The large pay package earners in £White House" USA

By Roberta Rampton and Margaret Chadbourn

                                                                                                                                                       WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Twenty-two of President Barack Obama's top advisers make the top White House salary of $172,200 per year - but there is one official who earns 30 percent more.

It's not Chief of Staff Denis McDonough. Not Obama's senior adviser and close friend Valerie Jarrett. Not Cecilia Munoz, who is overseeing White House efforts on immigration reform, nor Lisa Monaco, who advises Obama on homeland security and counterterrorism.

The best-paid person of the 460 people who work at the White House is Seth Wheeler, a senior adviser at the National Economic Council, who is crafting Obama's strategy on housing finance.

One of the newest appointees, Wheeler earns $225,000, according to the annual White House report on its $37.9 million payroll released on Friday.

Wheeler has been detailed to the role from the Federal Reserve where the pay scale is higher, a White House official explained.

It also means he earns more than his boss, Gene Sperling, the director of the National Economic Council, who earns the White House limit of $172,200.

At the Fed, Wheeler was chief of staff for the Office of Financial Stability Policy and Research.

He is an ex-Morgan Stanley banker who worked for former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson during the Bush Administration, and was a key architect with the Obama administration's mortgage modification program, helping craft the signature housing aid program known as the Home Affordable Modification Program.

"His pay reflects the anomaly of the Fed pay scale," said Phillip Swagel, who served in the Treasury Department under President George W. Bush.

"It is noteworthy that the NEC is pretty political so it's fascinating that they have a Fed employee in a political position," Swagel said.

Federal employees who work for banking regulators, including the Fed, have higher pay scales than employees of other federal departments, said Julia Gordon, director of housing finance and policy at the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank.

"I'm sure if he went back to Morgan Stanley, he'd be making 10 times that," Gordon said.

Wheeler replaces Jim Parrott, who had been detailed to the White House from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and earned $144,385 last year. Parrott left the White House in January, and recently joined the Urban Institute.

Wheeler's salary approaches that of Vice President Joe Biden, who this year is poised to earn $230,700. Obama's salary is $400,000.

HOUSING SYSTEM 'IN SHAMBLES'

The housing advisor position has been held by four different people during the Obama administration, punctuated by lengthy vacancies between advisers, said Gordon, who hopes the White House now begins to takes a more active role on the issue.

"Our housing system is still in shambles," Gordon said.

"Just because people hear that prices are going back up doesn't mean we've fixed anything. A lot of the underlying problems are still there."

One of the key issues is reforms for mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which were seized by the government in 2008 as the housing crisis threatened their solvency.

The companies own or guarantee half of all U.S. mortgages and have been propped up with $187.5 billion in taxpayer funds.

Democrats and Republicans want to reduce the government's role and put more of the risk of lending onto the private sector, but they disagree on how far to go.

The salary report can be found at - http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/disclosures/annual-records/2013.

(Reporting by Roberta Rampton; editing by Jackie Frank)

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra state continues to share the cake

Father Christmas; Governor Obi gives N65m to Chikason Group and Agbo Edo traders

Deepening the collaboration with organisations, industrialists and men of goodwill for the ultimate benefit of the State, Gov. Peter Obi has presented a cheque of N35 million to Agbo-Edo Motor Spare Parts Dealers Association, Nnewi for construction of the major access road across the market.

Governor Obi presented the cheque during an inspection visit to the market. The Governor said the gesture was in fulfilment of his earlier promise to the traders. He commended them for embarking on the construction of drainage system on the road and for installing transformer to boost power supply in the market.

He enjoined them to work with the Nnewi North Local Government Council to achieve the desired goals, assuring them that the State Government will continue to give them necessary support and encouragement.

Governor Obi restated the resolve of his administration to use the State resources to uplift the standard of living of the people.

He noted that the President Jonathan administration has impacted positively on the South-East as it has embarked on projects hitherto neglected by previous administrations.

In a Similar development, Gov. Obi also presented a cheque of 30 million Naira to the Chikason Group, Nnewi for the reconstruction of Chikason road. Governor Peter Obi said the gesture was part of his promise to always support and encourage industrialists in the State through provision of key infrastructural facilities such as access road to their factories in order to grow and expand their businesses to create more employment opportunities.

Meanwhile Governor Obi who also visited Christ the King College said the State Government will encourage building of eco kitchens across the State. Governor Obi was speaking while presenting a cheque of three million Naira to Christ the King College, Onitsha for the completion of its Eco kitchen initiated by the Old Boys of the school based in the USA. He explained that the gesture was infulfilment of his promise to match any organisation that decides to build anything in any part of Anambra Sate with equal funds

Women turns Butchers in Lagos

Chorister Love; Two Choristers Cut Younger Member’s Face With Blade Over Affair With Choir Master.

LAGOS-Two women, Temitope Abigeal and Temitope Remi, have been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ebute Meta on a three count of conspiracy, assault and grievous harm.
Abigeal (26) and Remi (28), choristers at a Cherubim and Seraphim church at Ebute Meta, were alleged to have assaulted Hannah Okurabe (18) with razor blades at Abule Nla junction, a few metres away from the church.

The incident was said to be the result of an earlier fight over the church’s choirmaster, Joseph Unuigbe, a father of two. Joseph Unuigbe is married to a lady who is also a member of the same church.

Hannah is presently receiving treatment at the Lagos Island General Hospital, while Abigeal and Remi have been remanded in Kirikiri until they meet their bail terms
Two women, Temitope Abigeal and Temitope Remi, have been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ebute Meta on a three count of conspiracy, assault and grievous harm.
Abigeal (26) and Remi (28), choristers at a Cherubim and Seraphim church at Ebute Meta, were alleged to have assaulted Hannah Okurabe (18) with razor blades at Abule Nla junction, a few metres away from the church.The incident was said to be the result of an earlier fight over the church’s choirmaster, Joseph Unuigbe, a father of two. Joseph Unuigbe is married to a lady who is also a member of the same church.

Hannah is presently receiving treatment at the Lagos Island General Hospital, while Abigeal and Remi have been remanded in Kirikiri until they meet their bail terms -

::Global Media News Alert

Party-less Governor Rotimi Amaechi romances APC, visits Tinubu

Rivers state Governor and chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Mr Rotimi Amaechi during a condolence visit to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in Lagos, on the death of his mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, on Friday said voters should guard their votes, if democracy must live on in Nigeria.

Apparently inspired by Alhaja Mogaji, who Amaechi described as a mother who gave her best to the society, he urged those she left behind to emulate her virtues which the whole country is now celebrating.

Amaechi urged voters to discard the idea of leaving the protection of their votes to other people. He said if people keep watch over their votes it will difficult for any one to alter the results, adding that only then can their votes count

“Things should be done in such a way that the electorate defend their votes, not just leaving them in the custody of the police alone or leaving the place after voting,” he told reporters.

Source: The Scoop

Man with biggest testicles

The extraordinary story of 49-year-old Las Vegas resident Wesley Warren Jnr, a man who lives with a rare medical condition so severe that he can't wear trousers, walk normally, go to work, drive a car, have sex, or even sit down without the help of a milk crate.

His story highlights the failings of the American healthcare system, which has arguably some of the best doctors in the world, but only for those who can afford them.

While the medical professionals are unsure what caused Wesley's condition, for him it all started one night in late 2008. Wesley accidentally knocked his testicles while turning over in bed, causing a sharp shooting pain, and the tissues around his testicles began to swell. They've been growing bigger ever since.

In a case reminiscent of the tragic 19th-century 'Elephant Man', doctors refer to his mysterious condition as scrotal elephantiasis or scrotal lymphedema, characterised by excess watery fluid collecting in tissues of the body. Things have got so bad that Wesley can't lead anything resembling a normal life.

 

Wonders are many on earth,which woman would abandons her child

                                      Mother Abandons Infant in General Hospital, Osogbo
Health workers and patients at the Osun State General Hospital, Osogbo were left confused on Friday when a nursing mother, Mrs. Grace Adipe, allegedly abandoned her three-day-old baby in the hospital.
The hospital community was taken aback as the news of the abandonment spread.
A woman, Adijat Bamijoko, told NAN that she was in the hospital to assist a patient when the incident occurred on Thursday, and wondered “how a nursing mother could abandon her child.
“Although, I do not know the woman, but one wonders why she should abandon her baby in the hospital where Gov. Rauf Aregbesola had made medication free for all,” she said.
Other people who expressed surprise over the incident, called on the hospital’s management to ensure that the fleeing mother was brought back to care for her baby.
Search team, including government officials and law enforcement agents had failed in their effort to find the woman.
The Osun Commissioner for Women and Children’s Affairs, Mrs. Mofolake Adegboyega, said in a statement that efforts to contact the woman by the hospital authorities were yet to yield results.
Adegboyega called Adipe’s relations and members of the public to be vigilant on the whereabouts of the woman.
She urged members of the public to consider the innocence and future of the child and help in efforts to find the mother and her relations.
The commissioner said that any information about Adipe’s whereabouts should be directed to the nearest police station or the Director of Social Welfare in the ministry, Mrs. Grace Adegoke.
(NAN)
Source: Nai

Tu-face has done a big wedding now he is facing the troubles of marriage

Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has fixed October 16, 2013 for the commencement of trial in a N120 million copyright suit filed against popular music star, Innocent Idibia, a.k.a. TuFace, his wife, Annie Idibia and their manager, Anthonio Anifite over photographs allegedly taken at the recent traditional wedding of the musician and his wife in Akwa Ibom State.

Abuja based photographer, Emmanuel Okolo, who is the plaintiff in the suit alongside his studio, Papilonmexy filed suit against the defendants.

He is asking for six reliefs, two of which include N100 million in general damages and N20million in exemplary damages.

At the resumed hearing of the case yesterday, neither TuFace nor his wife was represented in court. Anifite who is the second defendant was however represented by his counsel, J.O Uttute.

Meanwhile, a mild drama ensued when the judge openly admonished Uttute after the latter claimed that he had filed his defence when he had not done so.

The judge warned him not to come to this court again if he was not prepared for the case. “You told me that you have filed your response, but looking through here, there is nothing to that effect. And you are even smiling. Do you think you are here to joke? Never come to this court again if you are not prepared. You don’t even know when the case was filed and you are not prepared for it,” said the judge.

Also, the plaintiff’s counsel, Habeeb Oredola expressed worry over the defendants’ inability to appear before the court or be represented by a counsel after they were served with the writs of summon.

In the writ of summon, Okolo and his studio claimed they were contracted by TuFace’s wife through a third party, identified as Ms Chineze Anyaene to take photo shots at the traditional wedding held in Eket, Akwa Ibom state in March, 2013.

The plaintiff said, he was reluctant at the beginning since the offer was coming through a third party, but later accepted after he was convinced that the offer was actually with the blessing of the first defendant.

Annie Idibia was said to have later contacted the photographer after the wedding and demanded for the printing of 10 of the high resolution pictures taken.

Source: Vanguard

Civilian JTF, Unarmed civilians fight Bombers, a case of North-East Nigeria

             Can this be said to be a way forward for our country Nigeria as civilians with out any help are meant to fight militant and terrorist groups to protect their lives and properties and also the unity of this country.     we ask that the government stop this madness by employing enough security operatives (create jobs) or stop Nigerians from committing and attempting suicide, because na only mad person dey fight person with guns and Bombs with bare hands.                                   

JOS Keeps Boiling

Governor Jonah Jang

The Media Officer of the Special Task Force, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, has said that 28 natives were killed in the pre-dawn attack on some communities in Langtang South Local Government area of Plateau State while 20 of the insurgents were killed in a cross fire with soldiers.

But the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Chris Olakpe, said 10 people were killed while four others sustained injuries in the mayhem.

Olakpe, in an interview with our correspondent in Jos on Friday, said that when the dust settled, he got a report that more victims had been recovered. He, however, said he had yet to get the full brief from his men on ground.

This came as the community raised the alarm that more insurgents had arrived Yelwa Shendam and were planning to move to Sabongida and Mabudi, the headquarters of Langtang South. The terrorists were said to have arrived in the area with sophisticated weapons.

Executive Director of Stefanos Foundation, Mr. Mark Lipdo, said he was informed by some residents, who were already fleeing their houses.

Mustapha, in a statement in Jos on Friday, said, “At about 1 am on Thursday, some suspected Fulani gunmen stormed and attacked Magama, Bongong and Karkashi villages of Langtang South, killing about 28 persons. STF personnel went to the scene to bring the situation under control but the gunmen engaged them in a gun duel that lasted several hours.

“In the process, about 20 of the assailants were killed while some, who sustained gunshot injuries, were arrested. Some motorcycles and weapons were also recovered.”

The STF spokesman said the attackers thereafter beat a retreat to Yamini, Yelwa Shendam and Agikamai villages.

However, Olakpe, who lamented the proliferation of arms in those areas, said that a special task force would be set up to mop up arms in the southern Plateau.

The commissioner warned that any person found with unauthorised weapon would be prosecuted, reminding them that the ban on the possession and use of arms was still in force.

Miss POKO (Tonto Dike) maybe in for 15yrs imprisonment

Tonto Dikeh
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Friday said controversial Nigerian actress, Tonto Dikeh, risks a minimum of 15 years in jail for encouraging the consumption of hemp.

Dikeh had on Friday posted photographs of a wrap of hemp and grains of the weed formed into the letters, ‘Happy birthday POKO.’

She also posted a photograph of herself and added the inscription, ‘Mi smoke ganja mi smoke weed while my hatez smoke ma gossip.’

Her picture is a close-up of her face that seemed to depict her in a high state.

When Saturday PUNCH contacted NDLEA for comments, its spokesman, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the matter would be investigated.

He said the matter had been referred to the appropriate department of the agency.

Ofoyeju said, “Our attention has been drawn to the post quite frankly and I can tell you that action will be taken on it. The law is clear and NDLEA has been very clear on the issue. No one is permitted to sell, use, cultivate or encourage the use of Indian hemp in Nigeria. The weed is one of the banned narcotics in the country.

“NDLEA Act Section 14 (b) states that any person who conspires with, aids, abets, counsels, attempts to commit or is an accessory to any act or offence referred to in this act shall be guilty of an offence under this act and liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not less than 15 years and not exceeding 25 years.

“Investigation has not started as of now but definitely, a step has to be taken on the matter. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse; so, it is obvious that the actress stands the risk of 15 years jail term. The appropriate department is meeting on the issue for necessary action.”

The NDLEA spokesman, however, declined to give any hint on particular steps the agency would take in its investigation, citing reasons bearing on ethics.

Dikeh’s post has expectedly drawn mixed reactions from readers, with many of them voicing concern for the way she is living her life.
                                                                                                                                                                      (credit from punch)

Ekiti state bent on probing Ex-governor Segun Oni, Fayemi insists

From Charles Adegbite, Ado-Ekiti

Former governor of Ekiti State, Engineer Segun Oni is not yet off the hook as the state government has reiterated its plan to probe him over alleged malpractices that rocked his administration.  This is contrary to reports in some national dailies yesterday that the incumbent governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has jettison the idea of probing him.

The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Tayo Ekundayo, who gave the clarification yesterday in his office, said there was misperception of his earlier statement made during the village square meeting on Thursday at Efon.

He noted that the Ekiti government is determined to probe the Oni’s administration on

N2.2 billion Micro-credit Fund, N6.6 billion Ado –Ifaki dualisation project and N700 million spent in purchasing 600 cows for Ikun Dairy Farm during his aborted tenure.

The commissioner emphasised that Governor Fayemi’s administration believes in transparency and accountability, saying, “This government will not gloss over the gargantuan corruption allegedly committed through micro-credit scheme, Ikun Dairy Farm contract and other fraud that were allegedly perpetrated under Segun Oni-led administration.

Ekundayo stated that the statement he earlier made that government had left these alleged looters in the hands of God for serious punishment still subsists, but added that such would not dissuade the government from setting up probe panel into all these alleged shady deals.

The commissioner had earlier said “These people are even hungrier than when they came into office now. So, we have left them in the hands of God for punishment because even if they are jailed, they will serve out their jail terms one day, but if you are facing the judgement of God, you may not get out of it forever”.

According to the commissioner, “Though, the culprits are already facing the wrath of God, but the position of this government is very clear.  Governor Kayode Fayemi said after the May 31 Supreme Court judgement that he will look into the finances of the past administration.

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Joy and happiness knew no bounds as Baby stolen in church found 2 years after

• Sold for N400, 000 • Abductor dies after confession

By SAM ANOKAM

Two years ago, the peace of the Winners Chapel, headed by Bishop David Oyedepo, was figuratively broken, when a two-year-old baby was stolen during Sunday service.  The baby, Praise Eleng, twin daughter of a plumber living in Satellite Town, Lagos, was brought to church with her sister, Glory and handed over to the children’s department, at the Winners Chapel headquarters, Otta, Ogun State. By the time church service ended, she was nowhere to be found. That was on April 17, 2011, on Easter day.

Recently, that peace was restored, as the stolen baby, now four years old, was found in Enugu State, thus ending two years agony of Mr. Samuel Eleng and his wife. However,  controversy still rages over the man, who stole the child, as the Winners Chapel claimed that he died in the church premises after making a confession.

The Elengs’ two-year agony started when they attended a special Easter programme, tagged anointing service, with their twin daughters. The twins were duly handed over to the children’s department and tags were issued to proved their admission, as is the practice in the church. While worship was going on, somebody took away one of the twins.

As Saturday Sun reported then, when the Elengs came to claim their kids, at the end of the service, only Glory was handed over to them.  That marked the beginning of a search, which lasted for two years.

Revealing how he was contacted when the baby was found, the over-joyous father sensationally told the story of a miracle. Beaming with smiles, on Monday, June 26, at his shop, in Satellite Town, Lagos, Eleng stated that the call he received from a certain Mrs. Adewale, a policewoman in Abeokuta, Ogun State, is the most important he has ever got in his life.

He stated: “It was on Saturday, June 15. I was in the shop, when one Mrs. Adewale, policewomen, called me from Ogun State telling me that my daughter had been found. I was surprised because it wasn’t Mrs. Adewale that handled the case. I wondered how she knew about the child.

“I had called one of my brothers to accompany me to the station. When we got there, I saw my girl, Praise. I wept like a baby because I was filled with joy. I wondered if God could work like this. I asked the policemen how they found the baby. They said they weren’t the ones that found her. It is the miracle of God.”

It will be recalled that when Praise got missing, two years ago, Bishop Oyedepo had told the parents, after an unsuccessful search: “I have not seen any evil signal here.” He assured the parents that the baby would be found.

Until two weeks ago, the bishop’s assurance may not have meant much to the girl’s parents, as they lost hope on her.  Indeed, their agony increased each time the other twin, Glory, asked after her sister.

Eleng recalled one day when his wife dressed up Gloria in Praise’s clothes. “The next thing she (Glory) asked was: ‘Mummy, where is my sister, Praise?’”

Baby thief from hell

Samuel stated that when he got to the police, after receiving Mrs. Adewale’s call, he asked to be shown the man who stole his daughter, but he was told that the people who brought the baby to the station claimed the man died after confession. According to him, “I asked them again how my baby was found and they explained how it happened. They were in the station when people brought the child from the church to them, saying that somebody came to the church and confessed that he was the person who took the child from the church.  They said the man is from Enugu State. The man, according to them, confessed that he had been receiving torture from God for stealing my baby. He sold the baby for N400, 000 and used the money to buy a car. Armed robbers stole the car that same day.

“According to information, he lost his mother also. He suffered diabetes and stroke. He became blind. And they said he died after returning the child and confessing. I guess that with what happened to him, he didn’t want a curse on his family. That could explain why he came to the bishop to confess. According to information, the bishop asked him about the child? He said he would take them to the lady he sold the child to at Igando, Lagos. They went and arrested the woman. The husband of the woman went to Enugu, to the village where the child was kept, in Nkanu Local Government Area, to bring the child and handed her to the bishop, who said he would not take the laws into his hands. That was how he invited the police.

“After the child had gone through hospital checks, doctors pronounced her sound. That was how Mrs. Adewale called me on June 15. It was a miracle. It is only God that can perform such miracle. For me, all doors were closed, but I was still praying and God answered my prayers.”

On whether the man, who stole the baby is a member of the Winners Chapel, Eleng said:  “I don’t know, but they said the person confessed openly. I wasn’t there when he made the confession. However, they said that he confessed to have taken the baby away with a motorcycle. The place is fortified so much that it would be difficult for a stranger to come there and pick up any child.

“It is unfortunate that the man is now dead. Had he been alive, he would have revealed how he did it. It is a question I have not been able to get answer to. They said he drove into the church with the motorcycle, the day he stole the child, and saw the children loitering. He didn’t have any particular child in mind. He just picked one. But the way the place was built, there are security all over. No child will loiter. I still think the confession is not genuine. How did he beat security?”

“I don’t believe this story because the children’s department, in the church is not porous. The place is filled with security all over. It is only God that knew how it happened.”

Eleng wondered how the baby thief could have left with the child without the usually tag handed to parents. “That is why I said it’s a big lie. How can you tell me that the four solid ladies there will be so careless as to let the children out, especially during service?”

Recalling what happened the day the child got mission, he stated that when he went to the children’s department to pick his babies, “Glory was inside. It was the chair Praise sat down that was empty.”

On the time lag between when the man confessed and when they called him, Eleng said: “they said the man came on Tuesday and on Saturday I was invited. I must add that the police were trying to play games before releasing the child to me. We had to call the bishop and told him that the police refused to release my child. The bishop said the man confessed to them and he gave the police the child, according to the law, telling them to hand over the child. The Bishop drove to the station and picked the child from us.”

He revealed that the man’s confession was recorded, adding: “I watched it in the church. I don’t know if it is shown on public television. I saw the whole thing as the work of God.”

Justifying why he asked the police to close the case, after his baby was found, Eleng stated: “The Police are not the father of my girl. I have right over my life. If I say I don’t want to proceed, no one has any right to stop me. The person the dead kidnapper sold the child to asked me if I wanted to proceed with the case. I said no. Now that my child has been found I am not interested in any case. The police asked me if I wanted to continue with the case, I said no.”

Eleng said he had forgiven the kidnapper, even though he was told that he had died. “ I have forgiven him.  They said after he finished his confession, he fell  and died in the church.”

On his feeling about the whole thing and his relationship with Bishop Oyedepo, he said: “Scripturally, thanksgiving must be giving to God and the prophet must be honoured. After my third child, Excel, was delivered, I was with the bishop in his office. I brought the issue of my missing daughter to him. He said he had not seen any evil signal, adding that we should be calm, with the assurance that the child would come back.

“Whenever we visit the bishop, at times, he gives me transport money. The first time when this thing happened, when we stayed in the guest house, he gave us N50, 000.”

Commenting on the identity of the person, who bought his child, Eleng said: “I have nothing to do with them. It is only the husband that came here. He was apologising and said he would like us to be friends. I said no, I don’t need them any longer. Even when he offered me money, I said no. I never wanted him to come to my shop. He got the address of this place through the IPO.

“He claimed he didn’t know the child was stolen and he said they have four children. I don’t have his phone number. I don’t even know their names.”

( FROM SUNNEWSPAPAER)

"Merchants of Venice" Evils merchants storm Nigeria

•Medical equipment dealer, doctors in the soup for operating illegal blood bank
•Pay students N1,500 to part with pint of blood
•Victims fall ill frequently, one dies

A 23-year-old man, Olusola Opeyemi and his accomplices have landed in trouble for operating what could pass for illegal and secret blood bank in Orile-Agege area of Lagos. The suspects lured innocent and unsuspecting students of Oyewole Junior High School, aged between 11 and 15, into parting with their blood for a paltry sum of N1, 500.

Operating from a shop located at No. 23 Owolabi Omotoye Street, Orile-Agege, where he sold medical equipment and other articles, Opeyemi and other suspects had convinced their victims that parting with some quantity of blood will fetch them money, while not putting them at risk. The unsuspecting students had fallen for their antics and therefore, freely gave their blood at a fee of N1, 500. Before the illegal business was exposed, no fewer than 10 students had already “donated” blood.

According to the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ngozi Braide, “Olusola was arrested along side his technician, Adeagbo Olatunji, whose duty was to take a pint of blood from each of these kids and pay them N1, 500. He was able to lure a few of the boys, who, in turn, spread the news.”

On how the number of students who parted with their blood increased, DSP Braide said: “Excited, the students, who promised not to let their parents know what they were into, alerted other colleagues who trooped to the shop on a daily basis.”

The police image-maker revealed that the suspects have confessed selling the blood to medical doctors “at a much higher price,” adding: “Also in police custody are some of the doctors that were alleged to have bought the blood from Olusola.”

Braide said that as investigation continues, the police are on the trail of other suspects, now at large. She advised parents to be “more observant on the activities of their children and learn to direct them aright.”

Saturday Sun gathered that the bubble burst on Opeyemi, when neighbours started suspecting the goings-on in his shop. Sources said that with the number of students coming to his shop increasing, curious neighbours started paying more attention to what they do.

According to one of the residents, who identified herself as Mama Seyi, she became suspicious when he saw one of the boys staggering out of the shop with blood dripping from his uniform.

She stated; “For some months now, young boys, between the ages of 11 and 15 trooped to his shop after school on a daily basis. I kept wondering what they were doing there, till one day when one of the boys came out of the shop with blood dripping on his shirt.

“Since he was selling medical equipment and drugs, I did not bother to confront him, but out of curiosity, last Sunday, I went through the backyard and peeped into the shop and noticed syringes and cotton wool stained with so much blood. I immediately drew the attention of one of our neigbourhood leaders, Mr. Bashiru. He alerted the police, while we monitored Opeyemi.

“As usual, on Monday, at 3pm, the boys gathered again and he took some of them into the shop and closed the door. Minutes later, Mr. Bashiru stormed the office and caught him in the act. We saw blood in sachets and he started stashing them away. We locked him inside the office and caught some of the boys hanging around there before the police came and arrested him.”

Another neighbour, who also identified herself as Mama Shade, said: “I have asked them severally, if there was any sort of club here and they always laughed it off. They usually told me that they came to visit Uncle Shola. When his secret deals were uncovered, one man came here crying that it was this man that killed his son. He showed us the picture of his son who died weeks ago due to insufficient blood. He said that no one could ascertain why his son was losing so much blood.

“The man said, they took his son to several churches for prayer and yet he kept losing weight, owing to lack of blood. They never knew that Olusola was the blood-sucking demon. This continued till he finally died. They should go round the neighbourhood and find the other children because these boys started trooping into his shop as far back as January.”

Some of the victims, who spoke with Saturday Sun, said parting with their blood was all about making quick and easy money. According to them, they were enticed by the money given to them.

Chinemerem Omire, aged 14, claimed that his best friend lured him to the shop. He said: “I noticed that Emeka, my friend, always had money to spend in school. I asked him severally, how he made that money and he said it was his parent that gave him. I knew it was a lie; so I put more pressure on him till sometime in February, when he asked me to escort him to Uncle Shola’s shop.

“I sat outside for 10 minutes and later, Uncle Shola stepped outside and asked me to join them inside the house. I did and Uncle Shola took a sample of my blood and later told me that I am A+. He then told me that, he was willing to give me N1, 500, if I donate my blood.

“Initially, I was scared till Emeka told me that he had done it severally and that it was Uncle Shola, who gave him that money that I was asking about. The next day, he asked Emeka to invite me, as there was hot demand for my blood.  I summoned courage, did it and was given N1, 500. I was advised to buy milk and malt to help replenish my blood.  It was then that I realised that most of the boys who frequently visited that area were from my school.  He told us that we should not tell anyone that he was paying us for our blood. He warned that we would also be arrested, if people knew that we donated our blood in his shop.

“Severally, my parents suspected that I was losing weight and I was smart to defend myself that I was just sick. It was an easy way of making money; that was why I decided to do it. I was not as frequent as the other boys because some of them had flesh and can withstand it. In each round, he collects blood that is more than a sachet of pure water and if you are not careful, you might faint.”

Chinemerem lamented that for the three times that he went to Uncle Shola’s shop, he was paid N4, 500 and the said amount was used to eat to replenish the blood, while the others were spent in school “to show that one is a big boy.”

Another victim, Segun, 12, said one Dotun introduced him and advised him to come, as this was the fastest way to reduce weight.  He said: “I was very fat before I joined them. I decided to go back when I discovered that I never felt dizzy. I am sorry; he told us that we were helping people who needed blood to survive. He told us that the money he was paying was to help us replenish the lost blood.”

Yet another boy, Chidi, said he has done it up to eight times. “I do not go there frequently like other boys because I am aware that I need blood to survive. I felt that I was helping the less privileged by donating my blood for a stipend. The money has helped me to buy things that my parents will not afford to buy for me like, phone,” he said.

Saturday Sun gathered that owing to the fact that they were losing blood, through the illegal donation, most children in the area started losing weight, which their parents noticed. However, not certain what could be responsible for this, the unsuspecting parents  accused each other of being responsible through spiritual means.  Others accused their spouses of neglecting their children through poor feeding.

The Omire family, who spoke with Saturday Sun, lamented that the health condition of their sons tore the family apart. According to Mr. Omire, “I accused my wife of neglect that she was not feeding my kids well despite that I was providing enough money. He was changing colour and always weak. I could not just fathom what was wrong with the boy, till this man was caught.”

Another parent lamented that she had to take her son to a spiritualist to detect who was sucking his blood. “I know that I am not rich, but I can afford to feed my children well. I became alarmed when I discovered that my son was getting thinner while others were okay. I even had to increase his diet, but when he was not responding. I took him to the church for prayers. I thank God that this was discovered because I know that some of that blood may have been sold for money rituals,” she stated.

Dr Ifeanyi Uba of Capital Oil and Gas, picks Labour Party ticket (LP) #AnambraState

Frontline gubernatorial aspirant and chairman of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah yesterday registered himself formerly as a card-carrying member of the Labour Party (LP).

Ubah who stormed Otolo Nnewi Ward I of the party in Nnewi North Local Government Area chapter of the party in Anambra State at about 1 p.m, with his crowd of supporters, was received on arrival at the Ward I office of the party located inside Okpuno Community Hall by the Obi of Okpuno, Chief Emeka Okafor and party ward executives.

He was guided through the registration processes and signing of necessary documents by the chairman of the party in Otolo Nnewi Ward I, Amobi Nkeirumonye and the secretary, Mr. Emeka Adirika who later issued him with a membership registration card No. 0018073.

Ubah and his supporters later moved to Nnewi North Local Government party office along Owerri Road, Nnewi where promised to assist the executive in furnishing the empty office complex. He at once moved to the state party office in Awka and addressed the mammoth crowd.

In his speech, Ubah explained the rationale behind his decision to contest the 2014 governorship race on the  platform of the LP.

He explained that the race to Government House Awka is virtually a contest among four major political parties namely: Labour, PDP, APGA, and ACN (APC), adding, “as already stated, AGPA is in crisis. PDP is also in crisis. ACN or APC is in a trance, so, what remains is Labour”.

Ubah said he believed that his ambition would be better realised in a party with one spirit and a party that affiliates with the yearnings of the masses, a people oriented party, adding, “I strongly believe too, that I will outshine other candidates aspiring to use the same Labour platform to achieve their governorship ambitions during the party primary”.

Responding, the state chairman of the party, Sam Oraegbunam commended Ubah for his wise decision and assured him that he would realise his ambition in Labour which is structured for better and for success.

 

 

Monarch with nine lives, Igwe Obosi

How Obosi monarch, HRM Igwe Chidubem Iweka, survives two assassination attempts

From DOM EKPUNOBI, Onitsha

Should it be said that HRM Igwe Chidubem Iweka is a lucky man raised to power two? Probably so. Igwe Iweka is the traditional ruler of Obosi Kingdom in Anambra State. Twice, attempts have been made to assassinate him. First, it was in January this year, when a murderous gang invaded his palace with lethal weapons. He escaped. A few weeks ago, evil men struck again. Well, it is not certain whether the last brigands were the same as the first.

The latest episode actually happened on May 21, 2013.  On that fateful day, Igwe Iweka was to travel to Abuja and so he was taken to Asaba Airport, where he was to board a plane. That was successfully done. However, as the driver who took the traditional ruler was going back with the Igwe’s police detail in his Toyota Fortuner Jeep, they encountered two gunmen on a motorcycle.

According to the Igwe’s Chief Press secretary, Chief Okwudili, the assassins must have thought that the monarch was in the vehicle and therefore targeted the vehicle on Ugwumba Road. There, they struck, but it was only the Igwe’s security that was hit and wounded.

Chief Okwudili who narrated the incident to the press said: “On Tuesday, the 21st of May, 2013, the traditional ruler of Obosi Kingdom, His Majesty, Igwe Chiduben Iweka, Eze Obosi, had cause to ask his Personal Assistant, Mr. Nnamdi Nkemena to rush him to Asaba Airport in order to fly to Abuja. They travelled to the airport with a policeman in front of His Majesty’s Toyota Fortuner Jeep.

“On their way back, around 10.47am at Ugwumba Road Nkpor, near Obosi, two motorcyclists who possibly must have monitored the vehicle as it was driven out of Obosi and who must have been parading the road in expectation of his arrival, but who definitely did not anticipate that HRM was not in the vehicle at the material time, fired into the vehicle. The bullet pierced through the windscreen but did not cause much harm as it was only the policeman in the vehicle that sustained bullet wound”.

Chief Press Secretary added that, “it was the special grace of God that saved His Majesty’s Personal Assistant and the Policeman”

Another chieftain in the community, Chief Oguegbu, confirmed that the attacked was the second on Igwe Iweka.  On February 27, 2012, he said, a gang struck in “his palace in an unsuccessful mission.” According to him, a similar incident occurred last year when, on the 27th of February 2012, the Palace of His Majesty, Eze Iweka III, was attacked by AK47-welding assassins. In the attack, one of his security men was gunned down.” These attacks, Chief Oguegbu attributed to the Igwe’s relentless fight to rid Obosi of crime and criminal activities. “It is an incontrovertible fact that these incessant attacks on His Majesty Igwe Iweka III, Eze Obosi is not unconnected with his stance in crime fighting,” he said.

“Since his coronation in 2011,” he continued,  “Eze Obosi has been making spirited efforts, in conjunction with law enforcement officers, to rid Obosi of 419ners, drug dealers, kidnappers, armed robbers and other miscreants in this kingdom”

A visit to the palace revealed that security has been beefed up and this is coming after the second attempt on the monarch.

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The "BAUWSE" in for stealing Wrist watches "Rick Ross"

Hmmm am the boss, Rick Ross sued by a shop for failing to pay for Wrist Watch he got from them. How can the boss not be able to pay $90,000 for watches he bought. we wish him well though

Shopping Mall and retail giants Shoprite opens Ibadan outlet

 the recent surge in fine and clean shopping lifestyle, is receiving a big boast with alot of investors springing up at different cities in Nigeria. We welcome the development and ask that the government should make regulations so that we dont drive our small scale operators out of business. Anyway there are jokes that the new mall is also taken as a tourist site or a park as it is alleged that "I.B PEEPS" just walk in to take snapshots

Akpabio the giver, gives again

The report reach me says father xmas, Godswill Akpabio made a donation of 50million Naira to Nollywood. i wish the will put this in a medical trust for themselves so that they can access it if anything happens.

Sound Sultan and son

Big and small Ninja

Oge Okoye and son spotted

My relationship with PSquare’s Peter Okoye … The true story – Munachi Abi

Since Munachi Abi came into limelight after winning the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria( MBGN) crown in 2007, life has never been the same again. Within a very short period  of time, Muna, as she is fondly called by her admirers became a household name especially when she emerged one of the  formidable female  artistes in the Nigerian entertainment scene, floating  her own record label company called, No Koncience. But  while Muna’s  profile was constantly on the rise, so did the number of controversies trailing her.

From her rumoured ‘love affair’ with Peter Okoye, one half of the superstar  duo, P-Square, to her public dispute and reconciliation with rapper, Mode 9, Muna fluctuated between popularity and notoriety. However, in this interview, she addresses some of the nagging issues affecting her personality and career. She also narrated the circumstances that informed her decision to set up  her own record label, No Koncience among other things….

Do you still recall how you felt that fateful day  you were crowned as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, MBGN 2007?

I was excited. I didn’t think I was going to win but I won.

Before you won the beauty pageant, you were with a group called,  The Specimen?

No, I wasn’t with them. They only gave me an opportunity to feature on their album as at that time. That was my first time rapping on wax. I used to write a lot of lyrics until my friend saw my notepad and quickly notified “The Specimen”  about me. They were glad to ask me to join them as they wanted  to see  what I could do with my talent. I would say, I learnt the art on the spot.

Have you written songs for any Nigerian artist?
Yes, back in the days, I wrote a song for J Martins, Waje. I have a good chemistry, I co-wrote the song, “I Wish” with Waje in her current album.

Aside writing songs and rapping, you are also into modelling. Do you still have that contract with Unilever as Face of Lux?

My contract with Lux is under review. They are trying to renew it.

And your programme  with Sound City. Is it also under review?

I still have an amazing relationship with SoundCity. I worked with them for over a year. We didn’t actually split but at that time, I was trying to get into the music business seriously. You really can’t do a lot of things at the same time. So, I took a break. I can always go back and say, I need my job back.

*Muna

Looking at your first video, Ifunanya, you played your character well; the love smitten girl and you have the looks too. Why didn’t you get into Nollywood?

No. I really don’t think I can act or even make it as a good actress although I haven’t tried it. I probably do know how to act, it’s just that I haven’t found the right script yet.

Have you been approached before?
Yes, I do get a lot of scripts. But I still haven’t found that one; when I find it, its going to make everybody cry.

Do you  want to play a tragic character?
Exactly, the kind of story I’m looking forward to interpreting because it moves me.

You recently set up your own record label called,  No Koncience. Why did you leave RMG to form yours?
I needed to become a little bit more independent and you know one needs to grow. I have  learnt how to handle things on my own and become responsible. It was something I needed to do  because one  cannot continue to be under someone’s wings forever. There comes a time when you have to spread you own wings and fly.

And you have a first single from this label?
Yes, my single “No Tomorrow” is out. It  came out on the 10th of this month, and it’s been good and a video for the song will soon be put together. My album, The Goddess, The hustler” is still receiving finishing touches but I may have to change the name.

Unlike many of your counterparts in the entertainment industry who prefer to climb the ladder of stardom by escalating their biffs with their colleagues. While your misunderstanding with Mode 9 lasted, you took the pain to call  him on the phone and even tweeted  a public apology,  what informed your decision to re-trace your steps?
I hate to be in enmity with someone. Life is too short for that. It’s not who I am. I have a good relationship with Mode 9, there’s no biff. And really it wasn’t a big issue it’s just you, the media who escalated things, trying to make a mountain out of nothing. You keep hammering on the same question trying to get the person to react negatively and it’s really frustrating. Mode 9 and I are very good friends and we’ll keep it that way.

It is alleged this is partly why you left your former label, RMG, for being too hard on fans with that strong worded press statement that told everyone off?
No, I did not leave RMG for that reason. I still have a good relationship with my former label and I was aware of all the statements written concerning that issue. I left RMG because I needed to start up my own thing; there was nothing more to it. I have no issues whatsoever with RMG.

What’s your opinion about love?
Love is life. It’s the most beautiful thing to happen to anybody.

Do you believe in love at first sight?
Yes, it could happen. It is possible.

Is this what happened between you and Peter Okoye (PSquare) love at first sight?
Look, I know Lola Omotola very well. I have known her for years and we are really close. All those things you heard or read about us are not true. Peter Okoye and I are friends. I know his family well. I was just invited to be in his video (Ifunanya) and that was it. Nothing more than that. I know how Peter and Lola love each other and I respect their love.  I could never do that to them. I could never bring myself to do anything to hurt them.
It’s good to have you clear the air!
(She interrupts) What you’ll see is another screaming headline, “Muna again denies affair with Peter Okoye.” It’s not fair, it’s heartbreaking and very frustrating. Some of these things you media guys  write about us hurts us so badly.

How have you learnt to deal with rumours about you?
I try to remain focused and I move on.

How supporting has your family been?

My family has always been there for me. My mum particularly, she is my rock. She’s always asking when am I going to get your song to use as my ringtone.

If offered a role to play  in a steaming love scene who will you do it with?
Maybe, with Johny Depp and Brad Pitt … except Brad Pitt says he won’t be doing sex scenes again because of Angelina Jolie, but for them, I am ready to play more than romantic.

What about  Nollywood Actors?
No. There is no one hot enough for me in Nollywood. No one.

What’s your vision for your new label?
To take over the world. (laughs) really it’s just to grow and be an inspiration to the next generation. To let them know anything and everything is possible once you set your mind to it.

Is marriage knocking on your door?
Yes, I believe it will come when it has to come and you all will know when the time is right.

What’s your favourite dance move?
I really don’t think I have  any particular one. You know as a rapper you aren’t really supposed to dance. You just stand on one spot and wave your hands.

World's oldest living siblings alive 818 years and counting

World oldest woman on record turns 105 years this week and when adding up her age with all of her other siblings, the years amount to 818.

The Melis siblings, who live on the island of Sardinia, are officially the world's oldest, with nine brothers and sisters clocking up a total of 818 years between them, the Italian news media reported.

The older sibling, Consolata, is 105 and has nine children, 24 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, according to the news media, adding that the longevity of the Melis siblings had been recognized as a Guinness World Record.

Consolata turned 105 on Wednesday, according to reports in the news media, adding that the certification of the Guinness World Record has been awarded after a worldwide review of seven years.

The town where the Melis siblings live is called Perdasdefogu, and is located in the southeast corner of the island, which has some of the oldest people in the world. The next oldest are Claudia 99, Mary 97, Antonio 93, Concetta 91, Adolfo 89, Vitalio 86, Vitalia 81 and Mafalda 78.

Claudia still attends church every week and Adolfo runs the local bar. Luca Deiana, professor of clinical biochemistry at the University of Sassari, Sardinia, who has studied some 2,500 centenarians on the island since 1996, said the longevity of the inhabitants of the island was due to several factors.

"On one hand it is genetics, longevity is inherited, but there is a bounty of the land and the local fruit, especially pears and plums," he told the news media. He said the local strong family traditions also contribute to a long life.