A drone caught a man casually sunbathing on a 200ft wind turbine

Just when you thought drones had caught everything on video, this comes up.

Footage from one flown by Kevin Miller in New England, United States, showed a man sunbathing.

That doesn’t seem like a big deal until you realise he was lying on a 200ft wind turbine at the time.

A man was sunbathing on wind turbine (Picture: YouTube/CNN)

The sun bather in Rhode Island proved he was a cool customer by simply waving to the drone.

‘Upon landing he saw me bring the drone down and was leaning over the edge. I looked up and wave to him and he waved back,’ Miller told the Daily Mirror.

We’re not quite sure how he got up there but there’s a hatch so he probably climbed up through there.

Nigerian economy worse in 90 days of APC – PDP

Olisa Metuh

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described as alarming, the “damage” so far done on the nation’s economy by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress, APC, since it took office at the center, three months ago.

The party said the “shambolic” state of the nation’s economy within the period is a direct fallout of uncertainty created by the inability of the Buhari-led government to chart a clear-cut economic policy, worsened by abuse of regulations, and flagrant violation of constitutional provisions.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement on Saturday said instead of gains, official reports show that the last three months under the APC-led government have brought a sudden decline in the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with attendant losses and hardship to the citizens, while the government embarks on propaganda of imaginary achievements, in addition to attempts to foist harsh economic regime to cover its ineptitude.

“If not for crass incompetence or a possible ulterior motive to subjugate Nigerians for selfish reasons, what else explains the adamant stance of this administration in running a government without the statutory components of a full cabinet and precise fiscal policy direction, even when the negative consequences of this strange totalitarian approach are taking serious toll on the economy and the polity in general? 

“Whereas the APC led government is busy with its propaganda of imaginary achievements, official reports from the National Bureau of Statistics show that that the economy is being grounded with Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) plunging with about 2.35%, while job creation has dropped by 69 percent,” the party said. 

“In the last three months under an inept and poorly coordinated APC-led government, our nation’s economy, which before now, held the record as the largest in Africa and one of the fastest growing in the world, suddenly plummeted as officially evidenced in the lull in the capital and money market sectors which have lost billions of naira; spiral rate of inflation, and stagnation in domestic and foreign direct investments, with investors scared away due to the uncertainty arising from lack of economic direction and apparent confusion in the polity. 

President Buhari will be 100 days in office by September 5. How would you rate his performance? 

“This is in addition to the halt in infrastructure development projects in most parts of the country with associated massive job loss, closure of auxiliary small scale businesses, low purchasing power of citizens, among other negatives that have bedeviled the economy since the coming of this government, despite the much APC celebrated promissory notes from the President’s diplomatic shuttles, especially his recent visit to the United States. 

“Nigerians would recall that we recently raised alarm on the negative consequences of the recent foreign exchange transaction restrictions, wherein this government is making it impossible for honest Nigerians to engage in free trade and regulate their personal activities as guaranteed by the constitution. 

“We also warned about the consequences of foisting a communist economic regime with bans and clampdowns on free trade and the freedom of Nigerians to freely open and operate domiciliary accounts as provided by the Foreign Exchange Monitoring And Miscellaneous Provisions Act, otherwise known as Decree No. 17 of 1995 and wondered whether the nation was not heading back to the era of import duty licenses and regulation of commodity prices. 

“Only recently, Fitch Rating, which, under the previous administration, affirmed Nigeria’s long-term foreign and local currency IDRs as well as senior unsecured bond and Short-term foreign currency IDR ratings respectively at ‘BB”s, had now alerted that Nigerian banks and other businesses in the sector would be adversely affected by the economic slowdown occasioned by the incompetence of the President Buhari-led APC government. 

“This is more so as the absence of ministers have left the coordination of important government policies in ministries, departments and agencies in tatters, while creating loopholes for overzealous persons claiming closeness to the President to invade the system for inflated concessions, allocations, jobs and other financial sleazes, including misleading the President for approvals outside his limits. 

“We invite Nigerians to note that whereas the Presidency has gone ahead to unilaterally deplete the funds inherited in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) and other government savings, as well as reports of engaging in discussions with the World Bank for loans without recourse to appropriate statutory arms of government, no corresponding improvement has been witnessed in the economy. Indeed, we are worried that the damage already done in the last 90 days may linger with us for years to come. 

“Nigerians are no longer in doubt that they have been scammed with long list of empty promises which the APC government has no intentions or capacity to fulfill. The free meals for school children, allowances for discharged Corps Members, N5,000 monthly allowance for indigent Nigerians, free houses, bringing the dollar to the same value as the naira and other bogus promises for which they were voted into power, have become streams of mirage. 

Instead, what we continue to witness is the outworn excuse of clearing the so-called Augean Stable, loud propaganda and artful move to appropriate the achievements made by the PDP-led administration; such as the effort in ending polio, the improvement in power supply, the reopening of the refineries, among others which are a dividend from numerous investments by the previous administrations. 

“Finally, we state categorically that Nigerians are becoming tired and weary of the diversions and propaganda of creating imaginary achievements, dramatization of routine appointments, offering mundane excuses for crass incompetence and orchestrating a selective and witch-hunt of anti-corruption crusade.”

Premium Times 

18 PLACES GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH GLASGOW -- wow247

A wee bit in love with Glasgow? You soon will be.
Edinburgh may get the attention from tourists visiting this fair country of ours, but we’re here to set the record straight and show off the lesser-visited city’s best sides.

From Gothic spires to a Scotch pie heaven, the city’s answer to the Sistine Chapel to tea off the beaten track – here are some stunning pictures of the places guaranteed to make you fall in love with Glasgow.

Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

1. Glasgow University
Not a fan of Gothic architecture? Then exit quietly via Central Station, if you please – some of us came here to learn. Glasgow University is the fourth oldest uni in the English-speaking world, and it still ranks rather high on worldwide academic tables. And it looks like Hogwarts, so there’s that. Whether you’re in search of an education or just visiting for the day, we defy you not to fall in love with the cloisters, the old-world vibe of University Avenue and, of course, that towering spire.

2. Queen’s Park hill

Flickr/Mark O’Rourke
It’s a lesser known place – but find it, and you’ll be penning love poems to the dear, green place before you know it. There are few scenic spots which offer an all-encompassing view of Glasgow, but the Queen’s Park flagpole is a rare find. Head southside and prepare to be WOWed (sorry).

3. Springburn Winter Gardens

Have a peek now – it might not look like this for much longer. Once Springburn Park’s jewel in the crown, the Winter Gardens has been crumbling for years now. There areplans afoot to restore it to glory – but there’s also something to be said for the current ruin. Urban explorers will love peeking over the fence and through those curving windows – and while we couldn’t possibly condone it, some even venture inside. If this is how we feel about the shell, just imagine what any attempt at restoration will do to us.

4. The Templeton Building and West Brewery

It’s a beauty all right – so it’s hard to believe that it was once a carpet factory. Talk about setting your stall out for all to see – the grandeur of the Templeton building is a top lesson in advertising. And what do we use it for nowadays? What else but beer – foamy, delicious beer. It’s home to the West Brewery, providing Glasgow punters with the beer garden to end all beer gardens. We win.

5. Ashton Lane

You cannot resist the call of the fairy lights. And even if you can, the booze, the top-notch grub, beer garden and boutique cinema will get you. The lure of the lanes of the west end is well-documented, but Ashton Lane shines that little bit brighter – perhaps, admittedly, because of the alcohol. This place is date night central – if you’re not too busy falling in love with our pretty city, that is.

6. The Barras Market

Flickr/Greg Neate
This historic market is Glasgow, in a nutshell; socks ‘two for a poun!’ sold on one side of the street and super-hip clothes by up-and-coming fashion designers on the other side. Head there on a weekend and you’re in for a treat – and perhaps a bag of hot, sugary doughnuts (just try and resist that smell). This one’s less about the sights and scenes, more about the Glesga patter – but you’ll love it, if you’ve any taste at all.

7. The Barrowland Ballroom

Need we say more? We’ve already covered why the Barrowlands is the best live music venue in Glasgow. Your mum probably went there. Your granny definitely attended the ballroom. And whether your memories are attached to a gentle waltz or a full-on mosh under those famous ceiling stars, just one look at the neon glow is enough to warm a big Glaswegian heart. Visitors, you need to experience the Barras atmosphere at least once.

8. House for an Art Lover

If the architectural designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh sum up Glasgow then theHouse for an Art Lover has to be the city’s calling card. Surrounded by beautiful parkland and boasting stunning interiors alternating light and dark, you really can’t argue with the CRM effect on the city. Have a gander and you’ll be buying a knock-off high-backed chair before you know it.

9. Kelvingrove Bandstand

Remember when this place was an empty shell? Neither can we – it’s become so engrained in the wonder that is Kelvingrove Park, and what passes for summer in Glasgow. Whether it’s open air gigging or a big community do, it’s hard to imagine west end life without that sweeping amphitheatre, those colourful lights and the sheer delight that we can do outdoor events after all (rain? pah!) Bandstand, never go away again.

10. Oran Mor

The wedding venue of dreams for many a Glasgow bride and groom, this west end church turned bar, restaurant and nightclub boasts more than a pretty exterior (although, how many pubs do you know with a spire?). Head inside and you’ll find Glasgow’s answer to the Sistine Chapel, painted by the city’s own Alasdair Gray. Oran Mor‘s murals will mesmerise you for hours – and with plenty of good food and wine to keep you going.

11. The Duke of Wellington statue

Wellingtons' statue in Glasgow with the traffic cone hat as usual

Okay, so we’ve slipped this one in with a caveat. On the one hand, anyone of a Glaswegian persuasion will fine a tear in their eye at the sight of this fine gentleman. On the other, people from outside the city don’t really *get* the Duke and his now-famous cone-heided status. Still, it’s a fine example of the Glasgow sense of humour – we know what we’re on about, at least.

12. The Hidden Lane Tearoom

‘A tearoom?’ you scoff, wondering why where the next tourist hotspot is. Well, it’s not just any tearoom – it’s a hidden tearoom. Glasgow has as much vintage charm and hipster cool these days as it does a reputation for being a hard-living city. The Hidden Lane brings it all together, matching doilies and teapots your granny would have been proud of with one of the best afternoon tea spreads you’ll find in the city. Oh, and you can bring your own booze too – so perhaps that hard-drinking thing stands, after all.

13. The Necropolis

Flickr/Tim Kirman
Ever hear of a romantic stroll through the graveyard? No? Then you’ve clearly never visited Glasgow’s City of the Dead. Cross the Bridge of Sighs and tackle the winding hill to the top to this cemetery and you’ll wonder where the rest of the city went. Peaceful, historic and uniquely pretty – trust us, you’ll be dying to go back (sorry again).

14. The Horseshoe Bar

The Horseshoe is one of our favourite traditional Glasgow pubs. A well kent secret among city folk from all walks of life, the Victorian bar caters to karaoke fans, good old fashioned boozer enthusiasts and…well, the skint, thanks to a three courses for under a fiver lunchtime deal. It’s not breathtakingly beautiful but it’s very Glasgow – embrace it with a plate of signature pie and beans and you’ll be one with the city in no time.

15. Govanhill Baths

There are two reasons to fall in love with Govanhill Baths and, by extension, the fair city of Glasgow. The first is that beautiful Edwardian swimming pool building, all ornate tiles and faded bunting. The second is the history of the place, from community pool to community project, as the Baths were the subject of the longest continuous occupation in British history. Nowadays you’ll find plays, fashion shows and even weddings taking place there, all in the hope of restoring it to former glory. But whether it’s wet or dry, it’s hard not to fall for its echo-y charms.

16. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

A picture conveys a thousand words here – who knew that Glasgow could boast such splendour, such grandiose surrounds, and with free entry too? Add in a masterpiece like Dali’s ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’ and a stuffed elephant and it’s a party atKelvingrove. A very educational, and extremely beautiful party.

17. Royal Exchange Square


Those lights are up all year round – no Christmas only deals for this city, no sir. Another moonlit lovers walk hotspot, this square puts Glasgow’s architecture front and centre, with the added bonus of twinkly lights. Art Gallery? Check. Top bars and restaurants? Check and check. Have a seat, stranger – it’s time to watch lovely Glasgow go by.

18. The River Clyde

Whether you’re in Dalmarnock or sunny Govan, there’s always time to stop and have a wee gander doon the waater. It’s hard not to be impressed by the Clyde, whether you’re looking at the city that once was (those towering shipyard cranes) or the city Glasgow is trying hard to be (hello the Hydro spaceship). And any Glaswegian worth their salt will tell you that crossing the Kingston Bridge (or the squinty one, for that matter) and gazing up river will bring a lump to your throat every time. 

Sentimental? Us? You want a doing?

Main image: Mark O’Rourke / Flickr / CC

ource: wow247.co.uk

Buhari Disassociates Self From Campaign Promises

Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday disowned two of his campaign documents containing promises on what he would do in his first 100 days in office.

A statement from his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu titled: “Understanding Buhari in 100 days” pointedly disowned two campaign documents which he said emanated from some of party’s “so many centres of public communication which, for whatever reason, were on the loose.”

“There is a certain document tagged “One Hundred Things Buhari Will Do in 100 Days” and the other, “My Covenant With Nigerians.” Both pamphlets bore the authorised party logo but as the Director of Media and Communications in that campaign, I did not fund or authorise any of those. I can equally bet my last Kobo that Candidate Buhari did not see or authorise those publications.

“As a consequence of these publications, expectations have been raised unreasonably, that as President, Muhammadu Buhari will wave his hand and all the problems that the country faces — insecurity, corruption, unemployment, poor infrastructure would go away.

“But that notwithstanding, President Buhari has given the job his best shot and the whole country is saying that we never had it so good. He has re-instituted the values of hard work and administrative efficiency. The President says times without number that this country needs to fix governance and that he won’t tolerate laziness.

“In the area of economic management, Nigerians are already seeing things happen that they thought were not possible in so short a time.

“He didn’t put a Kobo to finance the power sector. Yet, reading his body language alone and knowing that there are things you cannot do and get away with under Buhari, electricity supply all over the country has risen to unprecedented heights.

“In this country, appointments and removal from office are done usually in accordance with a spoils system.

“A new government sacks officials on the basis only that it did not appoint them, but the predecessor-adminstration [did].

“President Buhari has shown that his government is different. He wants to look at each case on its own merit and it is clear by now that he is not ready to surrender the country to burnt out politicians. Technocrats will have a big place in his administration. He has appointed no ministers yet, but the government is running smoothly.

“In this period of three months, government certainly deserves a pat on the back for improved power, reform in the energy sector, foreign relations, fight against corruption and insurgency and the fact of Nigerians being at peace, not only among themselves, but with their neighbors and the rest of the world,” he declared, while adding that “President Buhari will turn out to be a leader in the tradition of Lee Kuan-Yu and India’s current reform-minded Prime Minister Modi with strong and clear emphasis on detail and execution.

He may however differ with them by not micro-managing things.”

Chad executes 10 Boko Haram suspects by firing squad

Chad executed 10 alleged members of Nigeria-based Islamist group, Boko Haram, by firing squad Saturday, a day after they were found guilty of a double suicide killing that left 38 people dead in the capital N’Djamena.



A picture taken on August 26, 2015 shows suspected members of Nigeria-based Islamist group Boko Haram sitting in court in N’Djamena, during the opening of the trial of ten suspected Boko Haram members. Ten suspected Boko Haram members went on trial in Chad on August 26 over their alleged roles in twin attacks that killed 38 people in the capital N’Djamena in June. AFP PHOTO / STRINGER

“They were executed this morning on a shooting ground north of N’Djamena,” a judicial source told AFP. The report was confirmed by a security source who asked not to be identified.

The 10 were condemned to death Friday in the country’s first trial of presumed members of the Islamist group. The hearings opened Wednesday.

Nigeria’s neighbours Chad, Cameroon and Niger have all suffered attacks by Boko Haram and earlier this year they announced a regional force to end the militants’ insurgency that has claimed more than 15,000 lives since 2009.

The defendants were accused of criminal conspiracy, killings, wilful destruction with explosives, fraud, illegal possessions of arms and ammunition, as well as using psychotropic substances.

The accused include Nigerian national Mahamat Mustapha, also known as Bana Fanaye, who according to Chadian authorities masterminded the June 15 suicide attacks that struck a school and a police building in N’Djamena, killing 38 people and injuring 101.

On July 12, a fresh attack in the Chadian capital claimed by Boko Haram left at least 15 dead and 80 hurt after an assailant dressed as a woman blew himself up in the central marketplace.

Shortly after Fanaye’s arrest in late June, Chad’s top prosecutor Alghassim Kassim said the suspect was the “ringleader of a network smuggling weapons and munitions between Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad”.


A picture taken on August 26, 2015 shows suspected members of Nigeria-based Islamist group Boko Haram sitting in court in N’Djamena, during the opening of the trial of ten suspected Boko Haram members. Ten Dsuspected Boko Haram members went on trial in Chad on August 26 over their alleged roles in twin attacks that killed 38 people in the capital N’Djamena in June.

Chad has beefed up security in response to the bloodshed.

The regional force against Boko Haram is expected to number some 8,700 troops and police, but it has yet to go into action

Vanguard

‘I have the world’s longest penis and it scares women off’

Well-endowed Roberto Esquivel Cabrera (Picture: CEN)

He claims to have the world’s longest penis – but poor Roberto Esquivel Cabrera isn’t happy about it.

Far from fighting off the women, he claims his 18.9in member is scaring them away.

He also thinks it stops him from holding down a proper job, and wants to be registered as disabled.

But despite the huge discomfort it causes him, he wants the whole world to know about it, and has called for his penis to be recognised by the Guinness Book of Records.

Roberto, 52, got it X-rayed to disprove the doubters wrong.

An X-ray of Roberto’s manhood (Picture: CEN)

But doctors believe that nearly 13 inches of it are just skin.

Speaking about his sorry predicament, he said: ‘Look where it is, it goes far below the knees.

‘I cannot do anything, I cannot work, and I am a disabled so I want authorities to declare me as a disabled person and give me support.

‘Then, I want to go to the Guinness to get recognition.’

Roberto, from Saltillo, in the north-east of Mexico, has claimed an honour thought belong to American Johan Falcon, whose manhood measured 13.38.

He lives alone and has to scavenge for food, he says.

Metro UK

This will restore your faith in humanity: The father of two was photographed in Lebanon selling pens on the street

The pen is mightier than the sword: Touching photo of desperate refugee selling biros in Beirut street as he carries his sleeping daughter sparks viral fundraising campaign that raises £75,000 in just one day

Abdul was forced to flee Yarmouk in Syria which has been invaded by ISIS

Pictures uploaded by journalist Gissur Simonarson for funding campaign

Campaign raised $80,000 that Abdul will use to help other Syrian families

By JAMES DUNN FOR MAILONLINE

An online fundraiser has raised more than £75,000 for a refugee from Syria and his daughter after a sharing moving pictures of the man selling pens in the streets of Beirut.

Gissur Simonarson, founder of Conflict News, posted the pictures on Tuesday and was flooded with requests to help the man, a Palestinian from the devastated Yarmouk refugee camp in Syria.

The touching pictures showed Abdul, a single father of two, holding up pens on a roadside on the southern outskirts of Damascus while holding his sleeping four-year-old daughter, Reem.



Gissur Simonarson, founder of Conflict News, posted the pictures on Tuesday and was flooded with requests to help the man, a Palestinian from the devastated Yarmouk refugee camp


Abdul is from the Yarmouk Camp in Syria, which has been torn apart by fighting after the brutal Islamic State invaded and began reducing the city to rubble

The $5,000 (£3,250) was reached within hours but donations kept on coming via the page on crowdfunding site indiegogo

Pictures of the devoted father, desperate to send his children to school, and daughter Reem, struck a chord with people all over the world and donations came flooding in

ISIS militants take control of the Yarmouk refugee camp

Abdul is from the Yarmouk Camp in Syria, which has been torn apart by fighting after the brutal Islamic State invaded and began reducing the city to rubble.

The pictures were taken in Beirut, Lebanon's capital, where more than a million refugees have fled to escape fighting in their cities.

Forced to leave their homes and lives behind, many do anything that they can to make enough money to feed their families and Abdul found himself trying to sell pens to survive.

Young refugee children sell flowers, packs of tissues or offer to shine shoes for a small sum.

Pictures of the devoted father, desperate to send his children to school, struck a chord with people all over the world and donations came flooding in.

The $5,000 (£3,250) was reached within hours but donations kept on coming via the page on crowdfunding site indiegogo.

The campaign collected $117,000 (£75,000) within 24 hours according to the page, and the current total stands at $80,000 (£51,000)

It's a huge sum in Lebanon, where many refugees live in absolute poverty, and will make a huge difference to Abdul and many other families

However, all Abdul really wants is an end to the war that has torn his home country apart

Pictures in May show debris scattered on the streets after a battle against the Islamic State militant group at the government-occupied area of the Yarmouk Camp

Syrian soldiers patrol the streets among the rubble as fighting continues between government forces and Islamic State

Carol Malouf, who works with refugees in Lebanon, wrote: 'I asked Abdul about his dream. He said he wants to go back to Syria to the way things were.'

The campaign collected $117,000 (£75,000) within 24 hours according to the page, and the current total stands at $80,000 (£51,000).

'It's nice to see people come together and make a difference in another person's life,' Simonarson wrote.

While the money was raised for Abdul, he says he wants to use it to help fellow Syrian's facing the same struggle.

In a tweet, Mr Simonarson said: 'Abdul has said that he wants to help other Syrian refugees with this money, as well as send his children to school. Can't get more noble.'

It's a huge sum in Lebanon, where many refugees live in absolute poverty, and will make a huge difference to Abdul and many other families.

However, all Abdul really wants is an end to the war that has torn his home country apart.

Carol Malouf, who works with refugees in Lebanon, wrote: 'I asked Abdul about his dream. He said he wants to go back to Syria to the way things were.'

The Mail Uk

Two buses in head-on collision leaves 13 people injured

The bus drivers had to be cut out of their vehicles (Picture: Twitter)

At least 13 people have been injured in a head-on collision.

A double-decker and single-decker were involved in the smash, which left both drivers trapped in their vehicles.

Emergency services attended the scene in Kings Heath, Birmingham.

Both bus drivers were cut out of their vehicles and around 12 passengers were treated as ‘walking wounded’.

(Picture: Twitter)

(Picture: Twitter)

Karl Mills, 27, told the local press: ‘It was a head-on collision.

‘There was a lady sat down on the pavement with a pushchair and blood on her face.’

He added: ‘It wasn’t a nice sight. They were cutting into the double-decker to free the driver.’

Roads in the area have been closed temporarily.

Metro UK

Is man who spent £450,000 to see son the most committed dad in the world?

Stuart Whipps with his son Charlie (Picture: SWNS)

Is this the best dad in the world?

Stuart Whipps’ nine-year-old son certainly thinks so after he spent almost half a million pounds to see him in Cyprus.

The 37-year-old IT consultant has flown to the country every fortnight for the last seven years to see Charlie growing up after his ex-wife returned there in 2008.

‘All I want is to be a part of my son’s life,’ Mr Whipps, from Reading, said.

‘Since the day he was born, I have felt such a strong connection to him and I will pay whatever it takes to be the best father I can be.’

Stuart and Charlie more recently (Picture: SWNS)

But the trips have taken their toll on him both emotionally and financially.

He is now in debt after forking out more than £450,000 in flights, hotels and car rentals as well as legal fees in his failed battle to bring Charlie home.

And on top of that he’s spent an extra £150,000 in maintenance to his ex Chrys Faulla.

(L-R) Sophia, Charlie and Poppy (Picture: SWNS)

The strain of the travelling and working hours forced Stuart to sell his IT firm and he now works part-time as an investment banker so he can work remotely from Cyprus.

‘I just want to be with my son, but I feel like I shouldn’t have to move to a foreign country to be with him,’ he added.

Now married to Hayley, 44, a full time mum, Mr Whipps has one daughter with her Sophia, three, and a daughter from a previous relationship, Poppy, six.

Stuart spent £500,00 to see his son Charlie (Picture: SWNS)

Metro UK

Buhari will not marginalize any part of Nigeria — Presidency

Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to Nigerians for calm and has assured he will not marginalise any section of the country in subsequent appointments, the president’s senior special assistant on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said Saturday.

Mr. Shehu said the appointments made so far were a “tip of an iceberg”, as more were coming.

“Our brothers and sisters and fellow countrymen should bear with the new administration as it takes its measured steps towards an effective take off,” he said in a statement.

The plea followed a firestorm of criticism from Nigerians over President Buhari’s apparently lopsided appointments yet.

Since taking office on May 29, the president has appointed 29 key officials to man Nigeria’s economic, energy, defence and other important sectors.

In all, the president has yet to appoint a female, drawing anger from gender activists.

What has alarmed critics more is the apparent lack of regional balance in the appointments, a failing Mr. Buhari has been vigorously criticised for in the past.

Details tabulated Thursday by PREMIUM TIMES showed that Mr. Buhari appointed by far more officials from Nigeria’s northern region where he comes from, in violation of federal character law.

The chart showed that only 25 per cent of the president’s appointments are from the south while an overwhelming 75 per cent are the north.

Also, Mr. Buhari’s North West geopolitical zone, has the largest share of 43 per cent, while the South East for instance, has no appointee.

Mr. Shehu said the appointments made so far are those of security establishments and personal aides of the president.

“These appointments are just beginning. The ones down so far, apart from the security services, are mostly of people acting as unofficial advisers or staff of the President. They are mostly men and women who have been doing things for the president and the positions are being formalized. 

“Statistically, the appointments don’t amount to five percent of what is to come.
“There will come ministers, heads of government departments, federal boards and ambassadors. 

“At the end of the exercise, no part of the country will be left feeling left out,” said Mr. Shehu.

PREMIUM TIMES 

Car sprayed with ‘rapist’ and ‘drugs’ graffiti rolls around London

Guy has ‘rapist’ sprayed all over his car Facebook / John McMenemie?

You know, just a driver rolling around one of London’s poshest areas with ‘rapist’ and ‘drugs’ scrawled over the car.

The vandalised vehicle was spotted in Park Lane and a picture uploaded to S*** London Facebook page.

People left comments below claiming to have seen the car parked in Covent Garden that same day.

Someone wrote: ‘It’s a new economical police car so the people can turn themselves in. A bit like knife bins.’

Others likened it to Alan Partridge’s car:

(Picture: YouTube)

Metro UK

Can you solve it? Treasure hunt with £30,000 cash found in mystery safe hidden in floor

it was under a kitchen unit (Picture: Imgur/sarm)

Discovering a secret safe stuffed with cash and a mysterious treasure hunt is the stuff of dreams.

But for one couple this became a reality after finding a safe hidden under the floor of their house in Phoenix, Arizona.

The couple, who had been living there for two years, made the discovery after doing some DIY renovation in their kitchen.

When demolishing the island unit the centre of the kitchen the metal door of the safe – which looked about 10 or 20 years old – was revealed.

The couple, identified only as Sarm and Eddie, had found a safe code in the back of a medicine cabinet when they first moved in

Luckily, despite not knowing where the safe was, they kept the code – just in case.

After ‘half a dozen’ attempts THE CODE WORKED.

The code (Picture: Imgur/sarm)

Inside there was £33,000 ($50,000) in cash, a book and a bottle of bourbon

‘We stared in disbelief,’ Sarm, who wrote about the find on Imgur, said. ‘Time stood still. I started to reach in the safe and Eddie yellwed “Wait it might be booby trapped!” I’m still laughing at that one.’

(Picture: Imgur/sarm)

The cash added up to $51,080 in old $100 bills

(Picture: Imgur/sarm)

The bottle of bourbon was from the 1960s and was called ‘James E Pepper’

The couple looked this up on Wikipedia and discovered that James E Pepper is credited with the invention of the cocktail ‘The Old Fashioned’.

(Picture: Imgur/sarm)

The seal was still unbroken and the tax stamp read 1960 – aged six years.

‘My wiki research suggests this Bourbon is as about as rare as it comes. We like bourbon, a lot.

(Picture: Imgur/sarm)

Next they looked at the book, written by E.F. Schumacher and entitled ‘Perplexed’

The book was published in 1977 and had a picture of a ‘sexy Gregory Peck’ looking dude’ inside.

(Picture: Imgur/sarm)

The couple discovered the book was part of a treasure hunt with clues on pages 1, 7, 11 and 14

The back of the photo reads: ‘Alan, I have a book you must read. I’ve underlined a few key passages. Your friend, Vincent.’

(Picture: Imgur/sarm)

On page 7 there was an old flash card with a picture of the state of Arizona

There’s an X marked over Mesa. ‘We forgot to take a photo of the front but it’s an outline of the state of Arizona highlighted green amongst the other “Mountain States.”, Sarm said.

(Picture: Imgur/sarm)

On the page a passage has been underlined.

It reads: ‘One way of looking at the world as a whole is by means of a map, that is to say, some sort of plan or outline that shows where various things are to be found.’

(Picture: Imgur/sarm)

On page 11 there is a picture of a house underneath the sentence: ‘There yields such fruitful results’

On the back of the photo it says: ‘Where one tree becomes three’. There is a tree with three trunks in the image. Do you recognise it?

(Picture: Imgur/sarm)

On page 14 there is a bingo card and the passage: ‘Most Modern Readers will be reluctant to believe that perfect happiness is attainable by methods of which their modern world knows nothing.’

There are three numbers marked on the bingo card. The code to the safe also had three numbers so the couple believe there might be another safe out there.

Either that or the Gregory Peck type really liked Bingo.

(Picture: Imgur/sarm)

The couple are unsure of what to do with the money – but would love to try and track down either Alan or Vincent.

Either that or perhaps crack the location of that possible second safe.

‘We haven’t decided what we’re going to do with the money yet. If Alan is still out there, it was meant for him after all. But we’re keeping the bourbon!’ Sarm said.

(Picture: Imgur/sarm)

Metro UK

I don’t know Fashola personally, says Gbajabiamila

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila

The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said he does not know a former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, personally.

Gbajabiamila said based on his knowledge and experience with people, it would be foolhardy for him to vouch for anybody.

He spoke on Wednesday night during an interview on a Channels TV programme, titled, “Straight Talk with Kadaria.”

Asked whether he could vouch for Fashola based on their professional and political relationship, he said, “I only know Fashola on a professional level. As a governor and as a member of the same party, we interacted on that level. He cannot say he knows me as a person. I cannot say I know him as a person too. It depends on how deep a personal relationship is. 

“Even if you have a personal relationship with someone, you may know him but you may not know him to the fullest extent that you should. Based on my knowledge and my experience with people, it would be foolhardy of me now to vouch for anybody. 

“Fashola, by all standards and from what people say, has showcased himself, his potential and what he can do as an administrator. I don’t know whether he is guilty of the charges or not. You can only prove that based on evidence. 

“The accusations remain allegations. I am not holding brief for him. For all I know, he may be guilty but as of today, I have not seen any of such.”

It will be recalled that Fashola defended the decision of his government to spend N78.3m on the upgrade of his website, www.tundefashola.com.

The former governor said the breakdown of the transaction was left out, adding that that was the cause of the confusion.

He said, “As far as the website contract is concerned, it was approved by the government’s agency authorised to do so. One of the services was an upgrade quoted for N12.5m but awarded for N12m. There were other services that were new like a handover countdown clock, mobile Apps for Google, for IOS and ipad, for Microsoft and for Research in Motion (Blackberry), which the existing website did not have, as well as the annual maintenance cost for managing the website. 

“It was for all these services that the contract was issued for N78m, which the Lagos State Procurement Agency gave no objection to based on the advice of the Ministry of Science and Technology, who are the government’s advisers on ICT matters.”

Fashola had, in his response, said, “When you wrestle with a pig, the pig gets happy and you get dirty.”

The Majority Leader also said he felt betrayed when a former Speaker of the lower legislative chamber, Aminu Tambuwal, supported the present Speaker, Yakubu Dogara.

He, however, said he has moved on.

Asked whether he and Tambuwal were on talking terms, Gbajabiamila said since the National Assembly leadership election, he has not spoken to Tambuwal.

“When I won the first election, Tambuwal, who is my friend, never called to congratulate me. He never sent a message. And I have not spoken to him since then. You can make whatever meaning from that. 

“To sit here and say there is no sense of betrayal will be hypocritical. Of course, there is a sense of betrayal but it’s not something I dwell on. Betrayal seems to be the order of the day in Nigerian politics. So, I felt betrayed. Tambuwal and I are very good friends. He was my closest friend from the North when I joined the House. 

“When he contested the speakership, this may sound vainglorious; I, singlehandedly, pushed his speakership bid, not to talk of his presidential bid. But he must have reasons for doing what he did.”

Buhari’s Appointments Are Not Balanced Yet – Femi Adesina

President Buhari with Femi Adesina

By Yemi Adebowale

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina has noted that while it is true that President Buhari’s appointments are not yet balanced, the President will take cognisance of geo-political spread in the future.

Adesina, who made this known Friday while speaking on RayPower’s flagship programme in Abuja, said: “In terms of the spread, the thing I will also like to say is that the President has the prerogative to make appointments and he knows that there is federal character in our constitution. I’m sure he bears that in mind as he makes the appointments that will come in the future. I believe that at the end of it all, there is going to be a balance.”

Adesina then called on those criticizing President Buhari for appointing mostly northerners into his government to first look at the competence of the appointees, adding that it is the President’s prerogative to appoint whoever he pleases into his government.

Responding to the need for Buhari to make appointments bearing in mind that Nigerians of northern extraction are already leading the legislature and the judiciary, Adesina said: “Let’s not forget that some of those were by elections, some were statutorily the next person in rank. There is nothing the president can do about that. If it’s by election, what will he do about it? Because he doesn’t control the election; the National Assembly came by election.”

“For the ones he can control, there are still so many ahead,” he said stressing that any position can be key depending on the way the person appointed into the position “applies himself to that position.”

Key political positions in the country from the office of the President below are remarkably of northern extraction raising concerns from citizens as to the lopsidedness of President Buhari’s appointments since his inauguration as President on May 29, 2015.

Although some of President Buhari’s supporters have defended the appointments of northern extraction citing competence as the only issue Nigerians should be concerned about, other Nigerians who disagree have observed that there are also competent Nigerians from the southern part of Nigeria, hence the need for a balance in appointments, more so as the Nigerian constitution makes provision for federal character in all political appointments.

Below is an outlook of the Buhari government reflecting the lopsidedness in federal character within three months of Buhari’s assumption of office as President.

1. President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – North.

2. Senate President – North.

3. Speaker of the House of Representatives – North.

4. Chief Justice of the Federation – North.

5. President of the Court of Appeal – North.

6. Chief Justice of the Federal High Court – North.

7. Secretary to the Federal Government – North.


8. Chief of Staff to the President – North.


9. Chief of Army Staff – North.


10. Chief of Air Staff – North.

11. Comptroller-General of Customs – North.

12. Director-General of State Security Services (SSS) – North.

13. National Security Adviser – North.

14. Director-General NIMASA – North.

15. Chairperson, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) – North.

16. Comptroller-General of Immigrations – North.

17. Accountant-General of the Federation – North.

18. Commander of Civil Defence Corps – North.


19. Chief Security Officer to the President – North.

20. ADC to the President – North.

21. Principal Secretary to the President – North.

22. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media – North.

23. Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) – North.

24. Head of Service of the Federation – North.

25. MD of Nigerian Ports Authority – North.


26. DG of Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) – North.


27. Chairman National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) – North.


28. Head, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) – North.