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Showing posts from January, 2015

Japan seeks Jordan's help in gaining hostage's release

  By ELAINE KURTENBACH TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese diplomat emerged from talks in Jordan on Monday with no signs of progress in securing the release of a freelance journalist held hostage by the extremist Islamic State group. Japanese officials refused direct comment on the contents of the talks in Jordan, where Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Yasuhide Nakayama is coordinating regional efforts to SAVE hostage Kenji Goto. The Islamic State group said in an online video on Jan. 20 that it had TWO Japanese hostages and would kill them within 72 hours unless Japan paid it $200 million — the same amount Tokyo recently pledged in aid to nations fighting the militants. Over the weekend, a new, unverified video showed a still photo of Goto, a 47-year-old journalist, holding a picture of what appears to be the body of fellow hostage Haruna Yukawa. It included a recording of a voice claiming to be Goto, saying his captors now want the release of a prisoner held in Jordan instead of a ransom

New Jersey's Christie launches political action committee

  By JILL COLVIN NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has taken his firmest step yet toward running for president, launching an organization that allows him to RAISE MONEY for a potential 2016 campaign. Opening the political action committee allows Christie to begin to hire staffers, build the foundations of a campaign operation and travel across the country as he weighs a final decision on a run. He's not expected to announce a final decision until spring. The organization, called Leadership Matters for America, was widely expected and comes not long after former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush announced in December a similar organization. Bush's move kicked off an aggressive race to lock down establishment donors and may have drawn 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney into the race. Christie was named the new group's honorary chairman. A mission statement on the organization's website echoes themes that Christie has focused in recent speeches, including remarks on

Spain: Greek F-16 jet crashes at base, killing 10 people

  By JORGE SAINZ MADRID (AP) — A Greek F-16 fighter jet crashed into other planes on the ground during NATO training in southeastern Spain Monday, killing at least 10 people, Spain's Defense Ministry said. Another 13 people were injured in the incident at the Los Llanos base, which sent flames and a plume of black smoke billowing into the air, a Defense Ministry official said. Most of the victims were not believed to be Spaniards, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of ministry rules preventing him from being named. The two-seat jet was taking off when it crashed into an area of the base where other planes involved in the NATO exercise were parked, the ministry said in a statement. Emergency crews were working to douse the blaze and determine how much damage there was to other planes involved in the NATO exercise, the ministry said. A NATO spokeswoman declined to disclose details, referring questions to Spanish and Greek military offici

Small drone crashes at White House complex, origin unclear

  NEDRA PICKLER and JOSH LEDERMAN WASHINGTON (AP) — A small drone flying at low altitude crashed into the White House complex before dawn Monday, the Secret Service said. President Barack Obama was not at home and the White House said it did not pose a security threat. Secret Service officers search the south grounds of the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 26, 2015. A device, possibly an unmanned aerial drone, was found on the White House grounds during the middle of the night while President Barack Obama and the first lady were in India, but his spokesman said Monday that it posed no threat. The crash prompted an immediate lockdown of the White House grounds until officials could examine the drone. The Secret Service said the 2-foot-long device was a quadcopter — a small, unmanned aircraft that is lifted by four propellers. This image made with an iPhone shows emergency vehicles surrounding the southeast corner of the White House complex, near the main Treasury buildin

Storm threatens the Northeast with historic snow

  By VERENA DOBNIK and DAVE COLLINS NEW YORK (AP) — The Philadelphia-to-Boston corridor of more than 35 million people began shutting down and bundling up Monday against a potentially history-making storm that could unload a paralyzing 1 to 3 feet of snow. More than 5,000 flights in and out of the Northeast were canceled, and many of them may not take off again until Wednesday. Schools and businesses let out early. And cities mobilized snowplows and salt spreaders to deal with a dangerously windy blast that could instantly make up for what has been a largely snow-free winter in the urban Northeast. Snow was already falling during the morning commute in several cities, including Philadelphia and New York, with Boston up NEXT in the afternoon. Forecasters said the brunt of the storm would hit Monday evening and into Tuesday. All too aware that big snowstorms can make or break politicians, governors and mayors moved quickly to declare emergencies and order the shutdown of highway

APC Tells Jonathan To Caution Asari-Dokubo, Tompolo

Following the Niger Delta ex-militants threats to wage war against the country if President Goodluck Jonathan should lose the February 14 presidential election, the All Progressives Congress Campaign Organisation, (APCPCO) has reacted and made demands of the President. APCPCO in a statement issued on Sunday, signed by the Directorate of Media & Publicity of the campaign, Garba Shehu, urged President Jonathan and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to call to order Niger Delta ex-militants who have threatened to wage war against the country if their ‘son’ loses the February 14 presidential election, Premium Times reports. Shehu said the irresponsible ultimatum by the ex-militants is not only a barbaric threat on the sovereignty of Nigeria, but also go against the spirit and letter of the non-violence pact to which President Jonathan also signed. According to him, the declaration of war against the state is causing panic and concern among Nigerians who are already em

Northerners Flee Hausa Communities In Bayelsa

Northern indigenes residing in the Hausa community of Bayelsa State have embarked on mass exodus following the rising tension ahead of the February 14 and 28 general elections. This was made known to Leadership on Sunday in Yenagoa, by the leader of the Hausa Community in Bayelsa State, Alhaji Dahiru Yau Katsina. Katsina said though they have appealed for calm among Hausa indigenes, the mass exodus continued, saying there was no need for such movement since the Hausa community had met with authorities of the Security agencies and have been assured of adequate security of lives and property during and after the general elections. He said the northern indigenes were also advised against traveling which might result in accidents as well as loss of their properties. The Hausa community leader questioned why the people embark on the mass exit when they have been living with their host communities in harmony and peace for a long time now. He further revealed that he contacted t

Embarrassing Audio of Vice President Sambo, Goes Viral

An audio of Vice President Namadi Sambo’s inability to properly recite an Islamic elementary prayer has surfaced on the internet and is currently going viral in the northern part of NIGERIA. The audio which reveals Vice President Sambo’s inability to properly recite an Islamic elementary prayer is PRESENTLY being circulated in northern parts of Nigeria. The Vice President is said to have wrongly recited Fatiha prayers during Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign in Zamfara and Katsina states. But he was said to have improved in reciting the prayers in Kano when the PDP campaign train got to the ancient state. This was disclosed by a source in Kano, Malam Ibrahim Mohammed. The source was said to have closely followed the campaigns and revealed to SaharaReporters that Sambo’s failure properly to recite Fatiha, which is elementary prayer surprised Muslims following the campaigns. Mohammed added that Sambo also boasted that he is from Medina since his name is Namad

IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO BE A SUPERSTAR OVER NIGHT….JIDE KOSOKO FROWNS

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new, for a journey of a thousand mile begins with a step. These is a quote from scholars and it is still put into practice with wonderful testimonies. ONE of the Nollywood icon, Prince Jide Kosoko who has featured in countless movies both Yoruba and English language movie in a recent interview with Channels Television, has frowned at upcoming actors who think they can come into lime light over the night. The actor while speaking made reference to when he STARTED his journey to the top in the 1970s when he was advised to go back to school to GET educated despite is unique talent in acting but heeded to advise which has done him a lot of goodies. The multiple awards winner further condemned actors who think acting is a child's play and believe its a magic becoming a superstar, urging them to go back to school to get educated so as to standout in the movie industry. NIGERIAFILMS

MY SHAVED HAIR LIKE TUFACE WAS A COINCIDENCE ----SINGER, JOEL

Argument arouse when an artiste who look like Tuface was signed into Kennis music after Tuface left the record label. Many said it was same Tuface but he has gone darker while some said it was his brother. Joel Amadi better known as Joel by fans in a recent interview responded to those that claim he copied popular Tuface style even to the extent of shaving his hair to look like Tuface stating that it was just a coincidence. He said, "I have always shaved my hair like this before I got to know about Tuface. It is coincidental. God himself did not make a mistake. We just happen to have striking similarities." The Kennis music artiste also revealed he has been doing well in the industry with the help of Tuface advice on how to stay focus. "I don’t know how. But Tuface himself encouraged me. He gave me a word of wisdom. ‘don’t allow what people say to get to you negatively. People will naturally want to say something to hurt you but know yourself and ignore the nois

JAZZMAN OLOFIN DESCRIBES POLITICIANS AS LOOTERS

His real name is Muyiwa Olofinkuade which might not readily ring any bells but he is fondly known as Jazzman Olofin and you would remember the song titled 'Raise YOUR Roof' that rocked the Nigerian music waves in 2008. He has said his piece concerning the coming elections in February in a post he shared recently that the politicians continue to divert public funds for personal use as they enrich their pockets. The singer as also joined the club of entertainers who have been canvassing for a credible election with the hope that a well deserved leader will be chosen rather than recycled leaders who according to him CHOOSE to migrate from one party to another without the masses at heart. "Survival is like "ride or die". But ain't it sweet when Almighty Jah makes us ride and smile"? Dem politicians looting daily, but in GOD we trust,their fake system shall rust... Naija peeps shall remain fresh 4ever! Peace!" NIGERIAFILMS

MOE MUSA SALUTES REMINISCE AS HIS BEST NIGERIAN RAPPER

Popular music video director, Moe Musa whose real name is Mohammed Musa has spoken in praise of popular rapper, Reminisce as the hip hop artiste that remains number one for him in NIGERIA. During an interview with Television Continental's On The Town programme, the Lagos-born music content creator chose the rapper as his best of the pack because of his effortless code-switching ability. "Reminisce is the local rapper I like because he switches from English to Yoruba. I like that. He holds the English line for like five seconds and switches to Yoruba and in that instant, it's dope for me." Being described as ONE of the best rapper in Nigeria, the Alaga Igbile as he is best known was discovered by prolific producer ID Cabasa alongside his friends like Jahbless, 9ice & Lord Of Ajasa and Olamide. NIGERIAFILMS

OPINION: How Jonathan Almost Destroyed Nigeria - Festus Keyamo

As Nigerians continue to ponder on who to cast their votes for in next month’s presidential elections, renowned lawyer, Festus Keyamo has explained how incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan almost destroyed Nigeria with his policies in the last five years. Keyamo made the statement in an opinion piece he title: “Here Is A President Who Destroyed PDP And Almost Destroyed Nigeria”, first published by Sahara Reporters. Festus Keyamo According to the famous lawyer, President Jonathan’s lack of single appetite to fight corruption has brought the country to disrepute. Keyamo also stated that the incumbent President has lost control of the military a situation which makes him to be totally helpless in the face of Boko Haram insurgency in northern Nigeria. Below is the full text of  Keyamo’s opinion: This is a season of hire-wired deceits, misinformation, campaign of calumny and spewing of outright falsehood and lies – all to hoodwink and deceive ordinary and gullible Nigerians

Gunmen Raid Igoh Village In Taraba State

Two of the women, who were from the same husband, were killed while working on their farm at the outskirt of Igoh village, while the other was gunned down while attempting to flee on sighting the attackers. According to Sunday Trust, the development has forced locals to flee the community, even as another woman reportedly had her left hand cut off during the attack. This is the second time in less than a month that the village is coming under attack. Police public relations officer, ASP Joseph Kwaji confirmed the attack, but said only two women were killed while another woman was left with machete wounds. Recently, Taraba State governor, Alhaji Sani Danladi, was forced to  deny rumours that he instructed thugs to destroy President Goodluck Jonathan’s billboards within Jalingo metropolis. NAIJ.COM

Armed Robbers Steal N25m, Kill 21 In Ondo

An armed robbery gang invaded Ikare in Akoko North East area of Ondo State on Tuesday, killing no fewer than 21 persons including eight policemen, one undergraduate, two secondary school pupils and five bankers. According to the Vanguard, the robbers target was the bullion van of one of the old generation banks conveying N25m to the branch of the bank in Ikare. They ended up robbing five different banks located along Banking Road in Jubilee area of Ikare, which they bombed with dynamite and rocket launchers to gain entry. Reportedly, the robbers who have been dressed in MOPOL uniform had plan B – to rob four other banks. However, first, they decided to go on shooting to create fear in the town. On arrival in the town at about 3pm, they headed straight to a police station along Ikare/Owo Road, killed four policemen on duty and wounded four others. A police source said: “The robbers used general purpose machine guns, improvised explosive devices and other sophisticated weapons and

Indonesia Executes Nigerian Drug Offender

In spite of pleas from the international communities for the Indonesia government not to execute six foreigners caught for trafficking drugs into the Asian country, latest reports inform that all the drug traffickers were executed on Sunday, January, 18, 2015. Among the executed drug offenders was a Nigerian, Daniel Enemuo, also known as Diarrssouba. According to reports, the 38 year-old Nigerian was convicted in 2004. The Indonesian authorities had announced the execution on January 16, 2015, Friday, saying it would be the first execution under new President Joko Widodo. The planned executions were announced by the Indonesian Attorney General’s Office. The European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini had prior to the execution described the move as “deeply regrettable”. Mogherini also urged Indonesia to establish a moratorium on the death penalty. Meanwhile, hours after the Indonesian authorities carried out the execution, Brazil and the Netherlands have r

Sony Xperia Z4 allegedly certified at the FCC

A mysterious Sony device has passed through the Federal Communications Commission in the USA and the timing could very well mean it is the upcoming Sony Xperia Z4. Very little information is given in the listing leak but we do find out the device will support LTE bands 2, 5 and 7. Sony Xperia Z4 FCC listing The Sony Xperia Z4 was certified in its home country of Japan a few days ago and is expected to carry an LTE Cat.9-capable (450Mbps) Snapdragon 810 chipset, 5.2″ 1440 x 2560px Triluminos display, 20.7MP optically stabilized camera, water resistance, 3,400mAh battery and Android Lollipop. Rumor has it the upcoming flagship Xperia Z4 will come with either QHD (in the US) or FHD screen resolution. GURUSLOADED

Guardiola urges Messi to stay at Barcelona in secret phone call

Amidst speculation the Argentine could be considering a Camp Nou exit, his former boss has told him to remain patient and believe in current coach Luis Enrique Pep Guardiola has urged Lionel Messi to stay at Barcelona, advising the Argentina international to remain patient and show faith in the project of current boss Luis Enrique. Last week the four-time world player of the year appeared to be as close as ever to a Camp Nou exit after admitting he was unsure where he would be playing his football next season. Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City have since been linked with a world record move for the forward, who was said to be unhappy at being dropped from the Barca side that lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad earlier this month. Bayern Munich coach Guardiola told Messi he should appreciate what he means to Barcelona and what the club has given him, both in his professional and personal life. Guardiola also reminded the 27-year-old of the unanimous support he has from eve

Karrueche Is Ready to Marry Chris Brown No Matter What

It’s a well-known fact Karrueche Tran loves Chris Brown very much. In fact, she is so in love with her man, she is practically ready to do everything for him. According to HollywoodLife.com, Tran would marry the “Loyal” singer in a heartbeat even if he is locked behind bars for four years. “ Of course she would marry Chris. There’s not one man she would rather spend the rest of her life with other than Chris,” said a source close to the gorgeous model. “She loves him that much and will be there for him no matter what happens in March. Obviously, she doesn’t want him going to jail. She wants him home and in the studio so he can continue to inspire people with his music and his dancing and share his talents with the world.” While Karrueche is standing strong, Chris is pretty “scared” about what will happen during his trial in March. For what it’s worth, according to another source, he is ready to tie the knot with Kae. “ Chris is scared and he’s contemplating marrying Karrueche now

Di’Ja on Tiwa Savage: Apart from the Rivalry the Media Made Up, There Was No Rivalry

Mavin Records artist, Di’Ja, is one artist to look out for this 2015. In an interview with Sunday Punch , Di’Ja talks being mixed, racism, the need for a lighter skin colour, being petite, other members of the Mavin Crew and more. Read excerpts from her interview below: On dark skin: I almost feel sorry for our nation because some people think that the lighter the skin colour, the better life will be for the person. Sometimes when I walk on the streets, I see the way our people treat others differently because of skin colour. I think we are now in a black-on-black racist society. Black does not just come in dark shades; some blacks are light-skinned. I did not pick my family. I like to believe my race is humanity. We come in different colours and that does not mean that one person is better than the other. It means that God is an awesome and colourful God. On being intimidated because of her size: Yes, but the mind is a beautiful thing. I am such an odd human being and my mind

Black West Africa & Boko Haram are Not a Priority to the West – CNN Military Analyst

The western world’s response to the recent terror attacks in France, in comparison with the response to the Boko Haram Baga massacre, is currently a hot topic. Many have questioned why a large amount of attention has been placed on France, while the horrific Baga massacre in Nigeria seemed to receive lukewarm attention. CNN military analyst, Maj. Gen. James “Spider” Marks recently revealed a controversial perspective on the matter. According to him, the United States has the capability to root out Boko Haram but it’s not a priority. He also stated that Black West Africa is not a priority. He goes on to state that if Boko Haram were in some other region of the world perhaps in “White Africa” (North Africa) or in the Middle East, it would cause more alarm. “Very stark, very hard to say, but that’s the case right now,” he said. Watch the report: BELLANAIJA

Sea conditions prevent divers from reaching AirAsia fuselage

  By FADLAN SYAM PANGKALAN BUN, Indonesia (AP) — High waves and strong currents in the Java Sea again prevented Indonesian navy divers from accessing the fuselage and what is believed to be the cockpit from the AirAsia plane that crashed three weeks ago, officials said. A team of 15 navy divers tried to get to the wreckage to examine it and calculate its weight, but failed to reach it due to the unfavorable conditions, said Suryadi Bambang Supriyadi, director of operations for Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency. Indonesian survey ships have located at least nine big objects, including the jet's fuselage, what is believed to be the cockpit and an engine, Supriyadi said. The fuselage is sitting on the seabed at a depth of 28 meters (92 feet). The 30-meter-long (100-foot-long) fuselage and an attached wing were sighted Wednesday. Divers attempted to reach the wreckage Thursday and Friday, but were turned back because of the rough sea conditions. Authorities be

Sea conditions prevent divers from reaching AirAsia fuselage

  By FADLAN SYAM PANGKALAN BUN, Indonesia (AP) — High waves and strong currents in the Java Sea again prevented Indonesian navy divers from accessing the fuselage and what is believed to be the cockpit from the AirAsia plane that crashed three weeks ago, officials said. A team of 15 navy divers tried to get to the wreckage to examine it and calculate its weight, but failed to reach it due to the unfavorable conditions, said Suryadi Bambang Supriyadi, director of operations for Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency. Indonesian survey ships have located at least nine big objects, including the jet's fuselage, what is believed to be the cockpit and an engine, Supriyadi said. The fuselage is sitting on the seabed at a depth of 28 meters (92 feet). The 30-meter-long (100-foot-long) fuselage and an attached wing were sighted Wednesday. Divers attempted to reach the wreckage Thursday and Friday, but were turned back because of the rough sea conditions. Authorities be

Pope flees Philippine storm, cuts short typhoon mercy trip

  By Jean-Louis De La Vaissiere Pope Francis was forced Saturday to flee a fierce storm in the Philippines that killed a papal volunteer, cutting short a mercy mission to weeping survivors of a catastrophic super typhoon. Wearing a yellow plastic poncho to protect him from intense rain, Francis delivered an emotional mass to about 200,000 people in the typhoon-ravaged central Philippine city of Tacloban. However, plans to spend the entire day in Tacloban and nearby areas that were devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan 14 months ago were ruined by another storm, forcing him to fly back to Manila at lunchtime. "So I apologise to you all. I'm sad about this, truly saddened," the 78-year-old pontiff told thousands of people who had gathered at one church shortly before he raced back to the airport. The pope's plane made the 90-minute flight back to the Philippine capital of Manila safely. But highlighting the dangers of the storm, a papal volunteer at the morning

Obama previews some guests invited to State of the Union

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama will have some special guests in the audience for his State of the Union address Tuesday night — people who wrote him in the past year to share their personal situations. Typically, the White House invites people whose personal stories illustrate themes in the president's speech. They sit with the first lady. Obama says Carolyn Reed of Colorado recently expanded her sandwich shop chain thanks to a Small Business Administration loan, and raised wages for her hourly employees. He says Victor Fugate of Missouri is able to pay his student loans because of a new program capping monthly payments. And Jason Gibson of Ohio wrote Obama to say that after losing both legs in Afghanistan, he's making progress and has a new daughter. Obama announced the guests in his weekly radio and Internet address. His domestic policy adviser, Cecilia Munoz, announced a fourth guest in the White House's weekly Spanish-language address. Munoz says D