Woman’s corpse stolen after her funeral

Julie Mott’s body was taken (Picture: San Antonio Police Department)

The corpse of a 25-year-old woman was stolen from a coffin after her funeral at a San Antonio chapel.

Mission Park Funeral Chapel North is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to those who took Julie Mott’s body sometime between her August 15 funeral and the next day.

Sergeant Javier Salazar says investigators believe the body was taken between the end of the funeral at 1.30pm and when the mortuary was locked up at 4.30pm

Mortuary owner Robert Tips, who says the Motts are close friends of his, says the woman died earlier this month of cystic fibrosis and that Mott’s family had planned to have her body cremated.

Metro

In support of Senate probe of Obasanjo, Yar’adua and Jonathan — 1

Jonathan, Yardadua and Obasanjo

By Dele Sobowale

The Senate by announcing its plan to probe the Federal Governments since 1999 till 2015 has not only demonstrated its independence from the Executive branch, as should be the case, under the principle of separation of powers, it is embarking on a patriotic mission. The reason is simple.

More funds have been embezzled from allocations to power projects than on anything else except petroleum deals. At the very least, close to $20 billion remains unaccounted for, while power generation had remained almost static since 2007. But, before presenting the evidence, let me digress a little.

Each time a call to probe Obasanjo had been made, a nuisance message comes in asking why someone who left office eight years ago should not be left alone. It is the sort of defence of dishonest public officials which had encouraged looting. But, the sender cannot figure out, for himself, the correlation between our relative backwardness in power generation and the activities of looters. So, permit me to provide three examples from other countries.

Mr Spiro Agnew, was in his fifth year as the Vice-President of the United States, under President Nixon, when he received summons from Maryland State where he was Governor before he was tapped to run with Nixon. Inquisitive investigative journalists had uncovered evidence of tax evasion more than six years before. Agnew was forced to resign as VP, prosecuted and sentenced. No American, in his right senses in America protested against the probe. France, last year, prosecuted and sentenced former President Chirac for a crime committed thirteen years ago when he was a Presidential candidate. Nobody in France who does not need a psychiatrist found anything wrong with the matter. Israel beat that record when a former President was prosecuted and sentenced for a crime committed twenty-four years earlier. No Israeli questioned the punishment.

Our high tolerance for corruption committed by public officials is one of the reasons USA, France and Israel are developed and will continue to distance us. For them there is no statute of limitation preventing anyone from being probed – even hundred years after. OBJ’s friends will never learn that. I expect to receive their messages.

But, for those who still have their marbles intact, permit me to provide the evidence supporting probing Obasanjo’s government. Obasanjo had at least two accomplices however. He was Engineer Lyel Imoke, who went on to govern Cross River State, and his Minister of Finance, , who went on to become a Senator. Their exploits are recalled below.

The Obasanjo/Imoke/Nenadi power project started with clear violation of the constitution, proceeded with impunity, consumed between $13 and 16 billion. Yet, it failed to achieve its stated goal of lifting power generation in Nigeria to 10,000MW. One of the most important question for Nigerians today is what happened to N2.8 to N3.5 trillion, or more, of public funds spent on power under Obasanjo. Those against the probe must have a skeleton in their cupboar

Ogun police declare war on land-grabbers

Police commissioner

The Ogun State Police Command has declared war on land speculators and land-grabbers, who have been unleashing mayhem in some parts of the state.

Commissioner of Police in the state, Abdulmajid Ali, made this known while addressing, senior police officers in his office at state Police Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Friday.

He directed his officers to arrest anyone or group of hoodlums fomenting trouble or attacking and injuring innocent people of Ogun State on any land or land-related matter, and charged such persons to court for armed robbery, murder or kidnapping.

The commissioner vowed to deal decisively with any land-grabbers/speculators particularly in Ota, Ifo, Ofada, Mowe, Ibafo and Ogijo or other parts of the state, who might want to truncate the peace and security being enjoyed in the state.

Ali, however, assured the people of the state to be calm and go about their lawful business as all structures had been put in place to checkmate or curtail any illegal acts of undesirable individuals who might want to create crises.

He said the residents could reach him through Short Message Service only on GSM No. 08055885588 in case they encounter any land-grabber or speculator anywhere in the state.

Pastor Aribisala’s misguided missile on Pastor Adeboye – RCCG

By Segun Adegbiji

“Blessed is the man who has delight in obeying God completely, whatsoever he does shall prosper.”

A CHAMPION in a lime and spoon 100, meters race after winning a trophy, was asked by journalists which of the crowd reaction helped him to win. The crowd that cheered and praised him or the crowd that mocked and jeered at him. His response taught us a lesson: Ignoring the two crowd reactions was the secret of his success.

Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye is a focused Christian and a man of God. He has no time, neither for those who praise him nor for those that mock him and call him names. Adeboye is passionate about salvation, about evangelism, about character, integrity and holiness. He is an incurable soul winner. As a young worker and new convert, he formed a club: “The fishers of men”. They would not go to bed any day without winning some souls.

Over the years, God has used him to bring joy to many homes enveloped in sorrow caused by barrenness, terminal ailment or children of wealthy parents that were hooked on drugs. At the last RCCG Convention, which was the platform for Femi Aribisala’s view, many women that were called barren that Adeboye prayed for in previous conventions brought their children in their hundreds of thousands to give thanks to God and to testify.

People brought on wheel chairs got up and began to walk. People with terminal ailments came out for prayer and they were asked to see their doctors and confirm the healing that took place. Adeboye did not want to share in God’s glory; so he asked his pastors to lay hands on these people. Under Adeboye’s leadership, The Redeemed Christian Church of God established departments that care for the afflicted and the needy.

At Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministry, CADAM, we gather drug addicts, heal them and give them education or technical training depending on individual’s ability and interest.

Habitation of Hope is a home that gathers the homeless and the destitutes and give them hope, education and a future. Many of these are now citizens doing well for themselves.

RAPAC is a department that counsels, prays and treats in confidence, people who are HIV positive.

Holistic Ministry ministers to prostitutes, rehabilitates them, educates and trains them. ‘A CAN can make a difference’ provides food for people in the streets and under the bridges. RCCG is preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in Nigeria and in 187 other nations.

The General Overseer of a Pentecostal church based in Victoria Island, Pastor Femi Aribisala, wearing a mask of social critic and columnist wrote an article: “Adeboye the richest man in the world” at page 47 of Sunday Vanguard of August 16.

In the article, Aribisala condemned the ministry of Adeboye, the revered General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Aribisala believes the purpose of building a new auditorium that can accommodate 12 million worshippers in response to God’s instructions is because Adeboye wants to make the Guinness Book of Records. Adeboye has his name in the LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE which is the best achievement any mortal can ever aspire to.

Aribisala said: “Pastor Adeboye is using man’s wisdom to teach his congregation how to prosper instead of imitating our Lord Jesus who pleaded with his disciples that calamity awaits rich people and that poor people are the blessed people.”

Aribisala got the gospel mixed up; many scriptures tell us the mind of Christ about wealth, our welfare, our health, salvation and eternity. In 3 John verse 2, the Bible says: “Beloved, I wish above all things that you mayest prosper and be in good health, even as thy soul prospereth”. In other words, after salvation, God wants us to have a good health and strong financial resources.

In Philippians 4:19, the Bible says: “But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

That is, the Lord will supply the needs to take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the world.

The Bible tells us that Jesus was rich, he was never poor.

“The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of hosts”— Haggai 2:8.


The owner of solid minerals cannot be described as poor. In Psalm 50:10, the Bible says: “The Lord of host is rich. The cattle on a thousand hills are His”. The gospel of Jesus, however, teaches us not to focus on wealth and that the rich should not be high minded and that our focus should be on things of eternal value. ‘Salvation, preaching the gospel’ are of eternal value and they have to be funded.

SELF-SUFFICIENT
Jesus was self-sufficient. He did not carry money or cheque book about but when he needed a thing he would decree it. He rode in the Mercedes Jeep of his time to Jerusalem. He commanded money out of the mouth of a fish when he needed to pay tax. He was not a tax defaulter. The little boy who brought five loaves of bread and two fishes went home with 12 baskets because Jesus wanted to teach his congregation and disciples the principles of financial breakthrough.

RCCG is a full gospel church where holiness, divine healing, evangelism and principles of godly prosperity without sorrow are preached.

Adeboye used a metaphor when he told the congregation on Saturday of the last convention that he is richer than Bill Gates. In 188 nations, members of RCCG would offer him a place to stay in their personal houses, a privilege Bill Gates does not have. It was a challenge to the workers to win souls.

It will be a surprise if Aribisala’s church in the home of the wealthy, Victoria Island, is built to look like a temple or synagogue of the Bible days, simply because his understanding is that only poverty can be combined with holiness. It is also amazing that Aribisala’s church was not planted in Ajegunle, Idumota or Mushin which agrees with his philosophy that only the poor will enter the Kingdom of God.

Another issue is Aribisala’s comment that Daddy Adeboye once boasted that those who want to become President will come to RCCG to seek support and that the royalty of the United Kingdom will want to be part of RCCG. The prophecy that political candidates in Nigeria will come to RCCG to solicit support has been fulfilled. In 2011, presidential aspirants came to seek Adeboye’s prayer and counsel.

Prince Charles, the British crown prince, worshipped in RCCG, Jesus House, London, and commended the efforts of the church. Queen Elizabeth has also endorsed the impact and efforts of RCCG in the United Kingdom. Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, and Prime Minister David Cameron attended RCCG Festival of Life in London when elections were close by. Adeboye prayed for them and they won their respective elections.

Cameron said: “Thank you, Daddy G.O.” Aribisala’s friends in RCCG should give him those tapes, if he wants to confirm.

Reputation law governing charity empowers a charity to raise money publicly if they wish provided the finished product is presented to the donors to see. Adeboye is not a signatory to the project account. He has invited the public to visit the new auditorium even while under construction.

Regarding some of our pastors and members who are in political/public offices, we acknowledge that their promotion came from God, it is a wake-up call for increased prayers that insurgency will be crushed and Nigeria will prosper and improve in all fruits for their sake.

The big question is this; how does Aribisala have so much time to visit and monitor messages and structures of other churches when he has a flock to feed spiritually?

In conclusion, we like to advise and pray for Aribisala.

PREACHING THE TRUTH

He should preach the truth to his congregation, the full gospel truth—holiness, prosperity, divine healing- and he should challenge them to win souls so that together we can expand the Kingdom of God and extinguish or reduce the size of Satan’s Kingdom. He should preach in his Sunday Vanguard column and win souls.

The Lord that is rich in mercy will envelope Aribisala in his mercy, overlook his malicious words against us and enlighten his eyes of understanding. 

Adegbiji, a pastor, is the head of the RCCG Media and Public Relations.

England: Welcome to London's new luxury hotspot

A busy week day in Marylebone.

Which high-end area in central London, home to multi-million pound flats and townhouses, is stealing a march on Mayfair?

London’s elite has long looked down on Marylebone, considered to be a lowly neighbour of the capital’s luxury quarter.

Despite its proximity to Regent’s Park and short stroll to Oxford Street, it has always been seen as “slightly down at heel” with its smattering of council flats, array of charity shops and apartments that sat empty for the majority of the year.

Wealthy overseas families and high-powered executives have traditionally shunned Marylebone, flocking instead to the sought-after areas of Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Kensington and Chelsea.

“Marylebone was traditionally dubbed the area for medical tourism,” says Alex Lawrie, a small-business owner in Marylebone. 

“Rich people from the Middle East would keep a pied-à-terre in case they needed to visit Harley Street or Welbeck Street [both known for private health care]. It also had the reputation for housing wealthy British bankers who couldn’t afford Chelsea.”

But the area is changing. Marylebone is attracting wealthy, fashionable young things away from the typical stomping grounds. In fact, a new study from Knight Frank showed that 15 per cent of Marylebone buyers in the past year came from Mayfair, five per cent moved from Belgravia and seven per cent left Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Kensington.

“Little over a decade ago Marylebone was an overlooked luxury London address,” says Tom Bill, head of residential research at Knight Frank. “But it has become a case study in urban rejuvenation."

Price has been one of the main motivations for people moving from Mayfair and Knightsbridge into Marylebone, where £5m buys more space than other areas in upmarket central London.

But for the most luxurious properties, prices are now starting to match those in Knightsbridge.



So how has Marylebone climbed the social ladder? Howard de Walden and the Portman Estates, which controls Marylebone’s 200 acres, have followed the lead of the Mayfair estate manager, Grosvenor, which five years ago overhauled Mount Street and Duke Street. Pavements were relaid, designer stores were invited in and developers were actively encouraged to convert offices into luxury residential properties. The same has happened in Marylebone, which now has one of the biggest construction pipelines in the capital.

Chiltern Street is a building site. Galliard Homes is erecting a block of luxury flats called The Chilterns on one side of the road, visited by Angelina Jolie in 2013, when she was looking to buy in London.

With the status of the area on the up, so are rents. Monthly rents have grown 19 per cent in the last two years. In stark contrast with Mayfair and Knightsbridge where they have fallen one per cent and six per cent respectively.

Landlord and businessman Tej Lalvani is selling up in Marylebone but staying in the area. The Lalvani family runs a vitamin company, Vitabiotics and owns the Indali Lounge on Baker Street – a healthy Indian restaurant that eschews butter, ghee or cream.

“We’ve seen Marylebone transform itself into a great destination,” he says. “It has a lovely village feel and, arguably, the best high street in London.”

Town houses are relatively good value despite the rising prices, he says, as international buyers with a penchant for lateral living continue to pay over the odds for luxury apartments.

He has also seen the Russians start to move in – always a sign of a booming housing market – along with buyers from the United States. “It reminds them of Greenwich Village,” he says.


For Becky Fatemi, the founder of the estate agent Rokstone, who lives and works in the area, Marylebone’s international diversity is part of its charm.

“The 200 acres of streets, squares and high streets that form what we all think of as Marylebone is not just one district,” she says.

• Harley Street – the heartland of private medical practices – is littered with pieds-à-terre that attract overseas buyers. Mews houses are popular with Britons who also have a country retreat. Prices £1,600 to £1,700 per sq ft for a one-bedroom flat.

• Edgware Road – popular with Middle Eastern and north African buyers. £1,400 to £1,500 per sq ft.

• Seymour Street – has a village feel, sought after by British and European families. £1,200 to £2,000 per sq ft.

• Chiltern Street – one of the coolest streets in London. £1,200 to £1,600 per sq ft.

• Marylebone High Street – loved by City workers and French buyers. £1,700 per sq ft.

The Telegrah

Corruption: Don’t defend corrupt clients, Buhari urges Lawyers

Buhari

President Mohammdu Buhari has urged legal practitioners in the country not to defend corrupt Nigerians as clients but expose them.

The President stated that exposing various misdeeds was the only way to arrest corruption and restore the glory of the land.

He stated that legal profession would achieve more credibility if the members of the Bar and the Bench uphold their professional ethics.

Buhari spoke at the opening of the 55th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja on Sunday.

“I am convinced that law, law-makers, lawyers, law courts and the law enforcement agencies all have pivotal responsibilities to discharge, if the change we seek is ever to materialize. 

“As you all know by now, this administration has taken on the challenge of improving security, fighting corruption and revamping the economy, among many others. 

“The fight against corruption is in reality a struggle for the restoration of law and order. Corruption and impunity become widespread when disrespect for law is allowed to thrive in society. Disrespect for law also thrives when people get away with all sorts of shady deals and the court system is somehow unable to check them. 

“Ability to manipulate and frustrate the legal system is the crowning glory of the corrupt and, as may be expected, this has left many legal practitioners and law courts tainted in an ugly way. 

“In a gathering such as this, I do not need to elaborate on the way that corruption and impunity have damaged our economy. But I would like to say more on what, I believe, should be your role as legal practitioners, in helping us back to the path of rectitude. 

“First, we need to make our courts functional and effective again. This means that we must have lawyers who take the ethics of the profession very seriously; lawyers who will not frustrate the course of justice, even though they defend their clients with all legitimate means and resources. 

“Nigeria needs ethical lawyers who always keep the end of justice in mind and will never sacrifice the integrity of the legal system to cover the misdeeds of their clients, no matter how lucrative the brief may be,” President Buhari said.

Vanguard

 

Non-appointment of ministers shows Buhari’s military hangover – Nwabueze

Prof. Ben Nwabueze

Renowned law scholar and leader of the Concerned Igbo Leaders of Thought, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, has criticised President Muhammadu Buhari for delaying the appointment of ministers into his cabinet.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria described Buhari’s refusal to appoint ministers over 80 days after taking office as a reflection of Buhari’s military personality.

He said this was why former President Olusegun Obasanjo (also a former soldier) failed to appoint ministers on time as well.

He stated that the country’s constitution does not allow the President to govern the country for more than two months without ministers.

Nwabueze, in an article titled, “Constitutionality of President Buhari Ruling Nigeria For More Than Two And Half Months Without a Council Of Ministers: The Concerns of the Igbo Leaders Of Thought,” a copy of which was sent to The PUNCH on Wednesday, said the President was expected to consult with “various executive bodies” before presidential actions.

According to the professor of law, it is not likely that anyone other than a retired army general and former head of a military government would ever think of ruling the country for more than two and half months without ministers, knowing full well that the governmental system established for the country by the constitution does not permit him to do that.

“And yet, knowing his antecedents and the influence they must have on him, Nigerians elected him as ‘civilian’ President in the March 2015 election. His election cannot but portray Nigerians as incapable of learning from past experience, a people lacking the degree of political maturity and sagacity required for the successful working of constitutional democracy,” Nwabueze added.

The article read in part, “Since his inauguration on May 29, 2015, as elected ‘civilian’ President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, a retired army general and former head of the military government, has been ruling the country for more than two and half months without ministers.

“The President ruling for more than two and half months without ministers is really incredible, but, incredible as it is, we Nigerians, as a people, ought to have foreseen it from our experience of the dictatorial way former President Obasanjo who, like President Buhari, is a retired army general and former head of the military government, rode roughshod over the constitutional limitations on his powers.”

Britain's fattest scroungers blame it on too much exercise

Britain's fattest scroungers who weigh 55 stones between them suffer miscarriage agony... and blame it on doing too much EXERCISE

Couple weighed 55 stone when they were on Channel 5's Too Fat To Work

Michelle and Stephen Beer, from Plymouth Devon, decided to shed weight

Lost a total of 15 stone and were able to have sex for first time in a year

Michelle was pregnant but lost the baby after eight weeks and the couple are now devastated

A couple dubbed Britain's fattest scroungers have talked of their agony over the loss of a child they conceived thanks to adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Michelle and Stephen Beer, who weighed 55 stone between them, were publicly shamed into finding a new regime after appearing on TV programme Too Fat To Work.

They were so large that after their £3,000 wedding, paid for with cash they get from benefits, they admitted they did not consummate their marriage because of their size.

A couple dubbed Britain's fattest scroungers have talked of their agony over the loss of a child after they adopted a healthier lifestyle in preparation for their new child

Michelle and Stephen Beer, who weighed 55 stone between them, were publicly shamed into adopting a new regime after appearing on TV programme Too Fat To Work

They were so large that after their £3,000 wedding, paid for with cash they get from benefits, they admitted they did not consummating their marriage

Too Fat To Work: Controversial couple Stephen Beer and Michelle Coombe

But the couple, who already had 13 children between them, lost a total of 15 stone in with an intense fitness and dieting regime and admitted they were able to have sex for the first time in a year.

The pair, who get £2,000 month in state handouts, said they were 'overjoyed' that they were to be parents again after kicking their £15 a day kebab habit.

However, Michelle, 43, has now talked of her agony after losing the baby after eight weeks.

Michelle told the Sunday Mirror: 'I was depressed and there were a lot of tears. But it hadn't been planned. It had just been a lovely surprise after all the things we had been through.'

She had said that she was determined not to let the pregnancy interrupt their fitness regime but now thinks the working out and dieting may have taken its toll on her body.

The couple had their lifestyle exposed in Channel 5 documentary Too Fat To Work but, after embarking on a six-month weight-loss programme, lost 13st.

But the couple, who already had 13 children between them, lost a total of 15 stone in with an intense fitness and dieting regime and admitted they were able to have sex for the first time in a year

The pair, who get £2,000 month in state handouts, said they were 'overjoyed' that they were to be parents again after kicking their £15 a day kebab habit

Too Fat To Work: Steve's carer costs the taxpayer £8000 a year

With their slimmer figures, they were able to make love for the first time in over a year.

And the delighted couple revealed in June that Michelle was pregnant - and to celebrate, the pair planned to renew their wedding vows.

Mrs Beer, who has lost 5st 6lb and now weighs 17st 9lb, told Closer magazine: 'I recently discovered I am one-month pregnant and I’m thrilled.

'It was a complete surprise. It is very early days but we are overjoyed.'

The mother-of-seven, from Plymouth, Devon, went on to explain how Stephen, who has never worked in his life, had six children and she has seven, from previous relationships.

But the recently married couple were pleased they could have a child together. 

However, Michelle, 43, has now talked of her agony after losing the baby after eight weeks

'I don’t mind it if it a girl or boy. I’m just happy to be a mum again. Our weight made sex difficult and we went without it for a year, but, since we lost weight, things are back on track,' she added.

But despite losing their baby, they are determined to continue their fitness campaign, despite their anguish.

Michelle, who is 4 foot 11 inches tall, has slimmed down from 23 to 16 stone and wants to get down to 10.

She intends to to the Great North Run, a half marathon, next month after the pair renew their wedding vows.

Stephen, who slimmed down from 32 to 24 stone said that he thought the baby was a sign of 'how far we'd come'.

He said that he was 'really gutted' after finding out they had lost the baby. He was excited about becoming a dad again.

The Mail

Never Published Before Photo of Prince Charles of Wales

Picture of Prince Charles was taken in 2012 for use by the Canadian army but has appeared on cover of The Rake

Wears dress of Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's Own) which he is Colonel-in-Chief 

The article in the men's magazine describes the prince's uniform as 'magnificent and substantial' and a 'style icon'

The Queen Mother was Colonel-in-Chief for more than 60 years until her death in 2002 and Charles took over in 2005

It is a striking image of our future king in kilt and sporran, and one that has never been published before.

Wearing the regimental dress of the Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's Own), of which he is Colonel-in-Chief, Prince Charles stares regally at the camera.

The picture was taken in 2012 for use by the Canadian army but has only now appeared in public on the cover of The Rake, an international publication for 'affluent, stylish, intelligent' men.

The prince wearing the regimental dress of the Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's Own), of which he is Colonel-in-Chief

It is accompanied by an article describing the prince in his uniform as 'magnificent and substantial' – a 'style icon', even.

The Queen Mother was Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment for more than 60 years until her death in 2002. Charles, who holds honorary posts with more than 20 military organisations, took over in 2005.

This picture was taken by photographer Andrew Errington at Clarence House three years ago.

A spokesman said Charles uses this and similar military images to accompany messages that he sends to his regiments when requested.

The Rake International is a bimonthly magazine for men. Deputy editor Tom Chamberlin said: 'The Rake admires Prince Charles greatly, both in substance and in style. 

'Images of him in uniform or one of his immaculate suits are commonplace but this portrait from Andrew Errington strengthens the sovereign side of Prince Charles.

'The tagline "The Great Protector" highlights both his lifelong dedication to charity, conservation and environmentalism, and his future role as king.

'This image supports that idea, it is powerful, bold, moving and thoroughly rakish.'

The accompanying article, written by royal biographer Hugo Vickers, highlights Charles's role as a 'style icon' who favours conventional but well-cut Anderson and Sheppard suits.

The Rake, featuring the portrait of Charles, is on sale now.

The Queen Mother (left) was Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment for more than 60 years until her death in 2002. Charles (right), who holds honorary posts with more than 20 military organisations, took over in 2005

Prince Charles commemorates D-Day in uniform in 2014

The picture was taken in 2012 for use by the Canadian army but has only now appeared in public on the cover of The Rake, an international publication for 'affluent, stylish, intelligent' men

The Mail

The Met Office won’t be doing the BBC’s weather anymore, and not everyone’s happy

The Met Office will no longer be providing weather forecasts for the BBC (Picture: BBC)

The Met Office has been forecasting the weather for the BBC for nearly a century.

But it’s now been announced that its £32.5 million-a-year contract will end next year, with a foreign firm likely to take its place – and not everyone’s happy.

The BBC says it is legally required to listen to bids from outside companies to secure the best value for licence fee payers. 

What do you think to the BBC dropping the Met Office

Great! They never get it right

Bad, bad, bad, bad, bad

The Met Office branded the news ‘disappointing’, and said: ‘We are also supporting our popular team of presenters to ensure clarity on their future.’

A BBC spokesman said: ‘Our graphics are already supplied by another provider and our long standing relationship with the Met Office will continue as we intend to still broadcast their severe weather warnings.’

But some people have seen the funny side…

Metro

Mob roasts man for robbing a woman pot of soup in Calabar

Mob

CALABAR- A MOB on Sunday morning in Calabar, the Cross River State capital butchered and set ablaze a young man beside the fence of the Atu Secondary School along Goldie Street for allegedly robbing a woman of a pot of soup while two of his accomplices managed to escape.

The hoodlum in the company of two others are alleged to have attacked the woman in the wee hours of the Sunday at No 3, Mayne Avenue Extension in Calabar South and were attracted by the aroma of the soup the woman was warming in readiness to eat with her children before heading for the early morning mass at the nearby St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and decided to cart the pot of soup away.

A young man who lives in the same premises with the lady said as the robbers were about to get out of the compound with the pot of soup, the woman raised alarm prompting neighbours to go after them and caught up with the one carrying the pot of soup and dealt him several machete cut before setting him ablaze.

“It was almost dawn when the boys attacked the woman and carried her pot of soup and when they were about getting out of the compound, she raised alarm and people came out and pursued them and caught up with this one”. Our source who prefers anonymity said

He said the boy was not able to run as fast as his accomplices were because he not drop the pot of soup but was running with it which gave the mob the chance to catch up with him and butche him. “This is not the first time they have come to our compound to steal. Last week they removed the car battery of one of our neioghbours and once night falls, they waylay people, especially ladies around Goldie by Atu and snatch their handbags and phones”. He said.

At the time of writing the report there was no sign of the presence of security agents there while the body was still lying by the Atu Secondary School fence.

London tube strikes: Two strikes in one week to cause four days of travel chaos

Commuters queue for buses at Victoria Station (Picture: EPA)

Alright Londoners, you know the score by now – pump up your bike tires because it’s time for another Tube strike.

The capital will be hit by two Tube strikes this week, however the disruptions are expected to span across four days.

London Underground workers will stage two 24-hour walkouts – one starting at 6:30pm on Tuesday, and another starting at 6:30pm on Thursday.

Despite the strikes only lasting for 24 hours, do not count on any tube running for most of Wednesday and Friday.

Due to the mass disruption caused it is also likely that catching a tube train in the brief window during Thursday will be very difficult.

Oh, and the seldom used Emirates Airline will still be running as well (yay!).

These strikes are once again due to disputes over the proposed night-tube rotas for train drivers.

This all means that Londoners might see four straight days of travel chaos.

We know what you’re thinking: ‘It’s August, I’ll just bike or walk to work.’

Sorry to break it to you, but the south east of England is forecast to experience showers throughout the week.

Here we go again (Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

Metro

Ogun: Anxiety as APC, PDP await tribunal verdict

SIA & GNI

The electoral battle for Ogun State may have been fought at the last elections but the contest seems not over yet. At present, there is an uneasy calm within both the camps of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state over where the pendulum of victory would swing at the Election Petitions Tribunal.

Though the ruling APC trounced the opposition PDP at the poll, supporters of both parties have continued to take keen interest in the unfolding proceedings at the Governorship as well as National and State Houses of Assembly election tribunals.

The courtrooms at the tribunal venue in Isabo, Abeokuta are usually filled to capacity. With legal fireworks from different counsels and frequent verbal altercations between rival political stalwarts, each sitting of the tribunal had always been a delight.

However, as the tribunal sittings reach crucial stages, the fate of the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and his main challenger in the PDP, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, is hanging in the balance. Already, judgment has been reserved in the petition against the election of the Senator representing Ogun East, Buruji Kashamu, thus raising tension in the ranks of party members.

Following the conduct of the March 28 Presidential election and April 11 governorship poll, 14 petitions were filed by aggrieved candidates before the elections tribunal.

These petitions include two for governorship, one senatorial seat, one House of Representatives seat and 10 for state House of Assembly seats. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had returned Amosun as winner of the Ogun governorship election but the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, challenged the result on the grounds that the election was rigged and manipulated in favour of the APC. In the petition marked ‘EPT/GOV/ ABK/001/15,’ Isiaka and the PDP joined Amosun and 127 others as respondents.

The petitioners averred that they won the governorship election and alleged that Amosun was not duly elected by a majority of lawful votes cast in the election. They also claimed, among others, that voter cards belonging to deceased people were used by some supporters of the respondents to vote during the election.

Apart from the PDP, the Mega Progressive People’s Party (MPPP) also filed a petition before the Justice Henry Olusiyi-led governorship Election Petitions Tribunal. The MPPP sought the nullification of Amosun’s victory due to the alleged exclusion of its governorship candidate, Mrs. Iyabode Ogunmefun, from the April 11 election.

The petition, signed by the MPPP National Chairman, Hon. Hamisu Santuraki, averred that its governorship candidate was validly nominated but was unlawfully excluded from the poll by INEC. In the petition marked ‘EPT/GOV/ABK/002/2015,’ the INEC, APC, Amosun and Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga (deputy governor) were joined as first, second, third and fourth respondents respectively. The MPPP prayed for an order of the tribunal declaring as null and void the exclusion of its gubernatorial candidate.

The party also sought an order directing INEC to conduct a re-run election for governorship of the state. But on July 10, the three-member tribunal struck out the MPPP petition. Justice Olusiyi, who is the panel chairman, declared that the petitioner failed to present documentary evidence to back up his claim.

The tribunal, which ruled on three motions on notice filed before it by the respondents, said the MPPP petition was incurably incompetent. INEC, APC and Amosun had filed their applications pursuant to section 285 (5) of the 1999 constitution (as amended) seeking the dismissal of the MPPP petition in its entirety because the petition was filed outside the mandatory 21 days requirement. Justice Olusiyi agreed and ruled in their favour.

However, the major hurdle before Amosun and his party is the PDP petition at the tribunal. Isiaka had claimed that he won 14 out of the 20 local government areas of the state in the April 11 gubernatorial election.

According to him, field report before the election was concluded showed that it was favouring him.

The PDP standard bearer is specifically challenging the votes that accrued to his opponent from Ado-Odo/Ota, Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ewekoro, Ifo, Obafemi- Owode, Odeda, Remo and Sagamu local government areas, which, according to him, were manipulated against his party.

Justice Olusiyi fixed August 10 for definite hearing in the petition. He also granted Isiaka’s application to inspect the materials used for the gubernatorial election despite the opposition of Amosun’s counsel.

Isiaka had sought the leave of the court to inspect and make copies of Certified True Copies of ballot papers, incident forms, election manual and guideline, result sheets, downloaded data from the card readers, among others in nine of the 20 local government areas in the state. He had, through his counsel, argued that the documents being sought would assist in the determination of the substantive petition before the tribunal.

When the definite hearing ought to commence on August 10, Isiaka’s counsel, Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), sought for the permission of the court to extend the time for inspection of electoral materials, arguing that the seven days earlier granted was not enough to carry out the exercise.

While granting the application, Justice Olusiyi extended the inspection by three more days as requested by the petitioners. When the tribunal resumed on Thursday August 13, more witnesses of the PDP candidate appeared in court to testify in the petition. Isiaka’s counsel called five witnesses, including party leaders and agents.

All the witnesses adopted their written statements on oath and were cross-examined by Amosun’s counsel, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), APC’s George Oyeniyi and INEC’s Oluwadare Ogunnaike. On Tuesday August 18, the tribunal admitted in evidence electoral materials brought before it by INEC. The materials, numbering over 70,000, were brought to the tribunal by the Deputy Director/Head of Department (Electoral Operations), Samuel Ogunjemilua, through a writ of subpoena.

The electoral materials admitted in evidence included Certified True Copies of election result sheets, including forms EC8A, EC8B, EC8C, EC8D, EC8E; Voter Registers and Incident Forms. The exhibits, which were conveyed in four INEC-branded Toyota Hilux vans, belong to nine of the 20 local government areas of the state namely Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ewekoro, Ifo, Obafemi-Owode, Odeda, Remo North and Sagamu.

On its part, the ruling APC filed a total of 11 petitions. These include the Ogun East Senatorial District and the House of Representatives seat in Ijebu North/Ijebu East/ Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency which were won by PDP. In the state House of Assembly elections, the APC also filed nine petitions challenging the victory of PDP candidates.

The contentious constituencies include Ipokia, Ijebu East, Ijebu North I, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu II, Imeko-Afon, Egbado North II, Ijebu North East and Egbado South.

The APC petitioners claimed that the election of their opponents did not meet or satisfy the requirements of the law. They alleged that the elections were invalid by reason of corrupt practices and electoral malpractices and therefore sought reliefs ranging from nullification to fresh conduct of election in the affected state constituencies. Also, the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) filed a petition challenging PDP’s victory in Egbado South State Constituency. The UPN sought nullification of the election due to the omission and exclusion of its name and logo from the ballot papers.

The petitioners prayed the tribunal to order the conduct of a fresh election with the petitioners’ names, logos and other emblems of identification to be placed on the ballot. Sunday Telegraph gathered that the petitions are at various stages of hearing. Meanwhile, the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta has reserved judgment in the petition brought before it against Kashamu’s election.

The petition was filed by the APC senatorial candidate for Ogun East, Dapo Abiodun, challenging the victory of Kashamu in the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly election. On Monday August 3, the chairman of the three-man panel, Justice Ebiowei Tobi, said that he reserved judgment to a later date which “will be communicated to the counsel.”

This was after counsels to the parties in the suit ‘EPT/SEN/ABK/001/2015’ adopted their written addresses and made final submission to further convince the court about merit of their cases. Kashamu, who contested on the PDP platform, was represented by his counsel, Ajibola Oluyede (SAN) while Yusuf Ali (SAN) represented Dapo Abiodun.

Many political watchers are interested in how the tribunal would dispense justice in the various petitions. But the panel members have assured of their readiness to deliver justice without fear or favour. One of them, Justice Olusiyi, who heads the governorship tribunal, also warned political parties or individuals against compromising the panel members. He maintained that the panel cannot be compromised or corrupted by anyone.

His words: “We are here to undertake an assignment which we have sworn to do with our clear conscience, we have reputation that God has given us and that is why we were found worthy for this assignment.

“We cannot be compromised, we can’t be corrupted, we can’t be influenced by anybody. We have a feeling that some people may be putting themselves out as being able to reach us with money. All parties should warn their clients; we will not tolerate anyone going behind us to collect money to reach us. If anybody has given anybody money, he or she is on his own. We have unblemished record and nobody can dent our image.

“If you have given anybody money, you are on your own. If you have given anybody money, go and collect your money. If anybody is collecting money, that person is on his own and they will be exposed as time goes on. We don’t want to talk much.”

Why I’m fighting to stop Wike’s probe of my administration — Amaechi

Rotimi Amaechi

The immediate past governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, has again explained why he is opposed to and wants to stop the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by his successor, Nyesom Wike to probe some selected government transactions, while he (Mr. Amaechi) was governor.

In a statement released by the former governor’s media office Sunday, Mr. Amaechi said he’s not afraid of a fair and decent probe or investigation or inquiry of his administration; and would cooperate and support such probe or investigation or inquiry in as much as it’s done within the ambit of our laws.

The statement continues:

“However what Wike has set out to do is anything but a fair probe. The commission will not be fair to Amaechi because it was set up to indict him. Wike had repeatedly held that Amaechi, the person to be investigated, acted illegally in the disbursement of public funds and that Amaechi ran a corrupt government. Clearly, Wike has prejudged the matter and showed his bias that Amaechi is guilty even before investigations. This means Wike, with his prejudiced, made up mind has taken a position of a guilty verdict even before the outcome is known or established.


“The same Wike who had adjudged the yet-to-be-investigated conduct of Amaechi as illegal and Amaechi as corrupt, is the same person that has gone ahead to set up a commission of inquiry and will have the final say on the findings of the commission. What a sham!”


“This bias and predetermined agenda to indict Amaechi is obvious even in the terms of reference of the commission. In one of the defective terms of reference, Wike said the Commission should investigate the circumstances that led to the ‘sale of the state Hotel Olympia’.


“With a fair and decent probe, the Inquiry should have been ‘to examine (or investigate) the transaction concerning Hotel Olympia’. The difference is so clear: In the former, jaundiced Wike’s Term of Reference, it has been prejudiced and concluded that the Hotel was sold, while in the latter, the Inquiry is open and fair, and may lead to a finding of a sale or a lease or even a gift or even a pledge.


“Now, having so concluded that Hotel Olympia was sold, would Wike be decent and humble enough to reverse himself if documents showed it was never sold but concessioned or leased?


“This is one of the dangers of Wike’s commission that harbours a predetermined outcome in the name of an Inquiry and Amaechi will not subject himself to Wike’s deceit and phony shenanigans. Hotel Olympia was never sold. The hotel was only concessioned (or leased) on the approval of the State Executive Council and not sold.”


“Even while inaugurating his yeoman commission of Inquiry, Wike could not conceal his vendetta agenda. He was clear to the panel members that their job is to indict Amaechi. And to do this his dirty hack job, he got Justice G. O. Omereji (the commission chairman), a man who is well known to harbour a long-held, extreme anger, hatred and animosity against former Governor Amaechi. And Justice Omereji has never disguised this his stance and disposition towards Amaechi.


“As a matter of fact, Justice Omereji even advised a former Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) chairman in Rivers State on measures (to take) against then Governor Amaechi. He had expressed his hatred for Amaechi several times to the NBA chairman who was also an Attorney-General of Rivers State. How can we now expect Justice Omereji to be fair to Amaechi, the person he passionately loathes with extreme malice and venom?”


“Anyone who has been following events in Rivers State knows this Wike probe is just a fraudulent sham, a deceptive mission to indict Amaechi. Wike’s one-point agenda is to go after his predecessor. Immediately Wike took over, he made a show and gave a performance of his false accusations that Amaechi stripped the Governor’s Lodge bare, saying that the former governor stole spoons, plates, knives, cups, mattresses, forks and even curtains from the Governor’s Lodge!


“However, in the images Wike showed to back his lies, the curtains in the lodge were clearly there, seen and intact. Again, Wike claimed he met a completely empty treasury. That again is another big lie and grand deception.


“We have said that former governor Amaechi left billions of naira and we even went ahead to mention the banks and give the names of the accounts the money were, as at May 29, 2015. We challenge Wike to publish the statements of these accounts and other Rivers State government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) accounts as at May 29; to prove his claim and show the public that Amaechi left an empty treasury for him.”


“This Wike’s probe is dead on arrival. It’s ill-conceived and ill-motivated. Wike’s probe is designed to twist and distort, or even completely alter selected legitimate government transactions in his desperation to cook up, and fabricate sham cases of corruption against Amaechi. Wike’s probe commission shall not achieve anything beyond political excitements, entertainment and theatrics.”


“Finally, Amaechi will continue to use every constitutional and legal means available to protect his name and image from this massive smear campaign, State-sponsored onslaught against him by Wike led government whose sole agenda is a desperate search for a Rotimi Amaechi political downfall.”

Man, 21, arrested after woman in her 40s is raped at V Festival

One man has been arrested (Picture: V Fest)

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman in her forties at V Festival.

The alleged victim reported being attacked on the Essex site Friday night.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: ‘A 21-year-old man is in custody following an allegation of rape in Hylands Park, Chelmsford.  

‘Police were contacted shortly before 1.30am on Sunday August 23 with reports that a woman in her forties had been raped on the outskirts of the site.

‘Officers attended and arrested a suspect on suspicion of rape. He remains in custody being questioned by detectives. Inquiries are ongoing.’

A total of 41 people have been arrested at the festival for a range of offences. 

Metro

Impunity: Misleading Mr. President

What would it profit President Muhammadu Buhari to keep the Senate at bay and risk embarrassing himself in ways that defy common sense and logic?

President Muhammadu Buhari

Or, put differently, when does Buhari intend to get rid of the monkey on his back, a monkey which continues to present him as a man of petty disposition?

These are some of the questions a section of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as well as the handlers of Mr. President must continue to contend with as Nigeria’s leader serially creates conditions that force him to appear to be intent on walking naked in the market place.

Worse still, Buhari, who, despite the very insensate, rude and wicked name-calling by the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Council, still rode to power on the goodwill of over 12million Nigerians, but is today in danger of creating conditions that would make the PDP leaders claim “we told you so”.

It is now a market place realityas Buhari has been refusing to have any unofficial relationship with the Senate obviously to please political leaders who were shamed that their candidates were defeated in the election into the Senate leadership.

Unfortunately for the President, this is not a military administration where the Head of State can act unilaterally – most appointments, policy decisions and appropriation of funds must be approved by the NASS, particularly the Senate.

His obstinate refusal to maintain a proper and mutually beneficial relationship with the Senate in particular has led to some unpardonable nay embarrassing mistakes .

One of such was the appointment of Asset Management Company of Nigeria, AMCON, Chairman and Board members with the marching orders to start work immediately when such appointments ought to be confirmed by the Senate.

The same thing happened in the appointment of the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, when Prof. Attahiru Jega, a more sensible and adroit individual, did the right thing and handed over to somebody – Buhari reversed it and appointed Amina Zakari illegally, pooh-poohing the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which states, in part, that the tenure of an INEC Commissioner cannot be terminated without the confirmation of the Senate voting two third majority in support of such – not a letter terminating her tenure just so she could be appointed as Acting Chairman..

Even the release of money as palliative measure or bail out to states, a form of expenditure, did not enjoy the benefit of going through the Senate.

At the centre of this administrative malady is the suspected role of the Head of Service, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, who seems to have grown in influence due to the absence of ministers and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.

On a few occasions, Buhari has had to reverse himself as he is set to do on the AMCON issue because the Senate has a role to play.

He may enjoy running a broken government for now but the consequences are much more than a President who is being ill-advised that he can continue to run Nigeria like a sole administrator.

It is even incomprehensible that the champions of due process, egalitarianism and constitutional order, most of who now people the APC, are keeping a shameful silence in the face of this rape of the Constitution because many of them are expecting to be appointed as ministers or board chairmen.

Compliance with the 1999 Constitution is at the heart of the matter.

Vanguard

Nigeria: Anti-Igbo comments: Junaid Mohammed working hard to destroy Nigeria – Uko

*Asks North to prove it’s not a deliberate policy


Elliot Uko

DEPUTY SECRE-TARY of the Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), Evangelist Elliot Uko, has berated Second Republic lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, over his advise to the Igbo to declare for Republic of Biafra, if they are aggrieved over President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointments.

Mohammed made the statement while replying former Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who said the Igbo had not been treated fairly in terms of political positions and appointments in the President Buhari administration.

“I don’t believe Buhari or Nigeria owes any Igbo anything. I don’t care what Ezeife says – if they (Igbo) had seceded, there would have been no Nigeria today. As people who acted outside the interest of Nigeria as a country, to expect compensation is a very odd logic.

If the Igbo don’t like it, they can attempt secession again. If they do, they must be prepared to live with the consequences – nobody owes them anything and nobody is out to compensate them for anything,” he said.

Reacting to Mohammed’s comment, Uko, who is also the President of Igbo Youth Movement (IYM), said: “This statement confirms to the international community that the new administration could march along a very divisive path with the support of some persons in the North. That is some people have sworn that equity and justice will not reign in Nigeria.

In other words, actions that lead to disenchantment among Nigerians to the extent of making secession an attractive option to certain sections is actually deliberate and encouraged by the North. I am sure the international community has taken note of that.

Dr Junaid Mohammed

‘’The man does not deserve to be replied. He is consistently working very hard to destroy Nigeria by denigrating, abusing and overtly provoking Nigerians in order to prepare the ground for another civil war.

Whether it is a deliberate policy of the North we don’t know, whether he will succeed or not in his quite spirited effort to make sure Nigeria does not survive, nobody knows.’’

On why the ILT insists that President Buhari should extend the anti-graft probe to 1999, said: 

‘’Everybody agrees, those who stole public funds must return same. Nigerians also want them shamed and punished, but the narrative that corruption began somewhere after 2009 is patently false.

Mr. President has unwittingly given the wrong impression, that he is afraid of General Olusegun Obasanjo, when that could not be the case. Mr. Femi Adeshina (Presidency spokesman) could have told the world the Federal Government would begin with the last regime but will also probe other regimes since 1999.

Igbo Chiefs

Adesina carefully avoided saying that. He told the world the federal government will only probe the Jonathan regime. The operative word here is ‘only.’ That immediately gave room to small talk in gatherings all over the land, that there could be more to it.

The lame excuse that going back beyond Jonathan’s regime will be a distraction actually amuses Nigerians, who remember with horror the brigandage of 1999-2007, the impunity of the era.

It is funny to expect Nigerians to believe that the support and hard work Gen. Obasanjo gave towards the emergence of the new government is not directly affecting the selective nature of the probe exercise. Nigerians are all agreed that a purge is needful and corruption frontally attacked, but are split on the issue of singling out only the Jonathan regime for probe.’’

Arguing that Buhari will be constrained to wage a holistic anti-graft war, he said there is need to uproot corruption from the roots because ‘’you can’t kill a snake by cutting off the tail, that tail will re-grow after a while, you kill a snake by cutting off the head’’ and Nigerians ‘’know who and who are the father and grandfather of corruption in Nigeria.’’

Vanguard

Isis: Jihadi John’s chilling threat to return to Britain to ‘carry on cutting heads’

Jihadi John has appeared in a new video in which he apparently threatens to return to the UK to ‘carry on cutting heads’.

The Brit, identified as 27-year-old Londoner Mohammed Emwazi, faces the camera unmasked for the first time in the video.

He is believed to be behind at least seven beheading of Isis hostages in Syria, including two Britons.

The footage is believed to have been filmed two months ago, but it is the first footage to emerge of him since he was identified in February.

It was handed to the Mail on Sunday and in an audio recording he said: ‘I am Mohammed Emwazi. I will soon go back to Britain with the Khalifa [leader of the Islamic State].’

He adds: ‘I will carry on cutting heads’.

In February Jihadi John’s true identity was unveiled (Picture: PA)

The footage was handed over by a rebel fighter with the Free Syrian Army and a facial mapping expert said he believes the footage is of Emwazi.

In June it had been suggested that he had left Syria in fear of his life because some of his fellow fighters did not want him alive any more.

There is currently a £6million bounty on his head and he is one of the world’s most wanted men.

Metro

Supermarket Chain Must Pay Michael Jordan $8.9 Million for Using Name to Sell Steak

Michael Jordan arrives at the federal building in Chicago, Monday, Aug. 17, 2015, during the civil trial on the value of Jordan's name and how much a grocery-store chain should pay for invoking it without permission in an ad. AP

Jurors at a civil trial focused on the market value of Michael Jordan's identity handed him a major win Friday, ordering a grocery-store chain to pay him $8.9 million for invoking his name in a steak ad without his permission.

The amount was close to the $10 million his attorneys said the one-time use of his name was worth and Jordan hugged his lawyers after the decision was read in a federal court in Chicago, where Jordan won six NBA titles with the Bulls. 

"I'm so used to playing on a different court," a visibly delighted Jordan told reporters outside the courthouse. "This shows I will protect my name to the fullest. ... It's my name and I worked hard for it ... and I'm not just going to let someone take it."

Jordan added that the case "was never about money" and that he'll give the damages award to charities in Chicago. 

Stepping back into the courthouse, two jurors asked him for a photograph and he obliged by throwing his arms around them and smiling for a cellphone camera.

A judge ruled before trial that the now-defunct Dominick's Finer Foods, which was owned by Safeway, was liable. So the sole unresolved issue was damages for the unauthorized ad in a 2009 Sports Illustrated. It congratulated Jordan on his Hall of Fame induction and included a $2-off coupon above a photo of a sizzling steak. Jurors deliberated for six hours before returning with the $8.9 million figure, at one point sending a note to the judge that said, "We need a calculator." 

Jordan's fame loomed over the case, with one would-be juror struck from the jury pool during jury selection after describing Jordan as his idol. During closings earlier Friday, Jordan attorney Frederick Sperling appealed to city pride in trying to persuade jurors to side with Jordan.

"He gave us six championships," he told jurors, Jordan sitting nearby.

Steven Mandell, the Dominick's attorney, told jurors he was also proud of Jordan's accomplishments in sports. But he said Jordan's attorneys overvalued their client's name, saying jurors should award Jordan no more than $126,900.

Evidence presented during trial provided a peek at Jordan's extraordinary wealth, including the $480 million he made from Nike alone between 2000 to 2012.

Among the witnesses was Estee Portnoy, a marketing executive hired by Jordan, who said she was shocked when she saw the Dominick's ad, which included the text, "Michael Jordan ... You are a cut above."

Asked after the jury's decision whether he ever tried one of the steaks Dominick's advertised, Jordan laughed and noted his own namesake steakhouse was a few blocks away.

"You can go get a steak over there," he said.

Nigeria: Tambuwal offers N1 million for cleanest neighbourhood in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Government has introduced a monthly incentive of one million naira to any district adjudged to be the cleanest in the state.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal disclosed this Saturday at the flag-off of special environmental sanitation programme in Sokoto, saying the incentive is part of measures to enhance cleanliness and preservation of the environment.

He said the incentive is one in a series of efforts lined up by the government to protect the health of the people.

According to him, Sokoto will observe environmental sanitation every Saturday for one month, after which the exercise will continue on the first Saturday of every month.

Tambuwal said the sanitation exercise will ensure regular and speedy evacuation of refuse in the State metropolis in particular and all parts of the state in general.

The governor directed the state Environmental Protection Agency to establish a department of waste management whose functions include adequate waste collection, recovery and disposal arrangements.

The agency will also undertake proper waste mapping, making and regular review of waste management plans in relation to non-hazardous wastes, authorisation and control of commercial waste collection activities and lastly, public education enlightenment on the need for effective waste management in all parts of the state.

He said government would continue to support all efforts directed towards development and protection of the environment.

“Consequently, a neighbourhood watch outfit and Sokoto Marshals are being empowered through a legislation to be sent to the State House of Assembly to have established, in their consolidated structures, a sanitary inspection unit whose role will complement that of SEPA in waste management and enforcement of environmental laws,” Tambuwal added.

Mr. Tambuwal also announced that apart from the one million naira to be given to the cleanest zone, the runner-up zone will get N750,000 while the third best zone will get N500,000.

‘Pilot pulled from wreckage’ after Shoreham airshow plane crash which caused ‘several injuries’

A plane has crashed at an airshow in front of hundreds of spectators, reportedly causing ‘several casualties’. 

Onlookers watched in horror as two huge fireballs erupted from the crash at the Shoreham airshow in Sussex this afternoon, before plumes of thick, black smoke billowed into the air.

The plane, believed to be a Hawker Hunter, reportedly hit several cars and even some cyclists as it crashed into the busy A road.

Witnesses reported seeing the pilot being dragged out of the wreckage alive, however this has not been confirmed.

(Picture: PA)

Some spectators and nearby residents were able to film the crash.

One eyewitness, tweeting as Jon B, said: ‘It (the plane) turned from the north by Lancing College, went to go low towards the airfield and went behind some trees below where I was. 

‘Then there was a crunch sound and a ball of flames and thick black smoke came up from the ground.”

West Sussex Police said there were ‘several casualties’ and advised motorists to avoid the A27 for the rest of the day as emergency services deal with the crash.

A spokesman said: ‘At about 1.20pm the aircraft hit several cars on the A27 just to the north of Shoreham Airport, where an air display is taking place.

‘The aircraft ended up in a bush. There have been several casualties but we have no further information on these at the moment.

‘The A27 has been closed in both directions and drivers are asked to avoid the area until further notice.’

Metro

Corruption: Alleged N70BN fraud: Amaechi’s hands’re clean, ex-SSG write Buhari

Former commissioners in the administration of immediate past Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, have written President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that the former governor was innocent of allegations of N70 billion fraud levelled against him by a Rivers State pressure group, The Integrity Group, TIG.

In an open letter to the President dated August 3, the TIG had accused Amaechi and other functionaries of his administration of ‘’corruption, criminal breach of trust, unlawful enrichment and conversion of over N70 billion state resources’’ and provided evidence to back up its allegations.

The TIG had also accused Amaechi of fraudulent sale of Rivers State power assets and conversion of proceeds amounting to N60.48 billion; unlawful payment to and criminal conversion of N4.63 billion by CLINORIV Specialist Hospital; and unlawful enrichment of Messrs Collect Solutions (Nig) Limited with public funds to the tune of N1.56 billion.

Dismissing the allegations as false, Mr George Feyii (former Secretary to the Rivers State Government) and Dr Chamberlain Peterside (former Commissioner of Finance), in the letter, said that the facts were twisted and misrepresented to malign Amaechi’s integrity.

The former SSG and Finance Commissioner attached copies of Executive Council extracts, MoUs and the agreement for the resolution of the failed 1000-bed (Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte) mega Specialist Hospital Contract, to exonerate Amaechi.

On the sale of Rivers State power assets, Feyii and Peterside, said that the exercise was not fraudulent and the proceed was captured as one of the sources of revenue to fund the 2014 budget.

According to them, the State Executive Council, after extensive deliberations on August 15 and 16 2012, decided to sell 70 per cent of its equity in the power assets of the state because the Federal Government had commenced the privatisation process to unbundle the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN; the PHCN was not paying the state for electricity contributed to the national grid; the state was buying gas to fuel the plants and was indebted to SPDC and NAOC to the tune of N7 billion while spending over N1bn yearly to maintain the plants.

“The power assets were priced and sold at a premium at $800,000 per megawatt, which is higher than the rate of $358,000 per megawatt used by the Federal Government in disposing its power assets at Afam. Whereas Rivers State earned $302 million for 70 per cent of its power assets of 541 megawatts, the Federal Government received $260 million of the 726 megawatts plant situated adjacent to the Rivers State facility.”

Vanguard 

The UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-Moon, is scheduled to begin a two-day official visit to Nigeria on Sunday.

Ban Ki-moon

Ban is expected, to among others, meet with President Muhammadu Buhari at Aso Rock Villa on Monday.

An itinerary released by the UN Information Centre, Lagos said. during the visit, Ban is also scheduled to hold talks with state governors on Sunday.

The dialogue with the governors, the itinerary showed, will hold under the theme: `Pathways to a New Nigeria – the Role of Sub-national Governments.’

The programme also showed that the UN scribe will lay a wreath in memory of persons who died at the UN House bombingb in 2012 as part of activities to mark the 4th anniversary of the unfortunate incident.

Ban would later in the day have a lunch with members of the business community.

The lunch time conversation will be on: `The role of Nigeria business and the economy in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and addressing climate change”.

He is also billed to take part in series of activities, including a visit to immunization centres and a dialogue on democracy, human rights and countering violent extremism, before departing Nigeria later on Monday.