The heavily congested Lagos ports may soon see relief as a consortium of French and Chinese companies has emerged the preferred bidder for the Ibom Deep Seaport Project (IDSP) following a rigorous evaluation process, officials of government of Akwa Ibom State say. In a release signed by Mfon Ekong Usoro, made available to BusinessDay, the state government says the selection followed a rigorous evaluation process conducted by the Evaluation Committee convened by the IDSP Ministerial Project Development and Steering Committee (MPDSC) on competing bids received in response to the IDSP Request for Proposal (RFP).
Bolloré Africa Logistics – PowerChina International Group Limited Consortium emerges preferred bidder, while China Harbour Engineering Company Limited is reserved bidder. “On behalf of the Akwa Ibom State Government (AKSG), I thank the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT), Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) for giving full and unstinting support to the AKSG throughout the IDSP PPP procurement process, including the recently concluded RFP bids opening and evaluation milestones which saw to the selection of the Preferred and Reserved Bidders,” Emmanuel Ekuwem, secretary to the state government, who spoke on behalf of Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom State, said.
Ekuwem further said, “The AKSG is unwavering in its determination and will work in tandem with the FMOT and NPA to realize the IDSP. Upon its completion, the IDSP is poised to bring smart, world class port handling capacity to the doorsteps of Akwa Ibom State and to serve the cargo handling demand of the West and Central African countries, States in the South South as well as South East regions of Nigeria. We are confident that the IDSP will be pivotal to the economic development of the State and the surrounding regions.”
IDSP is a Federal Government project driven by the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Akwa Ibom State & Nigerian Port Authority. Rotimi Amechi, minister of Transportation has approved the IDSP project to proceed to the next stage of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) procurement process, which is negotiation with the preferred bidder with the view to work out the investment and concession details. Bolloré Africa Logistics, a leading port operator, is a part of French-based Bolloré Transport & Logistics (Bolloré), operating with 18 container terminal concessions (in Europe, Africa, India, Asia and the Americas), 27 general cargo and bulk terminals, 7 RoRo terminals, 25 multimodal platforms and dry port concessions and one barging concession. Bolloré ranks among the top-20 port operators in the world, according to the 2017 Drewry Global Container Terminal Operator ranking.
PowerChina International Group Limited is the international business headquarters and the core business centre of Power Construction Corporation of China, which is the world’s top hydropower, electric power, and infrastructure construction group.
The Ibom Deep Seaport is strategically located in the South East of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The 2,565 hectares greenfield port area, integrated within the Ibom Industrial City (IIC) – a Free Trade Zone replete with fiscal incentives, is designed to berth New Panamax Class vessels with channel depth (18.24m); turning basin and berth depth (16.72m); and quay length of about 7.5km upon completion. The next stage is negotiations with the preferred bidder. It expected to commence operations in 2021.
Monday, November 19, 2018
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Talebearing24 - Restructuring: Buhari, Osinbajo Deceitful - Afenifere, Ohaneze Says
President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday came under attack over their separate remarks on the growing calls for the restructuring of the country. Groups that faulted latest comments credited to Buhari and Osinbajo on the calls include the opposition Peoples Democratic Party; a Yoruba organisation, Afenifere; the Ohanaeze Ndigbo; the Yoruba Council of Elders; and the Transparency International.
Buhari had during an interactive session with Nigerians living in France on Monday taken a swipe at advocates of restructuring, saying they were lazy and let loose. The President had claimed that those calling for restructuring had been doing so without defining what the restructuring should be. Osinbajo had also while delivering a lecture to mark the 40th anniversary of a Lagos social club, Association of Friends, in Lagos claimed that the idea of geographical restructuring which is the common notion about restructuring “is not achievable.”
Buhari had said, “There are too many people talking lazily about restructuring in Nigeria. Unfortunately, people are not asking them individually what do they mean by restructuring? What form do they want restructuring to take? “Do they want us to have something like the three regions we used to have? And now we have 36 states and the FCT. What form do they want? They are just talking loosely about restructuring.
“Let them define it and then we see how we can peacefully do it in the interest of Nigerians.
“They are just saying they want Nigeria restructured and they don’t have the clue of what the form the restructuring should be.“So, anybody who talks to you about restructuring in Nigeria, ask him what he means and the form he wants it to take.” But the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, told one of our correspondents that the latest statements credited to Buhari and Osinbajo further confirmed the present administration as a government of deceit and disagreement.
The party chairman said, “Recall that the ruling party itself set up a committee on restructuring. What came out of the committee after the governors and other members of the committee went round the country, collating views of innocent Nigerians who never knew they were being deceived by this deceitful government? Nothing! “Now, the Vice-President is saying he is in support of state police which his boss has rejected. You can see that the Vice-President is on his own. The disunity in this government reminds us the seed of discord the government has planted in Nigerians.
“But in the real sense of it, does he (Vice-President) support state police? Can he be taken seriously? Let Nigerians decide.” Also, the Afenifere’s spokesman, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, in an interview with one of our correspondents also said the statements credited to Buhari and Osinbajo meant they were either slow at learning or they were being mischievous.
He said advocates of restructuring had over the years made the issues very clear on what the call was all about. He added that the development had made it important that future Nigeria’s Presidents and Vice-Presidents should study hard so that they could understand issues around them. Odumakin said, “…It is strange that these people have been here all these years and they are saying those who are talking about restructuring did not define it or that they are talking loosely.
“It is either these people are slow at learning or they cannot understand issues around them. We have made the issues very clear on what the call for restructuring is about. “We have said Nigeria was a federal state at independence but the military came and distorted it and that we should go back to federalism; that we cannot have a country like Nigeria and maintain one single police and we will say we have security; that there should be state police.
“We have spelt out all we meant by restructuring over the years. So for the President and Vice-President to say they do not understand what we are talking about is either they are slow at learning or they are being mischievous.” In the same vein, the spokesman for the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Uche Achi-Okpaga, in an interview said Buhari’s statement was meant to divert attention.
Achi-Okpaga expressed surprise that while Buhari and other APC stalwarts were talking about restructuring ahead of the 2015 presidential election, the President became “completely ignorant and bereft of the tenets of restructuring” shortly after he was inaugurated as President. He said, “During the electoral campaigns of 2015, restructuring was glued to the lips of the President and other APC stalwarts and foot soldiers. However, no sooner was he sworn in than he became completely ignorant and bereft of the tenets of restructuring.
“In the heat of the impasse, the APC, as a party, set up a committee on restructuring headed by Governor el-Rufai of Kaduna State. The committee ticked good on restructuring and sent her report to the presidency. “Instead of dealing with the document the President sent the report to the dustbin as it never saw the light of the day and turned around to state that those clamouring for restructuring, including his party that so recommended, are parochial.”
Also, the Secretary-General of the Yoruba Council of Elders, Dr Kunle Olajide, in an interview with one of our correspondents said it was worrisome that the two key leaders of the ruling APC could claim ignorance of what restructuring was about after their party had earlier set up a committee on the matter. He wondered if the country was dealing with a case of memory loss.
Olajide insisted that the positions of advocates of restructuring were clear and unambiguous.
He said, “I was surprised after reading the responses of the two leading figures in the APC and present administration on restructuring agitators. It is worrisome that an APC figure could come out to claim ignorance of what restructuring is all about. Are we dealing with a case of amnesia here? He said, “I appeal to them to take a second look at the el-Rufai committee report on restructuring. It is their party that set it up and they should come up with how it will be implemented instead of talking about what restructuring means. Our position is clear and unambiguous on it.”
Nigeria not ripe for state police –TI Meanwhile, the Transparency International on Tuesday said Nigeria was not ripe for state police. The TI Head in Nigeria, Mr. Musa Rafsanjani, said this in an interview with one of our correspondents. He said, “Even if Nigeria will have a state police, it is not yet time to hand over the entire security of states to the hands of these governors, some of whom cannot even pay workers’ salaries.
“The implication of having state police is that the entire security now rests on the states. We think that issue of security is so serious that we cannot give it to states which do not have infrastructure yet even in the areas of health and education.
“At the federal level, you still find overzealous policemen and police officers acting on the instructions of certain political office holders. When this impunity now flows down, what are we going to have? Most of the state Houses of Assembly have been undermined by the governors and the houses are not able to perform their constitutional responsibilities.
“We think that as good as the proposal of state police is, we cannot at this time hand over the security of the country to governors who have proved to be incompetent and nonchalant about the wellbeing of people and workers in their states.”
Buhari had during an interactive session with Nigerians living in France on Monday taken a swipe at advocates of restructuring, saying they were lazy and let loose. The President had claimed that those calling for restructuring had been doing so without defining what the restructuring should be. Osinbajo had also while delivering a lecture to mark the 40th anniversary of a Lagos social club, Association of Friends, in Lagos claimed that the idea of geographical restructuring which is the common notion about restructuring “is not achievable.”
Buhari had said, “There are too many people talking lazily about restructuring in Nigeria. Unfortunately, people are not asking them individually what do they mean by restructuring? What form do they want restructuring to take? “Do they want us to have something like the three regions we used to have? And now we have 36 states and the FCT. What form do they want? They are just talking loosely about restructuring.
“Let them define it and then we see how we can peacefully do it in the interest of Nigerians.
“They are just saying they want Nigeria restructured and they don’t have the clue of what the form the restructuring should be.“So, anybody who talks to you about restructuring in Nigeria, ask him what he means and the form he wants it to take.” But the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, told one of our correspondents that the latest statements credited to Buhari and Osinbajo further confirmed the present administration as a government of deceit and disagreement.
The party chairman said, “Recall that the ruling party itself set up a committee on restructuring. What came out of the committee after the governors and other members of the committee went round the country, collating views of innocent Nigerians who never knew they were being deceived by this deceitful government? Nothing! “Now, the Vice-President is saying he is in support of state police which his boss has rejected. You can see that the Vice-President is on his own. The disunity in this government reminds us the seed of discord the government has planted in Nigerians.
“But in the real sense of it, does he (Vice-President) support state police? Can he be taken seriously? Let Nigerians decide.” Also, the Afenifere’s spokesman, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, in an interview with one of our correspondents also said the statements credited to Buhari and Osinbajo meant they were either slow at learning or they were being mischievous.
He said advocates of restructuring had over the years made the issues very clear on what the call was all about. He added that the development had made it important that future Nigeria’s Presidents and Vice-Presidents should study hard so that they could understand issues around them. Odumakin said, “…It is strange that these people have been here all these years and they are saying those who are talking about restructuring did not define it or that they are talking loosely.
“It is either these people are slow at learning or they cannot understand issues around them. We have made the issues very clear on what the call for restructuring is about. “We have said Nigeria was a federal state at independence but the military came and distorted it and that we should go back to federalism; that we cannot have a country like Nigeria and maintain one single police and we will say we have security; that there should be state police.
“We have spelt out all we meant by restructuring over the years. So for the President and Vice-President to say they do not understand what we are talking about is either they are slow at learning or they are being mischievous.” In the same vein, the spokesman for the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Uche Achi-Okpaga, in an interview said Buhari’s statement was meant to divert attention.
Achi-Okpaga expressed surprise that while Buhari and other APC stalwarts were talking about restructuring ahead of the 2015 presidential election, the President became “completely ignorant and bereft of the tenets of restructuring” shortly after he was inaugurated as President. He said, “During the electoral campaigns of 2015, restructuring was glued to the lips of the President and other APC stalwarts and foot soldiers. However, no sooner was he sworn in than he became completely ignorant and bereft of the tenets of restructuring.
“In the heat of the impasse, the APC, as a party, set up a committee on restructuring headed by Governor el-Rufai of Kaduna State. The committee ticked good on restructuring and sent her report to the presidency. “Instead of dealing with the document the President sent the report to the dustbin as it never saw the light of the day and turned around to state that those clamouring for restructuring, including his party that so recommended, are parochial.”
Also, the Secretary-General of the Yoruba Council of Elders, Dr Kunle Olajide, in an interview with one of our correspondents said it was worrisome that the two key leaders of the ruling APC could claim ignorance of what restructuring was about after their party had earlier set up a committee on the matter. He wondered if the country was dealing with a case of memory loss.
Olajide insisted that the positions of advocates of restructuring were clear and unambiguous.
He said, “I was surprised after reading the responses of the two leading figures in the APC and present administration on restructuring agitators. It is worrisome that an APC figure could come out to claim ignorance of what restructuring is all about. Are we dealing with a case of amnesia here? He said, “I appeal to them to take a second look at the el-Rufai committee report on restructuring. It is their party that set it up and they should come up with how it will be implemented instead of talking about what restructuring means. Our position is clear and unambiguous on it.”
Nigeria not ripe for state police –TI Meanwhile, the Transparency International on Tuesday said Nigeria was not ripe for state police. The TI Head in Nigeria, Mr. Musa Rafsanjani, said this in an interview with one of our correspondents. He said, “Even if Nigeria will have a state police, it is not yet time to hand over the entire security of states to the hands of these governors, some of whom cannot even pay workers’ salaries.
“The implication of having state police is that the entire security now rests on the states. We think that issue of security is so serious that we cannot give it to states which do not have infrastructure yet even in the areas of health and education.
“At the federal level, you still find overzealous policemen and police officers acting on the instructions of certain political office holders. When this impunity now flows down, what are we going to have? Most of the state Houses of Assembly have been undermined by the governors and the houses are not able to perform their constitutional responsibilities.
“We think that as good as the proposal of state police is, we cannot at this time hand over the security of the country to governors who have proved to be incompetent and nonchalant about the wellbeing of people and workers in their states.”
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Talebearing24 - Nigerians Are Frustrated, Says Obasanjo
Nigerians are frustrated, says Obasanjo.
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday lamented the state of the nation, saying that many Nigerians are “disillusioned and hopelessly frustrated.”
He equally hinted that Nigeria ought to have ceased to exist owing to “many mistakes that have been made, but God did not allow such calamity to befall the country”.
Obasanjo spoke yesterday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, when the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka, was formally presented to him alongside other candidates of the party ahead of the 2019 elections.
According to him, God did not create Nigeria to be a failed country, rather one of the leading countries among comity of nations. The Ota-farmer said the country still lags behind other developed nations because of the “conscious and unconscious choice of the people of Nigeria.”
Obasanjo said, “some people are hopelessly frustrated and when I see people like that I tell them – don’t be frustrated because of the situation in the Nigeria. Otherwise, we have made many mistakes in this country that Nigeria should have ceased to exist, but that has not been our lot. That has not been our situation, we thank God for that”.
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday lamented the state of the nation, saying that many Nigerians are “disillusioned and hopelessly frustrated.”
He equally hinted that Nigeria ought to have ceased to exist owing to “many mistakes that have been made, but God did not allow such calamity to befall the country”.
Obasanjo spoke yesterday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, when the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka, was formally presented to him alongside other candidates of the party ahead of the 2019 elections.
According to him, God did not create Nigeria to be a failed country, rather one of the leading countries among comity of nations. The Ota-farmer said the country still lags behind other developed nations because of the “conscious and unconscious choice of the people of Nigeria.”
Obasanjo said, “some people are hopelessly frustrated and when I see people like that I tell them – don’t be frustrated because of the situation in the Nigeria. Otherwise, we have made many mistakes in this country that Nigeria should have ceased to exist, but that has not been our lot. That has not been our situation, we thank God for that”.
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Talebearing24 - APC: Oshiomhole Names Governors Against Him After Meeting With Buhari - Photo.
Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Wednesday mentioned governors who were against his leadership. Oshiomhole told State House correspondents after having a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari that out of the 23 APC governors, only three were not pleased with the outcome of the primaries in their states. Oshiomhole said that no one could begrudge the governors for not being happy if a particular outcome did not coincide with their expectations.
He said that he neither had the power to appoint nor the power to change anything particularly when things had been properly done. According to him, the three governors who are unhappy are his friends. “All I have tried is to find some courage to enforce the rules and I think an overwhelming majority of the governors appreciate that I have done the best because change is not easy.
“We all want change but the process of change can be quite traumatising; because it is not painless. People have been used to a particular way of doing things; to encourage them to do them differently can be a challenge. “So, here I am as national chairman conducting primaries, the outcome of which some very powerful people did not see their preferred candidates emerging.
“Let me say that if there is a choice between my conscience–what I believe is right and mortgaging that conscience in order to keep the job, I will have no difficulty resolving it in favour of my conscience. “And those who know me know that at my age, I cannot learn new tricks; I am absolutely committed to justice; fairness; I a stickler to enforcement of rules; because the source of relevance is derived from rules. I have lived my life fighting for justice and fairness.’’
The APC national chairman said however, that the issues would be resolved as internal family issues as the three governors were his friends. He said that in a moment of distress, he believed that the friendship was enough to help them to build reconciliation. According to Oshiomhole, he respects and appreciates the governors for the fact that but for their support, he would not become APC chairman. “And you do not go stepping on toes of those who helped you to get into position.
“But however, I thought I was clear and I remain clear that helping me to get to the position, it was to help APC to return to its core values of progressive politics, of fairness, of justice, of adherence to rule of law and total submission to the extant provisions of our party constitution.
“In doing that, you do not look at power; you look at what is; what is just.
“I think that with time, we will reconcile all these; Amosun is my good friend; we have known each other for a very long time; we exchange personal visits in addition to official visits; Zamfara governor has been the Chairman of NGF and I was an active member of that forum; we have wonderful time together and I believe in the future, we are still going to have wonderful time together.
“Governor Rochas Okorocha was one of those who had issues with my predecessor and I did my best to try and resolve those issues in a way that has given him a new platform. “And I am happy that God used us to do that not by cheating in his favour but by doing what is right; it is just that once you stick to the goal, sometimes, you either get caught on the right side or the wrong side,’’ he said.
He said that some Abuja-based politicians were not known in their villages and they thought they were popular, but when their ‘loudness’ in Abuja failed to translate into electoral victory, they looked for who to blame.
He said that he neither had the power to appoint nor the power to change anything particularly when things had been properly done. According to him, the three governors who are unhappy are his friends. “All I have tried is to find some courage to enforce the rules and I think an overwhelming majority of the governors appreciate that I have done the best because change is not easy.
“We all want change but the process of change can be quite traumatising; because it is not painless. People have been used to a particular way of doing things; to encourage them to do them differently can be a challenge. “So, here I am as national chairman conducting primaries, the outcome of which some very powerful people did not see their preferred candidates emerging.
“Let me say that if there is a choice between my conscience–what I believe is right and mortgaging that conscience in order to keep the job, I will have no difficulty resolving it in favour of my conscience. “And those who know me know that at my age, I cannot learn new tricks; I am absolutely committed to justice; fairness; I a stickler to enforcement of rules; because the source of relevance is derived from rules. I have lived my life fighting for justice and fairness.’’
The APC national chairman said however, that the issues would be resolved as internal family issues as the three governors were his friends. He said that in a moment of distress, he believed that the friendship was enough to help them to build reconciliation. According to Oshiomhole, he respects and appreciates the governors for the fact that but for their support, he would not become APC chairman. “And you do not go stepping on toes of those who helped you to get into position.
“But however, I thought I was clear and I remain clear that helping me to get to the position, it was to help APC to return to its core values of progressive politics, of fairness, of justice, of adherence to rule of law and total submission to the extant provisions of our party constitution.
“In doing that, you do not look at power; you look at what is; what is just.
“I think that with time, we will reconcile all these; Amosun is my good friend; we have known each other for a very long time; we exchange personal visits in addition to official visits; Zamfara governor has been the Chairman of NGF and I was an active member of that forum; we have wonderful time together and I believe in the future, we are still going to have wonderful time together.
“Governor Rochas Okorocha was one of those who had issues with my predecessor and I did my best to try and resolve those issues in a way that has given him a new platform. “And I am happy that God used us to do that not by cheating in his favour but by doing what is right; it is just that once you stick to the goal, sometimes, you either get caught on the right side or the wrong side,’’ he said.
He said that some Abuja-based politicians were not known in their villages and they thought they were popular, but when their ‘loudness’ in Abuja failed to translate into electoral victory, they looked for who to blame.
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Talebearing24 - Saraki Shifty When Asked About Slashing NASS Budget
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on Monday prevaricated when asked a question on possible cut in lawmakers’ jumbo budget to reduce the high cost of governance in the country.
Mr Saraki, who was a special guest at the National Assembly Business Environment Round-table dinner organised as part of the ongoing 24th Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja, however admitted that over the years the National Assembly has not been Nigeria’s best ambassadors.
The National Assembly and the Executive appear to have allowed selfish political interests to override national duty, as important bills needed to create the enabling environment for investment and economic development have stalled, amid frosty relations between both arms, he said. In his introductory remarks, Mr Saraki spoke about Nigeria as a blessed country full of great opportunities and talented people in private and public sectors as well as young ones coming behind.
For long, he said, he has always been part of the search for the way forward for the country, urging Nigerians not to give up, as the country was closer to its set target. “For us to get there, we (government) and private sector must work together. The challenges before government today in fighting poverty can only be achieved through serious collaboration and cooperation with private sector. Government alone cannot do it,” he noted.
Restating his commitment to continue championing the call for collaboration, the senate president said “loans, buildings, debts, regulation and infrastructure alone cannot take us there.” During the plenary session, Channels TV’s Boason Omofaye who anchored the programme, asked Mr Saraki about the seeming lack of collaboration and cooperation between the legislature and executive.
The Senate President described the development as unfortunate, noting that “over the years, the executive and legislative arms of government did not see themselves as part of the same team.” He said the frosty relationship accounted for why a lot of achievements the administration could have recorded were hindered, although he alluded to the legislature performing better than the executive.
According to him, out of about 450 bills between the two chambers of the National Assembly, about 90 per cent were private member bills, with the executive accounting for about 10 per cent or less. Although he said all important things the lawmakers under his leadership in the 8th National Assembly set out to enable private sector work were realized, Mr Saraki said more could have been achieved if there was a closer collaboration with the executive.
He cited the example of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), which he said should have been an executive bill, but was taken over by the legislature. “When we started, the price of crude oil was in the $50s. Now, it is in the $80s. There are problems in Venezuela and Iran driving the price. This is a golden opportunity Nigeria could take advantage of.
“I don’t think two, three paragraphs or one coma or semi-colon in a draft law should prevent this level of investment or opportunity for investment. If we (lawmakers) did not get it right, I think the way to go is to lock ourselves up in a room and iron out those issues,” Mr Saraki said. His response was an indirect criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari who withheld assent to the PIGB on ground of some errors in the draft petroleum law.
On anti-corruption, which the anchor described as the “big elephant in the room”, Mr Saraki was asked the National Assembly stance on transparency, accountability and reduction in the cost of governance and why the executive seems to be the only arm talking about them. Although the Senate President acknowledged the cost of government was large, he blamed the problem on the leakages in the system, saying the expenditure as a percentage of revenue was high.
“I think there are wastages we can reduce. But, where the real damage is being done is in leakages on the revenue side to check corruption and inefficiencies,” he noted. However, he was quick to deny that the executive was the only arm talking about anti-corruption, noting that most of the laws, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and others enacted to fight against corruption, were from the National Assembly.
Besides, he criticised the current fight against corruption as “sensational and selective”, saying it must not only be transparent and credible, but must follow a transparent process. On cutting cost of governance, Mr Saraki was asked: “Should we reduce the number of MDAs, cut the cost of running the National Assembly or Aso Villa, or the 36 State Houses of Assembly, the various governors’ lodges or reduce the number of aircrafts?”
In his response, Mr Saraki prevaricated, agreeing that apart from reducing all that, government must be able to increase its revenues. Not satisfied by the Senate President’s response, Mr Omofaye wanted to know what percentage or amount he would want the National Assembly to cut in its budget starting from 2019.
His response was unclear, eliciting loud grumbling from the audience: “If I tell you what should happen, I am not sure I will be allowed to have dinner here tonight. The problem we have (on the cost of governance in National Assembly) is a perception problem, not the actual cost itself.
“If you want to run a proper legislative arm of government, it’s less than three per cent of the total revenue. Yet, they are responsible for oversighting 97 per cent of the revenue. Don’t get me wrong here. Over the years, we have not been our best ambassadors.
“And that is why, if you say curse to the National Assembly, everybody will be happy to say yes. The point is, we want a productive government. We want to ensure the 97 per cent is efficiently utilised. “The political answer would be to say we will cut the cost by 10 or 15 per cent. But, what we need to do is, as we cut those costs and overheads, we must create an enabling environment that ensures as a country we are getting more revenues to invest in our education or health sector or primary healthcare,” he said.
Mr Saraki, who was a special guest at the National Assembly Business Environment Round-table dinner organised as part of the ongoing 24th Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja, however admitted that over the years the National Assembly has not been Nigeria’s best ambassadors.
The National Assembly and the Executive appear to have allowed selfish political interests to override national duty, as important bills needed to create the enabling environment for investment and economic development have stalled, amid frosty relations between both arms, he said. In his introductory remarks, Mr Saraki spoke about Nigeria as a blessed country full of great opportunities and talented people in private and public sectors as well as young ones coming behind.
For long, he said, he has always been part of the search for the way forward for the country, urging Nigerians not to give up, as the country was closer to its set target. “For us to get there, we (government) and private sector must work together. The challenges before government today in fighting poverty can only be achieved through serious collaboration and cooperation with private sector. Government alone cannot do it,” he noted.
Restating his commitment to continue championing the call for collaboration, the senate president said “loans, buildings, debts, regulation and infrastructure alone cannot take us there.” During the plenary session, Channels TV’s Boason Omofaye who anchored the programme, asked Mr Saraki about the seeming lack of collaboration and cooperation between the legislature and executive.
The Senate President described the development as unfortunate, noting that “over the years, the executive and legislative arms of government did not see themselves as part of the same team.” He said the frosty relationship accounted for why a lot of achievements the administration could have recorded were hindered, although he alluded to the legislature performing better than the executive.
According to him, out of about 450 bills between the two chambers of the National Assembly, about 90 per cent were private member bills, with the executive accounting for about 10 per cent or less. Although he said all important things the lawmakers under his leadership in the 8th National Assembly set out to enable private sector work were realized, Mr Saraki said more could have been achieved if there was a closer collaboration with the executive.
He cited the example of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), which he said should have been an executive bill, but was taken over by the legislature. “When we started, the price of crude oil was in the $50s. Now, it is in the $80s. There are problems in Venezuela and Iran driving the price. This is a golden opportunity Nigeria could take advantage of.
“I don’t think two, three paragraphs or one coma or semi-colon in a draft law should prevent this level of investment or opportunity for investment. If we (lawmakers) did not get it right, I think the way to go is to lock ourselves up in a room and iron out those issues,” Mr Saraki said. His response was an indirect criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari who withheld assent to the PIGB on ground of some errors in the draft petroleum law.
On anti-corruption, which the anchor described as the “big elephant in the room”, Mr Saraki was asked the National Assembly stance on transparency, accountability and reduction in the cost of governance and why the executive seems to be the only arm talking about them. Although the Senate President acknowledged the cost of government was large, he blamed the problem on the leakages in the system, saying the expenditure as a percentage of revenue was high.
“I think there are wastages we can reduce. But, where the real damage is being done is in leakages on the revenue side to check corruption and inefficiencies,” he noted. However, he was quick to deny that the executive was the only arm talking about anti-corruption, noting that most of the laws, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and others enacted to fight against corruption, were from the National Assembly.
Besides, he criticised the current fight against corruption as “sensational and selective”, saying it must not only be transparent and credible, but must follow a transparent process. On cutting cost of governance, Mr Saraki was asked: “Should we reduce the number of MDAs, cut the cost of running the National Assembly or Aso Villa, or the 36 State Houses of Assembly, the various governors’ lodges or reduce the number of aircrafts?”
In his response, Mr Saraki prevaricated, agreeing that apart from reducing all that, government must be able to increase its revenues. Not satisfied by the Senate President’s response, Mr Omofaye wanted to know what percentage or amount he would want the National Assembly to cut in its budget starting from 2019.
His response was unclear, eliciting loud grumbling from the audience: “If I tell you what should happen, I am not sure I will be allowed to have dinner here tonight. The problem we have (on the cost of governance in National Assembly) is a perception problem, not the actual cost itself.
“If you want to run a proper legislative arm of government, it’s less than three per cent of the total revenue. Yet, they are responsible for oversighting 97 per cent of the revenue. Don’t get me wrong here. Over the years, we have not been our best ambassadors.
“And that is why, if you say curse to the National Assembly, everybody will be happy to say yes. The point is, we want a productive government. We want to ensure the 97 per cent is efficiently utilised. “The political answer would be to say we will cut the cost by 10 or 15 per cent. But, what we need to do is, as we cut those costs and overheads, we must create an enabling environment that ensures as a country we are getting more revenues to invest in our education or health sector or primary healthcare,” he said.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Talebearing24 - Flood Sacks Otuoke, Ex-president Jonathan’s Hometown In Bayelsa
Flood has taken over parts of Otuoke Community, hometown of former President Goodluck Jonathan in Bayelsa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Otuoke is located in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa and one of the communities mostly affected by flood disasters.
Some residents of the community now use canoes to assess their homes following the overflow of River Orashi-Taylor and Epie creeks, situated in Rivers and Bayelsa States, respectively.
NAN recalls that the flood affected the house of Jonathan in 2012.
One of the residents affected by the flood, Mr Solomon Oru, called on the Federal Government and National Emergency Management Agency to come to their aid, as most of them now access their homes through canoes.
He said most of their properties have been damaged by the flood.
Oru also told NAN that the flood has dispatched reptiles around the communities, threatening lives.
Another resident, Mr Emmanuel Peter, said they can’t leave their homes, because thiefs are looting their properties.
He also called for the intervention of the state government and security agencies to support and protection.
Friday, October 19, 2018
Talebearing24 - Red Cross Threatens To Vacate Nigeria Following The Killing Of Hauwa Liman
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has officially announced that its aid worker, a 24-year-old Nigerian midwife Hauwa Mohammed Liman who was captured by Boko Haram in May has been killed by her abductors. Reuters, in an updated report, revealed that Red Cross said this on Tuesday, October 16, during an interview session with Patricia Danzi, its regional director for Africa saying the death of Hauwa was because it failed to pay her ransom, adding that paying such a ransom would set a regrettable precedent for other 16,000 of its aid workers across 80 countries in the the world.
However, the Geneva-based aid agency said that though it was reluctant on paying Hauwa's ransom, it appealed to the the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA), a faction of Boko Haram, to spare the life of the valiant aid worker. “When health care workers are captured or abducted there is always a demand. We are a humanitarian organisation so we cannot enter into such kind of negotiations. So we always ask for unconditional release. And that’s what we did. That was the plea.
We believe that there is no cause that can justify an execution of a young healthcare staff (worker). We are now in a period of mourning...Then we will have to rethink what we can do. And the (security) guarantees we can get. Because we want to give humanity a chance, we want to be there for the people that still need our help.” Nigeria is the ICRC’s second largest operation in Africa and its aid workers help 80,000 mainly displaced people in the northeastern town of Rann. Liman and two other Nigerian aid workers, Alice Loksha and Saifura Hussaini Ahmed Khorsa, were working in Rann when they were kidnapped by ISWA in March. Saifura was killed in September.
However, the Geneva-based aid agency said that though it was reluctant on paying Hauwa's ransom, it appealed to the the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA), a faction of Boko Haram, to spare the life of the valiant aid worker. “When health care workers are captured or abducted there is always a demand. We are a humanitarian organisation so we cannot enter into such kind of negotiations. So we always ask for unconditional release. And that’s what we did. That was the plea.
We believe that there is no cause that can justify an execution of a young healthcare staff (worker). We are now in a period of mourning...Then we will have to rethink what we can do. And the (security) guarantees we can get. Because we want to give humanity a chance, we want to be there for the people that still need our help.” Nigeria is the ICRC’s second largest operation in Africa and its aid workers help 80,000 mainly displaced people in the northeastern town of Rann. Liman and two other Nigerian aid workers, Alice Loksha and Saifura Hussaini Ahmed Khorsa, were working in Rann when they were kidnapped by ISWA in March. Saifura was killed in September.
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Talebearing24 - Man Who Resides Abroad Rides Keke To His Wedding In Enugu (Photos)
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Adaobi and Chumas' white wedding was in the Coal City of Enugu. Pretty much a big size wedding with lots of family members and friends. Even though the couple don’t reside in Nigeria they had lots of their friends came back to celebrate their big day with them.
Exquisite Events Abuja did a fantastic job managing the crowd and ensuring everyone had fun at the wedding. Typical of eastern weddings, it ended quiet early with no after party.
Their love story was beautiful, the highlight was when Chumas' white tricycle beautifully decorated showed up to convey him to church.
Talebearing24 - 'Buhari, APC Praised Atiku As Exemplary Nigerian' – Atiku Media
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Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 general elections, Atiku Abubakar , said both President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress had described him as an exemplary Nigerian on many occasions.
He said he was surprised that since he emerged as the presidential candidate of the PDP, the Presidency , the Buhari Campaign Organisation and the APC had been attacking and hurling insults at him.
Atiku, in a statement from his media office in Abuja on Thursday , said he was surprised that the President and the Presidency could eat their words.
The statement said , “ Ever since he (Atiku ) emerged , the Presidency , the Buhari Campaign Organisation and the All Progressives Congress have taken up the uncultured habit of hurling insults and casting aspersions on the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party , His Excellency , Atiku Abubakar .
“ It is rather unfortunate that because they have no record of performance, these institutions would rather run an ad hominem campaign . ”
The statement reminded them of their past praise and validation of Atiku and asked them what has changed between then and now .
The statement added , “ On December 21, 2014 , the All Progressives Congress issued a statement describing Atiku as a ‘ special gift’ and ‘ an asset . ’
“ Today , the same party is hurling invective on the man they once celebrated as an exemplary citizen . Is this two -faced attitude the type of example they want to give to Nigerians?
“ Moreover , on December 19 , 2014 , the All Progressives Congress praised Atiku as an ‘ agent of change. ’
“Now that Atiku Abubakar is on the brink of effecting the promised change that the APC failed to implement , they have ‘ changed’ and now call him all sorts of negative names.
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Talebearing24 - Harmless Owl Killed In Agbaro, Delta
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I was at agbaro Delta State earlier today when we spotted this bird on a tree. Almost the entire community was gathered and hell-bent on bringing it down claiming it has been terrorizing the place for a while. I initially pleaded that they spare its life but they almost turned on me so I rested my case. They finally put it down and killed this harmless creature. I came to conclusion that the ignorance with the black man is caused by religion. We have been held back by the chains of religion.
Talebearing24 - Antibiotics Can Hurt Your Health If Not Properly Used
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Antibiotics damage the ability of our white blood cells
The body’s natural defenses are very effective in killing off certain oral infections and regulating inflammation, according to the research, which was published in Frontiers in Microbiology last month. The research team examined resident bacteria in the body, their effect on the production of white blood cells, and the role they both play in combating infections of the mouth.
“We set out to find out what happens when you don’t have bacteria to fight a fungal infection,” study lead Pushpa Pandiyan, PhD, an assistant professor of biological sciences in the School of Dental Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, said in a statement. “What we found was that antibiotics can kill short-chain fatty acids produced by [the] body’s own good bacteria. When the body is healthy, it houses good bacteria that produce short chain fatty acids (SCFA), which, in turn, promote the development and maintenance of white blood cells.
Those white blood cells — called Tregs and Th-17 — are then able to fight and protect us from fungal infections and harmful pathogens and keep inflammation at bay.The researchers discovered that antibiotics destroyed the good bacteria, which, consequently, depleted the production of SCFAs and damaged the ability of white blood cells from fighting off fungal infections, such as Candida, in a laboratory setting.
In other words, the antibiotics hurt the body’s own immune response and made it difficult to protect itself against harmful germs. In addition, continued misuse and overuse of antibiotics gives bacteria the opportunity to grow resistant to treatment and poses the threat of bacterial infections that are much harder to treat. “Long-term and mindless use of antibiotics could also hamper how the immune system works in other infections such as viral and other fungal infections,” Pandiyan told Healthline.
Our bodies already fight off infections
The findings bring focus to the level of function of the SCFAs when it comes to oral health.
“The study shows that these short-chain fatty acids promote the proper function of Th-17 and Treg cells and that this protects us from oral fungal infections, reduces damaging inflammation, and helps the body’s immune system resolve Candida infections of the mouth,” said Dr. Aileen Marty, a professor of infectious diseases at Florida International University College of Medicine.
We need those SCFAs to power up our white blood cells — the Th-17 and Treg cells — to protect us from sickness.“While many cells in the body play some roles in protecting us against infections, [it’s] the primary responsibility of white blood cells,” Marty added. “White blood cells are the professional soldiers against infection, while other cells perform protective roles more as ‘deputized citizen militia.’”
These natural defenses had no problem fighting off inflammation and infection on their own, but antibiotics can prevent these defenses from doing their job.
Should you take antibiotics for an oral infection?
Researchers stress that physicians must be sure that antibiotics are really necessary to treat an infection before prescribing them. Needless overuse of antibiotics isn’t helpful, the study suggested. “We have good bacteria doing good work every day, why kill them?” Pandiyan noted in the statement. “As is the case with many infections, if you leave them alone, they will leave on their own.”
While for more serious cases antibiotics are a necessary — and sometimes life-saving — treatment, many health experts also recommend taking probiotics alongside antibiotics to maintain good bacteria and restore healthy flora. Lastly, if you have a bacterial infection and are prescribed antibiotics, be sure to finish out the prescription.
Failure to take the entire course of treatment only contributes to the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. If you stop short, your immune system might not be up for the challenge next time you’re not feeling so hot.
Friday, September 21, 2018
Talebearing24 - Angel Christopher: 'Men Find My Body Irresistible, Some Think I'm Mammy Water
Angel Christopher, a s*xy and curvy Nollywood actress, is not letting her guard down despite all the tantalizing offers she’s been getting from men who want to have a feel of her s*xy body.
Speaking with Inside Nollywood, the Delta State-based role interpreter, who has starred in over 20 movies, shared the embarrassing encounters she often faces because of her natural endowments.
“Nothing is new. People normally assume so many things about me. Some men just see me, and the next thing they do is ask me to marry them, without even knowing me. Others go as far as telling me that they would love to have s*x with me. Just like that!
“Some even ask if I am human being or mammy water, while others send me different snapshots of their manhood to prove they are capable and can handle me well in bed. “I just read and laugh and when I am not in the mood to laugh, I block them through their social media handles. Case closed! In fact, men find my body irresistible,” she gushed.
With a strong belief that the man of her dreams would eventually locate her, Christopher, who doubles as a beautician, rejected the offer of being a second wife. “Nothing is wrong with being a second wife, but I can’t settle for less neither am I meant to eat left over. The Bible made us to understand that it’s one man, one wife. So, why should I go dragging another woman’s husband when I can get mine?
“I am a jealous lover and I hate sharing. I want a man who is God fearing, understanding, tolerating, caring, calm and playful. “I don’t mind if he is short, ugly or poor, because when you truly love someone, his or her looks won’t mean a thing to you,” she hinted.
Speaking with Inside Nollywood, the Delta State-based role interpreter, who has starred in over 20 movies, shared the embarrassing encounters she often faces because of her natural endowments.
“Nothing is new. People normally assume so many things about me. Some men just see me, and the next thing they do is ask me to marry them, without even knowing me. Others go as far as telling me that they would love to have s*x with me. Just like that!
“Some even ask if I am human being or mammy water, while others send me different snapshots of their manhood to prove they are capable and can handle me well in bed. “I just read and laugh and when I am not in the mood to laugh, I block them through their social media handles. Case closed! In fact, men find my body irresistible,” she gushed.
With a strong belief that the man of her dreams would eventually locate her, Christopher, who doubles as a beautician, rejected the offer of being a second wife. “Nothing is wrong with being a second wife, but I can’t settle for less neither am I meant to eat left over. The Bible made us to understand that it’s one man, one wife. So, why should I go dragging another woman’s husband when I can get mine?
“I am a jealous lover and I hate sharing. I want a man who is God fearing, understanding, tolerating, caring, calm and playful. “I don’t mind if he is short, ugly or poor, because when you truly love someone, his or her looks won’t mean a thing to you,” she hinted.
Talebearing24 - Suspected Female Kidnapper Rescued From Being Lynched By Mob (photo)
A suspected female kidnapper got more than she could chew recently after she was caught by an irate mob. The Ado-Odo/Ota Divisional Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) yesterday rescued a suspected child kidnapper from being lynched by irate mob in Ota, a suburb of Ogun State. The woman, named ‘Sade’, was caught, about 9 am, at Agbajowo Community in Ado/Odo Ota Local Government, near Faramed Hospital, on Ilo-Awela Road.
The Ota NSCDC Divisional Commandant, Idowu Adesola, who confirmed the report, said: “The suspected child kidnapper was, in the early hours of Wednesday, September 19, about 0909 hours, rescued by NSCDC, Ado-Odo/Ota Division from being lynched by irate mob, which wanted to kill and set her ablaze.
“The suspected, ‘Sade’ in her late 30s, claimed she came from Mile 2 in Lagos. She was caught roaming around some houses within Agbajowo community. “She later settled down in a house within the neighborhood, where she claimed she wanted to have rest in its balcony.
“An alarm was raised by some people, who suspected her movements. While interrogating her, an Android phone, sweets, chin-chin, cooked rice, gala, among others, used to entice children, were found in her nylon bag. “After much interrogation by the community chairman and other leaders, everyone was convinced the young lady has a sinister mission. The area boys on the scene wanted to lynch her. NSCDC intervened, and later handed her to Sango Divisional Police Command for more interrogation.”
An eyewitnesses said the woman was caught with an Android phone, sim cards, and others.
According to her, the woman quickly chewed and swallowed some of the items to avoid further questions.
The Ota NSCDC Divisional Commandant, Idowu Adesola, who confirmed the report, said: “The suspected child kidnapper was, in the early hours of Wednesday, September 19, about 0909 hours, rescued by NSCDC, Ado-Odo/Ota Division from being lynched by irate mob, which wanted to kill and set her ablaze.
“The suspected, ‘Sade’ in her late 30s, claimed she came from Mile 2 in Lagos. She was caught roaming around some houses within Agbajowo community. “She later settled down in a house within the neighborhood, where she claimed she wanted to have rest in its balcony.
“An alarm was raised by some people, who suspected her movements. While interrogating her, an Android phone, sweets, chin-chin, cooked rice, gala, among others, used to entice children, were found in her nylon bag. “After much interrogation by the community chairman and other leaders, everyone was convinced the young lady has a sinister mission. The area boys on the scene wanted to lynch her. NSCDC intervened, and later handed her to Sango Divisional Police Command for more interrogation.”
An eyewitnesses said the woman was caught with an Android phone, sim cards, and others.
According to her, the woman quickly chewed and swallowed some of the items to avoid further questions.
Talebearing24 - Ambode: Obesere Blasts K1 'Wasiu Ayinde A Serial Betrayer
Fuji musician, Abass Akande Obesere has called fellow fuji king, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde 'K1 De Ultimate' over his stance on the current crisis that has engulfed ruling APC in Lagos State, describing him as an ingrate who does not always care to bite the fingers that fed him.
Speaking on the latest development in a statement, Alhaji Obesere was quick to place it on record that while he has nothing personal against his colleague, he is always averse to his uncharitable conduct and dishonest attitude, adding the latest preposterous position and outburst against Ambode in his trying period is a clear testimony that ‘Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde is nothing but a serial betrayer.’
“I want to state clearly that I have nothing personal against Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde but looking back to some of his conducts and attitude over the years, I think I have been proven right to stay away from dealing with him. I don’t like to deal with an ingrate who doesn’t care to bite the fingers that once fed him,“ he said.
“As musicians, we are people’s property and I am free to support anybody that I like but I won’t come out in the open to smear the character of anybody not to talk of someone I have benefited from in one way or the other. What is happening in Lagos State is pure political issue and should be left to the politicians to resolve. For, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde to suddenly change gears because of the travails of Governor Ambode is not only ungodly, slanderous and disrespectful, but it shows that he is a real traitor.
You will recall that the same man betrayed our legend in the Fuji Music industry, late Alhaji Ayinde Barrister some years back. He came out in the open to deny the man who was his benefactor and called him all sorts of names.
He once rubbished another amongst our highly respected seniors in the business, Alhaji Ayinla Kollington, and I can go on and on to relay some of his past ignoble actions that portrayed him as someone who cannot be trusted. And that exactly has been the crux of our disagreements overtimes.
The latest one against Governor Ambode is quite unfortunate and as a stakeholder and someone who doesn’t love to hide his feelings, I think we should all let him know that, what comes around, goes around and what is not good is not good. As public figure s and role models, we should not be seen as people of questionable character who are always running to where our pockets will be served” he said.
Speaking on the latest development in a statement, Alhaji Obesere was quick to place it on record that while he has nothing personal against his colleague, he is always averse to his uncharitable conduct and dishonest attitude, adding the latest preposterous position and outburst against Ambode in his trying period is a clear testimony that ‘Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde is nothing but a serial betrayer.’
“I want to state clearly that I have nothing personal against Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde but looking back to some of his conducts and attitude over the years, I think I have been proven right to stay away from dealing with him. I don’t like to deal with an ingrate who doesn’t care to bite the fingers that once fed him,“ he said.
“As musicians, we are people’s property and I am free to support anybody that I like but I won’t come out in the open to smear the character of anybody not to talk of someone I have benefited from in one way or the other. What is happening in Lagos State is pure political issue and should be left to the politicians to resolve. For, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde to suddenly change gears because of the travails of Governor Ambode is not only ungodly, slanderous and disrespectful, but it shows that he is a real traitor.
You will recall that the same man betrayed our legend in the Fuji Music industry, late Alhaji Ayinde Barrister some years back. He came out in the open to deny the man who was his benefactor and called him all sorts of names.
He once rubbished another amongst our highly respected seniors in the business, Alhaji Ayinla Kollington, and I can go on and on to relay some of his past ignoble actions that portrayed him as someone who cannot be trusted. And that exactly has been the crux of our disagreements overtimes.
The latest one against Governor Ambode is quite unfortunate and as a stakeholder and someone who doesn’t love to hide his feelings, I think we should all let him know that, what comes around, goes around and what is not good is not good. As public figure s and role models, we should not be seen as people of questionable character who are always running to where our pockets will be served” he said.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Talebearing24 - Infinix Launches The Most Intelligent Smartphone NOTE 5 Stylus Powered By Google
Infinix Mobility a premium smartphone brand, has proven once again its commitment to bringing the most cutting-edge technology and stylishly designed mobile devices to consumers with the introduction of its latest device NOTE 5 Stylus. Partnering with Google, NOTE 5 Stylus is yet another Android One smartphone with intelligent software experience and will be available for pre-order from September 10 – 15 and available in-store across all our exclusive stores from September 17.
The NOTE 5 Stylus is designed for consumers that seek self-expression, featuring AI cameras for stunning images. The device is equipped with an upgraded 16MP AI low-light selfie camera with f2.0 aperture. With its intelligent pixel technology, the device always supports high quality selfie images whether night or day. Its 16MP rear camera also captures more light with its larger pixels and bigger f1.8 aperture at a speed that is up to three times faster with multiple scene recognition ability. This new feature enables consumers to capture amazing pictures in all occasions.
The XPen is another highlight of this device and creates new and innovative ways for consumers to express themselves. It is an awesome digital pen that allows consumers to showcase their creativity. With the versatile XPen, consumers can edit screenshot images instantly, sketch doodles or even jot down notes during meetings.
The NOTE 5 Stylus comes with a 6.0″FHD+ infinity display, giving consumers a larger screen for an immersive experience and allowing them to enhance their smartphone experience to new heights. With its trendy and convenient design, consumers will be able to handle complexity and work seamlessly with the XPen.
Infinix NOTE 5 Stylus also supports Google Lens – a new way to search what you’re seeing and interact with the world around you. You can act on text, identify distinct plant and animal breeds, learn about popular landmarks and discover products like them. The feature will be available right in the NOTE 5 Stylus camera and through Google Assistant.
Powered by a 4000mAh large battery with an ultra-dynamic X-charge for quick charge, this device is designed to keep you functional throughout the day. Adopting the Helio P23 as its processor, NOTE 5 Stylus is engineered for high peak performance at a low power consumption, providing an incredible high-tech performance packed in a tiny machine.
Infinix NOTE 5 Stylus is set to launch in more than 30 countries including Nigeria, Egypt, India, Kenya and Morocco. Infinix Mobility Limited joining the Android One program means Infinix NOTE 5 Stylus will enable younger consumers to experience a seamless creative and self-expression lifestyle that empowers them to become trendsetters.
Infinix NOTE 5 Stylus Specifications:
Network: 4G/3G/2G
OS Version: Android One
Display: 6.0″FHD+; 18:9; 2.5D
Processor: MT6763
Dimensions: 158*75*8.4mm – 2.5D glass
ROM/RAM: 32GB/64GB + 4GB
Battery: 4000mAh
Front camera: 16 MP; low-light selfie; 1.0um Pixels; F2.0
Back camera: 16MP; 1.12um Large Pixels; F1.8; Super PD
The NOTE 5 Stylus is designed for consumers that seek self-expression, featuring AI cameras for stunning images. The device is equipped with an upgraded 16MP AI low-light selfie camera with f2.0 aperture. With its intelligent pixel technology, the device always supports high quality selfie images whether night or day. Its 16MP rear camera also captures more light with its larger pixels and bigger f1.8 aperture at a speed that is up to three times faster with multiple scene recognition ability. This new feature enables consumers to capture amazing pictures in all occasions.
The XPen is another highlight of this device and creates new and innovative ways for consumers to express themselves. It is an awesome digital pen that allows consumers to showcase their creativity. With the versatile XPen, consumers can edit screenshot images instantly, sketch doodles or even jot down notes during meetings.
The NOTE 5 Stylus comes with a 6.0″FHD+ infinity display, giving consumers a larger screen for an immersive experience and allowing them to enhance their smartphone experience to new heights. With its trendy and convenient design, consumers will be able to handle complexity and work seamlessly with the XPen.
Infinix NOTE 5 Stylus also supports Google Lens – a new way to search what you’re seeing and interact with the world around you. You can act on text, identify distinct plant and animal breeds, learn about popular landmarks and discover products like them. The feature will be available right in the NOTE 5 Stylus camera and through Google Assistant.
Powered by a 4000mAh large battery with an ultra-dynamic X-charge for quick charge, this device is designed to keep you functional throughout the day. Adopting the Helio P23 as its processor, NOTE 5 Stylus is engineered for high peak performance at a low power consumption, providing an incredible high-tech performance packed in a tiny machine.
Infinix NOTE 5 Stylus is set to launch in more than 30 countries including Nigeria, Egypt, India, Kenya and Morocco. Infinix Mobility Limited joining the Android One program means Infinix NOTE 5 Stylus will enable younger consumers to experience a seamless creative and self-expression lifestyle that empowers them to become trendsetters.
Infinix NOTE 5 Stylus Specifications:
Network: 4G/3G/2G
OS Version: Android One
Display: 6.0″FHD+; 18:9; 2.5D
Processor: MT6763
Dimensions: 158*75*8.4mm – 2.5D glass
ROM/RAM: 32GB/64GB + 4GB
Battery: 4000mAh
Front camera: 16 MP; low-light selfie; 1.0um Pixels; F2.0
Back camera: 16MP; 1.12um Large Pixels; F1.8; Super PD
Talebearing24 - Mark Knight Accused Of Racism For Drawing Serena Williams Cartoon
An Australian cartoonist has defended his depiction of Serena Williams at the US Open, after the image went viral and was criticised as racist and sexist, according to the BBC. Mark Knight's newspaper cartoon showed Williams jumping above a broken racquet next to a baby's dummy. Critics said it used racist stereotypes. The cartoonist denied it was racist, saying he had intended to depict only the tennis player's "poor behaviour".
Some also said Knight had "whitewashed" Japanese player Naomi Osaka. Williams sparked controversy during her loss to Osaka, whose father is Haitian and mother Japanese, when she accused the umpire of sexism and being a "thief". Knight's drawing was published in Australia's most-read newspaper, the Herald Sun on Monday, and referenced Williams's outburst and showed the umpire asking Osaka: "Can you just let her win?"
It has been strongly defended by Knight and the newspaper's editor, Damon Johnston, who denied the cartoon is racist or sexist. "It rightly mocks poor behaviour by a tennis legend... Mark has the full support of everyone," he said in a tweet. Critics, including author JK Rowling, compared the cartoon of Williams to past racist caricatures of African-American people. "Well done on reducing one of the greatest sportswomen alive to racist and sexist tropes and turning a second great sportswoman into a faceless prop."
Another critic said: "You couldn’t be more racist if you tried - and you reeeeeaaally tried. Using those classic sambo tropes- enlarged lips, overexaggerated body parts to depict Serena as hyper masculine- next time just use an old ad from the 1800s- no one would notice the difference in your racism" Others on social media pointed out that Osaka, who is mixed race, had been drawn as a white woman with blonde hair.
The National Association of Black Journalists in the US denounced the cartoon as "repugnant on many levels". "[It] not only exudes racist, sexist caricatures of both women, but Williams' depiction is unnecessarily sambo-like," it said in a statement. The 1899 children's book, The Story of Little Black Sambo, featured derogatory racial depictions - such as characters with thick red lips.
Knight said he had "no knowledge of those cartoons or that period", saying on Tuesday that "the world has just gone crazy". "The cartoon was just about Serena on the day having a tantrum. That's basically it," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Knight also rejected a suggestion that he would not draw a similar image of a man. As evidence, he tweeted his recent cartoon of tennis player Nick Kyrgios. By 12:15 GMT on Tuesday, both his Twitter and Facebook accounts had been shut down.
Some also said Knight had "whitewashed" Japanese player Naomi Osaka. Williams sparked controversy during her loss to Osaka, whose father is Haitian and mother Japanese, when she accused the umpire of sexism and being a "thief". Knight's drawing was published in Australia's most-read newspaper, the Herald Sun on Monday, and referenced Williams's outburst and showed the umpire asking Osaka: "Can you just let her win?"
It has been strongly defended by Knight and the newspaper's editor, Damon Johnston, who denied the cartoon is racist or sexist. "It rightly mocks poor behaviour by a tennis legend... Mark has the full support of everyone," he said in a tweet. Critics, including author JK Rowling, compared the cartoon of Williams to past racist caricatures of African-American people. "Well done on reducing one of the greatest sportswomen alive to racist and sexist tropes and turning a second great sportswoman into a faceless prop."
Another critic said: "You couldn’t be more racist if you tried - and you reeeeeaaally tried. Using those classic sambo tropes- enlarged lips, overexaggerated body parts to depict Serena as hyper masculine- next time just use an old ad from the 1800s- no one would notice the difference in your racism" Others on social media pointed out that Osaka, who is mixed race, had been drawn as a white woman with blonde hair.
The National Association of Black Journalists in the US denounced the cartoon as "repugnant on many levels". "[It] not only exudes racist, sexist caricatures of both women, but Williams' depiction is unnecessarily sambo-like," it said in a statement. The 1899 children's book, The Story of Little Black Sambo, featured derogatory racial depictions - such as characters with thick red lips.
Knight said he had "no knowledge of those cartoons or that period", saying on Tuesday that "the world has just gone crazy". "The cartoon was just about Serena on the day having a tantrum. That's basically it," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Knight also rejected a suggestion that he would not draw a similar image of a man. As evidence, he tweeted his recent cartoon of tennis player Nick Kyrgios. By 12:15 GMT on Tuesday, both his Twitter and Facebook accounts had been shut down.
Talebearing24 - Nigerian Man Charged After A Strangled Lady Was Found In His Bedroom In US
A 24-year-old Alex Jude Akpan, staying in Harris County, has been charged with tampering with evidence of a human corpse for allegedly stashing a woman’s body in his bedroom in Houston, U.S His mother found the lady’s body inside a green recycling bin in his room. The deceased has been identified as a fellow Nigerian named Titi, 21. Investigators tried to interview Akpan, but he requested an attorney. .
The Harris County Medical Examiner said the woman was found dead on Sept. 5 in the home in the 9600 block of Wellsworth Drive. The Harris County Sheriff's Office said the residents of the home said they do not know who the woman is. Akpan is out on bond. The Harris County District Attorney's Office asked for a higher bond stating that he could be charged with murder.
Eyewitness News spoke to Akpan's sister by phone. She said she doesn't live at the home and has not talked to her brother. She also said she did know who the woman was. Titi was wearing a striped t-shirt with the words 'NYC Classic' and olive green pants labeled as being from "Forever 21." A gray Hanes brand zipper hooded sweatshirt (size small) was tied around her waist. She was found without shoes or socks.
The Harris County Medical Examiner said the woman was found dead on Sept. 5 in the home in the 9600 block of Wellsworth Drive. The Harris County Sheriff's Office said the residents of the home said they do not know who the woman is. Akpan is out on bond. The Harris County District Attorney's Office asked for a higher bond stating that he could be charged with murder.
Eyewitness News spoke to Akpan's sister by phone. She said she doesn't live at the home and has not talked to her brother. She also said she did know who the woman was. Titi was wearing a striped t-shirt with the words 'NYC Classic' and olive green pants labeled as being from "Forever 21." A gray Hanes brand zipper hooded sweatshirt (size small) was tied around her waist. She was found without shoes or socks.
Monday, September 10, 2018
Talebearing24 - Homeless Man Sues Couple Who Raised $400,000 To Help Him
A homeless American man has sued a couple who raised more $400,000 to help him.
The homeless good Samaritan who gained national fame after the stranded motorist he gave his last $20 to raised more than $400,000 in his name is now suing her and her boyfriend, claiming the couple is committing fraud by taking more than half of the money for themselves.
On Tuesday, attorneys for Johnny Bobbitt Jr. filed the lawsuit in the Superior Court of New Jersey in Burlington County against Kate McClure, 28 and Mark D’Amico, 39.
Last year, Bobbitt, a 35-year-old Marine Corps veteran who was living on the streets of Philadelphia, gave McClure the last of the cash he had panhandled that day after she ran out of gas on Interstate 95, McClure wrote on a GoFundMe fundraiser she created on Nov. 10.
Bobbitt even instructed McClure to get back in her car and lock the doors before returning minutes later with a red gas can, McClure wrote. At first, McClure showed her gratitude to Bobbitt by providing him with food, clothes and some cash.
Then, more than 14,000 people who were moved by Bobbitt’s generosity and his unlikely friendship with McClure donated over $402,000 to the fundraiser, but Bobbitt is now back on the streets and worried that he may never see the bulk of the money, according to the lawsuit.
Homeless man sues couple who raised $400K to help him lailasnews 1Kate McClure and Johnny Bobbitt reunite for the first time on TV after Bobbitt helped McClure when her car broke down in Philadelphia.
The couple initially provided Bobbitt with “some of the monies contributed” but have declined to provide him with access to the rest, according to the lawsuit.
PHOTO: Johnny Bobbitt received a haircut due to the generosity of Kate McClure, who raised more than $360,000 after Bobbitt helped her on the side of the road.Johnny Bobbitt received a haircut due to the generosity of Kate McClure, who raised more than $360,000 after Bobbitt helped her on the side of the road.
Bobbitt alleges that the couple has spent more than half of the funds raised, treating it like their
“personal piggy bank to fund a lifestyle that they could not otherwise afford,” his attorneys wrote.
Bobbitt’s drug addiction has relapsed and he is back on the Philadelphia streets panhandling for money after completing two stints in rehab, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported last week.
The homeless good Samaritan who gained national fame after the stranded motorist he gave his last $20 to raised more than $400,000 in his name is now suing her and her boyfriend, claiming the couple is committing fraud by taking more than half of the money for themselves.
On Tuesday, attorneys for Johnny Bobbitt Jr. filed the lawsuit in the Superior Court of New Jersey in Burlington County against Kate McClure, 28 and Mark D’Amico, 39.
Last year, Bobbitt, a 35-year-old Marine Corps veteran who was living on the streets of Philadelphia, gave McClure the last of the cash he had panhandled that day after she ran out of gas on Interstate 95, McClure wrote on a GoFundMe fundraiser she created on Nov. 10.
Bobbitt even instructed McClure to get back in her car and lock the doors before returning minutes later with a red gas can, McClure wrote. At first, McClure showed her gratitude to Bobbitt by providing him with food, clothes and some cash.
Then, more than 14,000 people who were moved by Bobbitt’s generosity and his unlikely friendship with McClure donated over $402,000 to the fundraiser, but Bobbitt is now back on the streets and worried that he may never see the bulk of the money, according to the lawsuit.
Homeless man sues couple who raised $400K to help him lailasnews 1Kate McClure and Johnny Bobbitt reunite for the first time on TV after Bobbitt helped McClure when her car broke down in Philadelphia.
The couple initially provided Bobbitt with “some of the monies contributed” but have declined to provide him with access to the rest, according to the lawsuit.
PHOTO: Johnny Bobbitt received a haircut due to the generosity of Kate McClure, who raised more than $360,000 after Bobbitt helped her on the side of the road.Johnny Bobbitt received a haircut due to the generosity of Kate McClure, who raised more than $360,000 after Bobbitt helped her on the side of the road.
Bobbitt alleges that the couple has spent more than half of the funds raised, treating it like their
“personal piggy bank to fund a lifestyle that they could not otherwise afford,” his attorneys wrote.
Bobbitt’s drug addiction has relapsed and he is back on the Philadelphia streets panhandling for money after completing two stints in rehab, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported last week.
Talebearing24 - Texas Policewoman Enters Home Mistaking It For Her Own & Kills Black Man
A white Texas police officer who entered an apartment mistaking it for her own and shot dead the black man who lived there was arrested on manslaughter charges. Officer Amber Guyger with the Dallas Police Department was arrested Sunday and booked into the county jail, the Texas Department of Public Safety said. At the end of her shift and still in uniform, Guyger entered the apartment in a complex near downtown Dallas late Thursday and shot the black man who she thought was an intruder, police said.
Minutes after shooting she called emergency services and told responding officers that she thought she had entered her own apartment. The victim, an African-American, was identified as Botham Shem Jean, 26, an immigrant from the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia. Jean had graduated from a private Christian college in the state of Arkansas in 2016 and had since been working at the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers in Dallas.
According to the Dallas Morning News, Guyger got off on the wrong floor of the building complex and approached an apartment exactly one floor above her own. The door was unlocked and the lights were off and when Guyger saw a figure moving in the dark she pulled out her pistol and opened fire thinking it was an intruder, the newspaper reported. Dallas police said that Guyger, 30, has been with the department for four years. Local reports said she was involved in an earlier shooting in May 2017.
The Dallas-Fort Worth NBC affiliate reported that Guyger was released late Sunday on a $300,000 bail. Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall took the unusual step of handing the case over to the Texas Rangers — a division of the Department of Public Safety — to “eliminate the appearance of any potential bias”, police said in a statement.
“On behalf of the Dallas Police Department, we are continuing to pray for Mr. Jean’s family, and ask that the community remain patient as this investigation is conducted,” Hall said. Hall, who is African-American, became the city’s first female police chief in September 2017. Jean’s mother Allison Jean, earlier told NBC News that the incident “feels like a nightmare”.
Her son “was in no wrong place at any wrong time. He was in his sanctuary, in the place where he called home. He didn’t deserve this,” she told NBC.
Minutes after shooting she called emergency services and told responding officers that she thought she had entered her own apartment. The victim, an African-American, was identified as Botham Shem Jean, 26, an immigrant from the Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia. Jean had graduated from a private Christian college in the state of Arkansas in 2016 and had since been working at the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers in Dallas.
According to the Dallas Morning News, Guyger got off on the wrong floor of the building complex and approached an apartment exactly one floor above her own. The door was unlocked and the lights were off and when Guyger saw a figure moving in the dark she pulled out her pistol and opened fire thinking it was an intruder, the newspaper reported. Dallas police said that Guyger, 30, has been with the department for four years. Local reports said she was involved in an earlier shooting in May 2017.
The Dallas-Fort Worth NBC affiliate reported that Guyger was released late Sunday on a $300,000 bail. Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall took the unusual step of handing the case over to the Texas Rangers — a division of the Department of Public Safety — to “eliminate the appearance of any potential bias”, police said in a statement.
“On behalf of the Dallas Police Department, we are continuing to pray for Mr. Jean’s family, and ask that the community remain patient as this investigation is conducted,” Hall said. Hall, who is African-American, became the city’s first female police chief in September 2017. Jean’s mother Allison Jean, earlier told NBC News that the incident “feels like a nightmare”.
Her son “was in no wrong place at any wrong time. He was in his sanctuary, in the place where he called home. He didn’t deserve this,” she told NBC.
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