and diversifying the economy away from oil and improving the non-oil tax revenue collection.

Vice President Namadi Sambo, in his speech read on his behalf by Minister of Economic Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, said some of the reforms in public financial management already taken by the present administration had started yielding results.

Reforms

He said they include reducing recurrent expenditure to sustainable levels, while increasing the fiscal space for supporting capital projects and eradicating ghost workers, among others.

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Ibeto, said that the country must gradually but surely steer away from oil-dominated and global control to a liberalised agro-based economy, where government and private entrepreneurs actively participate in economic activities.

He urged the participants to use the forum to articulate issues that are germane to the realisation of a deregulation of the downstream oil sector.

Participants at the conference, with the theme Restructuring Nigeria's Public Finances, comprised state finance commissioners and other relevant stakeholders.

Meet Nigeria’s BBA Representative Beverly Osu’s Mother

Here is Mrs Osu, mother of Nigerian representative at the Big Brother reality show. Beverly Osu has been at the center of discussion recently, asides her relationship with Angelo that has been heavily criticized, Beverly has mentioned a lot of information that is meant to be family secrets to housemates.

She also mentioned something about her mom getting deported a long time ago over drug related offence.

Michael Girgenti’s Claiming He’s The Father of Kourtney Kardashian’s Son

In early 2009, Kourtney and Scott Disick called time on their relationship after dating for three years.

In the time they were separated, Kourtney met hot model, Michael Girgenti, (pictured below) on the set of a photo shoot and according to the guy, they had unprotected sex.

This was in March 2009. By December 2009, Kourtney gave birth to a son.

Michael said he tried contacting Kourtney after seeing a photo of Mason and believes he's the biological father of the boy who is now 3 and a half years old.

According to TMZ, the model has filed papers at a Los Angeles court asking a judge to order DNA tests for Kourtney, Mason and Scott Disick. He's also asking for joint custody of the boy.

Kourtney's lawyer says the accusation is absurd, claiming Michael is only looking for money and fame "His claims are absurd and this is simply another shameful attempt to gain publicity and profit from fictional stories about my client. Scott Disick is Mason's father,'

Photos: Orezi’s Party At Hush Nite Club, Johannesburg (Rated 16+)

Orezi painted South Africa 'red' during his tour in Johannesburg. He had a performance at the Hush Nite club. The party was categorized has one of the 'doppest party' Orezi has had in recent times.

Anambra Youth Stone, Boo Ngige’s In Awka

Ngige's time to go? As citizens boo, stone him in Awka

Anambra citizens may have sounded a stern note of warning that his time and days are over, to their once darling libero and deliverer from the shackles of money politics, gangsterism and godfatherism, Senator Chris Ngige's, when they pelted him with pure water at a political rally on Friday.

The senator who drove into the Ayom N'okpala Primary School arena for the maiden rally on the platform of the newly registered All Progressives Congress APC in frenzy was ironically not allowed to talk when the time came. It was scheduled for him to unveil his Anambra 2014 GUBER ambition

Though reasons for the unruly behavior of the party members were not made formal, it was gathered that the recent comments of the former governor and now the senator representing ANAMBRA Central zone on the raging controversy between the recent deportation of some Igbos from Lagos by the Lagos State Governmnet.

Ngige's was widely reported as having defended and excused the action of the Gov Babtunde Fashola-led Lagos state government.

APC members in the state, especially the youth were said to have been bitter with him over the stand he took. Though they also blamed Gov Peter Obi for the entire imbroglio, pointing out that Obi had never lived up to expectation in protecting and or defending the indigenes of the state whenever it matters.

They noted that Obi was always the last to come to the rescue of ANAMBRA people in other troubled states or areas. That it was same during the spate of bombings, retrenchment of non indigenes by unfriendly state governments.

Dr Godson Igwe from Awka Etiti who spoke to journalists at the rally ground on behalf of the APC youth wing said they have privately advised him to drop his ambition for the younger ones, and to concentrate in his duties at the senate.

The youth according to Igwe was also not happy that the only time Ngige's remembers anyone was at election time, but once after that he disappears.

He pointed out that there are young and capable ones like Senator Annie Okonkwo, Goddy Ezeemo in APC,, Uche Ekwunife, Willy Obianor, Chinedu Idigo in APGA, Dr Ifeanyi Ubah, Joseph Nwanueze in Labour Party, Walter Ubaka Okeke, Tony Nwoye and Charles Odunukwe in PDP who are now aspiring to take over from Peter Obi.

"Therefore lets sound a note of warning to the sit tight leaders cos we are around and watching", Chief Igwe emphasized.

Many we're also unhappy that he planned the rally on a day the PDP was having their own rally in same Awka, a ploy they saw as tactical to stop them from participating in robust politicking in the state as done in other developed democracies around the world.

Church Angry at Ngozi Nwosu’s Hasty Return to Set

There are indications that the pastor and members of Christ Tabernacle International Christian Center, Maryland, Ikeja, are not happy with their celebrity church member, Ngozi Nwosu.

This is because Ngozi's brethren believe the ailing actress who had just undergone kidney operations in UK is not fit enough to start work this soon.

It is widely reported that Ngozi, soon after her return from the UK hospital, had returned to the set of popular TV Series, Fuji House of Commotion. The church is led by Prophet David Emmanuel Bassey.

A reliable source who is a prominent member in the church revealed to NOLLYWOOD INSIDER last week that, "As I speak with you; its baffling to the church, the pastor and his wife that Ngozi had returned to work when she is not physically fit. This is a woman who can't even stand up on her feet for too long. When you see her stand or walk, she wobbles. What is she looking for or doing on a movie set so early? Or does she want to kill herself?"

Meanwhile, Ngozi is said to have promised the sum of N1m to the church on the day of her thanksgiving service, but what is not clear to NI as at the time of going to the press is if the once robust and bubbly actress has paid the promised sum.

The unfolding event buttresses the earlier claim to NI in a previous report on the actress, by her one time councilor nurse at the Medical Center Yaba, that Ngozi has always been a stubborn person. If not, as the source puts it, why on earth would she take on such a suicidal mission that could easily terminate her life?

However, when NI called Ngozi to felicitate with her on her birthday and to get her to comment on her church's worries over her health and immediate return to set, she replied from her U.K abode, "Thanks. I can't speak to you now. Call me next week when I come back to Nigeria".

Chris Brown Says He May Quit Music

If his tweets are to be believed, we may not have Chris Brown to push around much longer.

Though the controversial R&B star has a new album coming at the end of the month called X, he announced on Twitter that he probably only has one other album left in him. "Don't worry mainstream America," he wrote, "After this X album, it'll probably be my last album." He followed that up with the statement, "Being famous is amazing when it's for ur music and talent. I'm tired of being famous for a mistake I made when i was 18. I'm cool & over it!"

The "mistake" mentioned in that tweet is, presumably, his arrest for domestic assault after attacking then-girlfriend Rihanna the night before the Grammy Awards in 2009. (It should be noted, of course, that Brown was actually 19 when that incident occurred, but math is hard.) And he's not done making mistakes—just yesterday, Brown turned himself into authorities in Los Angeles to be booked for a hit-and-run case against him.

Though this retirement idea probably won't stick (the only stars whose retirements mean less than musicians are professional wrestlers), it should be noted that Brown's nearly 13 million Twitter followers have been getting quite a stream of downers recently, including melancholy musings like "Home don't feel like home. Too many empty rooms" and "Aspire to be great and the person you wanna be. Don't conform because ur worth is more than any money or status. We live. We die."

Robin Thicke's Record Label Didn't Like Blurred Lines After Their First Listen

We're ready to rule that Robin Thicke has himself THE song of the summer with Blurred Lines.
It's been at #1 for 9 straight weeks and his album just hit the top spot on the charts as well!
But before the single became a hit, it almost became a casualty of the cutting room floor!
Because Robin's record company didn't even like it!
Umm do they not have two ears and a heart???

Luckily for the world and all who live on it, Blurred Lines WAS released and skyrocketed its way up the Hot 100 list. Robin remembers the initial reaction he got while previewing the song for his label last summer though. He recalled:

"The record company didn't get it. They didn't even pay for the video. They didn't want to support it at all. I played it for the heads of the label, head of pop radio, and everybody just went, 'Nice. Nice.' Got no response; was kind of surprised by that. A few months later went back in, played it again like, 'I think we have enough records here. I think we've got four or five really strong singles' — or at least four or five options for singles."

So what changed the suits at Universal Interscope Records' minds?

It was that SEXXX-ZAY music video that Robin shot! Thicke explained:
"And as soon as the record company saw the video, they said, 'This is a smash.'"

Well, ch-yeah! Those nekkid chickies could have turned any tune into a megahit! Robin could have just whistled the Oscar Meyer wiener song around those hotties and he still would have gone to #1!
LOLz!!!

We are SO glad Robin got his label to change their tune on Blurred Lines. We've been jamming out to it nonstop!!!
But how do you possibly follow up what has become the biggest song of your career? Robin already knows what his next move is! He shared what's on tap, saying:

"I want to get right in the studio. I want to make a country album, a Christmas album, a gospel album. I'm like finally! I'm ready to make four albums right now!"
HA! Sounds like he'll have some more convincing to do at the record company!

[Image via Facebook.]

Domestic Violence Law in Lagos: A step in the right direction?

Raise your left hand if you know someone/anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence.

Ok, still keep your hands up.

Now, raise your right hand if you have ever been a victim/witnessed a domestic violence scene in reality.

Chances are, if this activity was carried out in a room full of people, more than half, if not all, of all hands in the room will be up.

Domestic Violence occurs all over the world, but in Naija I think it's such a hush hush thing. Our hypocritical society doesn't necessarily encourage sharing of such stories, so you can imagine my surprise reading about a Domestic Violence Law in Lagos!

Domestic Violence 101:

"Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, dating abuse, and intimate partner violence (IPV), is a pattern of behavior which involves the abuse by one partner against another in an intimate relationship such as marriage, cohabitation, dating or within the family. Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical aggression or assault (hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, slapping, throwing objects, battery), or threats thereof; sexual abuse; emotional abuse; controlling or domineering; intimidation; stalking; passive/covert abuse (e.g., neglect); and economic deprivation." Wiki

Domestic Violence Law in Lagos:

By this law, anyone found engaging in "spousal-abuse-activities" such as marital rape, physical, psychological or economic injury risks spending some time behind bars. (source).

So wait, we didn't have such a law before? 

I guess people now know there's such a law and the Lagos state government seems to want to take domestic violence a little more seriously.

So what exactly does this Law mean for Lagosians?

Well, in addition to time behind bars for culprits who are found guilty of abusing their spouses, victims will be taken out of the environment in which the abuse is taking place and provided housing by the Government.

Mmm.

Don't get me wrong, I think this is fantastic news. I'm happy about this as it seems to be a step towards the right direction. But, I'm a bit skeptical. From my understanding, Lagos state government seems to have their hearts in the right place, but the implementation is where most of their plans fail. Let's watch and see (and hope) this law would be an exception. Who knows, maybe other states will follow suit…

Let us know what you think using the comments box below!

Nicki Minaj Posts Topless Photo on Instagram

The YMCMB/Rich Gang rapper shared the pic above on instagram, leaving little to our imaginations and only her hair to maintain her modesty.

WAEC Releases May/June Examination Result

The West African Examination Council (WAEC) yesterday said it could not compute the percentage of candidates who made a credit pass in English language, Mathematics and three other subjects because of the security challenges in the North.
Releasing the details of the results of the May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at the council's headquarters in Yaba, Lagos, WAEC's Head of the Nigerian National Office Mr Charles Eguridu said some of the scripts were hijacked and eventually stolen by insurgents.

The WAEC chief explained that the insurgents waylaid the council's officials during the examinations.
The development has made it difficult for the examinations body to compare this year's results with
the previous years' figures.
But Eguridu said there was an improvement in this year's results over the previous years' figures.
He said: "We are unable to provide statistics of candidates who obtained five subjects, including English language and Mathematics at this time. This is because many candidates in the Northeast have partial results at the moment, due to the security challenges encountered there during the conduct of the examination, particularly loss of scripts."

Giving a breakdown of the results, the WAEC chief said 1,689,188 candidates registered for the examination of which 1,671,268, consisting 920,416 males and 750,852 females sat for the examination.

Eguridu said 1,543,683 (91.33 per cent) have their results fully released, while 145,505 (8.2 per cent) still have a few of their subjects still being processed because of errors traceable to candidates and their schools in the registration or writing examination.

He said: "Of the total number of candidates that sat for the examination, 889,636 (53.23 per cent) obtained six credits and above; 1,074,065 (62.26 per cent) obtained five credits and above. Besides, 1,225,591 candidates (73.33 per cent) obtained credits or above in four subjects, while 1,353,273 (80.97 per cent) obtained credits and above in three subjects.

"A total of 1,465,581 candidates (87.69 per cent) obtained credits and above in two subjects."

Iran’s New President Prompts Renewed Threats by Israel

 
JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, noting new leadership in Iran, again threatened to take military action against Iran's nuclear program.
Hassan Rouhani, regarded as a moderate, has just taken over as Iran's president. However, Netanyahu, touring proposed military bases in Israel's Negev Desert Wednesday, said Rouhani "is trying to present a new image to the West, but advances in [Iran's] nuclear program continue."

"The truth is that the only thing in the last 20 years that has helped stop Iran's nuclear program were pressures and the explicit threats of military action," the Israeli leader said.

Rouhani, formerly Tehran's chief nuclear negotiator, said Tuesday Iran was prepared to enter serious talks over its nuclear program with the West but would not respond to threats, and criticized Israel's influence in Washington without specifically mentioning Israel.

"The war-mongering lobby in the U.S. is opposed to constructive [talks] and only protects the interests of the foreign regime, and often receives orders from that regime," he said at a news conference.

The change in Iran's leadership is a major source of concern for Israel, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday, noting Israel has long threatened to take military action to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb, but Netanyahu's rhetoric was toned down over the last six months.

Rouhani's election has invigorated Israel's interest in rallying international focus on Iran's nuclear capabilities, the newspaper said.

GAY MARRIAGE: How Crimininalizing Same-Sex Relationships Will Affect Nigeria By Chinedu Ikpechukwu

Britain and the United States have aligned foreign aid with gay rights and have threatened to cut aid to Nigeria if the current bill is passed.

Last month, my country inched closer to the outright criminalization of homosexual relations. The latest unanimous vote by the House of Representatives is only the culmination of recent legislation pertaining to homosexual acts. In 2006, under the leadership of President Olesugun Obasanjo, the national assembly proposed a bill prohibiting same-sex marriage. In many ways, it served as a template for the current pending legislation. The 2006 bill not only prohibited same-sex marriage but also banned the adoption of children by same-sex couples, religious recognition of same-sex marriage, institutional recognition of homosexuality including bans on gay clubs, and even public displays of affection in public and private.

The current bill being put forward for President Goodluck Jonathan to sign contains all the aforementioned restrictions outlined in the earlier bill. The only difference between both bills lies in the severity of punishments for guilty offenders. In the 2006 bill, a person found guilty (either by being directly involved, or aiding and abetting) of violating these prohibitions was liable to 5 years in prison. The current bill has extended the sentence duration to 14 years for entering a marriage contract, and 10 years for violating any of the other prohibitions.

What has driven this recent spate of legislation on homosexuality? It seems to have coincided with the first Nigerian to openly come out before the nation. Bisi Alimi gained notoriety as a gay man at the University of Lagos where he majored in theater arts, prompting an appearance in October of 2004 on the popular New Dawn talk show where he bravely acknowledged his homosexuality, and in tandem, asked for acceptance from the nation. It seems plausible that the recent legislation push is rooted in a visceral response to the contents of that interview. This prompts the question, should laws be created from disgust?

The efforts of the Nigerian national assembly are not only flawed in logic; they are also unconstitutional. The current bill being put forward violates religious freedom. The Nigerian constitution (Section 38 (1)) clearly states that "every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion" and that includes the "freedom to change his religion or belief" as well as the "freedom to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching practice and observance". A mandate that forces churches and mosques not to recognize homosexual relationships clearly goes against this constitutional statute. While it is unlikely that the majority of churches and mosques would currently recognize homosexuality, it cannot be underestimated what the impact would be if a few broke the mould. The constitution guarantees a freedom of expression which would be violated by the bill's prohibition of public affection between homosexuals. The constitution also protects the freedoms of persons to "freely assemble and associate with other persons" which would be in direct conflict with the bill's prohibition on gay clubs and institutions.

All Nigerians will feel the impact of this law as it awaits President Jonathan's signature. Britain and the United States have aligned foreign aid with gay rights and have threatened to cut aid to Nigeria if this bill is passed. The UK spent about £141 million in 2012 to help improve education facilities, as well as family planning and immunization services. The UK had committed to increasing aid by 116% to £305 million for 2014/15. The US, on the other hand, funded $630 million in foreign aid in 2012 to Nigeria, 80% of which was used to help with the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. The rest of the money went to fund malaria treatment and eradication. Malaria and HIV/AIDS cause 515, 000 deaths annually with malaria accounting for roughly 60% of those deaths. It is no exaggeration to say that cuts to foreign aid would provide a monumental obstacle to those who currently benefit from these programmes.

The aggressive intolerance of homosexuals has been propagated under the banner of "protecting the integrity of our culture". Perhaps the greatest concern is the level of fear among homosexuals in Nigeria that this law will induce. Harassment without investigation or trial has already driven them underground. By criminalizing homosexuality, the government has now institutionalized disgust.

Salary Deduction For Police! In Spite Of Their Poor Working Conditions

Some policemen have raised the alarm over what they termed, arbitrary deductions from their salaries. They alleged that the Mechanized Salary Section of the police made unauthorized deductions of N5, 000 from their salaries.

It was learnt that the money was for the procurement of Fokas Savings and Loans Limited shares.

Some of the policemen, who spoke to newsmen said the scheme was dubious because they were not informed about it, prior to the salary deduction.

They added that it was after the first deduction had been made that they were informed by their superiors that the money would be deducted monthly until further notice.

A police inspector said, "Last week I received a text message from my bank notifying me that my salary had been paid. However, I found out that N5, 000 had been deducted. It was a few days later that we were given forms and we were then told that we had to buy shares compulsorily.

"How could the deductions have been made before I even filled the form? The police authorities are leveraging on the fact that policemen cannot openly protest. The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, must look into this."

Another policeman told newsmen that the scheme was not well planned, saying some of them close to retirement should be left out.

He said, "I have been a policeman for 34 years and I am close to retirement. People like me should have been left out from this scheme. I am already a member of the Nigeria Police Cooperative Multipurpose Society.

A police corporal said, "N2,000 was deducted from the salaries of senior police officers while N1,000 was deducted from the rank and file as compulsory contribution towards the World Police and Fire Games in which Nigerian policemen will participate. Why can't the Federal Government pay from its own purse?"

10 Year Old Nigerian Girl, Zuriel Oduwole Makes Forbes History

Zuriel Elise Oduwole, an extraordinary and amazing 10-year-old of Nigerian-American heritage, has made history as the youngest person ever to be interviewed in Forbes. The interview with the award winning documentary film maker, conference speaker and writer is featured in the August 2013 edition of Forbes Africa.

At just 10, whizkid Zuriel possesses amazing talent that has resulted in her interviewing business leaders, current and past world leaders and heads of states.

They include the current Presidents of Tanzania, Mauritius, and Malawi–one of Africa's only two female national leaders. Others are ex-presidents Jerry John Rawlings and John Kufuor of Ghana. Zuriel has also had a one-on-one interview with Africa's most successful businessman, Mr. Aliko Dangote. She even got a standing ovation for her sets of provoking and creatively intelligent questions to tennis superstars, Venus & Serena Williams, during their world press conference in Nigeria.

Zuriel says she has not been granted an interview by the President of Nigeria because of his busy schedules but hopes to achieve that soon.

Zuriel (which is Hebrew for God is my Rock) believes if she can walk a mile, then there are girls who on seeing her work and progress made, would walk a mile and half.

Hottest New Fashion: SKETCH Designs

SKETCH was established this year although the idea for this great fashion label was in the works for quite some time. The CEO of SKETCH is Abin Emmanuel Yashim, aptly nicknamed 'Sketch'.

Asked what the Logo signifies and where he gets his creative inspiration from, he had this to say.

"The Lion is my favourite animal and signifies pride and strength, the ropes signify the alphabets in my surname ABIN,it also stands for myself and my 3 siblings.

It was a project I was nurturing for 6 years with my late aunty Rhoda Kude.

I also got my inspiration from my dad RIP. He always told me to do what I can do with ease. My mum is my strongest support."

SKETCH caters for both male and female and its major area of concentration is above the waist, i.e. tops, tees, shirts, blazers, etc. It is more masculine oriented at the moment.

A site where you can see his fabulous designs and place orders will be revealed soon. For now to get more info and place orders, you can follow the CEO of SKETCH on twitter @sketchito

FG Declares Thursday, Friday Public Holiday

The Federal Government has declared August 8 and 9, 2013, as public holidays to mark this year's Eid-el-Fitri salah celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, who made the declaration in Abuja on Monday, enjoined all Muslim faithful and Nigerians in general to apply and extend the spiritual benefits of Ramadan, including love, joy and peace, to their daily living and through this, contribute to the development of the nation.

Moro also charged all Nigerians to seize the opportunity of the holidays to reflect on the imperative of peace in nation building.

The minister wished all Nigerians a most rewarding and peaceful celebration.

Meanwhile, in line with the administration's tradition of facilitating convenient movement of its citizens during festive seasons, the Osun State Government has announced the 2013 Eid Fitri free train ride schedule.

A statement by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Mr. Ismail Jayeoba, disclosed that the free train would be provided between Wednesday and Saturday.

The statement said the free train would convey people from Lagos to Osogbo, the state capital, on Wednesday August 7 by 11am. Similarly, the return journey from Osogbo to Lagos was fixed for Saturday August 11 at 11am.

BBA Update: Ice Prince Visits The Big Brother House

Housemates exploded with excitement when Nigerian rap superstar, Ice Prince Monday afternoon dropped by Biggie's House in his capacity as a ONE Campaign ambassador.

He spoke with the Housemates about extreme poverty in Africa and the Africa Union's role in eradicating poverty in Africa before 2030.

He was in the house to represent the biggest charity organization in the world, One, co-founded by U2′s Bono. Ice Prince and 2face are the only One ambassadors in Africa at the moment.

War of words! Linda Ikeji & Eva Alordiah diss each other on Twitter

Hours ago, celebrity blogger, Linda Ikeji posted  a story about rapper Eva Alordiah being a victim of child molestation.

According to Linda Ikeji, Eva admitted the quote below, on the Hot FM Abuja Breakfast Show with Tutu and Cheezy Charles.

"We are such a country that is so blessed by God. We don't have earthquake, volcanoes, tsunami. We are problems to ourselves and this is disgusting. I come from a background where I was molested as a child. Definitely it's a serious situation where you have to put a child through that type of trauma."

Apparently the post didn't go down too well with the female rapper.

Goodluck Jonathan District: Exclusive preserve of the super rich

Rich Nigerians rush to acquire plots near the proposed official quarters of the four presiding officers of the National Assembly.

In November last year, while hosting the Good Governance Team, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Bala Mohammed, was asked by a journalist if low income earners would be considered in the allocation of plots and siting of projects in the Goodluck Jonathan District, formerly known as Maitama Extension District, which will host the official residences of the four presiding officers of the National Assembly.

Mr. Mohammed responded wryly. According to him, though the lands had been allocated by the preceding FCT administration, there were plots for all categories of Nigerians who might wish to live in the district he named after the sitting president.
"We have three categories of plots in this district for the high, middle and low income earners. However, all the plots have been allocated before we assumed office. We are only developing it for the allottees to come and develop the district," he said.

The minister also disclosed to his guests, led by his counterpart in the Information Ministry, Labaran Maku, that the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, had already awarded a contract to a Nigerian firm to develop infrastructure in the district and three others at a total cost ofN44 billion and that acquiring the plots there would not only be affordable but also accessible by all.

PREMIUM TIMES investigation, however, shows that contrary to what Mr Mohammed promised, the plots of land in the Goodluck Jonathan District are not within the reach of the middle and low income earners. At present plots with Certificates of Occupancy, CofO, in all parts of the district are sold for between N250 million and N400 million, depending on their size.
Indeed, the district has become the latest attraction for the high and mighty in the country and this has led to property dealers in Abuja raising costs of the plots at will.

For instance, in the 3rd – 15th June edition of Estate News Orbital, a property magazine, Toni Austine Properties Ltd with offices in Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa advertised a residential land measuring 1400 square metres (sqm) for N250 million while another one which measures 2400 sqm goes for N280 million. The same firm also advertised a commercial land measuring 2270 sqm with C of O for N270 million and another one measuring 7700 sqm for N400 million.

According to the same journal, Time Young Properties is selling a residential plot measuring N1800 with CofO for N400 million.
Adverts for property in the District are also placed online. According to some of those placed through the medium, a residential plot measuring 2885 sqm with CofO goes for N500 million while another one measuring 2300 sqm with Right of Occupancy is sold for N300 million.
Except in Main Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse 2, Wuye, Guzape, Katampe and some parts of Utako Districts, at no other district are costs of plots comparable to those in the Goodluck Jonathan District. Even so, a few plots of land in some of these high brow districts still go for as low as between N70 million and N180 million, but such are not found in the district named after the president.
For instance, Banjo Adeleke & Co, a firm of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, with offices in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt advertised a plot of land measuring 1559 sqm in Wuse 2 for N45 million and another plot of about 2,123.59 sqm in Katampe for N75 million. The firm is also selling another plot in Katampe measuring 3700 sqm at N50 million. Owoeye & Partners advertised a plot measuring 1200m2 for N45m.
Another property dealer who advertised online, put a land measuring 2300 sqm with CofO in Asokoro District for N180 million and another in Garki District measuring 1620 sqm goes for N70 million for the asking.

APC presidential ticket: North woos Danjuma

The newly registered All Progressives Congress has begun moves to  draft  a former Minister of Defence (retd.), General Theophilus Danjuma,  into the 2015 presidential election race, Saturday PUNCH has learnt.

It was learnt that the North had foreclosed the possibility of getting the Peoples Democratic Party's presidential ticket with President Goodluck Jonathan's grip on the party.
 Investigations showed that the North had shifted its focus to the newly registered APC.
A source familiar with the permutations of the northerners confided in our correspondent that the region was desperately looking for a candidate, who could unite its people, who had been divided by religions.
He said, "Unlike in the First Republic when the late Saudana of Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello, was around, the North is divided. Some northern leaders reason that as part of efforts to reunite the region, Muslims must be ready to concede the Presidency to the Christian North. We are zeroing in on T.Y.Danjuma."
It was, however, gathered in Abuja, on Thursday, that a final decision had yet to be taken because consultations were still on-going.
Another source in the APC said that the move to make Danjuma run on the APC platform had started creating discomfort in the party.  He said, "What is happening now is really worrisome.
"We understand that the game plan is for the merger partners in the (defunct) CPC to produce the presidential candidate while the Action Congress of Nigeria is to produce the Vice Presidential candidate.

"General Buhari is still very much interested but some elements in the North with the active support of Generals Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, are looking towards TY Danjuma.
"The thinking is that he will have greater national appeal and he is perhaps the only person who Buhari can step down for, because of the tremendous respect he has for him.
"They are considering the option of co-opting him into the APC, using this window to give him a platform to challenge Jonathan, who appears almost certain to run on the PDP platform."
Reacting to this scenario, the Spokesman for the Northern Elders Forum, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, said nothing should be ruled out.
According to him, since the North is desirous of providing better leadership for the country, an accomplished Nigerian of general Danjuma's standing would not be a bad idea.
Abdullahi said, "We (the Northern Elders Forum) believe that the North should produce the President otherwise, the President of Nigeria in 2015 should be of northern extraction.
"Our position has been consistent that a suitably acceptable good candidate for the position of president should garner support hopefully not only in the North but also elsewhere in the country.
"If my friend is presented to me today, I will be the first to move around and canvass support for him.
"TY Danjuma is a personal friend and bearing his age, I would be one of those who will force him to run.
"But if the general agreement presents him, I will be the happiest for it.
"Obviously, Danjuma will have national and international appeal.
"We know the position is open to all of us, if we are a bit honest with ourselves, we will agree that one is better placed than the other and TY Danjuma should have perhaps been the president of the country many years ago.

"And perhaps he was the one who declined, otherwise people could have supported his leadership for the country many years ago and if he feels strong enough to provide that leadership, I will be one of those who will support him."
When asked if the retired general's age of 74 would not be a hindrance, Abdullahi said, "We are now looking at the person and his known abilities and the known character he is associated with.

"Nobody can challenge the suitability of Gen. TY Danjuma to provide leadership for the country.
"What we are saying is that if he feels inclined and he feels strong enough and willing, I am saying that I will be one of those who will give him support."

However, a former Parliamentarian,  Dr. Junaid Mohammed, does not share this optimism.

He said, "If our leadership crisis is real or contrived, meaning that the political class has become so irresponsible that nobody is thinking about the future of the country, then we are in trouble.

"If what I just said was true, then we have a very serious problem, because it seems we have to be going backwards to look for leaders who will lead us forward.
"That is not a characteristic of a forward looking progressive society. In fact, a society so condemned to this kind of thinking is permanently doomed and its survival is equally doomed."

When contacted, National Publicity Secretary of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, said it was too early to talk about the presidential ticket.
According to him, those who join the APC afresh will enjoy equal opportunities just like those who were pioneer members.

He said, "Everybody is going to start on a fresh platform, we are starting anew. It's too early  to start talking about the presidential candidate for the party at this point.

"We will not allow anybody to distract us because we still have to go for a convention to elect our officials. It is not the interim committee currently in place that will provide these modalities.
"It is automatic that I am a member of the APC as a member of one of the legacy parties.

"But I have to go to my ward to physically register just like every member is required to register.
"It's not like, because I am carrying a CPC card then it will suffice.  No. Everybody will have to be registered to become a member.

"The legacy parties (ANPP, CPC, ACN) are meeting on Tuesday next week to work out some of these modalities. It is a huge task before them.  I don't envy these 35 folks at all.

"It is when an elected executive is in place that they can draw up the necessary modalities on how candidates will emerge."

NEW MUSIC: #OMG - Tolani Mboi (@Mistr_440), Karchy (@KarchyK_BURN) & Gidi (@Sir_Gidi) via @AyoolasBlog

Tolani Mboi  is back again with another track of life as he already has many times this year. This time, its a booty shaker *in king julien's voice* called O.M.G, produced by Miju, he features fellow Babcock students Karchy and Gidi. I've listened to this one and I can categorically tell you that this song will blow your minds and definitely leave you wanting more. You can as well murder it with replays.

Download Link: http://t.co/m49m4HsEcK

NEW MUSIC: #OMG - Tolani Mboi (@Mistr_440), Karchy (@iam_miju) & Gidi (@Sir_Gidi) via @AyoolasBlog

Tolani Mboi  is back again with another track of life as he already has many times this year. This time, its a booty shaker *in king julien's voice* called O.M.G, produced by Miju, he features fellow Babcock students Karchy and Gidi. I've listened to this one and I can categorically tell you that this song will blow your minds and definitely leave you wanting more. You can as well murder it with replays.

Download Link: http://t.co/m49m4HsEcK

UK confirms Nov kick off date for £3,000 bond for Nigerian, others

Britain's Home Office, yesterday, confirmed that it will demand a 3,000-pound ($4,630) refundable bond for visas for "high-risk" visitors from six countries including Nigeria — a pilot scheme that has brought warnings at home and abroad that it will damage trade.

Britain said in a statement Monday that it will go ahead with the pilot scheme despite the outrage, charges of discrimination and warnings of retaliation.

The Home Office in a statement, yesterday, said: "We're planning a pilot that focuses on over-stayers and examines a couple of different ways of applying bonds.
"The pilot will apply to visitor visas, but if the scheme is successful we'd like to be able to apply it on an intelligence-led basis on any visa route and any country," the Home Office said without confirming the list of countries being targeted.
"This is the next step in making sure our immigration system is more selective, bringing down net migration from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands while still welcoming the brightest and the best to Britain. In the long run we're interested in a system of bonds that deters overstaying and recovers costs if a foreign national has used our public services," it said.
It added that: "The pilot will apply to visitor visas, but if the scheme is successful we'd like to be able to apply it on an intelligence-led basis on any visa route and any country,"

The proposed plan, which classifies Nigeria as a "high-risk" country despite the so-called "special relationship" and "strategic partnership" between Nigeria and the UK propagated by British Prime Minister David Cameron, had triggered widespread outrage among ministerial circles in Abuja.
For now, the targeted countries are Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Government data shows citizens of those countries applied for more than half a million visas to Britain last year.

There have been meetings between British and Nigerian officials  to address concerns on the scheme. Cameron had reportedly expressed his opposition to the idea soon after and sent the idea back to the drawing board following Nigerian and Indian protests.

Reacting to the visa bond policy yesterday, a retired Nigerian diplomat, Ambassador Dahiru Suleiman queried the benefits of Nigeria's membership of the Commonwealth, if Nigerian  citizens travelling to another Commonwealth country had to be subjected to pay bond for visa.

Ambassador Suleiman, who served in many duty posts abroad, lamented what he described as discriminatory policies from one commonwealth nation against another.
Speaking in a chat with Vanguard, yesterday, in Abuja, the retired envoy  urged the Nigerian government to review its membership of the Commonwealth, if the United Kingdom  insists on implementing the controversial to impose a £3,000 Visa bond on Nigeria  visa applicants to the UK.
The UK had reportedly unveiled plans to impose a £3,000 Visa cash bond  for first time visa applicants from Nigeria and other selected countries of the Commonwealth, which are regarded as "High Risk Countries"
He asked, "what has Nigeria benefited  so far for being a member of the Common Wealth.  Nigeria should call for review, we need to put our house in order.
"Every country has the right to impose policies but that policy should not be discriminatory.
"These countries the UK government is talking about, are they the only countries that over stay in the UK? There are so many of them  why just these selected countries that were colonised by the UK government.
"Why cant they monitor the movement of every body, than imposing £3,000?  that is not fair. Frankly speaking, Nigeria appear to be very poor, but I must tell you that even if it is 5,000, Nigerians will still go there."

Appeal Court Declares Lead City University’s Law Programme Illegal

The Court of Appeal on Wednesday ruled that Lead City University had been running its Law programme illegally.

The three-man panel of judges upturned the decision of an Oyo State High Court which nullified the National Universities Commission's (NUC) invalidation of the programme.

The lower court's judgement was based on a suit filed by a first class graduate of law from the university, Segun Alli, accusing the NUC of denying him the right to proceed to law school after completing his degree programme at the university.

Giving the lead Judgment, which was unanimously adopted by two other justices, Chidi Uwa upheld the appeal of the NUC, declaring that the university had been operating its law programme without the required accreditation.

The court also held that Mr. Alli lacked the locus standi to initiate the suit in the first place. It held that the matter under contention was between NUC and the Lead City University over compliance with directives to set up a valid Law Faculty.

Singer Selena Gomez Tops Billboard Album Chart for First Time

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - American pop singer Selena Gomez topped the Billboard 200 album chart for the first time on Wednesday, besting rapper Jay-Z and the soundtrack to "Teen Beach Movie."

Backed by her hit single "Come & Get It," 21-year-old Gomez's fourth studio album, "Stars Dance," sold 97,000 in the past week, according to figures compiled by Nielsen SoundScan.

Jay-Z, whose album "Magna Carta Holy Grail" topped the chart for two weeks, fell to No. 2, selling 77,000 copies.

The soundtrack to "Teen Beach Movie," a Disney Channel film, rose to No. 3 from No. 8 with 57,000 in sales during the week.

Walt Disney Co's Disney Music Group labels Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records released "Teen Beach Movie" and Gomez's "Stars Dance," respectively.

Compilation album "Kidz Bop 24" of children singing pop hits fell one spot to No. 4, selling 39,000 copies, and Latin pop singer Marc Anthony's Spanish-language album "3.0" debuted at No. 5, selling slightly fewer than 39,000 copies.

Anthony's album is the highest-selling opening week for a Spanish-language album since 2011, Billboard said.

Other debut albums to break into the top 10 are "Tracing Back Roots" by rock group We Came as Romans at No. 8 and "Rich Gang," a compilation from the rap labels Young Money Entertainment and Cash Money Records, at No. 9.

Overall album sales for the week ending July 28 totaled $4.68 million units according to Billboard, down 4 percent from the same week in 2012.

Who Wore it Worse: Beyonce vs. Britney Spears

A celebrity's worst nightmare is discovering she is wearing the same outrageously expensive dress at the same event as another narcissistic star. It's not uncommon for stylists to be fired after their clients are upstaged at an event by a lesser celebrity wearing the same couture frock.

Self-obsessed celebrities such as Beyonce spend half a year's mortgage on a designer dress that they are told no other star owns.

According to sources, Beyonce extracts a promise from designers that any dress she wears is a one-off — or an exclusive. Some designers even promise not to recycle a dress design for many years to minimize red carpet mishaps.

But magazine photo editors have long memories.

Singer Britney Spears turned up at the premiere for Smurfs 2 wearing the same Smurf blue Herve Leger frock that Beyonce wore 5 years ago. How embarrassing for Beyonce?

Now the only question left to ask is, "Who wore it worse?"

Man Wakes Up to Find Pet Dog Eating His Testicle

A paralyzed Arkansas man awakened to see his blood-soaked pet dog feasting on one of his testicles. According to KAIT8.com, the unidentified man told police he awakened around 7:45 a.m. Monday to a "burning sensation" in his mid section.

The victim, who has no feeling from the waist down, said he noticed his "small, white, fluffy dog" had blood on its snout and front paws. According to the police report, the 39-year-old man noticed "the dog had eaten one of his testicles." The man told police the dog was a stray he had taken in about three weeks earlier.

The victim was taken to St. Bernards Regional Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries. The dog was euthanized and its head was sent to a lab to be tested for rabies.

The case is similar to that of a paralyzed Florida boy who lost the fingers of his left hand to his pet puppy. There have also been recent cases of dogs who eat their deceased owners.

This case is a reminder that this type of canine behavior is normal for dogs who are descendants of wild wolves. Breeding and domesticating a dog does not remove the animal instinct for survival. And contrary to popular belief, dogs do not see their owners as human beings. Dogs consider humans to be alpha animals who walk upright.

It is important to remember that love is not a characteristic of dogs. Love is a human characteristic. Dogs are domesticated wild animals who revert to their wild behavior if you are otherwise incapacitated.

Jay Z And Beyonce Visit North West While Kanye Is In Milan

According to Us magazine, Jay Z and Beyonce recently visited Kanye's 6 weeks old daughter, North West, while the super star rapper is is Milan

From Us Magazine 

Never too busy for friends! Beyonce and Jay Z took time out of their busy touring schedules to make a very important stop at Kris Jenner's home in Calabasas, California. on Sunday, July 28, to pay a visit to Kim Kardashian and baby North West, a source confirms to Us.

Though best bud Kanye West wasn't home at the time (the rapper is currently in Milan, Italy), both Jay and Bey spent the morning with Kardashian, 32, who has not been seen out in public since giving birth to her tiny bundle of joy on June 15.

Model, Huntington-Whiteley Strips Off for TOPLESS Photoshoot (Photos)

She has previously been a poster girl for  Marks and Spencer underwear.

But Rosie Huntington-Whiteley modelled for a  far racier campaign when she stripped off at Hayman Island near Australia's  Great Barrier Reef earlier this month.

The 26-year-old English beauty is currently  the face of Australian cosmetics company ModelCo and modelled for a topless  shoot.

Rosie has been chosen to promote an  Australian cosmetics company where she shows off her enviable body wearing  just a pair of tiny white shorts

The star looked seductive in a variety of  poses, showing off her enviably long legs in a pair of tiny white  shorts.

She also covered up her modesty with a  strategically placed elbow.

Rosie wore her long sun-kissed blonde hair  loose and wavy and was seen running her hands through her hair.

The star also wore natural make-up, sporting  light, smoky eyeshadow and nude-coloured lips.
The make-up brand, which was founded by  Australian businesswoman Shelley  Barrett, has previously been fronted by Elle  Macpherson and Dannii  Minogue.

Rosie said of the shoot: 'The weather wasn't  amazing. It was very windy but we made it work and it was a lot of fun.

'It's been fantastic working with Shelley as  she values my opinion and allows me to have input.'

Rosie showed off her model figure in the  barely-there outfit
Brand founder Shelley said: 'Whilst ModelCo  is an Australian brand it has global distribution and Rosie resonates with our  customers. With her busy lifestyle she epitomises a busy girl on the  go.'

The model has been dating actor Jason  Statham, 45, for over two years.

On being asked about rumours that he is set  to propose, Rosie told the Sydney Morning Herald: 'I woke up to those stories….I  don't pay any attention to them.

However she coyly added: 'But it would be  exciting.'

Read more: DailyMail