Somali Pirates have gone corporate (Have Letterheads and Stamps)

Welcome to the Pirate Action Group. Pirate commander Jamal wishes to congratulate you on being hijacked. Kindly speak to his negotiator about your ransom, bearing in mind that his demands are similar for every vessel he seizes.

This is not an absurd joke -- this is how the pirates of the African coast do business, and it's a serious matter for the companies that have to pay out.

In 2011, Somali piracy cost the world economy $7 billion and earned the pirates some $160 million in ransoms, according to a recent report by the International Maritime Bureau.

Piracy is receding of late, but it is still a threat. The maritime bureau reported 69 hijacking incidents by Somali pirates between January 1 and July 12, down 32 percent from last year.

Rogues though they may be, these pirates in many cases are surprisingly well-organized, down to having their own packets of paperwork -- on letterhead -- for their victims.

Reuters obtained a copy of one such packet, presented to the owner of a hijacked oil tanker and the owner's insurer after the ship was taken. Due to the commercial sensitivities, the names of the insurer and ship owner were redacted from the document, as was the size of the ransom request.

But what remains is colorful enough, and somewhat surprising. The cover sheet, in memo format, is addressed "To Whom It May Concern" with the subject line "Congratulations to the Company/Owner."

"Having seen when my Pirate Action Group (P.A.G) had controlled over your valuable vessel we are saying to you Company/Owner welcome to Jamal's Pirate Action Group (J.P.A.G) and you have to follow by our law to return back your vessel and crew safely," the memo begins.

 

The tone of the memo belies the violent reality of the pirate's actions. As of early August armed Somali pirates hold more than 170 hostages, according to the IMB, and were responsible for 35 deaths in 2011 alone.

"Do not imagine that we are making to you intimidation," the memo says, before signing off with "Best regards" and the signature of Jamal Faahiye Culusow, the General Commander of the Group.

Lest there be any doubt about who Jamal is or what he does, his signature is accompanied by his seal -- yes, Jamal has a stamped seal -- depicting a skull and crossed swords with the name of the group. 

Read more here->

Michael Phelps signs off in typical style

The end of Swimming in the pool saw the exit of arguably the greatest Olympian in history as Michael Phelps bowed out of the sport having collected 18 gold medals and 22 overall. 

 Michael Phelps of the USA

Michael Phelps was presented with a FINA lifetime achievement award at London 2012. 

The 27-year-old started his Olympic Swimming career as a 15-year-old in Sydney in 2000, where the youngster was fifth in the 200m Butterfly. 

Six gold and two bronze medals followed in Athens four years later before his historic eight gold medals in Beijing in 2008. 

 

His Games in London did not start off so well with fourth place in the 400m Individual Medley - his worst result since Sydney - and he was shocked into second by Chad le Clos in the 200m Butterfly. 

However, the Baltimore swimmer won the 100m Butterfly and 200m Individual Medley - where he outgunned team-mate Ryan Lochte - as well as taking the titles in the 4 x 200m Freestyle and Medley Relay and silver in the 4 x 100m Freestyle. 

Texts and phone calls came from the likes of USA president Barack Obama and last night he was presented with a FINA lifetime achievement award by president Julio Maglione inscribed with the words: 'To Michael Phelps, the greatest Olympic athlete of all time. From FINA. August 4 2012. London, Great Britain.' 

At a packed press conference afterwards, Phelps revealed what he had said to Bob Bowman, who had coached him since the age of 11, when he completed his final warm-up.

Phelps told Bowman: 'I have looked up to Michael Jordan all my life. He became the best Basketball player there ever was. I've been able to become the best swimmer of all time, we got here together. Thank you.' 

Phelps now intends to travel and remain heavily involved with his Swimming foundation.

Of how he was feeling after his final swim, Phelps said: 'It's hard to put into words right now. I did everything I wanted to and finished my career how I wanted to. 

'I've always said that I don't care what anybody else says, if I can say that about my career that's all that matters.' 

While Phelps's retirement commanded the spotlight, the rest of his USA team-mates enjoyed great success, heading the medal table with 30 medals: 16 golds, eight silver and six bronze, as well as setting five of the nine world records. 

Phelps claimed six medals, of which four were gold, while his Baltimore team-mate Allison Schmitt also visited the podium six times, topping it on three occasions.

Missy Franklin, 17, won five medals - four of them gold - while Ryan Lochte will also take home five, including two titles. 

Katie Ledecky made an astonishing senior debut, winning the 800m Freestyle with the second fastest swim in history at the age of just 15. 

Fellow 15-year-old Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania also topped the podium, shocking herself with her 100m Breaststroke victory. 

Chinese swimmer Ye Shiwen won the 400m Individual Medley gold in world-record time, and returned to win the shorter medley. 

Fellow Chinese Sun Yang also set a world record, lowering his own mark in the 1500m Freestyle as he continues to steer the event into uncharted territory. It was his second title, and fourth medal, of the week. 

The French enjoyed success: Yannick Agnel anchoring the sprint relay to victory in the final metres over the USA before taking the 200m Freestyle title. Camille Muffat became only the second Frenchwoman to claim an Olympic Swimming title when she won the 400m Freestyle, then finishing second over four lengths. 

Ranomi Kromowidjojo won the sprint Freestyle double for the Netherlands but the Germans left without having visited the rostrum. 

There were surprises. James Magnussen - 'the Missile' - did not claim the 100m Freestyle as had been widely predicted for much of the year, defending champion Britta Steffen did not make the final of the women's equivalent while Sarah Sjostrom, the Swedish teenager tipped for stardom, must wait for such success. 

Most of all, though, the week in the pool was about Phelps, the like of whom we are unlikely to see again. 

Elsewhere, the 10k Marathon saw men's and women's events in the Serpentine, with Tunisia's Oussama Mellouli and Eva Risztov of Hungary emerging victorious. 

Mellouli became the first swimmer to win an Olympic medal in the pool and open water at the same Games after his bronze in the 1500m Freestyle. 

LONDON 2012

WHO IS USAIN BOLT?

   

This video tells it all! 

 

Attempted Robbery On Arik Air Flight: Suspect & Victim Arrested

THISDAY Newspaper report:

Flight crew of Nigeria’s major carrier, Arik Air, were vindicated over constant allegations of stealing passengers money and other valuables, when a passenger was caught stealing another passenger’s N200,000 cash at the weekend.
The male passenger, who was seated in the business class cabin with his victim on flight W3 162 ABV- LOS, Abuja to Lagos, was said to have ransacked his neighbour’s bag on seat 3C and taken the N200,000, during which process he was sighted by another passenger, who immediately asked the victim to check his bag.

The other passenger (victim) quickly checked his bag and found out the sum was missing and he reported to the head of the cabin crew who alerted the captain of the flight.

THISDAY gathered that upon landing the plane at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, the captain called the aviation security officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) who promptly arrested the suspect and the owner of the money and took both of them away.

Aviation security later transferred the suspect, the owner of the money, and the exhibit to the domestic wing police station of the airport for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Confirming the incident, a senior security official of FAAN explained that the authority was briefed about the incident and that the matter was taken to the police to handle. “Yes, I got the report that our men arrested the suspect and with his exhibit he was handed over to the police,” the official said.
However, when THISDAY visited the domestic airport police station, the Divisional Police Officer, Fidelia Victor, confirmed the incident but said that she did not have the details, promising that she would have more information to give when she has been briefed.


Another Arik Air source told THISDAY that such incidents were not rare and whenever they happened the cabin crew would be accused by the passengers.
“But this shows that there are passengers whose intention is to come and rob others in the aircraft. This is surprising and to think of the fact that he was in the business class cabin adds to the surprise,” the source added.

THISDAY also learnt that the suspect who was caught in the act did not deny nor resist arrest, but obediently followed the aviation security officials that consequently took him to the police.

Surprise, You are a Owner Now; Man Orders TV from Amazon, Gets Assault Rifle

Now how am I supposed to watch the Olympics?
After ordering a new flat-screen TV from Amazon, a Washington D.C. man got quite the shock when his package arrived without a flatscreen TV inside.
But it wasn’t empty. Instead, his shipment contained a semi-automatic rifle with a 20-round mag and an MSRP price of a little over $2,000.
The gun was a Sig Sauer SIG716, to be exact. But honestly, it doesn’t really matter which assault rifle shows up to your front door instead of your new television. I’d say it’s pretty strange either way.
The surprised new gun owner, Seth Horvitz, tells FOX 5 D.C. that he ordered the TV through a third party via Amazon.
“[Police] were a little confused at first, they’ve never seen anything quite like it,” says Horvitz. “They just took my information and then said we’ll handle this weapon because it’s illegal to keep here. It’s illegal to transport in a car, so it can’t be returned.”
Here’s the gun in question (fully assembled):

Apparently, the gun’s actual destination was a gun store in Pennsylvania, according to shipping papers. But just how did it wind up at Mr. Horvitz’s apartment doorstep? Police are currently investigating.
Although Horvitz had to know something was amiss when he saw a short, rectangular box that couldn’t possibly fit a flatscreen TV, opening it up and seeing an assault rifle must have been quite the experience. It’s kind of scary that the weapon was just sitting in his apartment hallway for a while – someone could have themselves a brand new large caliber carbine right now.
Strangely enough, this isn’t the first strange shipping story involving Amazon we’ve heard this year. Back in January, a college student in Kansas found a bag of cocaine inside a used bookshe ordered via Amazon’s Warehouse Deals program.

Surface is a must for Microsoft, say chip makers

Commenting on recent complaints from PC brand vendors and ODMs about Microsoft's moves over its Surface tablet PC, sources from first-tier chip makers pointed out that the release of Surface is a must for Microsoft since Windows 8 is designed specifically for handheld consumer electronics devices such as tablet PCs and smartphones.

Since Microsoft needs to find out more about the differences in usage between consumer electronics products and PCs in order to successfully enter into the global smartphone and tablet PC markets, and expand its income sources, entering the market itself is the fastest method to achieve its goal, the sources noted.

The sources pointed out that after a long discussion with Microsoft's Windows 8 R&D team, they discovered that the global PC market is not the only target that Microsoft wishes to focus on for Windows 8 since the company basically has no competitor in the market.

To satisfy tablet PC and smartphone needs, Microsoft has changed the user interface and applications of Windows 8 hoping to attract consumers and drive up its performance.

Since Microsoft is already cooperating closely with several first-tier smartphone vendors, the company is not concerned about Windows 8-based smartphones, but for the tablet PC market, since Apple, Google and Amazon are gradually gaining advantages, while devices are also slowly devouring notebook demand and starting to impact Microsoft's income from Windows licensing for notebooks, Microsoft has decided to enter the market itself in order to create the best Windows 8 usage experience with full control over hardware, software and firmware.

Although Microsoft will maintain its cooperation with Taiwan-based PC brand vendors and ODMs to expand Windows 8's market share, the sources believe that in the tablet PC market, Taiwan-based PC players' future fate will be picking up the leftovers from first-tier players, and the relationship between Microsoft and Taiwan PC players may become less integrated.

However, the sources are also pessimistic about Microsoft's move in pushing its own tablet PC since most similar cases in the past ended with failure due to fierce competition.

Fulani Herdsmen Strike Again On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

 

A commercial motorcyclist, popularly called okada rider was on Monday stabbed in the stomach by two hoodlums suspected to be Fulani herdsmen on the long bridge end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
It was learnt that the victim, Mr. Owolabi Habib, had picked his assailants at Berger, Lagos, who posed as passengers and claimed they were going to New Kara, located around the long bridge.

A source within Habib’s family said, “As soon as they got near their destination and Owolabi slowed down, one of the men pulled out a long knife and stabbed him in the stomach.

“Habib told us that he abandoned his okada and fled to save himself. But the stab was so deep that his intestine came out.” It was learnt that a motorist later rescued Owolabi and rushed him to the Lagos State Accident and Trauma Centre at Tollgate.
Findings on Wednesday showed that Owolabi had been referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. A doctor at the centre, who declined to give his name, said, “The wound he sustained needs intensive care. That is why he was moved to LASUTH.”
It would be recalled that a retired Brigadier-General, Sylvester Iruh, was on July 7, 2012, killed on the bridge by suspected Fulani herdsmen as he was changing the tyre of his car.

CumRightIn Wants To Let You Buy Sexual Health Products Online

Have you always wanted a safe and discreet store where you can buy sex toys, books, movies, and sexual enhancement products in Nigeria?
CumRightIn wants to be Nigeria’s premier online retailer for high quality products, education, and information that promotes sexual health, pleasure, and empowerment.
CumRightIn is expected to launch in a few weeks and hopes to help its users enhance their sex lives and promote healthy attitudes about sex. The service also promises free next-day delivery and discreetly packaged to anywhere in Nigeria.
The goal of the service is to help everyone who needs help to experience sexual pleasure, health, and well-being in a variety of ways.

Chinese Quest for Olympic Gold: Torture or training?

• Nanning Gymnasium in Nanning, China, is one of many ruthless training camps in China
• Here children, some as young as five, battle to complete the demanding routines on bars, rings, and mats

Her face etched with pain, a child trains for Olympic glory while her gymnastics trainer stands on her legs.
The cartoon space rockets and animal astronauts on her tiny red leotard are a stark and powerful reminder of this little girl's tender age as she trains as hard as any adult athlete in the Western world.
Nanning Gymnasium in Nanning, China, is one of many ruthless training camps across the country to which parents send their children to learn how to be champions.

 

But while training techniques appear extreme to Western eyes, they provide an insight into why China's athletes at London 2012 seem so easily able to swim, dive, lift and shoot their way to victory.
Gymnastic stars are known for starting at an incredibly early age, and this group of children appear no different as they battled to complete the demanding routines on bars, rings, and mats.

 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2182127/How-China-trains-children-win-gold--standing-girls-legs-young-boys-hang-bars.html#ixzz22VOH8YOy

P-Square Buries Mom - Mrs Josephine Okoye

 

 Mrs. Josephine Okoye, mother to Peter and Paul Okoye (P-Square) has been buried. 

The singing duo’s mother, who passed on after a heart surgery in India, receivea a one in town burial ceremony. Talebearers disclosed that the Okoye brothers led by Jude Engees Okoye, have spent almost N50m on the burial rites for their late mother.
It was also disclosed that the brothers have spent so much in giving their mother a well-befitting and world class burial for who they refer to as the only pillar of support behind the P-Square success.
Services of M.I.C for casket provision as well as interment celebrations have also been contracted. It was also gathered that Peter and Paul  promised to spare no cost in ensuring that their late mother is well laid to rest.
 

Some of the preparations and items that have seen the brothers spending so much include transporting her remains back to Nigeria; building a mausoleum; ordering for a very expensive casket; engaging services of burial team and event managers as well as catering for i bbnvited guests and colleagues.

Join other Nigerians to sympathize with P-Square and family.

Amazing: First Wooden Car Launched! Faster than a Porsche (Pictures)

Believe it or not an American, Joe Harmon has designed a car which is made almost entirely of wood. The car, called Splinter, was said to have been designed as his graduate project at the Industrial Design course – North Carolina State University.
Amazingly, the chassis, body, wheels and a large proportion of suspension are also made of wood, and it is super fast too – even more than a Porsche or a Lamborghini. . Other specifications of the car include:
Engine: 4.3liter turbocharged V8
Horsepower: 600bhp
Weight: 2500lb
Dimensions:
Length 174.5in
Width 82.0in
Height 42.0in
Wheelbase 105.0in
The entire car, which is made from a combination of maple, plywood and MDF, weighs just 1,134kg – some 240kg less than the super lightweight Porsche. The eco-friendly two seater, which is fitted with a six-speed, manual gearbox, can sprint from 0 to 60mph in just over three seconds!
The ‘Splinter’ car can turn out a whopping 700bhp from its twin supercharged, 4.6litre V8 engine – almost 300bhp more than a Porsche 911. And with a top speed of a staggering 240mph, it will leave the Porsche or even the brand new Lamborghini Revanton behind.
According to Harmon, “The light weight is achieved through careful design and composite construction… The Splinter is not made from any carved-out, solid chunks of wood, but rather moulded laminates.”
So, if offered a ride in the splinter, would you hop in?

Mad Séx and excess use of condom of athletes At The London Olympics

 
We once reported that 150,000 condoms were handed out at the London 2012 Summer Olympics. Since the he Olympics is a 15 day event that’s 10,000 condoms per day!
Here’s what US Gold Medal Swimmer Ryan Lochte had to say just before leaving for the games “My last Olympics, I had a girlfriend, big mistake. Now I’m single, so London should be really good. I’m excited.”

According to ESPN’s Body Issue:
Quote
The Olympic Village is basically one giant Séx-fest. US women’s soccer player Hope Solo was especially vocal on the issue, claiming she slept with a celebrity (that she wouldn’t name) and that people are having Séx right out in the open “On the grass, between buildings. People are getting down and dirty.”
At the 2000 Sydney Olympics 70,000 free condoms available, and that was not enough, an additional 20,000 condoms had to be brought in to meet demand. Since then 100,000 condoms have been made available but it was upped to 150,000 this year because it is London.
To give you an idea of how crazy things get at the Olympics check out these Crazy Anecdotes From ESPN’s Story On Séx At The Olympic Village:
At the 2000 Sydney Games, US javelin competitor Breaux Greer had Séx with three women every day for 2 weeks.
US soccer player Hope Solo snuck a celebrity into her room after winning gold at the 2008 Beiging Games, but won’t say who (rumour has it that it’s Vince Vaughn)
At the 1994 Winter Olympic games, Skier Carrie Sheinberg said two German bobsledders tried to trade her their gold medals for “some group fun”
At the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver six athletes from Germany, Canada, and Austria were involved in and  órgy in a whirlpool at a house outside the Village.

PHOTO – Woman Gives Birth To LIVE Monkey-Like Baby In Otukpo, Benue State

 
A young Nigerian woman has been delivered of a monkey-like monster in Otukpo, a popular town in Benue State. It was said to have taken place recently at St Theresa Hospital, Otukpo
This wife of a hunter from Oju Local Government Area of the state was said to have given birth to a creature that looks like a monkey.
The strange delivery, was gathered, came as a surprise to the already mother of nine the who had successfully delivered nine children in the past and was having her 10th child before the strange creature visited her. According to an eyewitness, when the news broke out, residents of the town, especially those at the nearby Otukpo main market rushed to the hospital to see for themselves.
Describing the strange development as congenital malformation, Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Stanley Bwala said the malformation could have been forestalled if the woman was attending antenatal care regularly and advised pregnant women to always avail themselves to routine ante natal treatment.

However, it was gathered that as soon as the hunter heard about the delivery, he came and removed the monster from the hospital, even as observers believed the abnormal birth was a usual occurrence to hunters who have killed several animals during hunting.
In a brief chat with elder Adah Okoh, a traditional ruler in the area, he noted that in the Idoma tradition, such child should not be allowed to stay with the mother for fear of reincarnation. Asked if the monster should be buried alive or killed, elder Okoh said that should be left for the family to decide.

Story via informationnigeria.org

One of those stories that go unconfirmed but attracts a lot of attention. LOL!

10 Rocket Propelled Grenades Recovered In Nigeria-Chad Border Following Gun-Duel With Suspected Militants

VIA saharareporters.com

By SaharaReporters, New York About 10 Rocket Propelled Grenades and other sophisticated weapons were recovered at the Nigeria-Chad boundary in Borno State by a joint multi-national military squad on Monday. The incident was confirmed to SaharaReporters by Lt.Col. Sagir Musa, who said the weapons were recovered following a gun battle which left some suspected Islamist extremists dead in Daban Masara border town. According to him, “The vehicle was intercepted on Monday at about 9pm local time by a combined team of Secret Security Services, the multi-national Joint Task Force, JTF and other security forces.” Other arms in the consignment included 10 rocket chargers, two AK 47 rifles, and 13 magazines with six rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, he said. This incident confirms that Nigerian and Chadian troops are now working together at the border.

Photo: Akon’s photo causes reaction from fans

So many pictures of Akon was posted on this day and this particular one seem to be creating more cloud than the rest. The riot this particular picture has created seem to be going beyond the acceptable as many seem to be expecting much more than what our dear African music icon has displayed. Initially when the post was made, social network didn’t have much reaction on the way the star singer had positioned his hand on the bum of the statue, but later a lot of fans that probably held the star in high esteem for his new personality felt he was not doing good by displaying such a picture of himself. The real question is WHAT REALLY IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

Report: Kobe Bryant’s wife got mad at him for shirtless picture at Team USA party (PHOTO)

VIA YAHOO SPORTS BY CHRIS CHASE

Just like any wife who saw a photo on the Internet of her previously philandering husband sitting shirtless on a bar in a Barcelona nightclub with two young women, Vanessa Bryant was "embarrassed" and "furious" last week when she saw a photo of Kobe in a compromising spot at a Team USA basketball function in Barcelona, according to TMZ.



(TMZ)
TMZ says Vanessa wasn't upset because she thought Kobe was cheating on her; she was upset that he allowed himself to get in a position where such a picture was taken. The couple has had a tumultuous public relationship. They recently called off divorce proceedings in an attempt at reconciliation.

[Related: Full video coverage of the 2012 Olympic Games in London]

How did Kobe manage to get in that spot in the first place? A source tells TMZ that a drink spilled on his shirt and he was waiting for a replacement.



Vanessa flew to London with the couple's two daughters over the weekend to see Kobe and Team USA start the basketball competition. The trip was planned before the photograph hit the Web.

[ Photos: Hottest Olympic athletes ]

Kobe and Team USA are 1-0 in the Olympic tournament. They are 55-point favorites on Tuesday night against Tunisia.
Team USA was in Barcelona playing exhibitions and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the original Dream Team. What's the old saying: When in Barcelona, do as the Barkley did?


 
This looks more like a 'QUICKIE ROOM'. Matrasse anyone?

WIZKID, BANKY W, SKALES, ROTIMI IN NYC | #REVIEW

One of the most anticipated concerts of this year, the Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) concert, featuring some of the label’s famous musicians (Banky, Wizkid, and Skales) took place last night in NYC. While there have been many reviews of the concert already, thanks to the individuals in twitter land, I’m here to give you an exclusive look into the concert. Let’s begin with the positive:
Although the concert began relatively late, (should have started at 10PM, but didn’t start until around 1AM) fans were still more eager than ever to see their “favorite boy” Wizkid. And so it’s understandable that as soon as wiz was called out, there was mayhem. Rotimi, the talented actor/singer took the stage first, as he (serenaded the ladies) warmed up the audience with Mario’s “Let Me Love You”, and despite that fact that the “warm up” performance was short, he promised to be back for more. (AND HE WAS!! SHIRTLES ). Skales took the stage next, showing some of his dance moves while performing his hits, including the crowd favorite “mukulu”. I heard skales harmonizing with banky… dude can sing ooo. Lol
Next up was Wizkid, who of course drove the crowd (especially the ladies) wild, as some fans even had to be held back by security; resulting in Wizkid’s verbal altercation with one of the security members. I’m sure his fans were humbled and please by his rescuing act. Way to go wiz! Mr. Wellington then took the stage to perform a variety of songs, from giving them “strong tin”, and then taking them to the “Lagos party” (well, NY party), and then some. Although some of the songs were performed to their tracks, a few songs were performed with a live band, giving the fans a more direct and interactive feel to their music. In essence, the four artists took the stage and not only entertained their fans, but enjoyed themselves while doing so.


Negatives:
I honestly felt like there was a lot going on (too much noise) and the concert had potential to be better than what it resulted to be. I for one did not appreciate a concert starting hours later than it was supposed to start. This happens with most Nigerian events, but that doesn’t mean it should be acceptable, especially when no apology was issued by the artists’ or the organizers.
Secondly, I know that some fans were very excited to see Wizkid, but come on ladies! I don’t think getting to the point where the security has to escort you out is beneficial to you. Remember: you paid to watch this artist perform.
Lastly, the fights: how is it not embarrassing that in almost every Nigerian event that takes place, there’s always a fight? What happened to just talking things out? The fight even extended into the VIP room. I heard gist about the fight starting because a lady refused a guy her number, and he decided to show her how he felt with his belt. Really? LOL! To conclude, the EME concert was quite an experience! Check out some pictures from below and tell us what your experience was. p.s: to check out more photos, visit Adewest Media on Facebook. cheers!!!

Check out the rest of the pictures Here.
Photo Credits: Adewest Media

VIA amebor.com

Nigerian politicians are very insane, They Kill Dreams – Richard Branson(Virgin Atlantic)

The rich international businessman, Richard Branson, has lambasted the crop of leaders we have in Nigeria for their high level greed which, according to him, is killing big brands wishing to do business with the government of the country, for the growth of Nigeria’s economy.
Below is the revelations by Mr. Branson on his experience in Nigeria…
The chairman of Virgin Atlantic said: “…we have virgin’s ill-fated footsteps by setting up a new airline in Africa in conjunction with Nigerian government…the details of the doomed attempts to crack the Nigerian market in the 2000s is better imagined…we put …together a very good airline-the first airline in West Africa that was ever IOSA/IATA operational safety audit accredited but unfortunately it got tied down to the politics of the country…we led the airlines for 11 years…
“We fought daily battle against government agents who wanted to daily make fortune from us, politicians who saw the government 49% as a meal to seek for all kinds of favour…watchdogs (regulatory body) that didn’t know what to do and persistently asking for bribes at any point…Nigeria people are generally nice but the politicians are very insane…that may be irony because the people make up the politicians…
“But those politicians are selfish…we did make N3billion for the federal government of Nigeria during the joint venture…realising that the government didn’t bring nothing to the table/partnership except dubious debts by the previous carrier, Nigeria Airways…The joint venture should have been the biggest African carrier by now if the partnership was allowed to grow, but the politicians KILLED it…Nigeria is a country we SHALL NEVER consider to doing business again..”
Olufamous.com is thus asking:
Is any Nigerian surprised why reputable companies (that don’t give bribe) are moving out of Nigeria to other countries where the leaders are more patriotic and do not earn millions every month while the masses earn N18,000 as minimum wage?

Explosive! Al-Mustapha's Prison Notes Expose "I would've Gunned Down Abdulsalami"

"My Boss, General Sani Muhammad Abacha, died at the early hours of Monday, 8th June, 1998. I had prepared him for a workshop organized by the Federal Ministry of Information for that day as he was expected to deliver an address as the Special Guest of Honour. His speech was drafted and fine tuned by the Chief Press Secretary, Chief David Attah who had submitted it to the Aide-De Camp for vetting and necessary amendments by the Commander-in-Chief. When I got to the bedside of the Head of State, he was already gasping. Ordinarily, I could not just touch him. It was not allowed in our job. But under the situation on ground, I knelt close to him and shouted, “General Sani Abacha, Sir, please grant me permission to touch and carry you.”
"Contrary to insinuations, speculations and sad rumours initiated by some sections of the society, I maintain that the sudden collapse of the health system of the late Head of State started previous day (Sunday, 7th June, 1998) right from the Abuja International Airport immediately after one of the white security operatives or personnel who accompanied President Yasser Arafat of Palestine shook hands with him (General Abacha) I had noticed the change in the countenance of the late Commander-in-Chief and informed the Aide-de-Camp, Lt. Col. Abdallah, accordingly. He, however, advised that we keep a close watch on the Head of State. Later in the evening of 8th June, 1998, around 6p.m; his doctor came around, administered an injection to stabilize him. He was advised to have a short rest. Happily, enough, by 9p.m; the Head of State was bouncing and receiving visitors until much later when General Jeremiah Timbut Useni, the then Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, came calling. He was fond of the Head of State. They were very good friends. They stayed and chatted together till about 3.35a.m. A friend of the house was with me in my office and as he was bidding me farewell, he came back to inform me that the FCT Minister, General Useni was out of the Head of State’s Guest House within the Villa."

"I then decided to inform the ADC and other security boys that I would be on my way home to prepare for the early morning event at the International Conference Centre. At about 5a.m; the security guards ran to my quarters to inform me that the Head of State was very unstable. At first, I thought it was a coup attempt. Immediately, I prepared myself fully for any eventuality. As an intelligence officer and the Chief Security Officer to the Head of State for that matter, I devised a means of diverting the attention of the security boys from my escape route by asking my wife to continue chatting with them at the door – she was in the house while the boys were outside. From there, I got to the Guest House of the Head of State before them. When I got to the bedside of the Head of State, he was already gasping. Ordinarily, I could not just touch him. It was not allowed in our job. But under the situation on ground, I knelt close to him and shouted, “General Sani Abacha, Sir, please grant me permission to touch and carry you.” I again knocked at the stool beside the bed and shouted in the same manner, yet he did not respond. I then realized there was a serious danger. I immediately called the Head of State’s personal physician, Dr. Wali, who arrived the place under eight minutes from his house. He immediately gave Oga – General Abacha – two doses of injection, one at the heart and another close to his neck."

"This did not work apparently as the Head of State had turned very cold. He then told me that the Head of State was dead and nothing could be done after all. I there and then asked the personal physician to remain with the dead body while I dashed home to be fully prepared for the problems that might arise from the incident. As soon as I informed my wife, she collapsed and burst into tears. I secured my house and then ran back. At that point, the Aide-de-Camp had been contacted by me and we decided that great caution must be taken in handling the grave situation. Again, I must reiterate that the issue of my Boss dying on top of women was a great lie just as the insinuation that General Sani Abacha ate and died of poisoned apples was equally a wicked lie. My question is: did Chief M.K.O Abiola die of poisoned apples or did he die on top of women? As I had stated at the Oputa Panel, their deaths were organized. Pure and simple! It was at this point that I used our special communication gadgets to diplomatically invite the Service Chiefs, Military Governors and some few elements purportedly to a meeting with the Head of State by 9a.m. at the Council Chamber. That completed, I also decided to talk to some former leaders of the nation to inform them that General Sani Abacha would like to meet them by 9a.m. Situation became charged however, when one of the Service Chiefs, Lieutenant General Ishaya Rizi Bamaiyi, who pretended to be with us, suggested he be made the new Head of State after we had quietly informed him of the death of General Sani Abacha. He even suggested we should allow him access to Chief Abiola. We smelt a rat and other heads of security agencies, on hearing this, advised I move Chief Abiola to a safer destination."
"I managed to do this in spite of the fact that I had been terribly overwhelmed with the crisis at hand. But then, when some junior officers over-heard the suggestion of one of the Service Chiefs earlier mentioned, it was suggested to me that we should finish all the members of the Provisional Ruling Council and give the general public an excuse that there was a meeting of the PRC during which a shoot-out occurred between some members of the Provisional Ruling Council and the Body Guards to the Head of State When I sensed that we would be contending with far more delicate issues than the one on ground, I talked to Generals Buba Marwa and Ibrahim Sabo who both promptly advised us – the junior officers – against any bloodshed. They advised we contact General Ibrahim Babangida (former Military President) who equally advised against any bloodshed but that we should support the most senior officer in the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC) to be the new Head of State. Since the words of our elders are words of wisdom, we agreed to support General Jeremiah Useni. Along the line, General Bamaiyi lampooned me saying, “Can’t you put two and two together to be four? Has it not occurred to you that General Useni who was the last man with the Head of State might have poisoned him, knowing full well that he was the most senior officer in the PRC?”

"Naturally, I became furious with General Useni since General Abacha’s family had earlier on complained severally about the closeness of the two Generals; at that, a decision was taken to storm General Useni’s house with almost a battalion of soldiers to effect his arrest. Again, some heads of security units and agencies, including my wife, advised against the move. The next most senior person and officer in government was General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was then the Chief of Defence Staff. We rejected the other Service Chief, who, we believed, was too ambitious and destructive. We settled for General Abubakar and about six of us called him inside a room in the Head of State’s residence to break the news of the death of General Abacha to him. As a General with vast experience, Abdulsalami Abubakar, humbly requested to see and pray for the soul of General Abacha which we allowed. Do we consider this a mistake? Because right there, he – Abubakar – went and sat on the seat of the late Head of State. Again, I was very furious. Like I said at the Oputa Panel, if caution was not applied, I would have gunned him down. The revolution the boys were yearning for would have started right there. The assumption that we could not have succeeded in the revolution was a blatant lie. We were in full control of the State House and the Brigade of Guards. We had loyal troops in Keffi and in some other areas surrounding the seat of government – Abuja. But I allowed peace to reign because we believed it would create further crises in the country."
"We followed the advice of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and the wise counsel of some loyal senior officers and jointly agreed that General Abdulsalami Abubakar be installed Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces immediately after the burial of General Sani Abacha in Kano. It is an irony of history that the same Service Chief who wanted to be Head of State through bloodshed, later instigated the new members of the Provisional Ruling Council against us and branded us killers, termites and all sorts of hopeless names. They planned, arranged our arrest, intimidation and subsequent jungle trial in 1998 and 1999. These, of course, led to our terrible condition in several prisons and places of confinement."

TO BE CONTINUED
Via http: //www.naijapundit.com

Photos: Falling Container Kills Woman Early Hours of Today

 

It was reported that a female pedestrian was crushed to death on Thursday morning at Berger area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway by a container after it fell from a moving trailer.

 Trailer was said to have been  heading out of Lagos around 7a.m when it lost one of its tyres, making the driver to lose control of the truck momentarily.

Witnesses said that as he struggled to regain control of the truck, it tipped over to its right side.

As the truck fell, it landed on the woman, who was walking beside the road, in search of a commercial bus to her destination.

The unidentified woman died instantly while a gridlock formed on the outbound Lagos side of the busy expressway.

Traffic officials moved to the scene and were able to lift the truck and its container with a crane back on the trailer’s tyres.

 

Via http://www.informationnigeria.org

P-Square's mum to be buried on August 2nd

 

The body of the mother of multiple award-winning singers, P-Square, Mrs. Josephine Okoye, 62, which is currently in a Lagos private mortuary, will be laid to rest in her husband’s house at Ifite-Dunu, Akwa Village, Anambra State on Thursday, 2 August, 2012.

Shortly before the burial, there will be a lying-in-state at her Umunachi, Umudioka Village, Anambra State and a church service at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, before the proper burial at Ifite-Dunu, which will also be the reception venue and is expected to be attended by colleagues of P-Square in the entertainment industry and some state governors amid tight security.

Late Mrs Okoye is survived by her husband, Mr. Moses Okoye and eight children namely Christopher, Henry, Jude, Lilian, Tony, Peter, Paul and Mary.

Dana Crash: DNA Tests Identify 152 Bodies, Others Due Next Week

VC OF LASU, PROF. JOHN OBAFUNWA
LAGOS, July 25, (THEWILL) – A total of 152 bodies of all victims of the fatal Dana airliner crash of 3rd June 2012 have been identified, renowned pathologist and vice chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. John Obafunwa has said.

Obafunwa, who was speaking on Wednesday during an inquest into the crash, told a Lagos Coroner, Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe, that his department would release results of the DNA tests on the remaining victims next week, after completing a final editing of post-mortem reports on the bodies.

“I am expecting that the DNA results will be finalised next week,” he said. “I will say we have completed our job.  On the average, 80 per cent of the job is ready.”

Led in evidence by Mr. Akingbolahan Adeniran, a counsel from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Obafunwa recalled the grisly sight of the polythene-bagged bodies when the Lagos State University Hospital (LASUTH) took custody of them.

“Sixty per cent of the crash victims had multiple injuries, while about 20 per cent had multiple injuries and smoke inhalation,” he revealed.

“Fifty bodies were fairly complete; about 100 victims were burnt while there were also charred bodies. There were bodies with recognisable heads; and some, their limbs had been chopped off. When the body bags of the victims were opened at the morgue, some of them contained bone fragments while some had body parts.”

The inquest also featured questions to Obafunwa from lawyers, including former president of the West African Bar Association (WABA), Femi Falana (SAN), Anthony Idigbe (SAN), Obi Okwusogu (SAN). Officers of security and rescue agencies also gave evidences.

Mr. Adebiyi Babatunde Razaq, assistant zonal coordinator of the southwestern arm of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), told the coroner that the agency’s initial rescue efforts while scuppered by difficulty in accessing the scene of the crash due to presence of a crowd of onlookers, as well as the fire that followed the crash.

“We had challenge in getting access to crash site,” he said. “The road was narrowed. We had to enter through the rail lines. The crowd and the road access were the challenges we faced. The equipment we brought could also not get to the crash site.”

He also disclosed, shockingly, that NEMA had just one rescue aircraft for such a purpose as the air mishap; and the Abuja-confined craft is supposed to serve the entire country.

Another testifier, Police Detective Obono Ubi refuted earlier claims that rescue workers arrived the scene of the crash promptly. He maintained that the fire fighters did not arrive at the site of the crash until, at least, two hours after the tragedy.
Similarly, he rebuffed claims that the fire was put out within 15 minutes, saying it was a process that lasted some four hours

“For over one hour, nobody could penetrate the fire,” Ubi recollected. “If the Fire Brigade was under Police custody and we had fire-fighting equipment, we could have acted faster. It was not until after two hours that the fire fighters came.”

The ongoing inquest into the Dana airliner crash — which resulted in the death of all 153 people aboard and at least six residents of a building in Iju-Ishaga, Agege — continues on Thursday.

$15 Million Dollars Unclaimed Property Up for Grabs for whoever is Interested

The cash was said to have been deposited into the strong room No 1 of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on April 26, 2007, by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under the instructions of the former boss of the commission Nuhu Ribadu.
The money was said to have been given to the EFCC as bribe by former Delta State Governor James Ibori through an agent. However, Ibori has since denied giving the cash to either the EFCC or any of its officers.
 

Thus, the Federal Government, via an ex-parte originating summons it filed in court on Tuesday has requested the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to order the immediate forfeiture of the $15 million allegedly given to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, by the jailed former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, as bribe.
According to the FG’s, they are requesting “an interim order forfeiting the sum of $15,000, 000 (Fifteen million dollars) being an unclaimed property in possession of the Central Bank of Nigeria, to the Federal Government of Nigeria pending the publication and hearing of the motion on notice for the final forfeiture order of the said property… an order of this honourable court directing the publication in any national newspaper of the interim order under relief one above, for anyone who is interested in the property, to appear before this honourable court to show cause within 14 days, why the final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of Federal Government of Nigeria.”
Therefore, the judge hearing the case, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, maintained that if by September 17, 2012, no one showed up to lay claim to the money, the $15 million bribe would be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Below is an excerpt of an affidavit by Bello Yahaya who was one of the investigators assigned by the EFCC to investigate the criminal case against Ibori EFCC official present at the hearing, about the genesis of the money:
“while the investigation was going on, on 25th April, 2007, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the then Executive Chairman of the EFCC called the investigation team headed by Mr Ibrahim Lamorde the then Director of Operations, to pick up cash in the sum of USD 15, 000, 000. 00 (Fifteen Million Dollars) given to him and the Commission through an undisclosed agent of the said James Ibori.
“That upon picking up the said USD 15, 000, 000. 00 (Fifteen Million Dollars) we deposited same on 26th April, 2007 with the Central Bank of Nigeria which was duly acknowledged and signed for by one M.M El-Yallud, a staff working in strong room 1 of the CBN.
“That from the said 26th April, 2007, the money remained in the custody of the CBN till date. The issue of giving bribe was raised by me in my affidavit sworn to on 9th January 2008 in opposition to James Ibori’s bail application when he was eventually charged to court for Money Laundering Offences.
“James Ibori denied through his reply to counter affidavit dated 10th January, 2008, of giving the sum of USD 15, 000, 000. 00 (Fifteen Million Dollars), to EFCC or its officials. That ever since April, 2007, no one has claimed ownership of the said sum and it has since remained unclaimed money in the strong room of the CBN.
“That the said sum if left untouched and unspent in the state it was kept in the strong room since April, 2007, may eventually be destroyed, defaced, mutilated and become useless.

EVERY YOUNG NIGERIAN SHOULD SHARE THIS AND MAKE SURE IT GETS TO OUR PRESIDENT

7-20-U40 PROJECT
(7 DAYS, 20 YOUTH ADVISERS all Under 40)

Dear President Goodluck Jonathan

I doubt if you are having a good day because i can imagine the huge task that comes with the office of the President Of the Federal republic of Nigeria, once a giant now crawling on its knees. It must be hard with all the distraction coming from so many places, distractions that have become daily trends and gradually consuming this country. Im one person who did not vote for you and it was because from the beginning i didn't see you as a person who can rule this country. Im a hard critic of your administration because i see so many things wrong with the way things are happening in this country, hard to accept is the daily killing of innocent Nigerians with no security solutions to the matter, this is unacceptable to me a s a citizen of this country. But for how long will i continue to criticize you and blame you for everything even though everything rest at your table. Im sick and tired of being sick and tired of just talking and posting on social media, and so here is my suggestion on how we can move forward. Its an experiment and unless we try it, we will never know if it will work. One of your major if not the biggest problem you have is your pack of advisers whom i believe have not helped in directing you to the right path, seems everyone is just interested in being in the corridors of power and enjoying all the trappings there. I propose that for a period of one week only, they should all go on leave, as matter of fact, pay for them to go to the bahamas or somewhere, and in that one week 20 young people all under 40years will be selected country wide to be your advisers for that one week. their mandate will be to sheer with you possible solutions to this three key main areas only-SECURITY, EDUCATION, AND POWER. They will come up with ideas and suggestions on how in their own perspective this sectors can be handled under the present situation. This young people will be selected based on their street smarts, iv league status but must importantly their in-depth and intelligent submissions to this sectors. No geo-political considerations, just 20 young Nigeria. After one week, the deliberations with the president which will be recorded will be aired to Nigeria's and an opinion poll will be set up to get feed back.The aim of this idea is to have fresh perspectives to these sectors and ultimately to challenge the old brigade that the new generation of future leaders in this country know what they know and have a solution to the problems. I HAVE AN UN-APOLOGETIC CONFIDENCE IN THE NIGERIAN YOUTH TO DELIVER THE GOODS, BECAUSE IF YOU TURN EVERYWHERE IN THIS COUNTRY YOU WILL NOTICE THAT WE ARE THE ONES THAT DRIVE THE DISCUSS ON HOW TO BETTER THIS COUNTRY, I CANT BET MY LIFE THAT IF THERE IS ONE DEMOGRAPHY OF PEOPLE YOU FEAR THE MOST IN THIS COUNTRY IT WILL BE YOUNG PEOPLE, GOOD OR BAD WE ARE A DETERMINE BUNCH.

Incase you get to read this, your people know how to reach me, but then that may prove to be a hard task for them O! So hola at my inbox.-DIMBO "JOSTIFIED' ATIYA
https://www.facebook.com/dimbo.atiya

HOW TO WORSHIP THE NIGERIAN GOD

 By Elnathan John Via http://dailytimes.com.ng

The Nigerian god is one. It may have many different manifestations, but it is essentially different sides of the same coin. Sometimes, adherents of the different sides may fight and kill each other. But Nigerians essentially follow the Nigerian god.
This article is for all those who want to become better worshippers. If you are a new or prospective convert, God will bless you for choosing the Nigerian god. This is just how you must worship him.
First, you must understand that being a worshipper has nothing to do with character, good works or righteousness. So the fact that you choose to open every meeting with multiple prayers does not mean that you intend to do what is right. The opening prayer is important. Nothing can work without it. If you are gathered to discuss how to inflate contracts, begin with an opening prayer or two. If you are gathered to discuss how to rig elections, begin with a prayer. The Nigerian god appreciates communication.
When you sneak away from your wife to call your girlfriend in the bathroom, and she asks if you will come this weekend, you must say—in addition to “Yes”—“By God’s grace” or “God willing”. It doesn’t matter the language you use. Just add it. The Nigerian god likes to be consulted before you do anything, including a trip to Obudu to see your lover.
When worshipping the Nigerian god, be loud. No, the Nigerian god is not hard of hearing. It is just that he appreciates your loud fervour, like he appreciates loud raucous music. The Nigerian god doesn’t care if you have neighbours and neither should you. When you are worshipping in your house, make sure the neighbours can’t sleep. Use loud speakers even if you are only two in the building. Anyone who complains must be evil. God will judge such a person.
Attribute everything to the Nigerian god. So, if you diverted funds from public projects and are able to afford that Phantom, when people say you have a nice car, say, “Na God”. If someone asks what the secret of all your wealth is, say, “God has been good to me”. By this you mean the Nigerian god who gave you the uncommon wisdom to re-appropriate public funds.
Consult the Nigerian god when you don’t feel like working. The Nigerian god understands that we live in a harsh climate where it is hard to do any real work. So, if you have no clue how to be in charge and things start collapsing, ask people to pray to God and ask for his intervention.
The Nigerian god loves elections and politics. When you have bribed people to get the Party nomination, used thugs to steal and stuff ballot boxes, intimidated people into either sitting at home or voting for you, lied about everything from your assets to your age, and you eventually, (through God’s grace), win the elections, you must begin by declaring that your success is the wish of God and that the other candidate should accept this will of God. It is not your fault whom the Nigerian god chooses to reward with political success. How can mere mortals complain?
The Nigerian god does not tolerate disrespect. If someone insults your religion, you must look for anyone like them and kill them. Doesn’t matter what you use—sticks, machetes, grenade launchers, IED’s, AK47’s.
The Nigerian god performs signs and wonders. He does everything from cure HIV to High BP. And the Nigerian god is creative: he can teach a person who was born blind the difference between blue and green when the man of god asks, and he can teach a person born deaf instant English. As a worshipper you must let him deliver you because every case of sickness is caused by evil demons and not infections. Every case of barrenness is caused by witches and has no scientific explanation. So instead of hospital, visit agents of the Nigerian god. But the Nigerian god does not cure corruption. Do not attempt to mock him.
If you worship the Nigerian god, you are under no obligation to be nice or kind to people who are not worshippers. They deserve no courtesy.
The Nigerian god is also online. As a worshipper, you are not obliged to be good or decent on Facebook or twitter all week except on Friday and Sunday, both of which the Nigerian god marks as holy. So you may forward obscene photos, insult people, forward lewd jokes on all days except the holy days. On those holy days, whichever applies to you, put up statuses saying how much you are crazy about God.
These days, the Nigerian god also permits tweets and Facebook updates like: "Now in Church" or "This guy in front of me needs to stop dozing" when performing acts of worship.
In all, the Nigerian god is very kind and accommodating. He gives glory and riches and private jets. And if you worship him well, he will immensely bless your hustle.
 

LAGOS: EFCC ARAIGNS SUSPECTED FUEL SUBSIDY FUNDS THIEVES

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arraigned some of the suspects in the $6.8 billion fuel subsidy fraud at a high court in Lagos.

These are some the faces of the suspected thieves popularly known as the "Bugatti Boys".

  Do these guys look like they had "chopped" $6.8 Billion? I think they have come up with their dramatisation that distracts us from the reall issues or from the real criminals. I siddon dey look...