August 2015

at 10:57 0

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Following criticisms and protests trailing the Universities Matriculation Examination policy in several tertiary institutions in the country, National Open University of Nigeria has declared that it has liberalised and democratised university education in the country.

The Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN , Professor Vincent Tenebe while speaking with newsmen said "The NOUN, has demystified university education; it has liberalised and democratised university education in Nigeria. Our open university is the most diversify of all universities to include people of all ages, class and professions.

"I want to inform you that unlike conventional universities where the entry age is 16 and above, yesterday we matriculated the youngest student of the University, and he is just 15 years. We are not restricted by age limit.

"Also, His Royal Higness, the Odion of Emevor, the paramount ruler of Isoko North in Edo state who is 103, has been our student and is in his 200 levels now. We have given him full scholarship to study to any degree. He is still very strong and articulate. He has taken the advantage of the Study Centre that we took to Emevor and he is doing fine.

"Also, the Awujale of Ijebu Land, Ogun State, Oba Sikiru (Adetona), is 80. He is also one of our students.

"Even as the Vice Chancellor of the NOUN, I am also a student. I am a Post Graduate Diploma Student student in Distance Education. I am not the only Vice Chancellor studying there, there are 8 others including several other professors and Ph.D holders all doing various courses. So how can anyone doubt the quality of graduates?

"As you may recall, former President Olusegun Obasanjo graduated from our university. Before President Goodluck Jonathan left Aso Rock, he told me that after his tenure, he would come and seek for admission to study at the Open University. I still believe that he will still come.

"We have serving and former Governors; we have Senators, all kinds of professional in the schools. There are also serving and retired military and police top brass; all kinds of accomplished professionals at the University, including the immediate past National President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Abdullwaheeb Umar.

"I am taking pains to say this just to explain that the age composition of our students and the professional callings cannot make the formation of Student Unionism feasible, putting in mind the agitation of some of our very young undergraduates calling for it. The average ages of our students is between 45 and 50. I do not see these people forming unions, even as some of them already belong to various professional unions", he said.

"We now have an active student enrollment of 200,000. This is way below the 500,000 I expected that we ought to have reached by now. But, we are targeting to hit 1.5 million students in the next five years, and we are working towards that."



Original source: News (Nigeria) :: NOUN Has Liberalised University Education in Nigeria.
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at 10:14 0

Nicki Minaj accidentally left an eleven thousand dollar designer dress at the locale of her brother's wedding. Will the two reunite?
[embedplusvideo height="345″ width="560″ editlink="http://bit.ly/1KWBNig" standard="http://www.youtube.com/v/P4cAmRNj-Tw?fs=1″ vars="ytid=P4cAmRNj-Tw&width=560&height=345&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=¬es=" id="ep1992″ /]



Original source: Entertainment (World) :: Watch Nicki Minaj Undressed!!!.
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at 10:07 0

Jackie Chan Shout out to Nigerians and Ghanaian for his highly anticipated movie of the year., Watch The video and see him speaking Pdgin, Hausa, igbo & Yoruba..
[embedplusvideo height="345″ width="560″ editlink="http://bit.ly/1KWBfJr" standard="http://www.youtube.com/v/dBDD7S_bmGw?fs=1″ vars="ytid=dBDD7S_bmGw&width=560&height=345&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=¬es=" id="ep3761″ /]



Original source: Entertainment (World) :: Watch Jackie Chan Speaking Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo & Yoruba for His Movie Release in Nigeria.
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at 08:15 0

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A black judge in Mississippi claims he was removed from office following years of resistance from a mostly white legal system to his push to treat drug offenders instead of imprisoning them.

Justice Court Judge Rickey Thompson of Lee County—named for Confederate general Robert E. Lee—is the first and only black judge in the county's 149-year history. In May, the Mississippi Supreme Court removed him from the post that he's held since 2004 over a slew of misconduct allegations.

"It came to the point where they couldn't beat me at the ballot, so they had to find another direction," he said. 

Thompson said the sheriff quit sending him suspects and fellow judges quit sending the accused to his drug court. Warrants he signed for the sheriff's department went unserved. A bailiff even once refused to open his court. 

Officially, Thompson was found by Mississippi's highest court to have violated several rules, including what amounts to making clerical errors like using the wrong form when filing paperwork. That should not be surprising given Mississippi requires only a high school diploma to be a justice court judge. (Thompson, a registered nurse with an associates' degree, has more education than that of his fellow justice court magistrates.) 

Thompson's crimes include speaking up for a bail bondsman who had been previously suspended from operating by the sheriff; preventing a drug court defendant from choosing her own attorney over one he advocated for; keeping some people in drug court longer than the two years allowed by state law; wrongly incarcerating four people.

The last charge is the most important: When a handful of offenders violated the drug court's rules, Thompson found them in contempt of court and sent them to jail. The longest sentence was six months.

If Thompson hadn't created his drug court in the first place, the four people he locked up for contempt would have almost surely been in prison longer than they would have been for their drug offenses. That means Thompson was kicked off the bench, in part, for not locking up drug offenders for longer than he did.

The judge was popular with blacks in the county, and he kept quite a few of them out of jail for minor offenses like marijuana possession. The sheriff evidently wanted to see them in his jail or prison.

"When I first started, obviously there was a learning curve, but you see some of the bad things that are going on," Thompson said. "And as people got to know me and know that I was going to be fair, that I wasn't going to be a rubber stamp, that's when the trouble started."

A complaint filed in federal court last week by Thompson's attorney Jim Waide details what they say happened next.

In 2009, Thompson had seen enough people getting locked up for petty drug offenses and, after much negotiation and arm-twisting, convinced the county to start what would become his drug court. Thompson's complaint alleges fellow judges—all white—began to refuse to send suspects—mostly black—to the drug court once it was running. 

The resistance didn't stop there.

When Thompson found a black misdemeanor suspect not guilty of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, Sheriff Jim Johnson took revenge, Thompson claims.

Mississippi sheriffs decide which judges get which suspects. So when Thompson acquitted the black defendant, Sheriff Johnson simply quit bringing suspects to Thompson's court room.

Johnson's deputies refused to serve warrants issued by Thompson, he said. When Thompson held a contempt hearing for a white deputy, he said other deputies appeared in court to intimidate him. A bailiff once even refused to open Thompson's court (the traditional "all rise") while eight inmates sat in the courtroom without supervision, according to a letter from a counselor submitted as evidence in Thompson's complaint.

In November 2013, the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance opened an investigation of Thompson's alleged misdeeds and last summer recommended he be removed from the bench. The state's supreme court agreed and removed him in May.

According to his attorney, the crimes for which Thompson was found guilty amount to offenses that are regularly committed by white judges who are not removed from office. The court said there was no evidence of racial bias.

So Thompson has sued in federal court the Mississippi attorney general, the local Democratic party, and the county's election commission to be reinstated and allowed to run for office.

Not content with waiting for the courts, Thompson ran for reelection and beat five competitors with 55 percent of the vote in the primary this month. It's unknown whether Thompson will be allowed to run in the general election, though. Local Democrats and the county election commission cite a state statute that bars public officials who have been removed from office from running again. Thompson's attorney says that is not in the state constitution. 

After 11 years on the bench and three reelections, Thompson now has to fight the system he was once part of.



Original source: News (World) :: Racism!!! Whites Quit Working With Black Mississippi Judge, Then He Got Sacked.
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at 23:32 0

Buhari Jonathan_0

Members of the cabinet of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan have demanded that the Muhammadu Buhari administration give due credit to their former boss for numerous achievements.

In a statement distributed today, and signed by Abubakar O. Suleiman, a former Minister of National Planning, on behalf of ministers who served under the Jonathan administration, the ex-ministers stated that had "watched with increasing alarm and concern the concerted effort by the Buhari administration and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to condemn, ridicule and undermine the efforts of that administration, in addition to impugning the integrity of its individual members."

The statement accused the Buhari administration of vilifying
the Jonathan in a way that was "ill-intentioned, unduly partisan,
and in bad faith."

 

According to Mr. Suleiman, the current government and ruling party had portrayed each and every member of the Jonathan administration "as corrupt and irresponsible, in an orchestrated and vicious trial by media [that] has created a lynch mentality that discredits our honest contributions to the growth and development of our beloved nation."

 

The former ministers expressed pride in their service to Nigeria and affirmed that the "improvements that have been noticed today in the power sector, in national security, and in social services and other sectors did not occur overnight. They are products of solid foundations laid by the same Jonathan administration."

 

They claimed that the Jonathan administration launched a vigorous fight against corruption "within the context of the rule
of law and due process." The statement continued: "For the benefit of those who may have forgotten so soon, it was the Jonathan administration that got rid of the fraud in fertilizer subsidies, which had plagued the country for decades. This helped to unleash a revolution in agricultural production and productivity. It was also the Jonathan administration that supported the institutional development of strong systems and mechanisms to curb
corruption in the public service and plug revenue leakages. These
included the development of the Government Integrated Financial
Management Platform, The Single Treasury Account (TSA), and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Management Systems (IPPIS), in addition to the biometric registration of civil servants and pensioners which saved the country over N100 billion paid to ghost workers and ghost pensioners."

 

The former ministers also credited the Jonathan administration with enthroning "greater transparency and integrity in the oil and gas sector" by investigating the theft of the country's crude oil and designing the mechanisms to check it.

 

They declared that Mr. Jonathan's administration introduced "a Nigerian Content policy" that opened up the oil sector to Nigerians "in a manner that was not previously the case."

 

Mr. Suleiman's statement on behalf of members of the Jonathan Presidency gave credit to the former president for mobilizing and securing "the support of our neighbouring countries to ensure a robust multinational response to the menace of terrorism and insurgency, resulting in notable advancements in the fight against terror. President Jonathan personally initiated the collaboration that led to these advancements and ensured that Nigeria provided the needed financial support for the Multinational Joint Task Force."

 

The statement also listed a myriad of other achievements by the Jonathan administration. These include the repair and rehabilitation of more than 25, 000 kilometers of Nigerian roads; Nigeria's status as "a profitable and preferred investment-friendly destination;" ensuring that Nigeria's electric power sector became more competitive and attractive to local and foreign investments; promotion of the rule of law, free speech, fundamental human rights, and a robust freedom of information regime; and the promotion of women's rights "to participate in public life and the Federal Character principle" in addition to fostering respect for constitutional principles.

 

"In every respect, our administration promoted inclusive governance and encouraged all stakeholders including the
private sector to play key roles in the transformation of Nigeria.

It should also not be forgotten that the Jonathan administration
strengthened electoral institutions and created a peaceful environment for democracy to thrive. On this score, it is sad and ironic that the chief beneficiaries of that same legacy are the most vociferous today in condemning President Jonathan and his team.

Perhaps the new administration and the APC would be sincere enough to publish the details of the hand-over notes they received."

 

Mr. Suleiman challenged the Buhari administration to be "fair enough to acknowledge the good works of the Jonathan administration," insisting that no administration could be "either completely bad or completely good."

The statement demanded acknowledgment of "President Jonathan's achievements in moving this country to greater
heights," urging Mr. Buhari "to build on these achievements."

 

The former ministers asked the current administration to "press on with the anti-corruption fight, but in a fair and non-partisan manner, in line with due process, and not as a political witch-hunt."

 

According to the statement, the Buhari administration's self-appointed spokespersons were peddling "various lies and fabrications" that "may entertain the unwary, but such
sensationalism may achieve the unintended effect of de-marketing our country within the international community." It continued: "All such persons playing to the gallery for whatever gains should be called to order. The name-calling of members of the Jonathan administration and the trial by news media should also stop. We encourage President Buhari to continue with the probes, but this
must be in strict accordance with his oath of office to treat all
Nigerians equally and with the fear of God."
The former ministers expressed hope that "the euphoria that may have inspired the various attacks on the past administration" would wear off, enabling reason to prevail. "But we are constrained
to speak up in defense of the legacy of the Jonathan administration,
and shall do so again, for as long as those who are determined to
rubbish that legacy, are unrelenting in their usual deployment of
blackmail, persecution, and similar tactics," the statement concluded.



Original source: News (Nigeria) :: Give Goodluck Jonathan Due Credit—Former Ministers Tell Buhari.
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at 23:25 0

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As Nigerians continue to vent their anger over President Muhammadu Buhari's perceived bias first few appointments, it is pertinent that we make a quick comparison with the first few appointments made by his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan.

Take a look below:

by Ogbuefi Ndigbo

Goodluck Jonathan's first appointments are:

Dr. Reuben Abati as Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

Mike A. Oghiadomhe, CFR (Chief of Staff to the President)

Engr. Mohammed Kachalla Abubakar, mni (Deputy Chief of Staff to the President)

Amb. Hassan Tukur (Principal Secretary to the President)

Prof. Abubakar Sambo (Special Adviser to the President on Energy)

Mrs. Sarah Akuben Pane (Special Adviser to the President on Social Development)

Dr. Tunji Olagunju (Special Adviser to the President on NEPAD)

Mrs. Sarah Jibril (Special Adviser to the President on Ethics and Values)

Mr. Oronto Douglas (Special Adviser to the President on Research and Strategy)

Senator Joy Emordi (Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters).

Hon. Kingsley Kuku (Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs)

Dr. Pius Olakunle Osunyikanmi (Special Adviser to the President on International Relations)

Prof. Dan Adebiyi (Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties)

Mrs. Asma'u Abdulkadir (Special Adviser to the President on Gender Issues)

Nze Sullivan Akachukwu Nwakpo (Special Adviser to the President on Technical Matters)

Yakubu Abdullahi (Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters (Office of theVice President)

Barr. Bashir Sufyan (Special Adviser to the President on Legal Matters (Office of the Vice President)

Senator Isaiah Ballat (Special Adviser to the President for Special Duties (Office of the Vice President).

10 Southerners against 8 Northerners

President Muhammadu Buhari's first appointments:

Babachir David Lawal from Adamawa State as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Mr. Abba Kyari from Borno state as his Chief of Staff.

Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (retd.) as the new Comptroller-General, Nigerian Customs Service

Mr. Kure Martin Abeshi, Comptroller-General, Nigerian Immigration Service

Senator Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate)

Suleiman Kawu as SSA on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives).

Both Ali and Kawu are from Kano State and Abeshi is from Nasarawa. Enang from Akwa Ibom State is the only one from the south geo-political zone.

Other northerners in Buhari's first appointments are:

Director-General of the State Services, Lawal Daura

Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mrs. Amina Zakari

Director, Department of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Mordecai Danteni Baba Ladan

Accountant-General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris.

The President's Chief Security Officer, Abdulrahman Mani

State Chief of Protocol, Mallam Abdullahi Kazaure

Aide- De-Camp, Lt. Col. Muhammed Abubakar

Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu.

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, alone hailed from Osun Staten in the South-West.

Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Babatunde Fowler, is also from SW

13 Northerners against 3 Southerners



Original source: News (Politics) :: Let Us Compare Jonathan And Buhari's First Appointments [LOOK].
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at 22:52 0

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Ministers, who served under former President Goodluck Jonathan have told President Muhammadu Buhari to stop unwarranted attacks on the former president.

The ministers made the call in a joint statement released in Abuja on Sunday, August 30, 2015.

The former ministers say they believe it is wrong for Buhari and his administration to cast aspersion on Jonathan and the ministers who worked under him, deliberately discrediting the monumental achievements and the innovative measures it adopted to tackle corruption in the country.

The joint statement, made available to The Trent, was signed by former National Planning Minister, Dr. Abubakar O. Suleiman.

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Group photo of President Jonathan and his cabinet, taken shortly before the end of his tenure. (State House Photo)

The former ministers further said that Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) had the right to chart their path, they considered the vilification of the Jonathan's administration as ill-intentioned, unduly partisan, and in bad faith.

They said it was also in bad faith for the new administration to portray each and every member of the Jonathan administration as corrupt and irresponsible.

The former ministers who boasted that they served Nigeria diligently and to the best of their ability, pointed out that the results of their sweat was what Nigerians were enjoying under the Buhari administration and should be so applauded rather than being vilified.

They insisted that contrary to the claim by the APC, Jonathan did not encourage corruption but rather devised means and measures to stamp out corruption within the context of the rule of law.

While calling on Buhari to carry out the probe of whoever he wants to probe, the ministers advised that such inquiry must however follow due process and respect for human rights.

Read the full statement below:

Give Jonathan administration due credit, former ministers tell Buhari

We, the Ministers who served under the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, have watched with increasing alarm and concern the concerted effort by the Buhari administration and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to condemn, ridicule and undermine the efforts of that administration, in addition to impugning the integrity of its individual members.

While we concede that every administration has the right to chart its own path as it deems fit, we nevertheless consider the vilification of the Jonathan administration, to be ill intentioned, unduly partisan, and in bad faith. The effort that has been made to portray each and every member of the Jonathan administration as corrupt and irresponsible, in an orchestrated and vicious trial by media, has created a lynch mentality that discredits our honest contributions to the growth and development of our beloved nation.

We are proud to have served Nigeria and we boldly affirm that we did so diligently and to the best of our abilities. The improvements that have been noticed today in the power sector, in national security, and in social services and other sectors did not occur overnight. They are products of solid foundations laid by the same Jonathan administration.

Contrary to what the APC and its agents would rather have the public believe, the Jonathan administration did not encourage corruption, rather it fought corruption vigorously, within the context of the rule of law and due process. For the benefit of those who may have forgotten so soon, it was the Jonathan administration that got rid of the fraud in fertilizer subsidies, which had plagued the country for decades. This helped to unleash a revolution in agricultural production and productivity.

It was also the Jonathan administration that supported the institutional development of strong systems and mechanisms to curb corruption in the public service and plug revenue leakages. These included the development of the Government Integrated Financial Management Platform, The Single Treasury Account (TSA), and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Management Systems (IPPIS), in addition to the biometric registration of civil servants and pensioners which saved the country over N100 billion paid to ghost
workers and ghost pensioners.

To ensure greater transparency and integrity in the oil and gas sector, the Jonathan administration ordered investigations and put mechanisms in place to check the theft of Nigeria's crude oil. It was also under the Jonathan administration that a Nigerian Content policy was introduced, which opened up that sector to Nigerians in a manner that was not previously the case. It was also the Jonathan administration that mobilized and secured the support of our neighbouring countries to ensure a robust multinational response to the menace of terrorism and insurgency, resulting in notable advancements in the fight against terror. President Jonathan personally initiated the collaboration that led to these advancements and ensured that Nigeria provided the needed financial support for the Multinational Joint Task Force.

It was the Jonathan administration that repaired and rehabilitated over 25,000 kilometres of our nation's roads. Nigeria also became a profitable and preferred investment-friendly destination. It was under President Jonathan, for example, that Nigeria's electric power sector became more competitive and attractive to local and foreign investments.

The same administration promoted the rule of law, free speech, fundamental human rights, and a robust freedom of information regime. Women's rights to participate in public life and the Federal Character principle as well as other Constitutional principles were also respected. In every respect, our administration promoted inclusive governance and encouraged all stakeholders including the private sector to play key roles in the transformation of Nigeria.

It should also not be forgotten that the Jonathan administration strengthened electoral institutions and created a peaceful environment for democracy to thrive. On this score, it is sad and ironic that the chief beneficiaries of that same legacy are the most vociferous today in condemning President Jonathan and his team.

Perhaps the new administration and the APC would be sincere enough to publish the details of the hand over notes they received.

In addition, the Buhari administration should be fair enough to acknowledge the good works of the Jonathan administration. No administration can be either completely bad or completely good.

President Jonathan's achievements in moving this country to greater heights deserve to be duly acknowledged. We urge President Muhammadu Buhari to build on these achievements.

We also urge him to press on with the anti-corruption fight, but in a fair and non-partisan manner, in line with due process, and not as a political witch-hunt.

The various lies and fabrications being peddled by some self-appointed spokespersons of the administration may entertain the unwary, but such sensationalism may achieve the unintended effect of de-marketing our
country within the international community. All such persons playing to the gallery for whatever gains should be called to order. The name-calling of members of the Jonathan administration and the trial by news media should also stop.

We encourage President Buhari to continue with the probes, but this must be in strict accordance with his oath of office to treat all Nigerians equally and with the fear of God.

We have reserved our comment until now, in the fervent hope that once the euphoria that may have inspired the various attacks on the past administration wears off, reason will prevail. But we are constrained to speak up in defence of the legacy of the Jonathan administration, and shall do so again, for as long as those who are determined to rubbish that legacy, are unrelenting in their usual deployment of blackmail, persecution, and similar tactics.

Dr. Abubakar O. Suleiman
Former Minister of National Planning

 



Original source: News (Nigeria) :: Buhari, Stop The Attacks: Ministers Who Served Under Jonathan Issue Joint Statement (READ).
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at 21:19 0

Miley-Cyrus-starting-to-crack-with-nip-slips-and-blubbering-700x394

Miley Cyrus has been very vocal about her sexuality in recent months, and now she has a new revelation: She identifies as pansexual.

The 22-year-old singer-actress spoke about her sexuality in the October issue of Elle UK, telling the magazine, "I'm very open about it — I'm pansexual. But I'm not in a relationship. I'm 22, I'm going on dates, but I change my style every two weeks, let alone who I'm with."

Cyrus spoke about identifying as gender fluid and her open view of sexuality last month in Paper magazine. "I am literally open to every single thing that is consenting and doesn't involve an animal and everyone is of age," she said. "Everything that's legal, I'm down with. Yo, I'm down with any adult — anyone over the age of 18 who is down to love me. I don't relate to being boy or girl, and I don't have to have my partner relate to boy or girl."

But pansexuality is not as commonly known of a sexual orientation than, say, bisexuality. What differentiates the two?

Pansexuality "generally means that somebody is open to either falling in love and or being sexually attracted to people of all genders," sex researcher Debby Herbenick, PhD, associate director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University, tells Yahoo Health.

It's different from bisexuality, she explains, because bisexuality suggests that there are just two genders. Pansexuals, on the other hand, are open to the idea of being drawn to people who are gender-queer or transgender, as well as those who identify as male or female.

"It just widens the scope," explains Herbenick.

Increased awareness of pansexuality can likely be attributed to the millennials, Jean Twenge, PhD, a millennial researcher, professor of psychology at San Diego State University, and author of Generation Me, tells Yahoo Health. It seems to be linked to the generation's desire for individualism.

"Labels around gender are becoming more fluid," she says. "This fluidity around gender has an impact on sexuality as well. If we're not going to have strict gender categories, then we're not going to have strict sexual categories either."

Experts say the term "pansexual" is relatively new and fairly unknown outside of sexuality research circles. But Herbenick points out that people have always been pansexual — they just didn't know how to label it.

She estimates that less than 1 or 2 percent of the general population identifies as pansexual, but she expects that number will increase over time.

"We've seen that to be the case with female bisexuality," Herbenick says. "Decades ago, far more women identified as 'lesbian' and less of 'bisexual.' Now we see very few women — 1 to 2 percent — identify as lesbian, but up to 7 percent of women identify as bisexual."



Original source: Enteretainment (World) :: Miley Cyrus Comes Out As Pansexual – Find Out What That Mean, Exactly?.
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at 14:18 0

Markus Persson.

It's the dream of many a startup founder: Make something people love and wind up wildly rich, selling the company for billions.

But after you do that, what comes next? It could be a sense of hopeless isolation.

So says Minecraft founder Markus Persson (aka "Notch") in a strangely revealing series of tweets.

Microsoft bought Minecraft for $2.5 billion almost a year ago, and the founder did not join Microsoft after the sale.

Persson certainly looked like he was having a blast, living the big life. He bought a $70 million mansion, complete with a massive wall of candy, and has been hosting wild parties ever since.

But he's really bored and deeply lonely, he revealed in a series of tweets.

"The problem with getting everything is you run out of reasons to keep trying, and human interaction becomes impossible due to imbalance," he tweeted.

"Hanging out in ibiza with a bunch of friends and partying with famous people, able to do whatever I want, and I've never felt more isolated."

Here's the whole tweet string:

 



Original source: Business (World) :: 'I've never felt more isolated': The man who sold Minecraft to Microsoft for $2.5 billion reveals the empty side of success.
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at 18:32 0

A Michigan father accused of robbing a bank told police he did it to pay for his daughter's cancer treatment.

Brian Randolph, 23, is accused of robbing the Vibe Credit Union in South Lyon, Michigan, on Aug. 12, according to WXYZ-TV. He was arrested two days later in Detroit.

This week, Asia Dupree, the mother of Randolph's daughter Brailynn, told WXYZ that her daughter's insurance had been abruptly canceled after Dupree didn't renew it once Brailynn turned 1. Dupree said she wasn't aware she had to do that.

The insurance helped pay for chemotherapy for Brailynn's retinoblastoma, a form of eye cancer.

"I guess it was desperation. Time was ticking right before her appointment came up," Dupree told WXYZ.

Lieutenant Christopher Sovik of the South Lyon Police Department told The Huffington Post that it's been confirmed Randolph's daughter does have cancer. But, Sovik said, that's no excuse for Randolph's alleged crime.

Sovik said police have obtained receipts that indicate Randolph purchased a Gucci bag and a pair of LeBron James sneakers between the time he allegedly robbed the bank and the time of his arrest. Sovik said Randolph also paid two months' worth of rent within that timeframe.

"There are lots of fathers with children who are sick and they don't have a way to properly provide medical care for them," Sovik said. "But they're not out there robbing banks."

Randolph's attorney, Karri Mitchell, doesn't deny the allegations against his client. He told HuffPost that Randolph went about dealing with his daughter's medical situation "the wrong way."

"We're not saying that what he did was right," Mitchell said. "He was misguided in what he did."

But Mitchell said he hopes a judge will show mercy to his client given Brailynn's circumstances.

"I don't know if that will play a factor, but we hope so," Mitchell said.

Mitchell also said the publicity surrounding his client's case has caused people to reach out to see how they can help.

Supporters have raised over $8,000 through a GoFundMe page for Brailynn.



Original source: Dad Allegedly Robbed Bank To Pay For Daughter's Cancer Treatment.
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at 07:39 0

[embedplusvideo height="345″ width="560″ editlink="http://bit.ly/1MWfVcR" standard="http://www.youtube.com/v/TJAqwSmbKJc?fs=1″ vars="ytid=TJAqwSmbKJc&width=560&height=345&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=¬es=" id="ep4075″ /]

Rejection is never fun.

But this hilarious new video from Brian Jordan Alvarez perfectly captures the comedic side to the fear and self-loathing that this experience can often bring gay men.

In the short video, a young gay dude meets his new neighbor but gets shut down when he invites him over. He then goes back into his apartment and absolutely loses it.

His spiraling descent into hopelessness and self-hatred, however, is quickly remedied by the only thing that could possibly make him feel better: an Instagram like from the new neighbor.

Check out the video above



Original source: Open Voice (LGBT) :: Here's What Happens When Gay Guys Get Rejected (You'll Laugh, We Promise).
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at 06:58 0

 

America's most high-profile Christian conservatives often use their social media platforms and media prominence to extol the virtues of chastity — only to get caught up in sex scandals.

The most recent example comes by way of Josh Duggar, one of the oldest kids from the hit reality TV show 19 Kids and Counting. Coming on the heels of a revelation last month that Duggar molested five young girls (including his own sisters), Americans have now learned that the outspoken opponent of same-sex marriage, abortion rights, and sex education was cheating on his wife with an account on the notorious dating site for cheaters, Ashley Madison. "I have been the biggest hypocrite ever," Duggar proclaimed in a public statement. "While espousing faith and family values, I have secretly over the last several years been viewing pornography on the Internet and this became an addiction and I became unfaithful to my wife."

Duggar is certainly a hypocrite, but it's arguable whether or not he's the biggest hypocrite of them all — because over the past few decades, plenty of other religious conservatives could give him a run for his money at that title.

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A short list might include names such as Jason Dore, executive director of the Louisiana Republican Party, whose information also appeared in the Ashley Madison dump. It would also include Newt Gingrich, the former Speaker of the House and 2012 Republican presidential candidate who cheated on two of his wives (including when he was calling for Bill Clinton's impeachment over the scandal involving Monica Lewinsky). There's also Evangelical pastor Ted Haggard, who despite his anti-gay rhetoric admitted to having an affair with another man. And former Sen. John Ensign of Nevada was revealed to have had an affair with the wife of a former staffer.

The list goes on, and on, and on. During the same month that he voted against an anti-discrimination bill, North Dakota legislator Randy Boehning sent an unsolicited picture of his genitals to a 21-year-old on a gay dating site. Former Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina had his status as a conservative darling was destroyed when he vanished for several days to have an affair with an Argentinian woman.

Then-Alabama Attorney General Troy King attempted to outlaw sex toys and opposed gay rights, before being caught by his wife having sex with a male college student. Another Southern conservative, Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana, had a reputation for promoting "old-fashioned" values when news surfaced his frequent engagement with the D.C. Madam. And who could forget former Sen. Larry Craig of Idaho, another anti-gay rights conservative, who was caught soliciting sex from a male undercover cop in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport bathroom.

Why does this keep happening?

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When it comes to conservatives being caught up in sex scandals, the reason could be traced to what Sigmund Freud called the "reaction formation." The concept, as Freud coined it, signifies a hostile fight against outward symbols of inward emotions that are being stifled — in other words, self-repression. As it relates to homophobic leaders cheating on their wives with other men, a study from a 2012 issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology make shed some light.

The researchers discovered that individuals who identified as "highly straight" but had latent impulses for sex with other men were far more likely to favor anti-gay policies. In addition, those men were also more likely to call for stricter punishments against gay people who commit petty crimes. "Not all those who campaign against gay men and lesbians secretly feel same-sex attractions," explained Dr. Richard M. Ryan to The New York Times. "But at least some who oppose homosexuality are likely to be individuals struggling against parts of themselves, having themselves been victims of oppression and lack of acceptance."

The explanation is pretty similar when talking about heterosexual sex scandals, such as the one involving Duggar. One study found that residents of highly religious and politically conservative states spent more money on Internet pornography than their less religious and conservative counterparts. And the states which banned gay marriage had 11 percent more porn subscribers. There is a solidly-established statistical correlation between social conservatism and higher rates of abortion, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases — and nations that have more liberal views on sexuality generally have fewer sex-related health problems than countries that are more repressive.

All of this is because, as Dr. Christopher Ryan explained at Psychology Today:

If expression of sexuality is thwarted, the human psyche tends to grow twisted into grotesque, enraged perversions of desire. Unfortunately, the distorted rage resulting from sexual repression rarely takes the form of rebellion against the people and institutions behind the repression… Instead, the rage is generally directed at helpless victims who are sacrificed to the sick gods of guilt, shame, and ignorant pride.

It's worth noting here that many of the right-wing objections to what they characterize as pathological sexuality are incredibly modern notions. Beliefs like the idea that there is a clear dichotomy between heterosexuality and homosexuality, or that the traits associated with womanhood are fixed, are relatively modern. They're the simultaneous product of industrialization — which has created national and global cultures in place of purely local ones — and a reaction to the dizzyingly fast social and cultural changes that have been wrought over the past two centuries.

These problems, then, may very well have a root cause. While sexually repressed lifestyles may not be psychologically healthy for individuals, there is nothing morally wrong or dangerous about deciding to follow an abstinent (or an otherwise sexually-conservative) set of values. The danger comes when one's individual sexual inclinations manifests in social policy, affecting others.

Although social conservatives claim to promote "old-fashioned" sexual values, it is necessary to understand that there are deeper psychological drives behind much of the political rhetoric. The personal intersects with the political, often with dire consequences for innocent men and women who want nothing more than to live according to their own inclinations — and to do so free from persecution.

They have every right to do this — and we, as a society, have a moral responsibility to protect them from hypocrites like Josh Duggar.



Original source: Open Voice ( LGBT) :: Josh Duggar's Hypocrisy Is Part of a Much Larger Cultural Problem.
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at 06:43 0

Wednesday morning, reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward were tragically gunned down on live television. The horrific and senseless shooting has once again forced us to face the spectre of violence that hangs over this country. It has also prompted some people to label the incident as part of a "race war," even going so far as to lay blame at the feet of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Certain details have come to light: It's been reported that the gunman, Vester Lee Flanagan II (aka Bryce Williams), posted  a series of tweets about Parker and WDBJ, claiming that Parker made racist comments and that Howard had reported him to HR. Flanagan also reportedly had a history of filing complaints of racial discrimination — in 2014 he sued his former employer WTWC-TV in Florida alleging racism in the workplace. And in a rambling manifesto faxed to ABC News after the attack, Flanagan wrote that the Charleston shooting was one of the factors that "sent me over the top."

It's clear that given the gunman's history, this incident may have everything to do with race — but it has nothing to do with #BlackLivesMatter. Flanagan (who also praised Virginia Tech shooter Seung–Hui Cho, calling Cho his "boy") was obviously disturbed, his delusions filtered through the prism of racism. It's unfortunate that his skewed worldview has given fuel to people who never wanted to acknowledge the aims of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, and have gleefully pounced on an excuse to undermine and devalue it.

 

For some, the tweets and actions of one man are enough to condemn an entire movement. Flanagan's disgruntled, clearly disturbed mind, fueled by toxic masculinity and access to a firearm, has tainted a movement that he wasn't, as far as we know, even affiliated with. Meanwhile, when Dylann Roof's racially-motivated shooting in Charleston last month was largely viewed as a singular act perpetrated by  a madman, not a reflection of all white people.

The #BlackLivesMatter movement, which has been mistakenly seen by some as a movement that seeks to privilege black life above all others, is actually striving to do the opposite. #BlackLivesMatter is about acknowledging that all lives should be considered equal, highlighting the institutional inequalities and ongoing police brutality which make that simple demand impossible to realize. It questions the senseless killing of black people, but it in no way condones the killing of white people as an answer.

In January, after the murder of NYPD cops by Ismaaiyl Brinsley, #BlackLivesMatter expressed this sentiment in a statement, declaring "An eye for an eye is not our vision of justice." Later, co-founder Opal Tometi wrote a blog for The Huffington Post in response to how the shooting was being used to color the entire movement in a negative light.

She wrote: "We continue to be concerned about how #BlackLivesMatter is covered and we challenge the ways in which a senseless tragedy, an isolated incident, is being used to send a chilling message to protesters and to shape a dangerous narrative."

That narrative is one in which the ongoing fight against police brutality and racial injustice becomes seen as a violent "race war" against white people. That's the very opposite of what the movement is all about. The #BlackLivesMatter movement isn't perfect, but equating the push for equality with inciting mass murder is misguided, dangerous, and irresponsible.

I wish I didn't have to write this piece. I wish I didn't have to reiterate that what happened in Virginia has nothing to do with #BlackLivesMatter. But instead of seeing people post rememberances of Parker and Ward, I've seen hundreds of tweets and Facebook statuses scapegoating #BlackLivesMatter and black people in general for this senseless shooting.

Making the conversation about how #BlackLivesMatter has inspired a race war is flippant and disrespectful to the memories of the dead. Adam Ward and Alison Parker were killedhours ago. Instead of using their deaths to poke holes into a movement or ideology you don't agree with it, focus on remembering their lives and their work. Take the energy you spent pouring out hatred on the Internet and channel it into finding ways to stop shootings like this from becoming another hallmark of American culture.

 

 

 



Original source: Open Voice (Black) :: The Virginia Shooting Has Nothing To Do With #BlackLivesMatter.
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at 05:27 0

We just want to high-five this California dad after watching this heartwarming video in whichhe described his reaction when his 4-year-old son chose a doll as a birthday gift.

Mikki Willis, who hails from Ojai, California, says he's been sharing videos of himself with his son, Azai, on social media for the past three years. But the latest clip, in which Azai proudly shows off his new doll, in the visage of Ariel from Disney's "The Little Mermaid," that's receiving national buzz, having been viewed over 11 million times since Willis posted it.

"My job as daddy is to provide a safe playing field for my boys to play whatever game they choose, or better yet, create their own game," Willis wrote on Facebook. "I trust that by the time they realize the world isn't as accepting as mommy and daddy they'll have such a solid foundation that nothing will shake their stance to fully, and unabashedly be themselves."

Azai's response to his dad is priceless — but we'd be lying if we said we didn't want to react the same way!



Original source: Open Voice (LGBT) :: The Way This Dad Reacted When His Son Chose A Doll For A Gift Is Priceless.
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at 05:16 0

Bishop Mark

Youths of Methodist Church Nigeria in the Diocese of Owerri are warming up for their 18th Annual Diocesan Convention which will be kicking off on Wednesday August 26, 2015 to end on Sunday August 30, 2015.

According to a statement by the chairman of the Central Working Committee and Vice President of the Fellowship in the diocese, Mr. Chinedu Hardy Nwadike, the convention will be taking place at St. Silas Methodist Church Orji Uratta, in Owerri North LGA, Imo State.

Nwadike went ahead to say that the convention which adopted the conference theme of Methodist Church Nigeria for 2015, 'Aglow with the Spirit' will be a wonderful experience for youths of the church. He added that the committee in conjunction with the host circuit have packaged wonderful programmes as well as conducive environment for praise, worship, prayer, learning and every other activity that will be taking place at the convention.

In his address to the youths ahead of the convention, the diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dennis O. Mark congratulated the youths for being favoured by God to be in His presence once again, charging them to do more for God if they must live up to the divine expectations and callings upon their lives.

"For no reason should you give up your coming together for fellowship. You must continue to engage in spiritually enriching activities that would encourage mutuality and foster fellowship in such a way that allows for deeper reflection on the vision of and mission of the church" the address reads.

The convention will be featuring ministers like Very Rev. E. O Chukwu, the host Presbyter; Very Rev. Obinna Agbo, Rev. Chibuzor Ajagba, Rev. Charles Nwegbo, Pst. Blessing Osuji, Rev. Forster Ogbodo, the diocesan Youth Work Coordinator amongst others.

Nwadike urged youths of the diocese to take advantage of the convention to get closer to God and also to discover their purpose in life.

He expressed gratitude to God for bringing the youths to that level of their fellowship also thanking the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dennis O. Mark; the Orji Circuit Presbyter, Very Rev. E. O Chukwu; other ministers, members of the diocesan executive, the Orji Circuit Local Organizing Committee headed by Bro. Uzoma Chijioke Uzoma and the all members of the Central Working Committee for their efforts to see that the convention is a success.

 



Original source: News (Nigeria) :: Methodist Youth mark 18th Convention.
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at 20:10 0

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It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks for Justin Theroux and Jennifer Aniston, secretly getting married, flying with friends to Bora Bora for their honeymoon and returning to work shortly after landing in L.A.!

But now that Theroux finally has a free moment, he is breaking his silence on his nuptials to the Friends alum. "I'm very happy," he told People magazine. Even though they've been together for quite a few years, The Leftovers star added, "It does feel different."

Awww!

Shooting his HBO series in Austin, Texas, Theroux told the publication that the cast and crew "gave me a big cheer so it was wonderful." It sounds like the Zoolanderactor has been riding high since tying the knot. He's even enjoying the sight of his new wedding band!

"It's nice to be able to look down and see a new piece of jewelry on my finger," he said.

PHOTOS: Celeb couples we love and admire

Aniston opened up to E! News at her first red carpet appearance since becoming a married woman and told Catt Sadler at the time that referring to her longtime love as her "husband" now "feels quite natural."

After a three-year engagement, the couple said "I Do" Aug. 5 in an intimate ceremony at their Bel-Air, Calif., home. Guests included Ellen DeGeneres, Rachel McAdams, Howard Stern, Jimmy Kimmel(who officiated!) and many other A-list friends. A source close to the couple dished to E! News following the news of their marriage that their similarities help them find a common ground while living in the spotlight.

"They live similar lives. They go their own ways but then meet back again and it works very well for them," the insider dished. "They seem to enjoy their time apart and then spending time to back together again."

A separate source also told us, "Justin knew she was the one from the start. He was tickled to death when they first started dating. They fell deeply in love very fast."

Whether it's their tans from their luxurious honeymoon or just newlywed glow, these two couldn't look any happier (or better!). Congratulations again to the happy couple!



Original source: Entertainment :: Justin Theroux Breaks His Silence on His Wedding to Jennifer Aniston: "I'm Very Happy".
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at 19:54 0

Donald Trump, president and chief executive of Trump Organization Inc. and 2016 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a news conference ahead of a rally at Grand River Center in Dubuque, Iowa, U.S., on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015. President Barack Obama's top business ambassador dismissed Trump's call for a wall along the Mexico border, saying the U.S. is focused instead on expanding business with one of its biggest trade partners. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Donald Trump, president and chief executive of Trump Organization Inc. and 2016 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a news conference ahead of a rally at Grand River Center in Dubuque, Iowa, U.S., on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015.

A national hate-group watchdog said on Wednesday that the real estate mogul Donald Trump has "white nationalist positions" on Latino immigrants, whether he considers himself a white nationalist or not.

Mark Potok, a senior fellow at the Southern Poverty Law Center, an Alabama-based organization that monitors hate groups, told The Huffington Post that former White House communications director and three-time presidential aspirant Pat Buchanan was the last presidential candidate to appeal to white supremacist groups in a similar way.

Trump, who is running for president as a Republican, has attracted the support of a number of prominent white supremacists, including David Duke, a former grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Potok's remarks.

An edited transcript of HuffPost's conversation with Potok is below.

When was the last time a presidential candidate or other contender for national office got traction with white supremacists the way Trump has?

There is no question we have not seen anything like this since Pat Buchanan. Those two have a lot in common. I am not sure if Trump views himself as a white nationalist, but he has white nationalist positions. When he calls Mexicans rapists and murderers, he is dog-whistling in a very clear way to this far-right constituency. Buchanan and Trump are appealing to the same constituencies. 

In terms of public figures, [Fox Business host] Lou Dobbs had some of the same appeal, but among politicians, Buchanan is really the last person to have the effect Trump is having.

The things being said about Trump now in the white nationalist world were being said about Buchanan. It was not clear if he was quite on their side, but they were very pleased with the positions he took. 

And it is not just the anti-immigrant positions. Trump is a protectionist in the very same way. Virtually all white nationalists believe America needs to be walled off from the rest of the world.

In some ways Trump has taken an even more extreme position than many white nationalists. I have never heard of white nationalists call for the deportation of the U.S. citizens born to people who came here illegally.

You say it is unclear if Trump himself has white nationalist views.

Whether or not he is a white nationalist through and through is irrelevant. He is an actor, a TV star like Glenn Beck who is willing to say things that are incredibly poisonous and incredibly damaging to the country. 

Is it fair to say Buchanan was even more careful than Trump in what he said?

Yes, Buchanan was more careful than Trump. Like him or hate him, Buchanan was an intellectual. That cannot be said about Trump. This is a guy who says he is going to study foreign policy by watching TV shows.

Let me say plainly: I think Trump's comments about Latino immigrants are flat-out racist. I am not sure how you can see it any other way.

These hate groups embracing Trump also hate black people, Jews and gay people. Is immigration now their top priority?

Between 2000 and 2008, we saw bona fide hate groups like the Klan and neo-Nazi formations abandon all their rhetoric against black people, gay people and Jews in order to focus 100 percent on quote-unquote illegal aliens. The reason is pure opportunism. They simply understood that their normal rhetoric would not have broader resonance at all. The far right was very focused on illegal immigration until 2008, and then after [President Barack] Obama's election, things began to turn in a somewhat different direction. They started to include a broader critique, or broader fear, that white people were being displaced by what was happening — that Obama represented something that was fundamentally un-American and foreign to the core of the country.

Some people have compared Trump's rise to the ascent of far-right parties in Europe. They both pair a kind of racially infused anti-immigration position with more centrist, or even left-leaning, domestic economic positions. How much of this is economically motivated?

These people are responding to huge demographic changes, but also an unstable economy and a lot of cultural changes like rapid acceptance of same-sex marriage. As our country transitions for the first time to a truly multicultural democracy, we are living through a tremendous backlash, and Trump really represents that.



Original source: News (World) :: Hate-Group Watchdog: Trump Has 'White Nationalist Positions'.
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at 19:13 0

Indian-High-Commissioner-to-Nigeria-Rangaian-Ghanashyam-Buhari

The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Rangaian Ghanashyam, on Wednesday said that President Muhammadu Buhari's ongoing effort at fighting corruption would attract more foreign investments.

Ghanashyam made the assertion in Lagos at a three-day seminar on "Enhancing Trade and Investment between India and Nigeria" being attended by 100 Indian companies.

The envoy said Buhari's commitment to fighting corruption would not only attract more foreign investments but would also make Nigeria 'stand on itself'.

Ghanashyam said, "Let me say that this country, Nigeria, is now in safe hands because what President Buhari is doing would make more investors to come to Nigeria.

"This is, therefore, an hour in Nigeria for everyone to dream of a Nigeria that would be standing on her own.

"And if Nigeria cannot stand on her own, Africa cannot also stand on her own".

The high commissioner expressed optimism that sustenance of the present administration's fight against corruption would make Nigeria to maintain its enviable position in the continent.

Ghanashyam also urged Nigeria to urgently move away from dependence on oil and focus on the development of her non-oil products.

Mr. Naresh Leeka, who led the Indian companies to Lagos, said the seminar coincided with the inauguration of the 'The India Show, Nigeria'.

Leeka, who said there was a growing level of Indian products and services in Nigeria, added that the show would provide opportunity for technology transfer between India and Nigeria.

He said the Indian companies were in Nigeria to share their areas of comparative advantage as well as their readiness to partner with their Nigerian counterparts.

"The focus of this programme is to explore the synergy between India and Nigeria", he said.

Leeka said the whole essence of investment and trade interaction was to add value to both countries' economies.

Mrs Aisa Baba-Hassan, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, assured the Indian companies of Buhari's commitment to providing them with good investment environment.

The visiting 100 Indian companies came from the agriculture, electrical, textile, pharmaceutical, automotive, construction, engineering, oil and gas, power, water and other sectors.



Original source: News (Nigeria) :: Buhari's Anti-corruption Crusade: Nigeria's Now In Safe Hands – Indian Envoy.
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at 18:54 0

Multichoice Nigeria Limited, a pay-media company which owns the Digital Satellite Television brand, has indicated its unpreparedness to continue with the investigation of the activities of the brand by the Consumer Protection Council.

The development was confirmed through a statement issued by the CPC on Wednesday in Abuja.

In the statement, the council said the investigation, which began on July 31, 2015, was attended by a four-man team from MultiChoice who responded to questions from the Council's investigating Panel.

The meeting was however adjourned for the DStv team to provide more documents to the council.

However, the statement explained that in a new twist, Multichoice in a letter received on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 gave an indication of its un-preparedness while requesting for a six-week extension for the continuation of the on-going investigation.

The pay-television firm, in its letter, acknowledged the Council's request for additional information, claiming that "in view of the extensive information and documents required by the Council and the short notice of the summons, we are constrained to request for a postponement of the date for the meeting.

"Multichoice, therefore, asked for a six-week extension so as to, according to the letter, enable it "satisfactorily respond to the request for additional information."

But CPC, according to the statement declined the request, asserting that its representatives at the first sitting of the investigation were constructively put on notice on the request for the additional information and documents.

The Council, in its response to the pay-television firm's letter, declared that "we are unable to grant such a long postponement having regard to the fact that you were constructively put on notice to produce these documents at the last hearing on the 31st July 2015.

"In the interest of justice, however, Council has considered and directed that you be granted a postponement for two weeks to Tuesday, the 10th day of September 2015. You are advised to attend as proceedings will continue without fail on the said date."

The Council had, in a notice of commencement of investigation served recently on Multichoice Nigeria Limited, disclosed that it would commence investigation into the activities of DStv owing to barrage of consumer complaints, alleging wide-range abuse of subscribers' rights.



Original source: News (Nigeria) :: DStv probe: Multichoice writes consumer council, seeks more time.
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at 18:52 0

The Ekiti State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of a retired Chief Judge of the State, Justice Kayode Bamisile, as Chairman of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission.

Describing the confirmation of the nominees as historic, the Speaker, Kola Oluwawole, berated the immediate past administration in the state for not conducting local government elections.

According to a statement by the Speaker's Special Assistant (Media), Stephen Gbadamosi, on Wednesday, also appointed as members of the commission are Mr. Bello Ganiyu, Mrs. Mojisola Bankole and Mrs Victoria Akinyera.

Oluwawole said, "We have not had election at the grassroots for many years in this state. We are going to have it now, as men and women of integrity have been put together, ready to be saddled with that responsibility.

"For the period of four years that the Kayode Fayemi-led government reigned, there was no election. That was against the tenets of democracy. They refused to conduct elections. They kept on giving untenable excuses.

"Today, we are laying the foundation to correct that anomaly that they entrenched. By the virtue of the credentials of these gentlemen and ladies, the result of the House screening committee's exercise at the parliamentary level this morning and the nominees' responses to House members' questions at this plenary, it is sure that these are people of integrity," Oluwawole said.

Earlier, the House had confirmed the nomination of Alhaji Tajudeen Arowolo as a member of the state House of Assembly Service Commission.



Original source: News (Nigeria) :: Ekiti Assembly appoints ex-CJ new SIEC Chair.
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at 18:47 0
The Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, admitted as exhibits the petitioners' report of inspection of election materials used for the conduct of the April 11, 2015 governorship election in the state.
The All Progressives Congress and its candidate in the poll, Chief Umana Umana, had filed their petition before the Justice Sadiq Umar-led tribunal to challenge the declaration of Governor Udoh Emmauel of the Peoples Democratic Party as the winner of the election.
The petitioners' researcher and data analyst, Mr. Akin Davids, tendered the report comprising bundle of documents bound separately in 15 parts after he adopted his witness statements on oath dated August 10, and August 21, 2015 as his testimony.
The report, labeled A01, was accompanied by 14 appendices.
Davids, who was the petitioners' 49th witness, was led by their lawyer, Mr. Dayo Akinlaja (SAN).
The tribunal admitted the documents and marked them as Exhibits 336(1) to (15).
The various counsel for the respondents to the petition, comprising Paul Usoro (SAN), representing Emmanuel; Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), representing INEC, and Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) for the PDP, said they would reserve their objection to the documents till the final written address stage.
Justice Umar, while admitting the report as exhibit in his ruling, affirmed the right of the respondents to raise objection to the documents later in the hearing of the petition.
Shortly after the report was admitted as exhibits, the petitioners' lawyer led Davids to identify the various election materials earlier tendered before the tribunal, which he alluded to in his witness statements on oath.

According to Akinlaja, the identified election materials, including the Forms EC8 series, constituted the documents Davids used for the analysis in his report and that he made reference to them in his witness statements on oath dated August 10 and August 21, 2015.
The respondents' counsel were about to start cross-examining the respondent as of the time of filing this report.
SOURCE :: PUNCH NG



Original source: News (Nigeria) :: Akwa Ibom tribunal admits Umana's forensic report.
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at 15:27 0

Sierra Leone's last known Ebola patient has been released from hospital, raising hopes the west African nation may finally have beaten the devastating epidemic.

President Ernest Bai Koroma hailed "the beginning of the end of Ebola in Sierra Leone" pn Tuesday as Adama Sankoh, 34, was released from hospital in Makeni, the country's third-largest city, in a festive ceremony.

"The Ebola fight is not yet over – go and tell members of your community that," the president said when presenting the certificate to the woman. "Go back to your community and continue to live life as you used to."

Sankoh, whose 23-year-old son contracted Ebola in the capital, Freetown, before traveling to his home village, thanked everyone who provided her with care during her illness.

She also vowed to be the last person infected in Sierra Leone with the virus.

"Although my child died of Ebola I am very happy that I have survived today," she said, upon leaving the Ebola treatment centre in Mateneh village, on the outskirts of Makeni, the president's hometown.

Sankoh said she would "from now on be the number one messenger to sensitise people that although Ebola is on the run, vigilance should be the watchword".

The release of the cured patient was celebrated by crowds dancing in the streets, beating drums, cars honking their horns and radio and television stations playing the national anthem.



Original source: News (World) :: Sierra Leone's last known Ebola patient leaves hospital.
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at 15:00 0

The pan-northern socio-political group, Arewa Consultative Forum, has told Igbo leaders to warn their youths agitating for secession, saying that the issue that led to the nation's 30-month Civil War had been settled since 1970.

The ACF also cautioned the Federal Government against negotiating with the Boko Haram sect.

The group asked the Buhari administration to shelve any plan, if any, to dialogue with the Boko Haram insurgents because such attempts in the past had failed.

The ACF Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie, said this at a news conference in Kaduna on Tuesday.

Coomassie said, "The agitators for this unholy division are in their safe abode outside Nigeria and the most painful aspect of this agitation by the young Ndigbo elements is the silence from the elders who experienced the bitter pill of the succession attempt, the 30-month Civil War and who knew the consequences of such a futile agitation.

"As you will recall, the issue of Biafra was settled in 1970 after the war. It is therefore sad and unfortunate that 45 years after, when Nigerians are now united in a democratic system of governance, that some elements are now busy drumming up support for another war and secession through 'Radio Biafra' and MASSOB activities.

"Only just over a week ago, an elder statesman from the South-East celebrated his birthday in Abuja with the launching of his two books. A good number of leaders from the South-East attended the event and as the activities progressed, it was nothing but Biafra with inciting and provocative speeches by one speaker after another."

"ACF expects Ndigbo leaders to come out openly and condemn such agitations in the present day Nigeria, just as it and others condemned and berated the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

"We cannot afford to transit from one insurgency into another."

On the calls in some quarters that the Federal Government should negotiate with the Boko Haram sect, Coomasie such call should be discountenanced by the Federal Government.

He said, "So far, so good, things are going on as they should and very soon, we will finish off Boko Haram. If you recall, the Federal Government in the past proposed a dialogue and even set up a mediation group but the so-called dialogue collapsed."



Original source: News (Nigeria) :: Biafra matter settled in 1970, ACF tells Igbo.
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