Maritzburg Utd player dies in car crash

 

Mondli Cele, a player from Premier Soccer League club Maritzburg United, has died in an accident in Alexandra Park, Pietermaritzburg early this morning.

According to Sport24,one other person also passed away in the incident.

The 27-year old Cele scored the opening goal in Martizburg's 3-3 draw with Orlando Pirates in a PSL fixture played at Harry Gwala stadium on Saturday evening.

It is believed the vehicle in which he was travelling veered off the road and into the Duzi river.

Source: http://www.supersport.com/football/absa-premiership/news/160117/Maritzburg_Utd_player_dies_in_car_crash

RETURN OF N-DELTA MILITANCY? Major crude oil, gas pipelines bombed

Attacks on oil installations in Delta State entered the third day, yesterday, as militants blew-up major crude oil and gas pipelines to the Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, Tank Farm in Warri South West Local Government Area of the state.

Blown up on Friday night was the main crude line from Makaraba through Otunana and Abiteye to Escravos while Olero to Escravos gas line was attacked in the early hours of yesterday.

Earlier on Thursday, the Escravos – Warri – Abuja – Lagos pipelines came under attack. The Itsekiri raised the alarm, yesterday, that the attacks could metamorphose into another Ijaw-Itsekiri war.






These acts of sabotage are coming at a time when global crude oil price continues its downward move.

THE military, yesterday, deployed army and naval personnel in the creeks of Delta State to contain the militants.

Our source, who spoke from one of the Ijaw communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, at about 5.30 pm said, “The situation is not clear yet, but there are gunboats everywhere. It is a combined team of soldiers and navy people patrolling the creeks

.“Movement is restricted. The military personnel are going about to show their presence and scare the militants, who strike in the night and not in the daytime. But, at least, their presence has shown that the military was ready to confront them.”

The authorities, caught napping by the resumption of hostilities four days ago, reportedly saw the danger of allowing further bombings and mobilised to counter the militants.

After bombing the Escravos-Warri-Abuja-Lagos pipelines at about 10.00 pm on Thursday, the militants were emboldened to blow up Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL’s Utunana –Makaraba crude oil line at 10.30 pm on Friday and proceeded to bomb Olero gas line in the early hours of yesterday.

Their target it is believed is to cripple crude oil production and arm-twist the Federal Government. Already, CNL, heavily hit by the Thursday and Friday attacks, was considering shutting down operations, even as workers have been restricted to their camps in the affected locations.

 

The Itsekiri fear

Chair, Itsekiri Regional Development Council, IRDC, Chief Ayiri Emami, expressed concern, yesterday, that with attacks targeted at oil facilities in Itsekiri towns and villages, it might metamorphose into another Ijaw/Itsekiri war.

He said those carrying out the attacks were Ijaw militants known to the security agencies, state and federal governments, and challenged them to rein in the gunmen.

Meanwhile, ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, maintained, yesterday, that he had no hands in the bombings. His media adviser, Paul Bebenimibo, told Sunday Vanguard: “Tompolo has nothing to do with the ongoing attacks.”

Emami, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard on phone, said, “The situation right now is unpredictable. This was how the Itsekiri and Ijaw crisis started in 2003 and 2007. Government and security agencies know the person blowing up the pipelines and his boys, they cannot say that that they do not know them. I do not see how the entire local government area should be put on edge because of one person and his selfish interests.”

He went on “We are concerned because they have left their areas to bomb oil facilities in Itsekiri areas of Dibi, Abiteye and Kpokpo and the next thing now; they want to bomb Itsekiri villages. They started on Thursday night; government and security agents are looking at them, so they continued again on Friday night.

“Probably, they will continue again on Saturday night. That is why we are calling on government to stop them because we know their plan. They want to make this place ungovernable, but we will not fold our arms and watch them.

“It is the same set of boys who blew up the Escravos-Warri-Lagos-Abuja gas pipeline that they sent to blow up Chevron pipelines. They have been holding nocturnal meetings on where to bomb in the last few days.”

Last night, on industry source told Sunday Vanguard that CNL and other oil companies in the riverside areas of Delta State were on the verge of shutting operations out of fear of the unknown.

‘Tompolo stepped on toes’

Also, yesterday, the Warri Ijaw Peace Monitoring Group, WIPMG, Warri, Delta State, said Ekpemupolo stepped on powerful toes while executing his contract to protect gvernment oil installations and the forces have now coalesced against him.

The group, in a statement by its chair, Chief Patrick Bigha, condemning the bombing of crude oil and gas pipelines in Warri in the last few days, said the involvement of All Progressives Congress, APC chieftains in Bayelsa state, who are out to spite Tompolo should not be ruled out.

It said: “The Warri Ijaw Peace Monitoring Group wishes to condemn the renewed wanton destruction of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region. We are truly disturbed with this happening as the Nigerian economy is in a bad shape; therefore, we are calling on those behind this act to cease hostilities immediately.

“We are not happy over the incident as it look like a smear campaign against the person of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo,because of his position in the Bayelsa State governorship election as well as the issue with the EFCC, which is a legal issue that will be appropriately addressed.

“It is worthy of note that Tompolo will not embark on such self destructive mission as one that fervently believes in the Nigeria project, and has contributed to peace building and development of Nigeria.”

 

Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/01/return-of-n-delta-militancy-major-crude-oil-gas-pipelines-bombed/

FOREX CRISIS: Naira may crash further this week

Banks have recorded near zero foreign currency deposit inflow from high net-worth individuals indicating that their domiciliary account customers are staying cautious on the reversal of foreign currency deposit ban by Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, early last week.

The development has sustained scarcity of foreign exchange in the market as well as the high exchange rate above N300/ USD1

CBN had hoped to buoy foreign currency supply from independent sources through the de-freezing of foreign currency deposits, and hence help douse the pressure on exchange rate which had accentuated last week.

Sunday Vanguard investigations last weekend, however, showed that only low-end domiciliary account holders responded to the policy with a few dollar deposits, a situation which prompted some of the banks to send out marketing sensitization to their customers to come forward and deposit their dollar with them.

Some of the bankers who spoke to Sunday Vanguard expressed surprise that much dollar did not come in during the week contrary to the expectations that customers who had inundated them with inquiry on how to deposit their foreign currencies did not turn up in response to CBN’s directive.

CBN had, mid last year, barred banks from accepting foreign currency deposits from their customers, a development that cut most of the customers napping, with foreign currency cash in their homes, with the attendant danger.

Last week, CBN reversed itself, allowing the deposits but it appeared the domiciliary account depositors have found alternatives.

Some of the bankers told Sunday Vanguard that some of the depositors now trade or invest their dollar cash with Bureau de Changes, BDCs, where exchange rates and returns on investments are far higher, not minding the risks involved.

However, they also explained that some of the bigger volume customers are finding options with foreign bank accounts.

Consequently, the expected inflow of dollar into the domiciliary accounts with local banks did not come as much as was anticipated.

But some financial sector observers said the high volume dollar account customers were skeptical about the policy reversal which was silent on withdrawals.

The CBN foreign currency deposit restriction policies had come with imposition of limits on foreign currency withdrawals, but the unbanning of deposits last week was silent on withdrawals.

This gap, according to the analysts, may have short-circuited the expected positive response from most domiciliary account holders especially the high-end customers.

Commenting on the policy reversal, financial sector analysts at Afrinvest Group said “CBN reneged on its earlier policy, announcing its decision to allow commercial banks accept foreign currency deposits but was not clear on whether foreign currency transfers or withdrawals can be made”.

They are also worried that despite the huge crash in value of the Naira against world’s major currencies, CBN maintained its official rate at N197/ USD1 thereby creating wider parallel market margin of about 50 per cent, the highest so far in the history of Nigeria’s currency market.

Consequently, Afrinvest stated that “this calls for a quick response of the monetary authority given the huge margin between the official and parallel market rates.

“With foreign reserves at lows of US$28.7 billion and oil prices at US$29.47 per barrel, a compelling argument to devalue the Naira at the next Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting cannot be jettisoned”, it stated. Analysts at Cowry Asset Management, a Lagos based investment house, expressed discomfort at the policy reversal which they believe fell short of capturing other factors that would have made it achieve desired results. They stated, “we are worried that the policies of CBN on the foreign exchange management seem to be made in silos as all the ramifications didn’t seem to have been factored in before the announcements, hence the frequent reversals and consequent loss of confidence by the business and investing public.

“We will advice the Monetary authorities to articulate an integrated policy on foreign exchange management taking into consideration the fiscal policy objectives of the federal government.

“We also think that CBN being the recipient and owner of 90% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings must evolve a channel for injecting dollar cash liquidity into the system, to meet legitimate needs”. Concluding its prognosis of the foreign currency market situation, Cowry Assets analysts stated, “this week we expect further depreciation of the Naira at the alternative market segments on aggravated supply scarcity buoyed by the closure of CBN’s window to BDCs”.

Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/01/forex-crisis-naira-may-crash-further-this-week/

U.N. gives go-ahead to lift Iran sanctions

 

VIENNA — The U.N. atomic agency announced Saturday that Iran has met all of its obligations under a landmark nuclear deal with six world powers.

Certification by the International Atomic Energy Agency will allow Iran to immediately recoup some $100 billion in assets frozen overseas and see huge benefits from new oil, trade and financial opportunities that will come after Western sanctions against Iran are lifted.

“Relations between Iran and the IAEA now enter a new phase,” said IAEA director general Yukiya Amano.

“It is an important day for the international community.”

Earlier Saturday, Iranian Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held a series of meetings with his European Union and U.S. counterparts — including U.S. Secretary of State Kerry — on implementing the accord.

“All oppressive sanctions imposed against Iran will be annulled today,” Zarif said on Iranian state TV.

Progress also came Saturday on another area of Iran-U.S. tensions: U.S. and Iranian officials announced that Iran was releasing four detained Iranian-Americans in exchange for seven Iranians held or charged in the United States.

U.S. officials said the four Americans — Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, former U.S. Marine Amir Hekmati, pastor Saeed Abedini and Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari — were to be flown from Iran to Switzerland on a Swiss plane and then brought to a U.S. military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, for medical treatment.

In return, the U.S. will either pardon or drop charges against seven Iranians — six of whom are dual citizens — accused or convicted of violating U.S. sanctions. The U.S. will also drop Interpol “red notices” — essentially arrest warrants — on a handful of Iranian fugitives it has sought.

Rezaian is a dual Iran-U.S. citizen convicted of espionage by Iran in a closed-door trial in 2015. The Post and the U.S. government have denied the accusations, as has Rezaian.

The landmark Iran nuclear agreement, struck July 14 after decades of hostility, defused the likelihood of U.S. or Israeli military action against Iran, something Zarif alluded to.

“Our region has been freed from shadow of an unnecessary conflict that could have caused concerns for the region,” he said. “Today is also a good day for the world. Today will prove that we can solve important problems through diplomacy.”

Iran insists all of its nuclear activities are peaceful. But under the July 14 deal, it agreed to crimp programs which could be used to make nuclear weapons in return for an end to sanctions. The agreement puts Iran’s various nuclear activities under IAEA watch for up to 15 years, with an option to re-impose sanctions should Tehran break its commitments.


Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/u-n-go-ahead-lift-iran-sanctions-article-1.2499174?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NydnRss+%28Top+Stories+-+NY+Daily+News%29

We Got BEYONCE’S First BABY BUMP

We Already Told You BEYONCE’S PREGNANT . . . And Now We Got Her First BABY BUMP PIC . . . There’s NO ABSOLUTELY DENYING IT NOW!!! (We Dare You . . . 

To Tell Us . . . She Ain’t Pregnant)

 

Source: http://mediatakeout.com/

Magic Johnson Oscars Screwed Black People ... Will, Idris, Sam

Magic Johnson says he won't sit quietly while the Oscars run a snow job on black people -- claiming there were a BUNCH of black actors who deserved nominations ... including Will Smith.

The NBA legend went to Twitter and wrote ... "[Cookie] and I are avid movie goers and we are disappointed by the lack of diversity with the Oscar nominations."

"Saw Leo/TheRevenant and Matt/TheMartian both spectacular & deserve noms, but you can’t ignore Will/Concussion and Idris/BONN."

"And we can’t forget about Michael B Jordan & Ryan Coogler w/ Creed, Sam Jackson in The Hateful 8, all deserved to be nominated."

Of course, there were NO black actors nominated in the best lead or best supporting actor & actress categories ... and the top movies all featured white people.

 

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2016/01/15/magic-johnson-oscars-screwed-black-people-will-idris-sam/#ixzz3xSlQVQOo

Steve Harvey Sobs and Begs Miss Colombia for Forgiveness

Steve Harvey has done an interview with Miss Colombia, begging forgiveness ... and we've learned the waterworks were turned on in a big, big way -- and we're not talking her. Our sources say ... an NBC producer brokered the deal in which Ariadna Gutierrez appeared on Harvey's talk show and did a segment for "Today," as well as Telemundo ... all NBC-owned properties. Our sources say Harvey told Ariadna he's apologized to everyone, but a face-to-face with her was the most meaningful. "He sobbed and sobbed," our sources say.




Harvey also had the winner, Miss Philippines, on the show but we're told she was never on the same stage as Ariadna. Right after Steve's show, filmed in Chicago, Natalie Morales from "Today," interviewed Ariadna, followed by an anchor from Telemundo. Today, Ariadna is shooting a cover for People Espanol. As one source said, "Ariadna thought having the crown taken away was the worst day of her life. She now realizes it was the best day," adding, 'She's making a fortune!"


Source: http://www.tmz.com/2016/01/15/steve-harvey-miss-colombia-cries-talk-show/#ixzz3xSjvUwIs

Rob Kardashian diabetes diagnosis is not a WAKE UP CALL!

 

 Rob Kardashian's diabetes diagnosis did not scare him healthy ... not by a long shot ... and his family is worried sick if he doesn't radically change his ways he could die.

Our Kardashian sources tell us they were confident after Rob was admitted to the hospital late last month and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes he'd begin eating healthy, exercising and doing whatever it took to beat the disease.

It's so bad, Rob has to give himself insulin injections once a day ... but he's still unfazed by the scare.

Our sources say he's still eating crap and not seriously doing anything to lose weight.

We're told Kris and Rob's sisters have stepped up and hired a full-time chef who specializes in diabetes diets to prepare all of his meals. They've also hired a nutritionist and trainer.

Problem is -- Rob is halfhearted about the whole thing ... not committing to the diet or exercise, and the family is worried his condition will worsen and his life will be in peril.

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2016/01/16/rob-kardashian-diabetes-chef-trainer-nutritionist/#ixzz3xShFaEam

Celine Dion's Brother Dies From Cancer

 

 Celine Dion's older brother Daniel has died from cancer ... TMZ has learned.

Daniel, 59, passed away early Saturday morning surrounded by family in Celine's native Montreal. He had been fighting brain, tongue and throat cancer.

A memorial will be held next Saturday in Charlemagne Quebec, where the family was raised.

Celine's husband, Rene Angelil, passed Thursday from throat cancer.

R.I.P.

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2016/01/16/celine-dion-brother-daniel-dead-cancer/#ixzz3xSeuvHKC

Customs Officers have 14 Days To Declare Assets

All Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service are to make full disclosure of their assets in a new measure put in place to push transparency and compliance with the Rule of Law.

The directive on Assets Declaration is contained in a Circular, signed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) and addressed to all Deputy Comptrollers-General, Zonal Coordinators and Customs Area Controllers. All Officers are to comply with the directive within 14 days.
 

 

According to the Circular, the directive on Assets Declaration is in compliance with “The Bank Employees Declaration of Assets Act Cap B1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Though the Act provides for Asset Declaration by all Bank employees, it also empowers the President to extend its application to other categories of persons.

Specifically, Section 12 (1) states that “The provision of this Act shall apply to the Comptroller-General, Deputy Comptroller-General, Assistant Comptroller-General, Chief Collector, Principal Collector and other Officer, Staff or employee of the Nigeria Customs Service as the apply to a Chief Executive or an employee of a Bank”.


The Comptroller-General observed that many Officers have not complied with the provisions of the Act over the years, stating that the 14-day ultimatum for compliance will be strictly enforced.

Signed

Wale Adeniyi
Public Relations Officer
For: Comptroller-General of Customs

 

 

Source: http://saharareporters.com/2016/01/15/customs-officers-declare-assets-14-days

#Dasukigate: Court Orders Metuh To Be Remanded In Prison Custody

Embattled spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh was today remanded in prison custody following his arraignment before a Federal High Court in sitting in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations that he engaged in N400 million fraud that involved his firm, Destra Investment Limited. 

Embattled spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh was today remanded in prison custody following his arraignment before a Federal High Court in sitting in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations that he engaged in N400 million fraud that involved his firm, Destra Investment Limited.
Metuh is standing trial on a 7-count charge brought against him for allegedly diverting and sharing part of the $2.1bn arms purchase funds by a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

Metuh, who was arrested on January 5, has been in the custody of the EFCC. During his arraignment today, a bearded Metuh donned a white native dress with matching red cap arrived the court at 9.00am with retinue of his political supporters who came to show solidarity support. Mr. Metuh's supporters began chanting "Free Metuh, Free Metuh, Free Metuh" however they were prevented from gaining access into the court by the security operatives.

After the charges had been read to him in the dock Mr. Metuh pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The defence counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, made an oral application for bail to prevent the accused from staying further in EFCC custody. He argued that the trial is a 'summary trial' as the case is not being tried on the information that a formal written application is not necessary in this case because the application rests on the constitutional right of the defendant. He maintained that the condition for bail has been spelt out in section 162 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). He submitted that the request for the written application by the prosecution counsel should not arise as the court can take any application orally. He, therefore, prayed the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the applicant.
But the Prosecution counsel, Tahir Sylvanus opposed to the oral application and asked the court to reject and discountenance the bail application made by the defence counsel as such does not envisage in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) as being cited by the defence counsel saying that the application is illegal and contrary to law.

The prosecution counsel argued that the defendant was duly served a copy of the hearing notice of the case and insisted that the formal application must be made.
 

The presiding Judge, Justice Abang Okon while ruling on the oral application held that he has carefully considered the argument of both parties and said that the court cannot prevent the defendant from making a bail application. But since there was an objection to the oral application of the defendant he would ask the defendant to file a formal application for bail within 6 hours and asked the prosecution counsel to file their reply within 24 hours after that. He held that if parties comply with the order, the court shall resume on January 19th by 12.00pm to take the argument on bail application while the hearing of the case will commence on Jan. 25th 2016.
 

Abang, therefore, warned on the frivolous application for adjournment from the lawyers saying such would not be allowed in his court.

The charge against Metuh borders on money laundering, breach of trust and criminal diversion of public funds.

The anti-graft agency said it has established that Metuh had in November 2014, collected N400 million from the erstwhile National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd).

The fund, which was withdrawn from an account of the Office of the NSA operated with the Central Bank of Nigeria was allegedly transferred and traced to Metuh through account no. 0040437573, which Destra Investments Limited operated with Diamond Bank Plc.

Source: http://saharareporters.com/2016/01/15/dasukigate-court-orders-metuh-be-remanded-prison-custody

Cristiano Ronaldo with Alessandra Ambrosio on GQ Magazine cover

 

 He painstakingly makes sure he is one of the fittest men in the world and Cristiano Ronaldo was ready to show off the result of his hard-work to the world.

Never shy to take up his cloths, Ronaldo was happy to show off his ripped abs on the cover of GQ's latest body issue.

He appeared on the cover together with Brazilian model and actress Alessandra Ambrosio.

In the racy cover, Ambrosio who is just in bikini, drape her body over Ronaldo who wears just a pair of tiny red swimming trunks

The photos for the magazine was shot in October when Ronaldo shared a video on social media of the two behind-the-scenes on a 'top secret project'.

"Hi guys, we've finished photo-shooting, it was amazing filming with Alessandra, she is fantastic, she does a fantastic job," the 30-year-old says in the clip.

"We are not going to say what we did because it's a secret, we hope you are going to like it."

"I had a great time with you," the Victoria Secret model replied.

"You're an amazing person, a super-nice guy and I hope you guys have fun and it's a top secret project so you're not going to find out."

 

 

Source: http://pulse.ng/sports/football/cristiano-ronaldo-real-madrid-stars-shows-off-ripped-abs-on-gq-magazine-cover-id4566944.html

Stolen Yams: Billions Spent on Faulty Helicopters for Air Force

 

Several faulty helicopters were procured at inflated prices for the Nigerian Air Force, a committee established to audit the procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces and Defence sector from 2007 to 2015 has said.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said on Friday that the Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment accused some retired and serving officer of the Air Force and Nigerian Army of misconduct and corruption, leading to the development.

In its first interim report, the audit committee identified several breaches, noting that the procurement processes were arbitrarily carried out and generally characterised by irregularities and fraud with the items procured failing to meet the purpose for which they were procured in many cases.

Shehu said, “​A major procurement activity undertaken by ONSA for NAF was that concerning the contracts awarded to Societe D’ Equipment Internationaux (SEI) Nig Ltd.

“Between January 2014 and February 2015, NAF awarded 10 contracts totalling nine hundred and thirty million, five hundred thousand, six hundred and ninety US Dollars ($930,500,690.00) to SEI Nigeria Limited.

“Letters of award and End User Certificates for all the contracts issued by NAF and ONSA respectively did not reflect the contract sums. Rather, these were only found in the vendor’s invoices, all dated 19 March, 2015.

“Additionally, some of the award letters contained misleading delivery dates suggesting fraudulent intent in the award process. The observed discrepancies are in clear contravention of extant procurement regulations.

“The SEI contracts included procurement of two used Mi-24V helicopters instead of the recommended Mi-35M series at the cost of one hundred and thirty six million, nine hundred and forty four thousand US Dollars ($136,944,000.00).

“However, it was confirmed that the helicopters were excessively priced and not operationally air worthy at the time of delivery. A brand new unit of such helicopters goes for about thirty million US Dollars ($30m). Furthermore, the helicopters were delivered without rotor blades and upgrade accessories.”

Shehu added that the helicopters were undergoing upgrade while being deployed for operation in the North-East without proper documentation.

He said it was further established that as at date, only one of the helicopters is in service while the other crashed and claimed the lives of two NAF personnel.

The presidential spokesman also said the committee established that ONSA also funded the procurement of four used Alpha-Jets for the NAF at the cost of seven million, one hundred and eighty thousand US Dollars ($7,180,000.00).

However, according of him, it was confirmed that only two of the Alpha-Jet aircraft were ferried to Nigeria after cannibalisation of engines from NAF fleet.

This, he added, was contrary to the written Amosu’s assertion to the former NSA that all the four procured Alpha-Jets aircraft were delivered to the NAF.

He said the non-militarisation of the Alpha-Jets made them unsuitable for deployment to the North-East and they are currently deployed only for training at NAF Kainji.

He added, “Furthermore, the procurement of the Alpha-Jets was contrary to the recommendation of the assessment team. The committee found that the conduct of Air Marshal Adesola Amosun (retd.) was deliberately misleading and unpatriotic.

“The contract for the procurement of 36D6 Low Level Air Defence Radar for the NAF was awarded to GAT Techno Dynamics Ltd in April 2014 at the cost of thirty three million US Dollars ($33m) and was funded by ONSA.

“The committee established that the radars were excessively priced as a complete set of such radars (comprising six radars including the Control Centre) goes for six million US Dollars ($6m) averagely.

“The committee observed that the radars were delivered without the vital component of Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) that distinguishes between own and adversary aircraft, which has significantly degraded the operational capabilities of the NAF in the North-East.

“It was further observed that the sum of three million, three hundred thousand US Dollars ($3.3m) was fraudulently included in the contract agreement as VAT and withholding tax and subsequently paid into the bank accounts of Spacewebs Interservices Limited and Delfina Oil and Gas Limited.

“The committee further established that two million US Dollars ($2m) from the proceeds was transferred to Mono Marine Corporation Nigeria Limited, which is jointly owned by principal characters in this deal. The committee opined that the infractions of extant regulations by these companies were clearly intended to defraud.

“It was established that between September 2009 and May 2015, the NAF expended about fifteen billion Naira (N15bn) on the maintenance of its Alpha-Jets, C-130H aircraft and Mi-24V/35P helicopters.

“Of this amount, four billion, four hundred and two million, six hundred and eighty seven thousand, five hundred and sixty nine Naira, forty one Kobo (N4,402,687,569.41) was paid out for contracts not executed.

“It was also observed that in carrying out these maintenance activities, contracts worth over two billion, five hundred million naira (N2.5bn) were awarded to Syrius Technologies, a Ukrainian company that was not registered in Nigeria.

“Regrettably, in spite of these expenditures, the status of NAF fleet remained operationally appalling as only three Alpha-Jets, two C-130H and one each of Mi-24V and Mi-35P were serviceable as of 28 May, 2015.”

Shehu also disclosed that in October 2013, NAF awarded contracts to DICON for the supply of weapons and ammunition at the cost of five hundred and ninety nine million, one hundred and eighteen thousand naira (N599, 118,000.00).

He said only two of the seven items contracted were delivered to NAF while the outstanding five items remained undelivered despite repeated requests to DICON.

He said the committee also found that the delivered ammunition was about 40 years old, thereby casting doubts on their shelf life.

The failure of DICON to fully execute the contract and the delivery of aged ammunition, he explained, diminished the capacity of the NAF in North-East operation.

“The committee uncovered insider dealings by military officers in procurement activities undertaken by ONSA and the NAF. The officers were found to have misused or abused their offices for personal gains by influencing award of contracts to private companies in which they have substantial interests.

“For instance, an officer serving in the ONSA used his office to secure two contracts for his company, Geonel Integrated Services Limited for the protection of 20 Dams and Presidential Air Fleet security at the cost of six billion, two hundred and fifty million Naira (N6,250,000,000.00) and five million US Dollars ($5m) respectively.

“Furthermore, some NAF officers used their companies to collect VAT and Withholding Tax that were never remitted to FIRS while another officer was found to have cross transferred about five hundred million naira (N500m) between a NAF company, Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited, SkyExperts Nigeria Limited and Huzee Nigeria Limited, companies in which he had personal interests.

“In continuation of its assignment, the Committee has so far established that the nation spent about twenty nine billion naira (N29bn) and two billion US dollars ($2bn) on NAF procurement activities alone,” Shehu said.

The development and the recommendation of the committee led President Buhari to direct the EFCC top military officials indicted in the scandal.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that the EFCC has asked 18 generals to appear before it on Monday in connection with the scandal.

Those affected in the order include embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. ​Sambo Dasuki (retd.); former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (retd.); and two former Chiefs of Air Staff, Air Marshal MD Umar (retd.) and Air Marshal Adesola Amosun (retd.).


Source: http://www.punchng.com/scandal-billions-spent-faulty-helicopters-air-force/

Obafemi Martins Photo With Wizkid & Dammy Krane - Peace Talk...

 

#LeaveTrashforLawma was settled by Dangote.

Now it is Obafemi Martins in peace talk. Who is the next icon to resolve the next beef? #Jagaban or #DonaldTrump LOL!!!

http://www.9janewsarena.com/2016/01/obafemi-martins-pictured-with-wizkid-and-dammy-krane.html

 

FG pleads with Investors of Private Sector not to lay off staff at this critical stage.

The Federal Government on Saturday begged investors in the private sector to desist from sacking workers at the moment, stressing that the country’s economy is in a critical stage.

According to the government, the sack of any employee would have serious negative effect not just on the retrenched fellow, but on the larger economy.

The Minister Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, disclosed this at the Investiture Ceremony of Engr. Otis Anyaeji as the 30th President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers in Abuja.

Ngige, who was represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. James Ocholi, said the role of engineers in job creation could not be over-emphasised, adding that the provision of employment was one of the cardinal objectives of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The minister urged the large turnout of private sector operators at the gathering to always seek ways of managing their workforce without necessarily increasing the number of unemployed persons in Nigeria through sacking of staff.

He said, “Engineers are too critical to the nation and this is because they create jobs. We all know that one of the President’s key priorities is job creation. But without engineers this cannot be achieved. So engineers are of great significance to our country, especially with respect to job creation.

“Now I think it is important to state that we should not lay off staff at this critical stage. Because if we do, we will be creating more problems. You should try to micro-manage and retain the staff that you have now. Because no matter how much we accommodate, government alone cannot be the largest employer of labour. The largest employer of labour is, of course, the private sector.”

Earlier in his address, the new NSE president said engineering was key to over 95 per cent of the activities in the public and private sectors of the economy.

Anyaeji said engineering infrastructure, industrial and agricultural economics were critical for the adequate planning and managing of an economy.

He said, “The NSE will work with like-minded persons and bodies to get the government to appreciate that industrialisation drives both infrastructure and agriculture. Without attaining a critical level of in-country manufacturing, adequate and reliable infrastructure will not be achieved, and profitable and sustainable mechanisation of agriculture with self sufficient agricultural process will remain elusive.”


Source: http://www.punchng.com/24978-2/

EFCC has sealed Atiku Dasuki's House

 

This multi-million naira property belonging to Atiku Dasuki, son of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki located at Brains and Hammers estate in Gudu district of Abuja was confiscated by the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 

Sambo Dasuki, who is currently facing several count charges over the $2.1bn arms deal scam was said to have purchased the house for his son at the cost of N90million

According to our source, the house was subsequently renovated and furnished with the sum of $3 million.

The contract for the renovation and furnishing of the house was awarded to a Lebanese company whose name was not disclosed.

Source: http://www.nairaland.com/2870299/atiku-dasukis-house-sealed-efcc

Goldman Sachs to pay $5.1 billion in mortgage settlement

Goldman Sachs has reached a $5 billion settlement as part of a federal and state probe into its role in the sale of mortgages in the years leading up into the housing bubble and subsequent financial crisis.

Goldman will pay $2.39 billion in civil monetary penalties, $875 million in cash payments and provide $1.8 billion in consumer relief in the form of mortgage forgiveness and refinancing. The settlement, announced late Thursday, was reached between Goldman and the U.S. Department of Justice, the attorneys general of Illinois and New York and other regulators.

credits to nydailynews.com

Number 1 University in Nigeria is U.I. - NUC

The Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) has named University of Ibadan as the best among second generationUniversities in the country in 2015.

University of Jos and University of Ilorin also made the list, TheNation reports.

A statement signed by Abdullahi Abdullahi, Principal Officer Assistant Registrar, Information and Publication of the university, noted that: “The second generation Universities are the 12 universities established between 1970 and 1985 to meet the increasing need for university education in Nigeria especially in the area of Science and Technology.”

Abduallhi said: “University of Jos was however ranked 7th in the overall ranking of all Federal, State and Private Universities in Nigeria.”

Covenant University was also named as the best private University in Nigeria.

credits to pulse.ng

Celine Dion's hubby Rene Angelil dies at age 73

Mr Angelil was born in Montreal in 1942. After managing groups in Canada, he was approached to manage Dion by her parents when she was aged 12.

Mr Angelil, who Dion married in 1994 and with whom she has three children, died at home in Las Vegas from cancer.

Dion took two career breaks to look after Mr Angelil after he was diagnosed with throat cancer, first in 2000.

Credits to bbcnews.com

This is so hilarious! Bovi

https://youtu.be/_dTCCpIkfio