Saturday 28 March 2015

BREAKING: Bomb explosion rocks Enugu polling unit

Tension is high in Enugu following a reported bomb explosion at a polling unit at the WTC Primary School, Enugu, Saturday morning.

WTC Primary School is located at Enugu North, one of the municipal local government areas in the Coal City State.

Liberia’s last Ebola patient dies from virus

A woman who was Liberia’s sole remaining known Ebola patient has died at a treatment centre in the capital, said Francis Ketteh, acting head of the country’s Ebola response team. 

The case was Liberia’s first in weeks and it set back efforts to halt a virus that has killed more than 10,000 people in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. 

Authorities say the woman, who died in Monrovia on Friday, may have contracted Ebola through sex with a survivor, the Reuters news agency reported. 

Nigeria 2015 Polls: Goodluck Jonathan just arrived at the polling station


Nigeria 2015 Polls: Election materials reportedly hijacked in Rivers

Rivers state has recorded the first report of hijacking of electoral materials meant for the Presidential election in the state.

Violence has dominated the political atmosphere of Rivers State since the build up to the 2015 general elections started in earnest.

Reports reaching DAILY POST has it that electoral materials and INEC personnel deployed to certain Local government areas in the state have been hijacked by unknown hoodlums.

It was gathered that thugs working for a particular political party in the state attacked INEC officials who were moving election materials to Akuku-Toru, Asari-Toru and Gokana Local Government areas.

Okorocha’s aide arrested for stockpiling arms

The Imo State Police Command has arrested a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Rochas Okorocha, Barrister Okechukwu Okorocha, for illegally being in possession of arms.

In a meeting with journalists at the Police headquarters in Owerri on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Andrew Enwerem, said that Okorocha was arrested after operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department, acting on a tip-off that some top government functionaries were stockpiling arms with the intention to disrupt the general elections in Imo State, conducted a cordon-and-search operation at his residence in the early hours of Friday and recovered three pump action automatic rifles with 24 live cartridges and a Kenwood walkie-talkie.

Nigeria 2015 Polls: Buhari accredited in Daura

The presidential candidate of the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aishat Buhari have been accredited at his polling ward in Duara, Kastina state.

Garbed in a flowing traditional white robe, the former Head of State alongside his wife, Aishat arrived the polling booth around 8:45 amid tight security.

How I quit hard drugs –Terry G

One of the most controversial artistes in Nigeria is certainly Terry G. But then, the controversies that have trailed him have in no way affected his career.

Perceived to indulge in hard substance, Terry G admitted it was actually an actress that introduced him to the use of hard drugs.

Though he didn’t mention the name of the actress while having a chat with Saturday Beats recently, the singer said it was never really his intention to get into drugs.

Brymo welcomes first son, ‘Waju’

Former Chocolate City artiste, Brymo is now a father. The singer welcomed his first son yesterday, March 27, 2015 in a Lagos hospital and he’s already christened his son Waju. 

Card reader technicians’ arrest won’t affect INEC – Jega

The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Attahiru Jega, on Friday assured Nigerians that adequate preparations had been made by the commission to conduct credible election across the country today.

Jega gave the assurance at a joint news conference he addressed in his Abuja office with the Director-General, National Youths Service Corps, Brig.-Gen. Bamidele Olawumi.

He allayed fears that the arrest of some workers of the firm that produced the Permanent Voter Cards by security operatives would affect INEC operations throughout the election period.

I’m committed to peace accord –Buhari

The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari on Friday reiterated his commitment to the Abuja peace Accord.

He said himself and President Goodluck Jonathan signed a new accord reinforcing their commitment to violent-free elections.

This, he said, was a follow-up to the Abuja Accord which they both signed, along with nine other party leaders, on January 14, 2015, to show “our commitment to free, fair and credible elections in our dear country.”

Harry Kane scores with second touch of England debut TWO MINUTES after replacing captain Rooney

It took Harry Kane just 80 seconds to score his first England goal after coming on as a second half substitute in the Three Lions' Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania.

Many had called for the Tottenham striker to start the game, but he began on the bench and replaced Wayne Rooney in the second half.

Amber Rose hits back at airbrushing critics over 'Dimples on the booty!'

Earlier this week the model shared two very racy pictures of her flaunting her body while on holiday in Hawaii.

Wearing just a teeny tiny pair of bikini bottoms as she laid down in the sand, the model held a strategically placed hand over her cleavage, though it wasn't quite enough to keep everything covered.

US issues Uganda attack warning

The US embassy in Uganda has warned that Westerners - including Americans - may be targeted for "terrorist" attacks in the capital Kampala. It said it had "received information of possible threats" at city locations where Western nationals gather.

Uganda's government said the US had warned of a possible suicide bomber trying to enter the country.

56m Nigerians to choose between Jonathan, Buhari

Buhari(Left) and Jonathan(Right)
No fewer than 56 million Nigerians will file out today to elect the next president in an election believed to be the keenest in the history of the country. The figure represents 81.9 per cent of the total number of 70,383,427 voters that registered for the election.

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and the opposition All Progressives Congress candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd) are once again asking for Nigerians’ votes in this year’s general elections to enable them to lead the country.

Andy Murray eases past Donald Young in Miami Open

Andy Murray eased into the third round of the Miami Open with a 6-4 6-2 victory over Donald Young.

There were also wins for second seed Rafael Nadal who eased past Spanish compatriot Nicolas Almagro 6-4 6-2, while Stanislas Wawrinka overcame losing a first set tie-breaker to beat Argentine Carlos Berlocq 6-7 (9-11) 7-5 6-2.

Friday 27 March 2015

Bomb and gunfight hit Somali hotel

Militants have stormed a hotel in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. A fierce gunfight took place inside the popular Maka al-Mukarama hotel. 

The militant Islamist group al-Shabab has said that it carried out the attack, which started when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives-packed car outside the building.

Seven people were killed in the blast, with one report saying the death toll was at least nine.

Floyd reveals 'hurt' to fans

Floyd Mayweather has revealed how it ‘hurts’ him to turn down fan requests as he fits family trips into his hectic fight schedule. The 38-year-old American is preparing for the most crucial bout of his career against Manny Pacquiao on May 2.

Despite his relentless training regime, Mayweather is careful to find time for his family and admits he cannot always appease the constant calls for photos and signatures from his fans.

Boko Haram HQ in Nigeria retaken

The Nigerian army says it has retaken the north-eastern town of Gwoza, believed to be the headquarters of militant Islamist group Boko Haram.

The insurgents had now been driven from virtually all the territory they had held, it said.

TV beauty linked to Cristiano Ronaldo is dating his teammate Javier Hernandez

PHOTO CREDITS: THE MIRROR
The TV beauty linked to Cristiano Ronaldo after his split from Russian Irina Shayk, is dating on-loan Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez.

Hernandez, known as Chicharito or the Little Pea, was photographed kissing and cuddling stunning Lucia Villalon at Madrid Airport as she returned from the Australian Grand Prix.

The surprise snaps, published in Spanish magazine Hola, appeared less than a month after she spoke out to deny reports she was dating Cristiano.

Mourinho was right to let Mata and Luiz leave Chelsea - Terry

Mata(Left) and Luiz(Right)
John Terry believes Jose Mourinho was right to let the likes of Juan Mata and David Luiz leave Chelsea - claiming he knows when players "take their foot off the gas."

Eyebrows were raised when the Blues sold Mata to Manchester United in January 2014, having won the Player of the Year prize in both his previous seasons in west London.

Paris Saint-Germain then forked out £50million for defender Luiz this summer, as another influential figure departed the Stamford Bridge dressing room.

Nigeria 2015 Polls: Lagos airport records increased passenger traffic

There was noticeable increase in activities at the different terminals of the Lagos airport on Thursday as passengers were seen scrambling for flight tickets to various destinations within and outside the country.

Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge faces a Month out due to hip injury

Daniel Sturridge has suffered a 'devastating' injury blow after being ruled out for a month. Liverpool striker Sturridge was sent home from England duty with a hip injury, and scans have revealed it is worse than first feared.

Sturridge has suffered a torn hip muscle in Sunday's loss to Manchester United. That means he could miss around four weeks - including Liverpool’s crunch clash at Arsenal, rivals for a top four finish this season.

Venus Williams defeats Urszula Radwanska

Venus Williams began her 16th appearance at the WTA Miami Open by beating qualifier Urszula Radwanska in comfortable fashion 6-3 6-2.

Williams, seeded 16th, lost serve three times and committed 21 unforced errors but still advanced in barely an hour.

Nigeria: Electricity tariff cut not for residential consumers; to expect increament – NERC

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission on Thursday declared that most residential customers would not enjoy the benefits of the recent cut in electricity tariff.

According to the commission, most residential electricity consumers in the R1 and R2 categories did not experience any increase in tariff when electricity rates were hiked on January 1, 2015.

It said the increase on the first day of the year only affected industrial, commercial and high-end residential consumers, stressing that most people in the R1 and R2 categories would begin to pay increased tariffs from July 1, 2015.

Husband glued wife's vagina together after accusing her of cheating

A jealous husband who thought his wife was having an affair decided to get revenge, by putting superglue on her vagina.

The green-eyed husband became obsessed with the idea that his 40-year-old wife was sleeping with her uncle after he dropped her off at home one day in South Africa.

Locking her in a bedroom the 45-year-old forced her to strip while pointing a machete at her and threatened to chop her head off if she did not do as he said.

Lewis Hamilton stops early as Nico Rosberg sets pace

The Mercedes drivers suffered a Practice One of sharply contrasting fortunes at the Malaysia GP as Nico Rosberg set the pace while Lewis Hamilton ran into engine problems inside four laps.

On the morning that McLaren’s Fernando Alonso returned to action for the first time since his still mysterious Barcelona testing crash 33 days ago, world champions Mercedes picked up from where they left off at the Melbourne season-opener as Rosberg set the pace from the Ferraris.

Nigeria 2015 Polls: Thugs open fire on Gov Amaechi’s convoy

RIVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi escaped unhurt in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Thursday when gunmen, suspected to be political thugs, fired shots at his convoy.

Two members of the All Progressives Congress were however unlucky as they were seriously injured in the incident, which happened at about 6pm on Thursday. The governor was on a door-to-door ward campaign of the area.

Thursday 26 March 2015

Texas Senate approves bill allowing college students carry guns on campuses

 
College students in the state of Texas could soon carry concealed weapons on their campuses after the state Senate gave final approval to a bill on Thursday. 

The bill now moves to the state House of Representatives where it will receive a vote. If it passes that chamber, it will move to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk for a signature.

Texas would join some 20 states in having so-called campus-carry laws if the bill is passed. The campus-carry bill applies to handguns.

Messi leads Ronaldo on football rich list as Mourinho tops managers' list

Lionel Messi is the highest-paid footballer on the planet, banking nearly £1million a week last year in wages and sponsorship deals.

The Argentina and Barcelona favourite earned an eye-watering £47.8m in 2014, with his club salary of £26m topped up by lucrative endorsements with the likes of adidas, FIFA 15 and Turkish Airlines.

It puts him well ahead of his Real Madrid and Portugal nemesis Cristiano Ronaldo, who brought in £39.7m, according to the latest France Football magazine rich list.

Pope Francis to visit Obama at the White House in September

Pope Francis will make his first visit to the White House on 23 September, where he will meet with President Barack Obama and the pair will discuss a wide range of topics, according to the White House.

Nigeria 2015 Polls: 16 political parties endorse Buhari

No fewer than sixteen political parties in Ekiti State have endorsed the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari for the presidential poll on Saturday. 

The parties also passed a vote of confidence in the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to conduct a free, fair and credible poll. 

Nigeria 2015 Polls: Jonathan, Buhari pledge to accept election’s result if credible

President Goodluck Jonathan and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), have assured Nigerians that they would accept the outcome of a free, fair and credible presidential election even as they called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies to abide strictly by their professional roles.

EFCC reportedly freezes Father Mbaka’s accounts

There are reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen all the accounts of Enugu-based cleric and leader of the Adoration Ministries, Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka.

Daily Independent reports that the embattled cleric told his congregation during the Wednesday’s adoration Mass for the sick and needy that he went to withdraw money to buy food items for the poor masses that moved down from north because of the election, but to his surprise, his cheques were returned.

Kwara gov distributes 185 motorcycles to riders

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has distributed 185 motorcycles at the cost of N25 million to Joint Commercial Motorcycle Riders under the state N50 million revolving micro credit scheme.

Performing the ceremony at the open field of the Government House, Ilorin ,on Wednesday, the governor explained that the N25 million empowerment scheme for commercial motorcycle riders was part of the life transforming programmes by the current administration in nearly four years.

Co-pilot of ill-fated Germanwings flight wanted to crash plane

The co-pilot of the Germanwings flight that crashed in the French Alps, named as Andreas Lubitz, appeared to want to "destroy the plane", officials said.

Marseille prosecutor Brice Robin, citing information from the "black box" voice recorder, said the co-pilot was alone in the cockpit. He intentionally started a descent while the pilot was locked out.

Mr Robin said there was "absolute silence in the cockpit" as the pilot fought to re-enter it. He said air traffic controllers made repeated attempts to contact the aircraft, but to no avail. Passengers could be heard screaming just before the crash, he added.

Fernando Alonso and Valtteri Bottas cleared for Malaysia GP

Fernando Alonso and Valtteri Bottas have been cleared to race in this weekend's Malaysia Grand Prix.

Alonso will step back into his McLaren on Friday at Sepang after passing a series of concussion tests while Williams driver Bottas is fully recovered from a back problem which developed in Australia and forced him to miss the season-opening race in Melbourne.

We’ll liberate Gwoza by Friday, says Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday expressed the confidence that Nigerian troops will liberate Gwoza from members of the Boko Haram sect latest on Friday. Once that feat is achieved, he said it would not take the nation more than one week to clean up.

Jonathan spoke while granting audience to a group of international election monitors who paid him a visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“We believe by tomorrow (Thursday) or latest Friday, we will be able to take over Gwoza. If we take over Gwoza it will not take us more than one week to clean up. Now Boko Haram is not in position to come out and disrupt elections,” Jonathan told his guests.

M.I acquires 2013 Toyota Camry for manager

Chocolate City rapper, M.I Abaga is balling, you can tell he is balling really hard. 

Barely 24 hours after he added a brand new White Mercedes Benz G-Wagon to his fleet of cars, the rapper has just bought a brand new 2013 Toyota Camry for his manager, Abuchi Peter Ugwu. 

PHOTOS: Quick peep into the luxury jets Vladimir Putin splashed £100million on

Vladimir Putin has splashed out more than £100million on two new luxury private jets as his country remains on the brink of an economic disaster.

Photos of the planes were leaked online, showing lavish white leather chairs, gold covered trims, king size beds, kitchens and conference rooms, not to mention a plush gym - all as a part of the Russian president's gift to himself.

The walls of each are decorated with precious paintings and although both planes aren’t ready yet, they are expected to be delivered by the end of this year.

Saudi Arabia launches military operation in Yemen

Saudi Arabia has launched a military operation - including air strikes - in Yemen against Houthi Shia rebels, the Saudi ambassador in the US has said.

Adel al-Jubeir said Saudi Arabia acted to "defend the legitimate government" of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.

The Iran-backed rebels have made rapid gains in recent months, forcing Mr Hadi to flee the capital Sanaa. Explosions could be heard in Sanaa and its airport, and later reports suggested some civilian casualties.

Chibok girls are in Gwoza, freed captive says

More than 200 girls who were abducted by Boko Haram from government secondary school, Chibok, Borno State, in April 2014 are in Gwoza, The Cable, an online medium, on Wednesday quoted Mbutu Papka, a woman who was recently freed after eight months in the sect’s captivity, to have said.

Papka, who made the revelation to the international centre for investigative reporting, said she was transferred from a poor condition in Mdita to a fairly tolerable facility in Gwoza where the abducted girls were being held.

She said, “In the camp at Gwoza, there were clear demarcations between where people were kept. The Chibok girls, other captives and Boko Haram members and their family members all had their separate areas secured, though the security in the area where the girls are kept is visibly different and much tighter.

Families to visit Alps crash site

Relatives and friends of the 150 passengers and crew on Germanwings Flight 4U 9525 are due to go to the crash site high in the French Alps.

Lufthansa will operate two special flights - one from Barcelona and one from Duesseldorf - to Marseille, and both groups will travel on by road. 

Reports say one of the two pilots on the doomed flight had left the cockpit and had been unable to get back in just before the crash on Tuesday.

Buhari escapes disqualification

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned till April 22 and 23, all the suits challenging the eligibility of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to contest in the March 28 poll.

By implication, the court will not make any judicial pronouncement on Buhari’s eligibility till after the March 28 and April 11 elections.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola, after fixing the new dates for the suits, explained that his decision was informed by the court’s impending Easter holiday and the judges’ conference that would follow.

Wednesday 25 March 2015

Frustrated Costa apologises

Diego Costa has apologised to Spain after he was ruled out of Friday's European Qualifier against Ukraine and the international friendly against the Netherlands four days later.

The 26-year-old Chelsea striker will spend the weekend recuperating after suffering a hamstring injury during the Blues’ 3-2 victory at Hull City on Sunday.

"My history with the national team is that it still hasn't really started. I haven't done anything yet,” Costa said in an interview with Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

Arsenal's Mesut Ozil: I can win Ballon d'Or

Mesut Ozil believes he can win the Ballon d’Or in the next few years and says criticism from pundits only motivates him more.

The Germany international has featured in just 14 Premier League matches this season due to injuries but has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks.

Ozil now "feels physically better than ever" because of the bruising nature of England's top division and is set on becoming the best player in the world.

"If I continue to develop well and stay healthy, I would like, in the next few years, to hold the Ballon d’Or in my hands," Ozil told Sport Bild. "I am convinced that it can happen."

Zayn Malik QUITS One Direction

 
Shock news for fans as the 22-year-old said he had to do what was right in his heart.

After five incredible years Zayn Malik has decided to leave One Direction. Niall, Harry, Liam and Louis will continue as a four-piece and look forward to the forthcoming concerts of their world tour and recording their fifth album, due to be released later this year.

MUSIC: New hit from Wale ft Don Jazzy x Olamide x Reekado Banks – Allelu

 
American rap artiste, Wale, who is of Nigerian decent with family roots traced to Ondo State, has just dropped a sizzling joint with Nigerian music stars. 

The jam, "Allelu" was produced by Maleek Berry, which features Don Jazzy, Olamide and Reekado Banks.

Mayweather v Pacquiao will be most expensive pay-per-view fight

The fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will be the most expensive boxing match in UK pay-per-view history. 

Sky Sports Box Office has been awarded the rights to show live coverage of the fight from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday, 2 May. 

The channel will charge customers up to £24.95 to watch the bout depending on how it is booked.

Buhari planning to build prisons —Patience Jonathan

Wife of the President, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, has warned women against voting for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Muhammadu Buhari, saying the retired soldier was planning to build prisons if elected into power.

Speaking at a rally organised by the women wing of the Peoples Democratic Party, in Akure, Ondo State, on Tuesday, the President’s wife said Nigerian women should reciprocate the gesture of her husband, who ensured that a large number of women was appointed into political offices during his administration.