Rumour has it that two days After Jonathan Lost Election To Buhari, Pius Anyim Releases N6.1 Billion To Dasuki. Former President Goodluck Jonathan who was first implicated by Dasuki today has been dragged into a mass looting scandal. A secret document released by the Presidency revealed that GEJ authorized Ex-SGF Pius Anyim to release a whopping N6.1 billion naira to Dasuki 48 hours after his defeat.
Monday, 14 December 2015
DID CASSIE JUST REVEAL HER RELATIONSHIP WITH DIDDY IS OVER?
Cassie Ventura has been using social media to send out some cryptic messages about her love life. The longtime girlfriend of Sean “Diddy” Combs posted and quickly deleted a photo of a baby smiling while sleeping with the caption, “How I sleep knowing that I’m single and nobody cheating on me,” according to PerezHilton.com. Did she just blast her man for stepping out on their relationship and declared she’s back on the market?It’s hard to say since she took the post down shortly after. But it’s not the first time she’s shared posts indicating her romance with Diddy may be on the rocks. She recently posted another message that read, “I’ve learned the most, unlearning what I knew.” 

2 WEEKS AFTER: EFCC ARRESTS SACKED NIMASA DG
The immediate past director general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Heads are seriously rolling this last quarter of the year o... Chai. His arrest comes two weeks after he was fired from his post. A source in NIMASA informed Premium Times that Akpobolokemi was arrested in Lagos on Thursday morning and was detained at the Lagos office of the EFCC in the Ikoyi area of the city. According to the source, the DG was taken in at about 10 a.m. and a discreet investigation was being conducted by EFCC operatives.
“Rumour has it that the former DG is still there, sweating profusely as he was being questioned by investigators. “For instance, they wanted to know how a whopping N13 billion was spent on the acquisition of land for the permanent site of the Nigerian Maritime University in Delta,” our source said. “They also asked about other transactions they believed were fraudulent, including transfers of millions of dollars from NIMASA accounts to other accounts,” the NIMASA source said. Confirming the DG’s arrest, an official in the prosecution unit of the EFCC in Lagos who pleaded anonymity said: “I’m aware he is with us but I don’t have details about the case against him or what investigators are asking him.”
Akpobolokemi had been fired on July 16, by President Muhammadu Buhari and directed to hand over all government property in his possession and vacate office. During Akpobolokemi’s tenure as DG, there were several allegations of financial impropriety against NIMASA. It was alleged that the agency funded the lavish lifestyles of some Niger Delta militants and also bankrolled most of the hate campaigns against Buhari in the run-up to the 2015 elections.
Heads are seriously rolling this last quarter of the year o... Chai. His arrest comes two weeks after he was fired from his post. A source in NIMASA informed Premium Times that Akpobolokemi was arrested in Lagos on Thursday morning and was detained at the Lagos office of the EFCC in the Ikoyi area of the city. According to the source, the DG was taken in at about 10 a.m. and a discreet investigation was being conducted by EFCC operatives.
“Rumour has it that the former DG is still there, sweating profusely as he was being questioned by investigators. “For instance, they wanted to know how a whopping N13 billion was spent on the acquisition of land for the permanent site of the Nigerian Maritime University in Delta,” our source said. “They also asked about other transactions they believed were fraudulent, including transfers of millions of dollars from NIMASA accounts to other accounts,” the NIMASA source said. Confirming the DG’s arrest, an official in the prosecution unit of the EFCC in Lagos who pleaded anonymity said: “I’m aware he is with us but I don’t have details about the case against him or what investigators are asking him.”
Akpobolokemi had been fired on July 16, by President Muhammadu Buhari and directed to hand over all government property in his possession and vacate office. During Akpobolokemi’s tenure as DG, there were several allegations of financial impropriety against NIMASA. It was alleged that the agency funded the lavish lifestyles of some Niger Delta militants and also bankrolled most of the hate campaigns against Buhari in the run-up to the 2015 elections.
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BREAKING NEWS: ALLEGED N2.1BN FRAUD: DOKPESI SECURES N400M BAIL
The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has granted the former Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, bail to the tune of N400milion.
In a ruling this afternoon, trial Justice Gabriel Kolawole ordered Dokpesi who is facing a six-count criminal charge, to produce two sureties who must deposit N200m each. The court stressed that one of the sureties must be a public servant, either serving or retired, not below the level of a Director, adding that the second surety may be an entrepreneur who must submit three years tax clearance. Justice Kolawole held that either of the two sureties must tender title deeds of a landed property in any part of Nigeria, the value of which must not be below N200million. The sureties, the court said must depose to an affidavit of means, submit two recent passport photographs to the Deputy Chief Registrar, DCR, Administration, of he high court. Dokpesi further directed to surrender his international passport, “If already in custody of the EFCC, it should be delivered to the DCR of the Federal High Court in charge of Litigation”. Meanwhile, Justice Kolawole ordered that Dokpesi should be remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of the bail conditions. It will be recalled that Dokpesi who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was arraigned before the court on December 11, over alleged N2.1billion fraud. He is facing trial alongside his firm, DAAR Investment and Holdings Ltd, owners of African Independent Television, AIT, and Raypower FM. Specifically, EFCC, in the charge signed by its Deputy Director, Legal and Prosecution, Mr. Aliyu Yusuf, alleged that Dokpesi received about N2.1billion from the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, for PDP’s presidential media campaign. According to the charge, the funds were released to the accused persons between October 2014 and March 19, 2015. The funds were allegedly transferred from an account the office of NSA operated with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to a FirstBank of Nigeria Plc account owned by DAAR Investment and Holding Company Limited. The prosecution maintained that the transaction was in breach of section 58 (4) (b) of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and punishable under section 58 (6) and 7 of the same Act, as well as under section 17 (b) of the EFCC Act, 2004. Dokpesi had since pleaded not guilty to the charge, even as the court slated February 17, 18 and March 2 and 3, 2016, to begin full-blown hearing on the matter.Sunday, 13 December 2015
PUBLIC FIGURES IMPLICATED IN THE $2.1M SCANDAL HAVE REPORTEDLY BEEN REACHING OUT TO OBASANJO TO HELP THEIR PLIGHT
Some public figures who have been implicated in the $2.1bn arms fund scandal have reportedly reached out to former President, Olusegun Obasanjo to wade in and help their plight. According to Punch, these group of prominent Nigerians who received funds from the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, want soft landing with their prosecution. The reports states that ‘a trusted aide’ of Obasanjo made the revelation that many of those fingered in the arms funds diversion scandal, have sought help from his principal.
The aide however, said Obasanjo is unlikely to want to get involved in the ongoing investigation, and as such, those running to him for help are wasting their time. The unnamed source was quoted to have said: “Of course, some of the people involved in the scandal are reaching out to Baba (Obasanjo). They want soft-landing. People would always reach out to him. But we all know Obasanjo’s disposition to some people and what he thinks of them. “Moreover, the revelations are serious. Even if only 10 per cent is true, it is still serious. Also it is important to stress that what have been revealed are the things that we know. How about other deals that we do not know? We are talking about the office of the National Security Adviser, how about what happened in other places: Education, Finance, Aviation etc?”
The aide however, said Obasanjo is unlikely to want to get involved in the ongoing investigation, and as such, those running to him for help are wasting their time. The unnamed source was quoted to have said: “Of course, some of the people involved in the scandal are reaching out to Baba (Obasanjo). They want soft-landing. People would always reach out to him. But we all know Obasanjo’s disposition to some people and what he thinks of them. “Moreover, the revelations are serious. Even if only 10 per cent is true, it is still serious. Also it is important to stress that what have been revealed are the things that we know. How about other deals that we do not know? We are talking about the office of the National Security Adviser, how about what happened in other places: Education, Finance, Aviation etc?”
CHECK OUT THE NEW PATROL CARS GIVEN TO POLICE BY ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNOR' OBIANO
The Anambra State government has donated 25 advanced patrol vans and other tactical operation equipment for combating crime to the Police in the state.
Commissioning and test-driving the vehicles, Governor Willie Obiano said the latest security development was part of his commitment to eradicating crime in the Nigeria’s southeast commercial state. “We have entered a new phase in the pursuit of security in Anambra State. “These cars are modeled after the Rapid Response cars used by the police in the United States of America. “The mere appearance of these cars gives a strong warning of the resolve of my administration to free our people from the fear of criminals for good,” Governor Obiano said. Commending the Governor, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, said Anambra State had set a worthy pace in security management in Nigeria.
He expressed optimism that the development would enhance police visibility in every area of the state as well as counter any threat to individual or collective security and safety.
The Police boss urged other State Executives especially in the South-eastern region, to emulate the Governor Obiano administration’s strategy in tackling security challenges.
While the Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, shared the security exploits of the current administration, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Hassan Karma, gave an insight into what the advanced security cars could do in saving lives.
Senior police officers and other security agencies as well as government functionaries, traditional rulers, clergy and a large crowd of Anambra State citizens were all present at the security event.
Commissioning and test-driving the vehicles, Governor Willie Obiano said the latest security development was part of his commitment to eradicating crime in the Nigeria’s southeast commercial state. “We have entered a new phase in the pursuit of security in Anambra State. “These cars are modeled after the Rapid Response cars used by the police in the United States of America. “The mere appearance of these cars gives a strong warning of the resolve of my administration to free our people from the fear of criminals for good,” Governor Obiano said. Commending the Governor, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, said Anambra State had set a worthy pace in security management in Nigeria.
The Police boss urged other State Executives especially in the South-eastern region, to emulate the Governor Obiano administration’s strategy in tackling security challenges.
While the Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, shared the security exploits of the current administration, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Hassan Karma, gave an insight into what the advanced security cars could do in saving lives.
Senior police officers and other security agencies as well as government functionaries, traditional rulers, clergy and a large crowd of Anambra State citizens were all present at the security event.
Girl, 2, DIES AFTER BRUTAL RAPE BY MOTHER'S BOYFRIEND
A two-year-old girl in Oklahoma City has died after she was allegedly raped by her mother's 22-year-old boyfriend. Shaleah Cudjo was pronounced dead shortly after she was taken to the hospital following a welfare check at about 10.13am on September 3, when police received a call saying the girl was not breathing. Justin Lawson, 22, was arrested on complaints of first-degree murder and rape shortly after the incident. Shaleah's mother, Keah Cudjo, told police that her boyfriend, Lawson, told her while she was away that the girl was sick and not doing well. The little girl had lost a large amount of blood after sustaining internal injuries and other injuries that displayed evidence of sexual assault. 'They told me by the time I got here, she was already dead and there was nothing I could do. She had lost too much blood,' mother Keah says. Justin Lawson had been at home with Shaleah but left the scene shortly after 911 was called. He was later found and arrested on outstanding warrants.
Gambia Declares Itself ‘Islamic Republic’
Gambia's president has declared the West African country an Islamic republic saying the decision was made because Islam is the religion of most citizens and the nation must break away from its colonial past. President Yahya Jammeh made the declaration at the end of a political rally held on Friday at the coastal village Brufut, about 15km west of the capital Banjul. "In line with the country's religious identity and values, I proclaim Gambia as an Islamic state," the Gambian leader said. About 90 percent of Gambia's 1.8 million people are Muslim. The country gained independence from Britain in 1965. "Gambia cannot afford to continue the colonial legacy," Jammeh said. In an attempt to allay the fears of religious minorities, Jammeh said the rights of Gambia's Christian community - who make up about eight percent of the country's population - will be protected. Jammeh said there will be no mandates on dress. "We will be an Islamic state that would respect the rights of all citizens and non-citizens."
CHECK OUT DAVIDO'S CARS
Its no doubt that the entertainment business in Nigeria is really booming and most entertainers especially musicians show off their lavish lifestyles on social media.
Here are Davido's cars.
Here are Davido's cars.
The most recent car he got over a month ago
His Mercedes
Audi
Yellow Chevrolet
White Chevrolet
Black and White Porsche
Black Range Rover
DOZENS FEARED DEAD AS NIGERIAN ARMY FINALLY ARREST SHI'TE LEADER, IBRAHIM El-ZAKZAKY
The leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, a Shi’te Islamic group in Nigeria, Ibrahim Elzakzaky, has been arrested by Nigerian troops, following a siege on his Zaria residence. Inside sources reveals that a top leader of the movement, Muhammadu Turi, and the head of the medical team of the sect, Mustapha Saidu, and several others were killed during the siege. The Nigerian Army and members of the sect have accused each other of instigating attacks that led to the death of members of the movement on Saturday. While the Army accused the Shi'te followers of attempting to assassinate Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, the Islamic movement said soldiers simply decided to attack “defenseless people”. It was gathered that the Nigerian troops sustained a crackdown on the members of the sect throughout the night as heavy shootings and sounds of explosions were heard in Gellesu and Sokoto Road, where Hussainiyya – the spiritual centre of the sect – is located. Residents of the area told our reporter that they saw armoured tanks demolishing the Hussainiyya shrine and the residence of the leader of the sect.
MAN CAUGHT ON CCTV ASSAULTING OLD PEOPLE IN CHANDIGARH
Friday, 11 December 2015
ACTRESS MERCY JOHNSON AND HUSBAND WELCOME THIRD BABY
Star actress, Mercy Johnson has welcomed her 3rd child, a baby girl.Mercy welcomed her bundle of joy yesterday in the United States. Below is what her husband, who is now a father of five (2 from his previous marriage) penned down. With my Hands Lifted up and my Mouth Filled with Praise with a Heart of THANKSGIVING I will Worship you oh Lord. I Hurriedly left Nigeria to witness the birth of my Baby, I was airborne when the Baby arrived. I'm right in the hospital at University of Maryland (St.Joseph Medical Centre) Baltimore. My wife and baby doing very well. Its a sister for Purity.Help me give thanks to God in this month of THANKSGIVING. God bless you all'
Congrats guys...
CBN Will Publish Names Of Treasury Looters Soon – Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari says the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will soon publish the names of officials of the last administration who stole public funds and the amount surrendered to the coffers of the Federal Government. The President told guests at the 15th session of the Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation Lecture in Abuja on Friday that the CBN had not published the list to avoid jeopardising investigations and further recoveries.
Addressing the gathering on the administration’s fight against corruption, President Buhari gave more revelations on the nation’s stolen funds which had garnered various speculations in the last few months. According to the President, the war against corruption is gathering momentum. “As I stated recently, a good number of people who abused their positions are voluntarily returning the illicit funds. I have heard it said that we should disclose the names of the people, and the amount returned. “Yes, in due course, the Central Bank of Nigeria will make information available to the public on the surrendered funds, but I must remark that it is yet early days, and any disclosure now may jeopardize the possibility of bigger recoveries.“But we owe Nigerians adequate information, and it shall come in due course. It is part of the collective effort to change our land from the bastion of corruption it currently is, to a place of probity and transparency,” President Buhari explained. “No Friend, No Foe". He also told the gathering that Nigeria’s rating on the global corruption index had risen rather than dropped. “Quite frankly, the anti-corruption war is not strictly about me as a person, it is about building a country where our children, and the forthcoming generations, can live in peace and prosperity. When you see dilapidated infrastructure round the country, it is often the consequence of corruption. “Poor healthcare, collapsed education, lack of public utilities, decayed social services, are all products of corruption, as those entrusted with public resources put them in their private pockets. That must stop, if we want a new Nigeria. And that was why I said at another forum that people need not fear me, but they must fear the consequences of their actions. “Corrupt acts will always be punished, and there will be no friend, no foe. We will strive to do what is fair and just at all times, but people who refuse to embrace probity should have every cause to fear,” the President said, reiterating his commitment to ‘killing corruption’, a promise he made during campaigns.
BREAKING: SENATE MINORITY LEADER GODSWILL AKPABIO SACKED FROM THE SENATE
News reports have now authoritatively confirmed that the Senate Minority Leader for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Godswill Akpabio, has been sacked today. Mr. Akpabio is a Senator representing Akwa Ibom State, and is the former two term governor of that State.
The Federal Court of Appeal announced today that violations to the Electoral Act during the senatorial election between Mr. Akpabio and the All Progressives Congress candidate Inibehe Okori informed their ruling. The Court of Appeal ordered a rerun election in Akwa Ibom State in 90 days.
The Federal Court of Appeal announced today that violations to the Electoral Act during the senatorial election between Mr. Akpabio and the All Progressives Congress candidate Inibehe Okori informed their ruling. The Court of Appeal ordered a rerun election in Akwa Ibom State in 90 days.
Sir you have been FIRED.
Thursday, 10 December 2015
EXPOSED: EX-NIGERIA FINANCE MINISTER OKONJO-IWEALA CONFESSES: I PAID DASUKI $322m FROM ABACHA LOOT. WAIT FOR IT.... BUT IT WAS A LOAN
Former Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo Iweala yesterday said she had paid former National Security Adviser to the President, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd) $322m (about N63billion) from recovered Abacha funds to finance military operations.
The immediate past minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has confirmed PREMIUM TIMES story on how she disbursed N61.4 billion Abacha loot based on the directive of former President Goodluck Jonathan. The money was disbursed on the request of former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki, for arms procurement without the statutory approval of the National Assembly. On Wednesday, this newspaper revealed in an exclusive report how Ms. Okonjo-Iweala in a memo to Mr. Jonathan, approved the transfer of $300 million and £5.5 million (N61.4 million) to the Office of the NSA, shoving off accountability of the usage of the funds. In a statement Wednesday by the media aide of the former minister, Paul Nwabuikwu, the minister confirmed that the money was part of $322 million recovered Abacha loot, and that a committee set up by the Mr. Jonathan had decided that the money be disbursed for urgent security issues and developmental programmes. She was however silent on why she agreed to disburse the funds without the approval of the National Assembly, in clear violation of the provision of the constitution. She said just before the money was disbursed, the military hierarchy had accused her of not disbursing enough money for the prosecution of the war.“The central responsibility of the minister of Finance is to find sources of funding for the financing of approved national priorities such as security, job creation and infrastructure.“It will be recalled that throughout 2014, there were public complaints by the military hierarchy to President Goodluck Jonathan about the inadequacy of funds to fight the anti-terror war in the North East, resulting in Boko Haram making gains and even taking territories. “A lot of the criticism was directed at the Federal Ministry of Finance under Dr Okonjo-Iweala which was accused of not doing enough to find funds for the operations. “In fact, the ministry, on several occasions, had to call press conferences to provide details of budgetary spending on the military, to show, against the background of limited resources and other urgent national priorities, that it was doing its best on funding security. “It was about this time that some new Abacha funds of about $322m were returned with another $700m still expected to be returned. “Former President Jonathan set up a committee, comprising the former minister of Justice, former NSA and the former minister of Finance to determine how best to use both the returned and expected funds for development,” the statement stated. However, she failed to explain if her role as minister of finance gave her the power to lend money to another agency of government. She also did not reveal the conditions under which the said loan was granted to the office of the NSA. (Loan.... Yeah right)
On why she abdicated the responsibility of ensuring the money was properly accounted for to the former president, Ms. Okonjo-Iweala curiously said the ministry of finance was not part of the security architecture. “But, as captured in the memo, she insisted on three conditions: (a) only a part, not the entire Abacha funds would be spent on the arms; the rest would be invested in developmental projects as originally conceived. (b) the money was to be treated as borrowed funds which would be paid back as soon as possible. (c) the NSA’s office was to account for the spending to the president who was the Commander-in-Chief, given the fact that the minister of Finance is not part of the security architecture and does not participate in the Security Council,” she explained. Despite agreeing with PREMIUM TIMES story, she however described it as “baseless” and part of a campaign of falsehood orchestrated by the “Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, and other powerful and corrupt interests” to tarnish her name.
The immediate past minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has confirmed PREMIUM TIMES story on how she disbursed N61.4 billion Abacha loot based on the directive of former President Goodluck Jonathan. The money was disbursed on the request of former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki, for arms procurement without the statutory approval of the National Assembly. On Wednesday, this newspaper revealed in an exclusive report how Ms. Okonjo-Iweala in a memo to Mr. Jonathan, approved the transfer of $300 million and £5.5 million (N61.4 million) to the Office of the NSA, shoving off accountability of the usage of the funds. In a statement Wednesday by the media aide of the former minister, Paul Nwabuikwu, the minister confirmed that the money was part of $322 million recovered Abacha loot, and that a committee set up by the Mr. Jonathan had decided that the money be disbursed for urgent security issues and developmental programmes. She was however silent on why she agreed to disburse the funds without the approval of the National Assembly, in clear violation of the provision of the constitution. She said just before the money was disbursed, the military hierarchy had accused her of not disbursing enough money for the prosecution of the war.“The central responsibility of the minister of Finance is to find sources of funding for the financing of approved national priorities such as security, job creation and infrastructure.“It will be recalled that throughout 2014, there were public complaints by the military hierarchy to President Goodluck Jonathan about the inadequacy of funds to fight the anti-terror war in the North East, resulting in Boko Haram making gains and even taking territories. “A lot of the criticism was directed at the Federal Ministry of Finance under Dr Okonjo-Iweala which was accused of not doing enough to find funds for the operations. “In fact, the ministry, on several occasions, had to call press conferences to provide details of budgetary spending on the military, to show, against the background of limited resources and other urgent national priorities, that it was doing its best on funding security. “It was about this time that some new Abacha funds of about $322m were returned with another $700m still expected to be returned. “Former President Jonathan set up a committee, comprising the former minister of Justice, former NSA and the former minister of Finance to determine how best to use both the returned and expected funds for development,” the statement stated. However, she failed to explain if her role as minister of finance gave her the power to lend money to another agency of government. She also did not reveal the conditions under which the said loan was granted to the office of the NSA. (Loan.... Yeah right)
On why she abdicated the responsibility of ensuring the money was properly accounted for to the former president, Ms. Okonjo-Iweala curiously said the ministry of finance was not part of the security architecture. “But, as captured in the memo, she insisted on three conditions: (a) only a part, not the entire Abacha funds would be spent on the arms; the rest would be invested in developmental projects as originally conceived. (b) the money was to be treated as borrowed funds which would be paid back as soon as possible. (c) the NSA’s office was to account for the spending to the president who was the Commander-in-Chief, given the fact that the minister of Finance is not part of the security architecture and does not participate in the Security Council,” she explained. Despite agreeing with PREMIUM TIMES story, she however described it as “baseless” and part of a campaign of falsehood orchestrated by the “Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, and other powerful and corrupt interests” to tarnish her name.
EFCC GIVES "TOMPOLO" ONE WEEK TO APPEAR BEFORE THE COMMISSION OR RISK BEING WANTED
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has given former Niger Delta militant leader, Mr Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo one week to appear before the Commission on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos or risk being declared wanted.
In a letter from the EFCC, the Commission says it is investigating Tompolo for unclear dealings involving the sale of parcels of land worth about 13 billion naira to the federal government under the last administration. He is expected to appear at the EFCC training room on Thursday, December 17. A similar invitation was extended to Tompolo in November by the Head of Operations at the EFCC, Iliasu Kwabai but he failed to appear and no correspondence was received from him.
In a letter from the EFCC, the Commission says it is investigating Tompolo for unclear dealings involving the sale of parcels of land worth about 13 billion naira to the federal government under the last administration. He is expected to appear at the EFCC training room on Thursday, December 17. A similar invitation was extended to Tompolo in November by the Head of Operations at the EFCC, Iliasu Kwabai but he failed to appear and no correspondence was received from him.
Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a. Tompolo, a former militant has risen to become a strong ally of the federal government, and a billionaire businessman especially under the goodluck administration. Only three years ago, he was a fugitive. In May 2009, Brigadier-General Sarkin Yaki Bello, commander of the Joint Military Task Force, JTF, in Niger Delta, had declared Government Ekpemupolo the most wanted man in Nigeria and his band of militants in the Gbaramutu creeks of the Niger Delta as executed the killing of 11 soldiers – one officer and 10 junior men. It was just one of the many instances of the militants’ atrocities.
The militants had been running riot in the Niger Delta, perpetrating illegitimate bunkering, operating illegal refineries, vandalising oil pipelines, engaging in kidnapping and doing piracy. And Tompolo was in the thick of it as one of the leaders. The JTF was intent on doing him in. Tompolo did not only becomea free man, he became untouchable by the goodluck administration that only five years ago, considered him an arch enemy deserving of extermination. Despite his violent past and little education, he is one of the most influential Nigerians today. There is no doubt that he is very close to President Goodluck Jonathan. To ascertain this, Jonathan's government invested the Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, GWVSL, a firm widely believed to be owned by Tompolo, with a contract worth $103.4 million (over N15 billion) to supply 20 vessels for the use of the nation’s military authorities to secure the waterways. Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Ziadeke Akpobolokemi, back then sent a memo titled, “Award of Contract for the Strategic Concessioning Partnership with NIMASA to Provide Platforms for Tracking Ships and Cargoes, Enforce Regulatory Compliance and Surveillance Of The Entire Nigerian Maritime Domain,” to President Goodluck Jonathan. In considering the memo, President Goodluck Jonathan and Akpobolokemi chose GWVSL as the preferred company for the 10-year concession agreement. The concession is renewable for two terms of five years each. Jonathan, in a memo dated 9 November 2011, with reference number PRES/99/MT/61, approved Akpobolokemi’s memo, which the Federal Executive Council rubber-stamped on 5 January 2012. N124bn was generated in revenue to the federal government by GWVSL which Jonathan sent a memo to the National Assembly, urging it to discountenance an earlier one submitted by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Yar’Adua’s memo sought to create a coastal guard, comprising all security agencies, to man the country’s maritime domain. President Jonathan, Akpobolokemi and Tompolo are from the Niger Delta, whose people have for many years been expressing infuriating that they are being oppressed despite the fact that the geographical area produces the oil that enriches Nigeria. More importantly GWVSL was a private company that provided the entire $103.4mn fund for the exercise it recouped the investment from surpassing NIMASA’s annual revenue collection profile. “Under the NIMASA Act, it is empowered to take charge of administration and the safety of our waters. And under the same Act, NIMASA has been empowered to carry out its functions, duties and responsibilities either by itself or through any institution of government or in partnership with any agency of government or through or in partnership with any natural person or limited liability company like the Global West Limited which has now entered into a partnership with NIMASA”. Critics, mostly northern leaders, accused the then President Jonathan of secretly pursuing an ethnic agenda and wondered why what they called a sensitive contract that borders on national security should be handed to a private company. The disenchanted leaders cited the abrupt deployment of former Minister of Transport, Yusuf Suleiman to the Ministry of Sports for once querying Akpobolokemi over the Tompolo issue. Suleiman eventually lost his job as Transport Minister for speaking up.
The militants had been running riot in the Niger Delta, perpetrating illegitimate bunkering, operating illegal refineries, vandalising oil pipelines, engaging in kidnapping and doing piracy. And Tompolo was in the thick of it as one of the leaders. The JTF was intent on doing him in. Tompolo did not only becomea free man, he became untouchable by the goodluck administration that only five years ago, considered him an arch enemy deserving of extermination. Despite his violent past and little education, he is one of the most influential Nigerians today. There is no doubt that he is very close to President Goodluck Jonathan. To ascertain this, Jonathan's government invested the Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, GWVSL, a firm widely believed to be owned by Tompolo, with a contract worth $103.4 million (over N15 billion) to supply 20 vessels for the use of the nation’s military authorities to secure the waterways. Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Ziadeke Akpobolokemi, back then sent a memo titled, “Award of Contract for the Strategic Concessioning Partnership with NIMASA to Provide Platforms for Tracking Ships and Cargoes, Enforce Regulatory Compliance and Surveillance Of The Entire Nigerian Maritime Domain,” to President Goodluck Jonathan. In considering the memo, President Goodluck Jonathan and Akpobolokemi chose GWVSL as the preferred company for the 10-year concession agreement. The concession is renewable for two terms of five years each. Jonathan, in a memo dated 9 November 2011, with reference number PRES/99/MT/61, approved Akpobolokemi’s memo, which the Federal Executive Council rubber-stamped on 5 January 2012. N124bn was generated in revenue to the federal government by GWVSL which Jonathan sent a memo to the National Assembly, urging it to discountenance an earlier one submitted by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Yar’Adua’s memo sought to create a coastal guard, comprising all security agencies, to man the country’s maritime domain. President Jonathan, Akpobolokemi and Tompolo are from the Niger Delta, whose people have for many years been expressing infuriating that they are being oppressed despite the fact that the geographical area produces the oil that enriches Nigeria. More importantly GWVSL was a private company that provided the entire $103.4mn fund for the exercise it recouped the investment from surpassing NIMASA’s annual revenue collection profile. “Under the NIMASA Act, it is empowered to take charge of administration and the safety of our waters. And under the same Act, NIMASA has been empowered to carry out its functions, duties and responsibilities either by itself or through any institution of government or in partnership with any agency of government or through or in partnership with any natural person or limited liability company like the Global West Limited which has now entered into a partnership with NIMASA”. Critics, mostly northern leaders, accused the then President Jonathan of secretly pursuing an ethnic agenda and wondered why what they called a sensitive contract that borders on national security should be handed to a private company. The disenchanted leaders cited the abrupt deployment of former Minister of Transport, Yusuf Suleiman to the Ministry of Sports for once querying Akpobolokemi over the Tompolo issue. Suleiman eventually lost his job as Transport Minister for speaking up.
Gradually, Tompolo’s fame as a vicious war general but a principled and magnanimous leader to his forces spread through the creeks. He had moved back to Okerenkoko to establish Camp 5 as his headquarters. Camp 5 was originally a private property called “Abuja” in the neighborhood from where he and his colleagues started the struggle. And gradually, the money began to flow in – from the various rackets of political and corporate protection, to illegal oil bunkering. He was effectively leader of the Delta State and of the Niger Delta militants’ battle against oppression. As Convener of the Ijaw Youth Leadership Forum, IYLF, the umbrella body of all Ijaw young militants, Tompolo was, and is said to still be, providing mentorship and logistic support for all members. Across Delta State, he contributed to strengthening other militant groups. One example was Mujahid Dokubo Asari’s Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, NDPVF, to which Tompolo not only provided field fighters but also supplied the necessary arms and ammunition that ensured Asari’s successful commencement of his military campaign against oil installations.
Tompolo’s intervention also helped to check the rampaging influence of Ateke Tom’s Icelander Group.Tompolo’s profile and stature soared in 2006 when he gathered his fellow group leaders from across the Niger Delta at Camp 5 to accord their struggle a definite name and platform. Besides, the new platform was meant to be immediately used to press for the release of Asari and Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the former Bayelsa State governor, both of who were incarcerated by the federal government. So it was at Camp 5, Tompolo’s headquarters, that the Movement of the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, was formed. So if any of the groups attacked any oil installation or kidnapped any figure, it was MEND that would admit responsibility for the act. By 2009, Tompolo had amassed so much influence in Niger Delta affairs that even powerful figures in the zone looked up to him for economic and political empowerment. Reliable Niger Delta sources affirmed that his influence sustained his kinsman, Chief Wellington Okrika as Executive Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, for so long. Tompolo was also said to have virtually single-handedly enthroned Godwin Bebenimibo, a retired Superintendent of Police, as Gbaran III Agadagba, the traditional ruler of the Gbaramatu kingdom.
Is Nicki Minaj engaged to her rapper boyfriend Meek Mill?
That certainly seemed to be the question fans were asking on Wednesday after the rapper
posted a picture of a huge diamond sparkler on her engagement finger on Instagram.
"Now this is what I'm talking about baby. Lol. Love u," Minaj wrote to Mill in the caption of the photo. What do you get the woman who seems to have everything? Well, some more diamonds wouldn't hurt. Meek Mill definitely impressed his ladylove Nicki Minaj on her birthday yesterday when he gifted her a gorgeous and absolutely blingtastic diamond ring, which the female rapper obviously showed off in an up-close Instagram picture.
Engagement Rumors between the pair began swirling back in April when Nicki revealed a 15-carat fancy yellow heart modified brilliant cut diamond mounted in platinum with a double halo of white pavé diamonds. A source also confirmed to E! News that the duo is in fact engaged, telling us at the time, "Both Meek and Nicki have been spending amazing quality time together lately and have gotten extremely close these past few months. It may seem like it all is happening very quickly but Nicki and Meek are in this 100. They truly love each other." Perhaps the heart-cut wasn't cutting it for Nicki? Meek hinted at getting his girl some bling for her birthday, posting a photo of three different cut diamonds on Instagram with the caption, "A girls best friend...." He also shared a photograph of himself staring at Minaj luxuriously getting out of a car (while showing off some serious cleavage), and wrote, "Happy birthday to the strongest softest woman I know my baby! @nickiminaj."
Happy birthday, indeed!
"Now this is what I'm talking about baby. Lol. Love u," Minaj wrote to Mill in the caption of the photo. What do you get the woman who seems to have everything? Well, some more diamonds wouldn't hurt. Meek Mill definitely impressed his ladylove Nicki Minaj on her birthday yesterday when he gifted her a gorgeous and absolutely blingtastic diamond ring, which the female rapper obviously showed off in an up-close Instagram picture.
Engagement Rumors between the pair began swirling back in April when Nicki revealed a 15-carat fancy yellow heart modified brilliant cut diamond mounted in platinum with a double halo of white pavé diamonds. A source also confirmed to E! News that the duo is in fact engaged, telling us at the time, "Both Meek and Nicki have been spending amazing quality time together lately and have gotten extremely close these past few months. It may seem like it all is happening very quickly but Nicki and Meek are in this 100. They truly love each other." Perhaps the heart-cut wasn't cutting it for Nicki? Meek hinted at getting his girl some bling for her birthday, posting a photo of three different cut diamonds on Instagram with the caption, "A girls best friend...." He also shared a photograph of himself staring at Minaj luxuriously getting out of a car (while showing off some serious cleavage), and wrote, "Happy birthday to the strongest softest woman I know my baby! @nickiminaj."
Happy birthday, indeed!
Tuesday, 8 December 2015
KERRY WASHINGTON AND HUSBAND NNAMDI ASOMUGHA'S MARRIAGE MAY SOON BE OVER
According to TMZ The 'Scandal' star has had it with her NFL player husband.
Scandal star Kerry Washington could probably use the help of her fictional television persona, Olivia Pope! The actress is reportedly at her wits end with her football player hubby of two years, Nnamdi Asomugha, and it’s looking more and more likely they aren’t going to last much longer.
“Things have gotten so bad, Kerry and Nnamdi are barely talking,” a source told In Touch of the couple who welcomed their baby girl Isabel 19 months ago. “They are like two strangers living under the same roof.”
“She’s already met with her attorney to start preparing,” added the source, who also noted marriage counseling failed and the two “are pretty much separated.”
Washington and Asomugha’s relationship reportedly started deteriorating just four months after their June 2013 marriage when Asomugha was kicked off the San Francisco 49ers football team. While her 34-year-old husband never got a new job, Washington continues to pull 14-hour days on Scandal and she’s tired of watching Asomugha laze about the house. their 19-month old daughter, Isabelle.
“Nnamdi resents her,” said the source. “He believes Kerry’s the one who’s given up on their marriage.”
Scandal star Kerry Washington could probably use the help of her fictional television persona, Olivia Pope! The actress is reportedly at her wits end with her football player hubby of two years, Nnamdi Asomugha, and it’s looking more and more likely they aren’t going to last much longer.
“Things have gotten so bad, Kerry and Nnamdi are barely talking,” a source told In Touch of the couple who welcomed their baby girl Isabel 19 months ago. “They are like two strangers living under the same roof.”
“She’s already met with her attorney to start preparing,” added the source, who also noted marriage counseling failed and the two “are pretty much separated.”
Washington and Asomugha’s relationship reportedly started deteriorating just four months after their June 2013 marriage when Asomugha was kicked off the San Francisco 49ers football team. While her 34-year-old husband never got a new job, Washington continues to pull 14-hour days on Scandal and she’s tired of watching Asomugha laze about the house. their 19-month old daughter, Isabelle.
“Nnamdi resents her,” said the source. “He believes Kerry’s the one who’s given up on their marriage.”
KIM AND KANYE NAME THEIR SON 'SAINT WEST'
KIm and Kanye West announced they are calling their new baby boy Saint West, a name that left many wondering why.Now the meaning behind the most unusual moniker has been revealed.Saint was chosen because Kim and Kanye feel this child is truly 'a blessing' in their lives 'because she had such a difficult pregnancy,' a source E! News.
The name came to them fairly recently because when asked not so long ago if she'd picked out any names yet, Kim replied that she had not. 'We just started talking about it and that was the last thing for us last time. So I feel confident obviously that we'll figure it out,' Kim confided to the news site. The 35-year-old reality star took to her subscription based website kimkardashianwest.com to unveil the name of her and Kanye's son under the title 'To Our Fans.' 'Saint West, 12.05.15, 8 pounds 1 ounce,' Kim wrote, including four emojis that supposedly were meant to be her, Kanye, North and Saint.
On Saturday morning, Kim announced the baby had arrived via a photo which showed her and Kanye's hands clasped together.'To our fans: Kanye and I welcome our baby boy! Kim Kardashian West and her husband, Kanye West, welcomed the arrival of their son this morning. Mother and son are doing well,' the statement read. On Monday, TMZ claimed that Kim's delivery was a long and painful one. The star allegedly had placenta accreta, a serious pregnancy condition in which the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall, which can cause severe blood loss after delivery. While a Cesarean is often the best option advised when one has this condition, Kim managed to give birth the natural way, the news site reported. Kim was able to go home on Monday and was seen leaving the hospital with Kanye in a silver SUV.
The night before giving birth, Kim may have been anxious for the baby to come when she posted on Instagram a selfie that showcased her bare pregnancy bump with the caption: 'Ready whenever you are lol.'
Monday, 7 December 2015
Senator Melaye Operates US Bank Account, Violating Nigeria's Code Of Conduct
This last quater is obviously for exposing criminal politicians. Lovely Christmas present to Nigerians ill'd say.
Senator Dino Melaye representing Kogi West Senatorial District has since 2010 illegally operated bank accounts in the US, according to bank statements obtained by SaharaReporters.
One of Mr. Melaye's last transactions on the account took place on December 4th as he approved payment for a transaction relating to the purchase of cosmetics from a Kremlin-based MagnitKosmetik store. Also, on September 1, Mr. Melaye approved payment to a New York-based Schweiger Dermatology. Mr. Melaye's operation of the foreign account while he is an elected public officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a violation of Nigerian law. The breach could cost him his seat at the Nigerian Senate if he is successfully prosecuted by the Code of Conduct Tribunal which is currently trying Senate President Bukola Saraki, a close associate of Mr. Melaye's.
Senator Dino Melaye representing Kogi West Senatorial District has since 2010 illegally operated bank accounts in the US, according to bank statements obtained by SaharaReporters.
Mr. Melaye, who once styled himself an anti-corruption activist, opened two accounts--one a current account, the other a savings account--in the name of “Daniel Din Melaye,” posing as a student. SaharaReporters learnt that, by leaving the impression of himself as a student, Senator Melaye was able to open a “CampusEdge” current account with account number 4460 1649 8396 and a regular savings account with account number 4460 1647 5966 with Bank of America in the state of Maryland. Senator Melaye obtained a bank debit card with account number ending with #8873. It is the senator's transactions with the debit card that gave away him away as the owner of the accounts.
One of Mr. Melaye's last transactions on the account took place on December 4th as he approved payment for a transaction relating to the purchase of cosmetics from a Kremlin-based MagnitKosmetik store. Also, on September 1, Mr. Melaye approved payment to a New York-based Schweiger Dermatology. Mr. Melaye's operation of the foreign account while he is an elected public officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a violation of Nigerian law. The breach could cost him his seat at the Nigerian Senate if he is successfully prosecuted by the Code of Conduct Tribunal which is currently trying Senate President Bukola Saraki, a close associate of Mr. Melaye's.
Friday, 4 December 2015
OVER 50 SHOPS BURNT TO ASHES AFTER A FIRE OUTBREAK AT THE POPULAR ABUBAKAR RIMI MARKET IN SABON GARI, KANO
Gimme a break. Fire outbreak, This is nothing but a reply from the northerners to the Igbos for burning 4 Dangote trucks and a mosque in Onitsha yest. Isn't the timing just perfect? Whoever is pushing this BIAFRA agitation doesn't realize that it's the Igbos who have more to loose. An average Hausa man hardly invests in other parts of the country except his state or outside Nigeria. Those hard earned businesses just went down the drain and please for what? Over 50 shops burnt, over 50 families investments. Please was it worth it? This people who have invested their lives worth into their businesses will have to go back to the East empty handed. When are we going to see that this agitation is harming the common Igbo man and not those high in power.
According to CHANNELS TV Over 50 shops perished with properties worth millions of Naira burnt to ashes after a fire outbreak hit the popular Abubakar Rimi market in Sabon Gari, Kano North West, Nigeria. Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that the fire started from the furniture section and some parts of the pharmaceutical section of the market around 7pm on Thursday evening. The fire was said to have raged for over 30 minutes before firefighters arrived at the market to control it. Although authorities were yet to react to the incident as at the time of the inferno but traders told Channels TV that there was no loss of life or injury from the fire attack.
Obviously from the video most of the shop owners are IGBO's.
Thursday, 3 December 2015
Dasuki Lists Bode George, Odili As Accomplices In Arms Deal Scandal
Chief Bode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the former Rivers state governor Peter Odili have been named among beneficiaries of about N100 million each from the embattled former national security adviser Sambo Dasuki.
approved all his expenses related to arms deals. The confessions, however, began after he was shown the statement written by his former director of finance, Shuaibu Salisu, in which all those involved in the scam had been revealed to the investigators.
Former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki for Jonathan's Administration
According to Sahara Reporters, a source at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that the largess to the two PDP officials was diverted from funds meant for the purchase of arms in order to better equip the Nigerian military in its campaign against Islamist terror group, Boko Haram. Dasuki, who had made telling revelations in an earlier report following his arrest and interrogation by the EFCC, initially claimed he stole no funds, adding that the former president Goodluck Jonathan approved all his expenses related to arms deals. The confessions, however, began after he was shown the statement written by his former director of finance, Shuaibu Salisu, in which all those involved in the scam had been revealed to the investigators.
Bode George (Very Bad Politician)
So far, twenty-one people have been arrested by law enforcement agents in relation to the arms purchase scandal. An EFCC investigator revealed that some of the detained suspects were now providing useful information after almost all of them initially exhibited resistance.
It was also gathered that Peter Odili and Bode George “may soon be invited to explain why they received N100 million ($500,000) each from funds budgeted for arms purchase.” Obviously Bode George the ex-convict will never learns because prison is calling him for the second time.
It was also gathered that Peter Odili and Bode George “may soon be invited to explain why they received N100 million ($500,000) each from funds budgeted for arms purchase.” Obviously Bode George the ex-convict will never learns because prison is calling him for the second time.
Peter Odili (Former Very Bad Rivers Governor)
Shuaibu Salisu (who was recently arrested), Abba MT Usman, Sagir Attahiru, Evgeny Kundaev, Aminu Baba Kusa, Salisu Usman Garu, Bashir Yuguda, Attahiru Bafarawa were still in detention as of yesterday evening, while Chief Raymond Dokpesi was released last night after meeting bail conditions.
This old men are the gang of thieves killing Nigeria's economy with their greed and selfishness. Were they trying to kill the economy?
NewsFlash: Uncle Jonathan has disassociated himself from the Arms deal scandal (LOL)
This old men are the gang of thieves killing Nigeria's economy with their greed and selfishness. Were they trying to kill the economy?
Bafarawa Claims Dasuki Gave Him N4.6bn For “Spiritual Purposes”
As Dasuki continues to sing like a canary bird Names Odili, Bode George In Scandal
Former Sokoto governor, Attahiru Bafarawa has stated that he received N4.6 billion from Mr. Dasuki for “spiritual purposes.” It was gathered that security agents are still questioning the former governor to explain what was meant by “spiritual purposes.” The report further quoted the source as saying Odili and Mr. George “may soon be invited to explain why they received N100 million each from funds budgeted for arms purchase. Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George, received the sum of N100m each from the former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, rtd. It was gathered that the money was paid to them so as to ensure the re-election of former President, Goodluck Jonathan, who lost the presidential election held on March 28, 2015. It will be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari recently commissioned a panel to investigate how $2bn meant for the procurement of arms deal disappeared from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Col Sambo Dasuki, rtd, who was arrested yesterday initially claimed that he never diverted money meant for the procurement of arms as the former President, Goodluck Jonathan approved all his expenses related to the deals. His stand on the matter later changed soon after he was confronted with the statement written by his former Director of finance, Shuaibu Salisu who revealed the names of those involved in the scam. No fewer than 21 persons have been arrested by the law enforcement agents in connection with the arms deal.
Why Dokpesi collected N2.1 bn from ex-NSA Dasuki
Raymond Dokpesi, founder of Daar Communication, owners of Ray Power radio network and Africa Independent Television, has said the money he received from the office of the National Security Adviser during the administration of Goodluck Jonathan was payment for media and political campaign for the 2015 general election. I know right, one can only begin to wonder what the budget for arms deal has to do with advertising. No wander AIT wanted to kill us with documentaries over documentaries during the election. It was so obvious he had been bought off. Media is supposed to be unbiased but AIT was more than biased, they were sycophants Jonathan owned them.
Mr. Dokpesi was questioned by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission on Tuesday over the N2.1 billion he allegedly received from the office of the NSA. The Nigerian government has made high profile arrests in connection with alleged diversion of billions of Naira meant for procurement of arms for the fight against Boko Haram. A former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, is among those arrested. Mr. Dokpesi’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, had earlier told PREMIUM TIMES his client had written to the EFCC informing the anti-graft body it never did business with the NSA’s office. “What I know is that the EFCC wrote to Daar Holdings asking for a list of directors and whether it has done any business or contract with the office of the NSA in the past and how much was involved,” the lawyer said in a telephone interview. “We wrote them a reply to say Daar did not do any contract with the office of the NSA and we are ready to give them all the information they need,” he said. But according to the News magazine, Mr. Dokpesi, in statement released by his company on Wednesday, explained he was invited by the chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, to “shed more light on some payments that were made to him through the office of the National Security Adviser to the former President, Malam Sambo Dasuki”. “Dokpesi explained to the EFCC officials that the N2.1 billion that he collected from the former NSA was payment for publicity and media political campaigns during the 2015 General Elections,” the paper quoted the statement as saying. Mr. Dokpesi “made his statement on the various media exposures and campaign transactions which were dutifully carried out based essentially on contractual obligations/relationship”, the statement added. The statement was however silent on why Mr. Dokpesi received payment for a political media campaign, which ordinarily should have been the prerogative of the Peoples Democratic Party (Mr Jonathan’s party), from the office of the NSA. Following an interim report released by a presidential committee investigating arms procurement in the last administration, which revealed extra-judicial spending of up to N643.8 billion ($32,190,000) and a further $2.2 billion, the EFCC set up a special panel to probe how the monies were spent. The investigation is still on-going and more senior officials in the last administration are expected to be quizzed on the disbursement and spending of the monies.
Wednesday, 2 December 2015
Habits People Practise And Mistake for Being Grown-Up
Aging is inevitable, but maturity isn’t. Some people go their whole lives and never gain any of the attributes of age: a polished skill set, wisdom, perspective. But even worse than all the people tearing through their existences without learning a thing are those who believe, wrongly, they’ve found the key to being grown-ups. Rather than actually learning or growing, people feign the act of maturity with simple tricks that actually have little to do with maturity. Here are five things that people mistake for signs of maturity.
1. REFUSING TO ARGUE
When people think of indulged children, the image of a bad tempered, disagreeable kid arguing about everything comes to mind. Maybe that’s why some people come to see any form of debate as immature. When conflicts or argument arise, silence is not the behavior of a grown-up. If a person is silent in the face of a disagreement or a potential disagreement, there may be several reasons for that: they are frightened and incapable of dealing with conflict; they have absolutely no respect for the person they disagree with and feel the person’s opinion is unworthy of debate; or they lack the ability to articulate the superiority of their own opinion. Those are the reasons for silence: fear, arrogance, or stupidity. “I don’t like argument,” people say, I get it. No one but the worst people in the world enjoys conflict and arguments, but if we’re talking about growing emotionally, becoming better people, then we have to try. A lot of people also get hung up on the word “argument,” because they feel it is always over petty or trivia things. Sure it can mean that, but it can also refer to theoretical or logical arguments/debate. And the truth about argument is you get to learn what you don’t know, might be the hard way though but you learn and I do not see learning as a form of immaturity.
1. REFUSING TO ARGUE
When people think of indulged children, the image of a bad tempered, disagreeable kid arguing about everything comes to mind. Maybe that’s why some people come to see any form of debate as immature. When conflicts or argument arise, silence is not the behavior of a grown-up. If a person is silent in the face of a disagreement or a potential disagreement, there may be several reasons for that: they are frightened and incapable of dealing with conflict; they have absolutely no respect for the person they disagree with and feel the person’s opinion is unworthy of debate; or they lack the ability to articulate the superiority of their own opinion. Those are the reasons for silence: fear, arrogance, or stupidity. “I don’t like argument,” people say, I get it. No one but the worst people in the world enjoys conflict and arguments, but if we’re talking about growing emotionally, becoming better people, then we have to try. A lot of people also get hung up on the word “argument,” because they feel it is always over petty or trivia things. Sure it can mean that, but it can also refer to theoretical or logical arguments/debate. And the truth about argument is you get to learn what you don’t know, might be the hard way though but you learn and I do not see learning as a form of immaturity.
2. PLAYING DEVIL'S ADVOCATE ALL THE TIME
Playing devil’s advocate is not about articulating your feelings; it’s about expressing any contrary opinion. It’s reveling in your ability to simply provide the other side of the argument. Too many times people play devil’s advocate simply because they can, not for the proper reason of helping another see a problem more completely.A person who is actually mature can arrive at the truth of a matter without reflexively gainsaying everything put before them. You don’t get points just for understanding the other side of the argument; you prove yourself a grown-up by knowing whether or not there is validity to discussing alternative points of view.
Playing devil’s advocate is not about articulating your feelings; it’s about expressing any contrary opinion. It’s reveling in your ability to simply provide the other side of the argument. Too many times people play devil’s advocate simply because they can, not for the proper reason of helping another see a problem more completely.A person who is actually mature can arrive at the truth of a matter without reflexively gainsaying everything put before them. You don’t get points just for understanding the other side of the argument; you prove yourself a grown-up by knowing whether or not there is validity to discussing alternative points of view.
3. SHUTTING DOWN A CONVERSATION INSTEAD OF ADDING TO IT
There are times when your perspective on the world will be invaluable – because only you have it in the exact way that you do, and it most certainly has the power to change the world, for better or for worse, in some regard. But that’s not always. And when your opinion – or what you think is a fascinating new lens through which to see the world – reinforces the status quo, disrespects the person with whom you’re engaging, and takes up unnecessary space, you’re actually not adding to the conversation. You’re shutting it down. And whether you realize it or not – whether you mean to or not – that’s oppressive.
4. SUPPRESSING EMOTIONS
At some point, people tell you growing up is about being quiet. About keeping an even temper. About going through life at a steady pace. Anyway, I’m here to tell you that is a lie. Being calm and quiet makes you boring, not mature. You get your thumb caught in a drawer, you scream, You see your co-worker slip on an actual banana peel and throw his feet into the air, going full parallel to the ground before falling on his head, you say sorry and laugh it off. That is not immaturity; that’s being alive. There are extreme wonderful and terrible things in life, and absolutely nothing about being a grown-up requires you to take those events and mute your response. There is no award for absorbing all the energy of the day’s events and compressing it into a tiny smile or grimace.
At some point, people tell you growing up is about being quiet. About keeping an even temper. About going through life at a steady pace. Anyway, I’m here to tell you that is a lie. Being calm and quiet makes you boring, not mature. You get your thumb caught in a drawer, you scream, You see your co-worker slip on an actual banana peel and throw his feet into the air, going full parallel to the ground before falling on his head, you say sorry and laugh it off. That is not immaturity; that’s being alive. There are extreme wonderful and terrible things in life, and absolutely nothing about being a grown-up requires you to take those events and mute your response. There is no award for absorbing all the energy of the day’s events and compressing it into a tiny smile or grimace.
5. GIVING UP YOUR CHILDHOOD HAPPINESS
This is a very big mistake which is easy to understand. If the simplest definition of being a grown-up is that it’s the opposite of being a child, then the simplest shortcut to maturity is to do everything differently from when you were a child. This wrong-headed notion has made people suddenly refusing to do all sorts of things, like seeing cartoons, kids movies, skipping, singing out loud, or drinking through a Straw. The truth is when you are grown up, you develop the fears you never had. You have obligations and responsibilities you never wanted. When you are grown up, there is little or no time to do all the stupid things you loved doing as a child. But how much needlessly sadder is adulthood if you willingly deprive yourself of all the things you used to enjoy? Whom are you trying to impress? Who told you grown-ups couldn’t have action figures? That’s not the symbol of maturity.
This is a very big mistake which is easy to understand. If the simplest definition of being a grown-up is that it’s the opposite of being a child, then the simplest shortcut to maturity is to do everything differently from when you were a child. This wrong-headed notion has made people suddenly refusing to do all sorts of things, like seeing cartoons, kids movies, skipping, singing out loud, or drinking through a Straw. The truth is when you are grown up, you develop the fears you never had. You have obligations and responsibilities you never wanted. When you are grown up, there is little or no time to do all the stupid things you loved doing as a child. But how much needlessly sadder is adulthood if you willingly deprive yourself of all the things you used to enjoy? Whom are you trying to impress? Who told you grown-ups couldn’t have action figures? That’s not the symbol of maturity.
P.R.E. teams up with FI to churn out a new single titled AWA, produced by Dayme.
David Etete aka P.R.E which stands for Pretty, Real and Entertaining hails from Bayelsa state and has been a force in the underground music scene for a number of years.
P.R.E who is a recording artiste at Twisted Mind Records, a label which he owns does what can be described as a blend of Hip-Hop, Afro Pop and Dance music
DOWNLOAD>>> P.R.E ft FI - AWA, Produced by DAYME
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