Stacey Dash Calls Jada Pinkett Smith A “Hypocrite,” Dismisses Black History Month

Fox News’ Stacey Dash has made yet another bizarre comment regarding racial issues and this time, it was sparked by the Oscars diversity controversy.

Dash believes that Jada Pinkett Smith is a hypocrite for thinking Black actors should be nominated for Oscars when they get to enjoy other privileges. Which privileges, you ask? Well, the BET and the NAACP Image Awards.

Dash believes Black people can’t have both and need to choose a side.

“I think it’s ludicrous. Because we have to make up our minds. Either we want to have segregation or integration. If we don’t want segregation then we need to get rid of channels like BET and the BET Awards and the [NAACP] Image Awards, where you are only awarded if you are black,” she said on Fox & Friends. 

Host Steve Doocy then asked whether she thinks there shouldn’t be a BET channel.

“No, just like there shouldn’t be a Black History Month,” Dash replied. “You know, we’re Americans. Period. That’s it.”

Yup, Stacey Dash doesn’t agree with Black History Month’s existence.

Dash believes the root of the problem is with President Obama not helping filmmakers create more opportunities for Black actors.

“We’ve had a president who is black in office for the past eight years, who gets most of his funding from the liberal elite in Hollywood,” she said. “Yet, there are not very many roles for people of color. How can that be and why is it just now being addressed?”

This isn’t the first time Stacey Dash has blamed President Obama for something. Last month she said he “doesn’t give a shit” about terrorism.

Source: http://newsone.com/3335011/stacey-dash-calls-jada-pinkett-smith-a-hypocrite-dismisses-black-history-month/

Nigerian govt to declare ex-Minister Adoke, Obaigbena, others wanted for fraud

 

The Nigerian government has concluded plans to declare some top officials of the Goodluck Jonathan administration wanted, in connection with several ongoing corruption investigations.

Security sources aware of the plans told PREMIUM TIMES that although other names would be released in future, the first list of wanted ex-officials and military officers, who anti-graft investigators believe fled the country to evade arrest and prosecution over corruption, has been compiled and would be released this or next week.

Top on the list of those to be declared wanted is a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke.

Mr. Adoke, sources in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission told this newspaper, is being wanted in connection with the $1.1 billion Malabu Oil deal.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Mr. Adoke is believed to be in Dubai.

He is required to answer questions about his role in facilitating the transfer of the huge sum, paid by oil giants Royal Dutch Shell and Eni, to accounts operated by a former petroleum minister and convicted felon, Dan Etete.

Also on the list is the publisher of ThisDay Newspaper, Nduka Obaigbena. He would be declared wanted for receiving N670 million from former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
 

Mr. Obaigbena claimed, in his letter to the EFCC, that part of the money was meant for compensation for Boko Haram attacks on his newspaper offices in Abuja and Kaduna, while another N120 million was on behalf of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria and 12 newspapers who asked to be compensated for the “unlawful seizure and stoppage of circulation by armed soldiers in Abuja and several cities”.

Some of the newspapers have denied receiving money from the newspaper body, NPAN, while some others have returned the money they were paid to the association after it was revealed that the payment was made from the alleged missing N2.1 billion meant for the procurement of arms to fight Boko Haram.

According to our source, the whereabouts of Mr. Obaigbena is unknown, but it is hoped that he would be arrested wherever he is as soon as his name is published, and be extradited to Nigeria to face trial.

Others on the list are a former Comptroller of the Nigerian Customs Service, Abdullahi Dikko, who is being investigated for fraud, and a former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, who is wanted for allegedly stealing N2.8 billion.

Both men are believed to be hiding in Dubai, United Arab Emirate.

Our sources said two retired senior military officers, Sarki Yarki-Bello, a retired General and Bello Fadile, a retired Colonel, who worked in the office of the national Security Adviser under Mr. Dasuki, are also on the list.

Mr. Sarki was the Director of Counter-terrorism at the ONSA while Mr. Fadile is described as a close confidant of former National Security Adviser, Mr. Dasuki.

Last July, Mr. Fadile was arrested in company of Mr. Dasuki when operatives of the Department of State Security raided the home of the former NSA in Abuja.

Messrs. Sarki and Fadile are believed to be hiding in Dubai.

Also on the list of wanted ex-officials is Waripamowei Dudafa, a former Special Assistant to ex-President Jonathan on Domestic and Social Events.

On Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari signed a series of bilateral agreements with the government of the UAE, among them the Judicial Agreement on Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons and Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal and Commercial Matters.

These are intended to help in the extradition of officials wanted for fraud and other criminal activities and the repatriation of funds siphoned out of the country.

The UAE has a particular appeal for former and serving ex-government officials because until Tuesday, Nigeria had no extradition agreement with the country.

Intelligence also suggested that corrupt officials fleeing from trial prefer the country because of its opulence, cosmopolitan allure and abundance of sun.
 

It is believed that they have largely avoided Western countries because of the harsh winter cold, their strong anti-corruption postures and the fact that Nigeria has subsisting extradition agreement with some of them.

They have also stayed away from South American countries, such as Venezuela, which do not have extradition treaties with Nigeria, largely due to language barrier. 

Source: http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/197078-nigerian-govt-to-declare-ex-minister-adoke-obaigbena-others-wanted-fraud.html

Australian Open: Serena Williams & Djokovic win but Kvitova loses

Defending champions Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams cruised into the Australian Open third round, but sixth seed Petra Kvitova was knocked out.

Women's number one Williams thrashed Taiwan's Hsieh Su-Wei 6-1 6-2 while men's top seed Djokovic beat France's Quentin Halys 6-1 6-2 7-6 (7-3).

Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova also made it through safely.

But two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova lost 6-4 6-4 to 21-year-old Australian Daria Gavrilova.

British number ones Andy Murray and Johanna Konta resume their campaigns in the second round on Thursday.
Delight for Daria




Giant-killing Gavrilova, the world number 39, said she was "just really happy" after her win over Kvitova.

"It was unreal. I was so nervous in the end, you probably could tell," said the Russian-born Australian, who only switched nationality in December.

She now plays France's Kristina Mladenovic on Friday for a place in the fourth round.

Kvitova made 35 unforced errors and was broken five times in the 89-minute contest on Margaret Court Arena.

The Czech joined second seed Simona Halep and eighth seed Venus Williams in suffering a shock early exit.
Federer to face Dimitrov challenge

Federer was rarely troubled by Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov, hitting 39 winners and wrapping up a 6-3 7-5 6-1 victory in an hour and 33 minutes.

The result sets up an intriguing third-round clash with Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who was once considered a potential successor to Federer but has struggled to fulfil his potential.

"It's a tough draw," the Swiss said. "He's got the game to be really dangerous."
Who else went through?



Agnieszka Radwanska said her confidence was soaring after she overcame Canada's Eugenie Bouchard 6-4 6-2 to reach the third round.

Bouchard, rebuilding her career after a head injury at last year's US Open, showed glimpses of her old form but could not match the Pole's consistency.

Radwanska, who will play Monica Puig of Puerto Rico in the third round, said: "I'm very happy with my game today because getting Genie in the second round was not an easy match."

Japanese seventh seed Kei Nishikori was another early winner on day three as he beat American Austin Krajicek 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3, and Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych beat Bosnia and Herzegovina's Mirza Basic 6-4 6-0 6-3



Australian Nick Kyrgios reached the third round with a 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-2) win over Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas, after overcoming wardrobe trouble.

The 20-year-old needed to change his shorts midway because his first pair apparently did not have pockets deep enough to hold balls while he was serving.

"Just a bit of a mix-up before the game. I guess it will be fixed by the next round," shrugged the 29th seed, whose next opponent Berdych has reached the last two semi-finals at Melbourne Park.

Kyrgios learnt before his match that he had been fined $3,000 (£2,100) for uttering an obscenity in his first-round win over Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta.
Record breaker

Czech Kristyna Pliskova - twin sister of Karolina Pliskova - served 31 aces, the most aces in a single match in WTA history (the previous record was 27) but still went out in the second round.

The left-hander ended up losing 4-6 7-6(6) 9-7 to Puerto Rico's Monica Puig, who saved five match points before progressing.



Jo-Wilfried Tsonga came to the aid of a ball girl in distress during his 7-5 6-1 6-4 win over Omar Jasika of Australia.

The ninth seed said he noticed the ball girl was unwell during the third set of his match so he walked over to see what was wrong.

He put his hand on her back, and she passed Tsonga a ball she was holding. He then looped his arm through hers and escorted her off the court.

"I saw she was in trouble," the Frenchman said. "It was normal to help her out of the stadium. I hope she's OK."

The ball girl was fine, just feeling under the weather, according to tournament organisers.
Venus fined for media snub

World number 10 and seven-times Grand Slam champion Venus Williams was given a $5,000 (£3,532) fine for failing to appear at a news conference on Tuesday.

The American, 35, did not fulfil her post-match media commitments after losing in straight sets to Britain's Konta.

Asked whether her elder sister would return to Melbourne in 2017, defending champion Serena Williams said: "I would assume. She's never mentioned anything about not being here."
Quotes of the day

"I'd say it was pretty mediocre today. It's actually something that I had to add, because I was getting really frustrated losing to my hitting partner all the time." Maria Sharapova reveals the motivation behind her new willingness to play the drop shot after beating Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus 6-2, 6-1.



"They don't get so excited watching me play yet." Roger Federer on why his twin daughters were reading books rather than watching dad.

"Oh, I don't do those. I'm not good at those. I did when I was younger, and I was terrible at it. I know what I'm good at, and I know things I'm not going to excel at. I'm definitely not going to excel at that shot." Serena Williams will not be attempting a between-the-legs shot any time soon.

Eugenie Bouchard described her lightweight tank dress for the Australian Open as having "red and white stripes like an American flag or something." The Canadian then paused, before saying: "Actually, red and white like Canada, I should say. Whoops!".

"Quentin is new on the tour but definitely today he hasn't been playing like he's been just on the tour for under a year," Novak Djokovic said after beating French 19-year-old Quentin Halys. "He played some great tennis and I want to congratulate him for fighting and especially in the third set."

Source: http://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/35358851 

Players prefer Zidane to Rafa - Ronaldo

 

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted the Real Madrid squad are much happier under French legend Zinedine Zidane than in Rafael Benitez's unhappy seven-month spell in charge.

Zidane's dream start in charge continued with a 5-1 thrashing of Sporting Gijon on Sunday with three-time World Player of the Year Ronaldo scoring twice as did Karim Benzema.

Gareth Bale continued his great form with the opening goal before hobbling off with the recurrence of a calf problem.

Benitez's reign ended after just 25 games amid rumours of dressing room discontent, and Ronaldo confirmed the former Liverpool manager didn't have the same regard among Madrid's star-studded squad as Zidane, who was a Ballon d'Or winner himself as a player.

"Zidane has been a boost for team. Truthfully, with some coaches you have more empathy than others," said Ronaldo.

"I did my job naturally under Benitez, I was serious and did the best for the club, independent of the person who is in charge of the team.

"I have never had a bad opinion of Rafa. He always did the best for Madrid, but he sees football in a different way from Zizou. Don't ask me why, but the players feel more empathy for Zidane."

However, the Portuguese captain denied the players had deliberately got Benitez the sack.

"Players don't do that kind of thing. At least I don't, independent of the empathy, you have to be serious in your job. The players are more enthused now with Zizou."

Benitez's appointment was an unpopular one from the start with the players unhappy at the sacking of his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti.

Zidane worked under the Italian as assistant manager as Madrid won their 10th European Cup in 2013/14 and Ronaldo seems similarities between Zidane and Ancelotti's coaching syles.

"His training sessions are similar. He is a calm person, but serious at his job and off the pitch he is fun.

"He has a connection with the players and I am very happy. It is an interesting time for me and the players. We are in good form and working hard."

The only sour note on another rousing victory for Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu after a 5-0 thrashing of Deportivo la Coruna on Zidane's bow as coach last weekend were injuries suffered by Bale and Benzema.

"Disappointed to come off, will work hard to get back on the pitch!" Bale posted on his official Twitter account.

"Karim just has a knock, which isn't so bad," said Zidane.

"Gareth is a little more complicated because it is his calf and in his left leg which is a problem.

"He will have a scan tomorrow and we hope it is nothing serious."

Madrid got off to a flying start as Bale, Ronaldo (2) and Benzema put the hosts 4-0 inside 18 minutes before Benzema made it 5-0 at the break.

"You can always improve, but the first-half was spectacular," said the Frenchman.

"We had everything; good play, defensive work and we are going to improve because physically we need to improve a lot.

"We want to win games, but, above all, win at the end of the season because that is when the titles are decided."



Source: http://www.supersport.com/football/spain/news/160117/Players_prefer_Zidane_to_Rafa_Ronaldo

Messi tax fraud trial set for May 31

 

Barcelona star Lionel Messi and his father's trial for tax fraud will begin on May 31 at a court in Barcelona, a regional superior court said Wednesday. Messi, recently crowned Ballon d'Or winner for a record fifth time, and his father Jorge have been charged with tax fraud for allegedly failing to declare 4.16 million euros ($4.69 million) in taxes related to his image rights between 2007 and 2009.

The trial will run until June 3, the Catalan Superior Court of Justice said in a statement.

State prosecutors are asking for both men to be sentenced to prison terms of 22 months and a half.

Last month the pair were cleared of seperate allegations relating to charitable friendlies played in 2012 and 2013 after a judge heard testimony from an Argentine businessman who organised the matches.

The player had been investigated in that case to see if he had failed to declare to the tax man any revenue made from taking part in a series of friendlies in Mexico, Colombia, the United States and Peru.



Source: http://www.supersport.com/football/spain/news/160120/Messi_tax_fraud_trial_set_for_May_31

Clinton Accused Again of Handling Top Secret Info Via Private Email

There are fresh allegations from the intelligence community that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was handling some of the most closely held intelligence secrets available through her private email.

According to a newly revealed letter sent from the Intelligence Community's Inspector General to members of Congress on Jan. 14, "several dozen" of Clinton's emails contained "CONFIDENTIAL, SECRET and TOP SECRET/SAP" information. It wasn't clear how many of those were TOP SECRET/SAP.

SAP is code for Special Access Programs and is said to contain highly secretive intelligence related to the sensitive military programs, capabilities and operations. The existence of the letter was first reported by Fox News.

The intelligence community made a similar assessment this past summer, claiming that at least two emails contained TOP SECRET/SCI information. SCI, or Special Compartmental Information, is also highly sensitive, and refers to the highly coveted and protected sources through which the intelligence was derived, such as satellites or even actual spies. SAP is a subset of SCI.

It's unclear, however, if this new assessment refers to new emails or if it's a review of emails the Intelligence Community has already determined were TOP SECRET. Intelligence officials who spoke to ABC said because of the highly sensitive nature of the subject manner only a handful of people are even cleared to look at them.

Clinton's campaign responded by attacking the Intelligence Community directly.

"This is the same interagency dispute that has been playing out for months, and it does not change the fact that these emails were not classified at the time they were sent or received," campaign spokesman Brian Fallon said in a statement to ABC News.

"It is alarming that the intelligence community IG, working with Republicans in Congress, continues to selectively leak materials in order to resurface the same allegations and try to hurt Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. The Justice Department's inquiry should be allowed to proceed without any further interference."

The head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Richard Burr (R-NC), denied the claim from Fallon. "I didn't conspire with anybody," he told ABC News.

While the Justice Department is conducting a investigation into how her emails were handled, it is not known when or if they intend to bring any charges. The FBI has steadily refused to provide comment on its investigation.

Clinton has not been charged with a crime.

Source: http://abc7chicago.com/news/clinton-accused-again-of-handling-top-secret-info-via-private-email/1167035/

Finnish Club Hercules Appoint Amokachi As Head Coach

Former Super Eagles assistant coach Daniel Amokachi has been appointed Head Coach of Finnish second division club JS Hercules. This was confirmed on the club's official website on Wednesday.

A statement from the club reads: "Oulu-based football club Hercules has signed an agreement with Nigerian former Nigerian national team player and coach Daniel Amokachi. He will take over from Pekka Haaranen who will continue as assistant coach. Amokachi's agreement with Hercules is one year."

Hercules was formed in 1998 and was recently promoted to the Finnish second tier.

A former FA Cup winner, Amokachi played in Europe for a number of clubs and is a role model for young footballers in Africa. He scored the first goal in the Champions League new format in Club Brugge 1-0 win against CSKA Moscow, in 1992.

Amokachi represented Nigeria at two World Cups. In addition, he won the Olympic gold medal in Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996, while putting on the Nigerian national team shirt.

After his playing career, Amokachi was trained as a coach in the Netherlands. He has coached several teams in Nigeria and also served as a coach in the Nigerian national team between 2008 to 2015.

Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/finnish-club-hercules-appoint-amokachi-head-coach/

Prof. Wole Soyinka says, 'WHERE DID WE GO WRONG? WAKE UP NIGERIAN YOUTHS!'

 

"Awolowo was 37 years, Akintola 36, Ahmadu Bello 36, Balewa 34, Okotie-Eboh 27 and Enahoro 27 and they led the struggle for Nigeria Independence after the death of Macaulay. Only Zik was 42 at the time!

In 1966, the first military coup was led by K Nzeogwu who was 29 years and countered by M. Mohammed 28, T. Danjuma 28, I. Babangida 25, J. Garba 23, Sani Abacha 23, and M. Yar'adua 23, and brought into power Y. Gowon 32, Ojukwu 33, Obasanjo 29, and Buhari 24!


Most of the military governors who governed the states under the successive military regimes were under 30 years.

Also, the brief democratic dispensation which interjected the military interregnums also saw some Senators and members of the House of Representatives, in particular, populated by persons under 30!

Under 30's were also not in short supply with appointments - we have examples of MT Mbu who became Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister at 23 and Pat Utomi who became a Federal Adviser at 27 and so on and so forth!

NOW: Why is it that almost all this age bracket is today still sleeping in 3-seater chairs in their parents’ homes?

Why is it that this age bracket is today still collecting pocket money from their parents?

Why is it that this age bracket is today still writing JAMB?

Why is it that this age bracket today still 'sagg' their trousers?

Why is it that this age bracket is today still searching for jobs and not yet married?

Why is it that this age bracket is today no longer qualified to even be leaders of youth wings of political parties?

Why is it that this age bracket is today so docile?

Why is this age bracket today incapable of feeding itself?

Why is it that this age bracket is today barred from even aspiring to certain political offices?

Why is it that this age bracket is today incapacitated, unwilling, unable and incapable of asking questions?

GOD BLESS NIGERIA!"

From Prof Wole Soyinka.

Manchester United transfer news: Edinson Cavani, Kasper Schmeichel and Felipe Anderson all linked - and Van Gaal could quit this summer

With the end of the January transfer window already in sight, there are plenty of rumours and reports concerning Manchester United.

Firstly, Edinson Cavani is thought to be on the club's wishlist. The Paris Saint-Germain striker is believed to be unhappy with his role in the Paris capital and with United in need of goals, they could be tempted to make a move.

Cavani sees himself as a central striker but has continually been asked to operate in a wide position.

The 28-year-old, who was prolific at Napoli before his move to France, has scored 10 goals in 16 games this term.
Meanwhile, United are also being linked with a bid for Kasper Schmeichel, should David De Gea ever be tempted to leave Old Trafford.

The Spanish 'keeper this week reiterated his happiness to remain at United but there has been strong interest from Real Madrid in the past.

If he does leave, Leicester's Schmeichel, son for club-legend Peter, is the man the club may turn to.

Talk of Felipe Anderson simply won't go away. The Lazio winger has been continually linked with United, with the Serie A club admitting recently there was a bid lodged by Ed Woodward in the summer.

Anderson has searing pace, something United desperately need going forward.

And finally, United manager Louis Van Gaal could quit the club in the summer, according to a report in the Mirror.

The Dutchman, who has been under intense scrutiny for much of the season, is thought to be considering leaving a year earlier than expected because his family are concerned about the pressure being placed on him.

If he does leave, Jose Mourinho is expected to be the club's No. 1 target to succeed him.

Source: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-united-transfer-news-edinson-10760549

Klopp says Benteke has a long-term future at Liverpool

 

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has dispelled doubts about Christian Benteke's suitability to the team's high-pressing style of play and said the striker has a long-term future at Anfield.

Benteke, who joined from Aston Villa for a reported 32.5 million pounds ($45.97 million) during the close season, has scored seven goals in 24 appearances this season.

Despite being the club's leading goalscorer, the Belgium international has struggled to nail down a regular starting place since Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers at the Merseyside club in October.

"Of course he has a future, that is not a question. He is a goalscorer and makes chances and so on, that is all good," Klopp told the British media.

"This is how it works, we make a starting line-up and it ends at 11 then we make the bench. That is how we did it in the past, now we will do it in the future. He has always the possibility to play.

"For the next game it could be different. We have to think about how we create chances. First of all we cannot hope that we can get the ball into the box and then maybe Christian will finish it."

Klopp hailed Benteke as the "complete striker" and said having the 25-year-old on the bench is a sign of the quality available within the squad.

"He is a complete striker, but you have to work for it. He hasn't finished his development (with us) and we as a team haven't either. You have to look at how (different styles) fit," the former Borussia Dortmund manager said.

"To have Christian on the bench is a quality sign."



Source: http://pulse.ng/sports/football/premier-league-klopp-says-benteke-has-a-long-term-future-at-liverpool-id4580822.html

Guus Hiddink: The intensity of the Premier League has increased

 

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink says the intensity of the Premier League has increased since his first stint with the club in 2009 with all clubs now attracting big-name players across Europe.

Hiddink, who won the FA Cup during his first spell, took over from Jose Mourinho last month and has guided Chelsea on a six-game unbeaten run in the league, which has helped them climb up the table to 14th after 22 games.

The Blues, however, remain just six points above the relegation zone, after their woeful start to the campaign saw them lose nine of their first 16 league games.

"Generally, I think the intensity in the league is higher and nowadays you see there are many clubs who can compete on a high level, due to the fact they also have more possibilities to sign players," Hiddink told the club's website.

"Nowadays, you see teams halfway or over halfway up the league, which in the past you would normally not expect to be there, like Crystal Palace, Watford and Leicester.

"These were teams normally nearer the bottom or the second tier, but they are doing very well. Because they have made good signings, everyone now is capable of beating everyone else and you can see that in the results."

Interim boss Hiddink also said he will consider allowing the club's academy players to find their feet in the first team before he departs the club in May, but only if they can survive the demands of English football.

"We are trying to help. It is not easy to survive in the league but when we have the possibilities, if one is knocking on the door, maybe -- but I don't give any guarantees -- we can see one or two players playing by May," the Dutchman said.

Champions Chelsea travel to take on London rivals Arsenal, who are on top of the table, on Sunday.



Source: http://pulse.ng/sports/football/guus-hiddink-the-intensity-of-the-premier-league-has-increased-id4580734.html

Oliseh Promises Better Eagles Showing Against Tunisia

Super Eagles manager Sunday Oliseh has stated that his team will look to improve when Nigeria confront the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia on Friday at the African Nations Championship here in Kigali.

Speaking after Nigeria’s emphatic 4-1 win over the Mena Of Niger Reuplic on Monday, Oliseh stated that he has charged his wards to step up the chase in Nigeria’s quest to pick another win on Friday, adding that that Super Eagles will keep fighting until the trophy is won.

Nigeria sent jitters down the spines of teams at the on-going Orange Africa Nations Championship after beating Niger Republic 4-1 to become the highest goal scoring side, but Oliseh maintained that the best is yet to come from his team.

“Yes lots of people might think we are there yet but I disagree with that because there is still a lot to come from this team and Nigerians will see their best as the tournament progresses," Oliseh told Completesportsnigeria.com.

“We played against a good side but one of the good things going for the team it’s the ability to take every game as they come and not looking down on our opponents.

“We will continue to fight as the tournament progresses and I can assure everyone that we won’t be leaving CHAN without a fight and we will keep up the fight until the trophy is won.”

Oliseh further showered encomiums on sports minister Solomon Dalung and the League Management Company for their positive influence on the team, saying their presence came as a morale booster for his players.

“I really want to thank the minister of Sports for his support towards the team and all I can say is that we won’t let Nigerians down,” Oliseh added.

Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/oliseh-promises-better-eagles-showing-tunisia/

Escravos Attack: Nigerian govt. losing N471 million daily in gas, electricity disruptions

The Nigerian government on Tuesday counted its costs in terms of multiple losses suffered in massive disruption to gas and electricity supplies in the wake of last weekend’s attacks on the Nigerian Gas Company’s gas pipeline by suspected Niger Delta militants.

Government said the attack on the Escravos Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) connected to Chevron Nigeria Limited’s gas network at Escravos negatively impacted on the 600 mega watts (MW) Olorunsogo National Integrated Power Plant and other critical power projects in the region.

The immediate impact of the sabotage on the gas facility, Federal Ministry of Power sources said, has been the disruption in the sale and supply of 160 million metres standard cubic feet per day (MMSCD) of gas to operators of electricity generation facilities and a cut in electricity supply from the affected power plants.

Already a massive manhunt for the culprits by security operatives has intensified to determine the motive behind the sabotage.

Close followers of the Niger Delta crisis say the attack may not be unconnected with recent threats by one of the militant group leaders to disrupt operations in key oil and gas facilities in the region if government insisted on his response to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commision’s invitation for questioning.

Government computation on the extent of loss showed that at about cost $2.50 per thousand standard cubic feet of gas, the country was suffering an estimated $400,000 (about N78.8 million) loss daily through the inability to meet its gas supply obligations to its customers.

The loss does not include about $1,988,223 (about N391.7 million) lost daily by operators of the affected power generation plants for not supplying electricity to their customers.

When the estimated cost of about $609,137 (about N120 million) for the repairs of the damaged pipeline is added, the Nigerian government and the people would have suffered a loss of about N590.5 million to the incident.

Equally, the real sector of the economy has also been counting its losses as operations at some cement companies around Olorunsogo area in Ondo state, including Ewekoro and Ibese factories, have been brought to a halt.

The Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing said the incident was a huge setback on its effort in collaboration with Ministry of Petroleum Resources and allied agencies to improve gas supplies to the power plants in the country.

The ministry said such efforts had resulted in some hitherto idle power plants like Ihovbor and Sapele being brought back on stream and contributing significantly to the power supply situation in the country.

The gas pipeline systems in the region has been the butt of incessant attacks in recent times, as records showed that at least six incidents of vandalism occured on the Trans Forcados Pipeline (at Oben, Sapele, Oredo ) and Escravos Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) between December 2014 and February 2015, resulting in a loss of about 1,100 MMSCFD of gas supplies.

Industry experts say a loss of about 200 MMSCD of gas was equivalent to a reduction in electricity supply of about 700 MW.

With national power generation capacity currently at an average of 4,120 MW as at last Sunday, the huge impact of the incident would best be imagined.

At the recent monthly meeting with operators in the power sector, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, had expressed optimism that gas projects scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2016 would significantly improve gas supply to key power plants in the country.

Although Mr. Fashola also highlighted some of the challenges, especially related to security affecting delivery of gas to the power sector, he assured that active monitoring activities were in place, particularly on the pipelines, to stop further attacks.

Source: http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/197064-escravos-attack-nigerian-govt-losing-n471-million-daily-in-gas-electricity-disruptions.html

Man's body found in burning tent near Salford Central train station

A man's body has been found in a burning tent near Manchester city centre.
Fire crews made the discovery when they were called to a blaze under a railway bridge next to New Bailey Street car park in Salford at around 1am on Wednesday morning.

A GMP spokesman confirmed that officers were called to the scene, off Irwell Street near Salford Central train station and Trinity Way, by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service at 1.20am.
Crews had discovered a man's body in a burning tent, the spokesman added. An investigation has been launched but it's too early to say if there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

 

Source: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/salford-central-police-man-dead-10760410

University orders over 460 100-level students to withdraw

The Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, has asked over 460 students admitted for the just-concluded academic session to withdraw from the institution.

Tribune Online gathered that letters of withdrawal were served on the affected students by the school management last Friday.

Further checks revealed that all the affected students were in 100 level who could not meet the requirement set for students to move to the next level in the pursuit of their education by the National Universities Commission.

It was further learnt that the students could not make a Grade Point of 1.5 after the session and by virtue of the guideline set by NUC, they could not continue their programmmes.

Students from virtually all the faculties in the institution were affected by the withdrawal.

When contacted, the Information Officer of the university, Mrs Lydia Legbo, confirmed the development, adding that the students were asked to withdraw because of ‘poor academic performance.’

Mrs Legbo stated further that the institution could not violate the NUC's guidelines.



Source: http://www.tribuneonlineng.com/university-orders-over-460-100-level-students-to-withdraw

Twitter's outage reminds us social media is taking over our lives

Martin Butters' daily routine usually includes a hot cup of coffee and quick check on Twitter.

But the co-owner of an Ireland-based digital content agency began "hyperventilating" Tuesday morning when he couldn't log onto the social network. He thought the Internet was down at his father-in-law's house just outside Dublin because he couldn't tweet.

He needed to monitor content his company, markITwrite, publishes for clients. He needed to get in touch with them.

Eventually, he learned Twitter was having an outage -- by reading about it on Facebook.

"I don't know why I'm so obsessed with it," he said.

Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have become so ingrained in our lives it's hard to imagine living without them. More than half of the world's online population use social media regularly, but when the services go out, it can feel a bit apocalyptic for some.

Sometimes, these outages are Facebook, other times it's Google's Gmail. On Tuesday, it was Twitter, which was inaccessible for about six hours. And while it was, the Internet was all atwitter with people commiserating about how they suddenly can't swap cat photos, make baby announcements or share breaking news stories.

"Social connection, safety and security are primary drivers of human behavior," said Dr. Pamela Rutledge, director of the Media Psychology Research Center, a Southern California nonprofit that studies human behavior and technology. "It's not surprising that people react emotionally to things like when Twitter disconnects, even if we rationally know that it is likely temporary and not, in the grand scheme of things, a big deal."
 

These experiences remind us that social media is somewhat of a mixed bag in our lives. In theory, it gives us easy access to our friends and the things we find important. But in reality, the Pew Research Center found that it can also give us stress.

"Stress might come from maintaining a large network of Facebook friends, feeling jealous of their well-documented and well-appointed lives, the demands of replying to text messages, having to keep up with status updates on Twitter, and 'the fear of missing out,' in the lives of friends and family," the study said.

Helen Pritchard tries to take a different tack. As owner of Blue Sky Digital Marketing in Warrington, England, she's online a lot. When social network outages happen, she takes a moment to reflect.

"Sometimes, a little down time away from our screens can also be a good thing," she said. "Everyone tends to panic when the 'biggies' like Twitter and Facebook go down."

For Butters, 42, being on social media helped take his mind away from the battle his wife, Kerry, is having with lung cancer. She was hospitalized during the holidays and was just released last week.

Kerry, 44, who has more than a quarter of a million Twitter followers, is still tweeting several times a day and "still writing frantically," in between rounds of chemotherapy, he said. Because of the nature of their work, Butters is usually either at her bedside or in a nearby waiting area working on his laptop.

He's working constantly and using social media at all times -- even just before Christmas dinner.

"What a tragic way to spend my life," Butters said, with an uncomfortable chuckle. "I'll look back one day and shake my head in disgust."

Twitter declined to comment for this report.

Source: http://www.cnet.com/news/twitters-outage-reminds-us-social-media-is-taking-over-our-lives/

Gunmen Open Fire on Pakistan University

Several gunmen have stormed a university in Pakistan and opened fire in an attack reportedly still underway.

Six people are dead so far in the attack on Bacha Khan University in Charsadda, Pakistan, including students, a professor and university staff. Three shooters have also been killed, police say.

The gunmen stormed the university from a rear entrance, according to witnesses, and reportedly began breaking down doors to shoot at students. Witnesses report having also heard several explosions.

Pakistani TV reports show heavy police and military presence at the university, where people are being evacuated. A security source tells ABC News the operation is currently at a boys' hostel where several students are holed up, with most of the remaining students and teachers having been rescued by Army commandoes. The operation is ongoing.

Universities and schools in neighboring cities have been closed as a precaution. Officials in Pakistan are labeling this a terrorist attack, but so far no group has stepped forward to take credit for the violence.


Source: http://abc7chicago.com/news/gunmen-open-fire-on-pakistan-university/1166306/

Cameroon troops are killing civilians – Nigerian villagers

Cameroonian troops pursuing Boko Haram fired rocket-propelled grenades indiscriminately that killed a family of four, then shot and killed two other civilians, trapped Nigerian villagers said Tuesday.

It’s the latest of several reports accusing the military of neighboring Cameroon of killing scores of Nigerian civilians and razing villages in an apparent attempt to create a no-go zone along the border.

Cameroon’s government has denied previous similar charges, which come amid rising tensions between Nigeria and its neighbors over the Islamic uprising that has spilled over Nigeria’s borders.

Muhammad Abba, deputy commander of a civilian self-defense group, said relatives telephoned him Tuesday to describe how one grenade exploded through the grass roof of a hut and killed a family of four in the northeastern village Ashigashiya on Monday.

Then Cameroonian soldiers dragged away two elderly men and shot them on the outskirts of the village, Abba said.

He said villagers have been trapped for weeks between hostile Cameroonian troops and an area where Boko Haram is operating.

There was no way to independently verify his report.

The first such story came from refugees who said Cameroonian soldiers on Nov. 30 killed about 150 people, stole livestock and set huts ablaze along a 150-kilometer (95-mile) stretch of the border. Hundreds of refugees have arrived with similar reports. Nigerian government officials have not responded to requests for comment, instead warning local press to be “patriotic.” Cameroon said its troops were deployed with Nigerian soldiers in the fight against Boko Haram.

The raids began days after Nigeria refused requests from neighboring countries to evacuate border villages and create a buffer zone where troops could shoot anything that moved to prevent incursions by Boko Haram, according to a diplomat familiar with negotiations.

Nigerian troops also have been accused of atrocities in the six-year uprising that has killed 20,000 people.

Source:  http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2016/01/20/cameroon-troops-are-killing-civilians-nigerian-villagers/

Sad Photos of 8 Year Old Girl That Married 28 Year Old Man in Kaduna

This 8 year old child was married out to a 28 year old man in Rigasa Kaduna State last Sunday.

Army acted appropriately in Shi’ite raids, Buratai insists

 

Nigeria’s army chief of staff told an inquiry on Tuesday that his soldiers had acted appropriately during a bloody raid last month on a minority Shi’ite sect in which at least 60 people were killed.

The army says the Islamic Movement in Nigeria had tried to assassinate its chief of staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, when members of the sect blocked his convoy in the northern city of Zaria in December. The following day the army said it had raided several buildings connected to the sect.

The Shi’ite sect said hundreds of its members had been killed. The army took most of the bodies away, making it impossible to verify the claim but the director of a local hospital said at least 60 people had been killed.

“I’m here because I was there during the incident. I was involved and my officers and soldiers acted in accordance with the rule of engagement,” Buratai told an inquiry panel of the National Human Rights Commission into the raid.

“There is no way we would pick our weapons and deliberately violate what we have been tasked and paid to defend and protect,” added the army chief.

Members of the Shi’ite sect are also expected to give evidence to the inquiry panel, which was set up to establish what happened in the raid and sat for the first time on Tuesday. It has the power to impose fines and payment of compensation.

Most of Nigeria’s Muslims, who number tens of millions, are Sunni, including the Boko Haram jihadist militants who have killed thousands in bombings and shootings, mainly in the northeast, since 2009.

However, in the nation of 170 million people, there are also several thousand Shi’ite Muslims whose movement was inspired by the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Shi’ite Iran.

Iran condemned last month’s raid and summoned Nigeria’s ambassador to Tehran.

Source: http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2016/01/20/army-acted-appropriately-in-shiite-raids-buratai-insists/