Falae: Yoruba Leaders Threaten Secession from Nigeria

The recent abduction of one of the foremost Yoruba leaders and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, by suspected Fulani herdsmen took a turn for the worse on Thursday as prominent leaders threatened secession from the entity called Nigeria. Their grouse ranges from the abduction of Falae and the wanton destruction of his farmland to the need for a serious restructuring of Nigeria to reflect true federalism. “If we do not see any step in this direction within a reasonable time, the Yoruba may reconsider their place in a union that cannot protect them and would not allow them to protect themselves and use all legitimate and peaceful means to attain self- determination,” part of the communiqué issued at the end of the meetings said. DETAILS LATER

Rupert Murdoch apologizes for 'real black President' tweet

New York - The founder of the global News Corp. media empire, Rupert Murdoch, issued an apology Thursday after he faced social media backlash following his suggestion that President Barack Obama isn't a "real black President." Also read: Rihanna opens up to Vanity Fair about Chris Brown Murdoch was praising Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson and his wife on Twitter on Wednesday when he wrote: "Ben and Candy Carson terrific. What about a real black President who can properly address the racial divide?" He also recommended a New York magazine article asking whether Obama has done enough for the African-American community. Murdoch, who founded Fox News Channel, apologized Thursday and tweeted that he "personally find(s) both men charming." The 84-year-old Murdoch has praised Carson on Twitter before, calling him "irreproachable on background, achievements, character, vision." - AP

After Obama apology, medical charity presses probe request

Kabul - A day after President Barack Obama apologized for a tragic U.S. airstrike that killed at least 22 people at a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders in northern Afghanistan, the medical charity said Thursday it is continuing to press its demand for an independent investigation of the incident. The Oct. 3 airstrike took place as Afghan forces were fighting to retake the strategic northern city of Kunduz, which was overrun and briefly held last week by the Taliban. The insurgents, who have been massing around the city for months, launched a multi-pronged attack that took authorities by surprise. Also read: Islamic State kills three Assyrian Christian captives - activists Obama on Wednesday apologized to the organization and said the U.S. would examine military procedures to look for better ways to prevent such incidents. But scarce details on the erroneous strike have only fueled growing condemnation by MSF, as the charity is known under its French acronym, and other aid groups. Along with a dozen hospital staffers, 10 patients were also killed in the strike, which is likely to complicate delicate U.S. efforts in Afghanistan. Speaking to reporters on Thursday in Kabul, MSF's general director, Christopher Stokes, reiterated the group's demand for the probe, saying it would be important and a precedent for non-government organizations working in conflict zones worldwide. Stokes said MSF wanted the Swiss-based International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission which is made up of diplomats, legal experts, doctors and some former military officials from nine European countries, including Britain and Russia "to get the facts of what happened, the truth." Created after the Gulf War in 1991, the IHFFC has never deployed a fact-finding mission. Stokes said MSF a Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization that provides medical aid in conflict zones is awaiting responses to letters sent Tuesday to 76 countries that signed the additional protocol to the Geneva Conventions, asking to mobilize the 15-member commission. For the IHFFC to be mobilized, a single country would have to call for the fact-finding mission, and the U.S. and Afghanistan which are not signatories must also give their consent. "It would show a distinct lack of courage if none of the 76 signatories come forward," Stokes said. On the ground in Kunduz, the MSF hospital was no longer operational, putting a severe burden on the city. Of the 105 patients who were there at the time of the airstrike, nine have yet to be accounted for; and of a total of 461 staff, 24 are still missing, said Guilhem Molinie, MSF's representative in Afghanistan. MSF believes there are still 24 bodies in the debris of the building, he added. Three children among the 10 patients who perished were members of the same family, admitted the night before the bombing after their car came under fire, Molinie added. Government forces continued to battle Thursday to clear insurgents from Kunduz areas. Humanitarian supplies were still not reaching the city in adequate quantities, according to Sarwar Hussaini, a provincial police spokesman. Police were helping with some food distribution, he added. House-to-house searches are continuing as securing forces seek to eliminate remaining pockets of insurgents hidden in the city, said provincial police chief Mohammad Qasim Janghalbagh. He said searches had led to the arrest on Thursday of 13 armed Taliban. Some roads into Kunduz have reopened but the Taliban have been hijacking trucks delivering food and medicines, said civil society activist Zabihullah Majidi. He said medicines purchased with money raised by civil society groups have been destroyed by Taliban on the road from Balkh province, while 150 cartons made it through. The U.N.'s office in Kabul said Thursday that the humanitarian situation in Kunduz is deteriorating, with many residents lacking "access to food and water." There were conflicting reports on whether the airport, the scene of fierce battles when Taliban overran the city, was open. According to U.N. estimates, there were up to 150,000 people remaining in Kunduz, a city with a population of 300,000. - AP

Friendly Match: Congo 2 Nigeria 0

The Super Eagles of Nigeria is down by two goals to nil as at the 35th minutes. The Congolese took the lead courtesy of Dieumerci Mbokani in the seventh minute. His goal came from inside the box where he shot low to the left of Carl Ikeme. Jordan Nkololo added the second in the 31st minute of the game. Recall that one of Nigeria’s best goalkeepers, Vincent Enyeama retired from active play with Eagles to focus on his club career . Enyeama who took to his Instagram page, ‘vinny 2908’, said he has served Nigeria his best while in the pitch and now, has retired from active play with Eagles to focus on his club career. “I have fought a good fight for more than 13 years. I have finished my course, I have kept the faith and sang the anthem with passion. henceforth, there is laid for me a crown which only GOD can reward me for my 13 years of national services. God bless NIgeria. “Henceforth, I am no more the captain of the NIgerian senior football team, I am no more the goalie of the team. I am out of the team. I am no more available for international duties. “I want to say thank you to every Nigerian fan and supporter world wide. It’s been the most trying period of my life but I know that Nigerians are there for me and God is with me. God bless NIgeria,” he said. Recall that the former Eagles captain was recently stripped of that title by the Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh and handed over to CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa, following an altercation between them. Although Oliseh has said the rift between him and Enyeama has been sewn, he insisted that his decision of stripping the former Eagles captain of his title was based on discipline. ‘’I want a captain who is disciplined. A leader who can motivate other players. A player who comes to camp early. I want a young player not a retiring player as captain. And Ahmed Musa is that player. He is my captain.’’

Pacquiao says in talks with Mayweather and Khan

Doha - Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is in negoiatiuons with Floyd Mayweather and Amir Khan to take him on in what would probably the final fight of his illustrious career, he said Thursday. Speaking in Doha, where is visiting the AIBA World Boxing Championships, Pacquaio told AFP a final decision on who his last opponent will be, would be taken by "November or December". Also read: Klitschko-Fury fight rescheduled for November 28 The 36-year-old is on the verge of quitting boxing for politics and is likely to run for a seat in the Philippines' senate next May. He also told AFP he would like to be the country's president if it is "God's will". Pacquiao confirmed he is in negotiations with Mayweather and Khan but said he had no preference about who is opponent will be. "I will fight anybody, anywhere," he said. "I am going to fight probably before the election. "The election is coming next year, May, and before that I will probably have one fight." He added: "We are going to finalise by November or December." he fight would take place in March or early April next year, he said. Pacquiao also told Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera that any fight could take place in the Gulf. The Filipino is in Qatar at the invitation of AIBA's president, Ching-Kuo Wu, a personal friend. He arrived on Thursday and is expected to leave on Friday morning. Pacquaio, who lost to Mayweather in his last fight, said he was free from a shoulder injury and ready to fight. Earlier on Thursday, Taz Khan, the uncle and manager of British boxer Amir Khan told AFP talks had begun with the Filipino's management team, but "at the moment that's all there is". Amir Khan was keen for the fight to happen, said Taz. "He's always up for any fight if it's on the table, he''l take it." The British boxer is expected to visit the championships at the weekend. Pacquaio also confirmed his political ambitions. Despite some criticism from inside the Philippines about his political record so far he was elected to the country's House of Representatives in 2010 the boxer, an eight-division world champion, said he was aiming for the top office. Asked if he wanted to be president, he replied: "Of course, why not? If that's my destiny. if that's God's plan. Before I started boxing I never thought I could conquer seven, eight weight divisions, who knows?" The AIBA World Championships continue until October 15. - AFP

Buhari Seeks More Help from Britain ?in Fighting Boko Haram

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked Britain for more assistance in the fight against Boko Haram. The president specifically sought assistance in logistics, equipment and intelligence. The president made the request when he met with Britain's Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Houghton, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina said Buhari also called for more international support for regional efforts to improve security in the Gulf of Guinea through which crude oil stolen from Nigeria was shipped. The president said that significant improvements in national security remained the topmost priority of his administration. According to him, other socio-economic initiatives cannot be successfully implemented without adequate security in the country. DETAILS LATER

Tear gas and water cannons fired at Lebanese protesters

Security forces have previously used tear gas and water cannons against the demonstrators [Nour Samaha/Al Jazeera] Sign up for weekly stories behind the headlines Subscribe Email Address * RELATED Write a comment FEATURED Security forces used tear gas and water cannons against protesters as several hundred took to the streets of Lebanon's capital Beirut to protest the ongoing political. At least five activists were detained in Thursday's incident, according to sources on the ground, including Waref Sleiman who conducted a hunger strike to protest the ongoing garbage crisis. The Lebanese Red Cross said that at least 35 people were treated for suffocation. The protesters gathered in downtown Beirut with the aim of reaching Nejmeh square, where the parliamentary building is located but security forces erected concrete and metal blockades to prevent them from advancing forward. What started off as a peaceful protest quickly turned violent after security forces opened fire with tear gas and water cannons. Several protesters managed to dismantle the metal barricade and pushed away the concrete blocks. Earlier, the protesters chanted "we want to enter the ministerial council!" and "the people want the downfall of the regime" were cried over load speakers. "It's actually disgusting that we are all suffering from a water shortage in this country and we are forced to pay extra because the government can't provide us with this basic right but they have enough water to spray us continuously," said Nidal, a protester in a soaking t-shirt and his face covered against the tear gas. Security forces have previously used tear gas, water cannons, live rounds and rubber bullets against the demonstrators, leaving hundreds injured. The protests were triggered by a rubbish crisis that started in July, after the main landfill for Beirut and Mount Lebanon was shut down and thousands of tonnes of rubbish were left rotting on the streets. The country has also been without a president since May 2014, and the parliament has been unable to convene in full in order to vote for one, with cabinet ministers unable to decide how to make decisions, let alone address ongoing issues. Source: Al Jazeera

Again, Reps probe failed $470m Abuja, Lagos CCTV projects

The House of Representatives on Thursday revisited the failed $470m Abuja, Lagos Closed Circuit Television Camera contracts, directing an Adhoc committee to probe the non-completion of the projects. A Chinese firm, ZTE Corporation, won the contracts in 2010. The House revisited the probe just days after the recent deadly bomb attacks in Nyanya and Kuje, two satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory. The PUNCH recalls that the 7th House had investigated the same projects and produced a report but no action appeared to have been taken by the Federal Government. But, two lawmakers, Mr. James Faleke and Mr. Adesegun Adekoya, jointly moved a fresh motion calling for another investigation on Thursday. Adekoya, who led the debate, recalled that the aim of the CCTV contracts was to “facilitate real time communication between security agencies to enhance their capacities to monitor and nip in the bud any criminal act before it is committed.” However, he expressed concern that the aim had been defeated with the failure of the firm to complete the installation of the cameras and make them functional. Adekoya added that the contractual terms involved the down payment of 15 per cent ($70.5m) by the Federal government, while the Chinese EXIM Bank would pay the balance of 85 per cent ($399.5m) to be repaid within 10 years at the prevailing interest rate. He also told the House that there were several other projects involving Nigeria and Chinese firms, which had suffered a similar setback. He observed that the Chinese would usually ensure that loans given to Nigeria were tied to projects, which must be executed by Chinese companies. To keep to such terms, the lawmaker noted that Nigeria’s laws and “due process in the award of contracts are shortchanged in the contract-bidding process.” It was a motion which received the backing of both the majority and minority caucuses in the House. The House Leader, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, advised that the investigation should ask specific questions this time round. Gbajabiamila added, “Who signed the contracts with ZTE? Was it the police or the Federal Capital Territory Administration? “There has been a lot of buck-passing on these contracts? Did the department that award contracts have the power to sign on behalf of Nigeria? “What is the role of private firms in security issues? Do we now farm out national security matters to private companies, foreign firms? There is so much to ask in this matter, which we must take seriously.

Mugabe remains first choice of 'terrified' Zimbabweans

Harare - Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe is more popular than his long-standing rival, former prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai, a survey has revealed. The research by the Mass Public Opinion Institute (MPOI) showed that almost half of Zimbabwe's adult population would vote for Mugabe and his Zanu-PF party if elections were held tomorrow, although they fear him, News Day reported on Thursday. "An overwhelming majority (90%) say they are not very or not at all free to criticise the president and almost half of adult Zimbabweans (49%) are not very free or not free at all to say what they want," the survey reportedly established. Also Read: Mugabe's oldest allies fear being sidelined if he leaves office Mugabe, 91, has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980. The nonagenarian has over the years been accused of ruling the country with an iron fist and using violence, particularly during elections, to remain in power. Critical areas But the state-owned Herald newspaper maintained the survey findings were confirmation that Mugabe was voted into power on the basis of his performance. The survey was conducted in the country’s 10 provinces. Mugabe scored high in critical areas, the report said. "The president got 71% for hardworking, qualified to govern (63%), honest (60%), peace- loving (72%) and 64% for caring for the people." This was despite the fact that some Zimbabweans expressed dissatisfaction over the continued deterioration of the southern African country’s economy. Zimbabwe has been reeling under economic hardships for more than a decade after sanctions were imposed in 2002 following rising political violence ahead of that year's presidential elections. - News24

Boko Haram: IDPs from Gwoza write Buhari, reveal insurgents’ hiding place

Internally Displaced Persons from Gwoza have appealed to the Military High Command to undertake an operation within the Bayan Dutse area of Gwoza to flush out the insurgents and bring back peace to their homeland. In an open letter written to President Muhammadu Buhari on their behalf by five community leaders, the IDPs stated that if only the Bayan Dutse area would be attacked, all the Boko Haram insurgents hiding there would be flushed out and peace would be restored. They said “in line with the persistent call by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai that anyone with credible information should come forth and assist the military, we wish to mention the following villages as being Boko Haram infested, with some captives among them”. They listed the villages as: Boko Sanawa, Ngoshe, Gavva, Kunnde, Amuda, Agapalwa and Attagara. Others are Chinene, Chikide, Arboko, Pege, Kughum, Klala in the mountain, Hembe in the mountain, Gathagure in the mountsin, Guduf in the mountain, Sabon garin Kunnde, Kirawa and Barawa. According to them, some of the IDPS that went to the area recently discovered that most of their houses had been vandalized. The letter, which was signed by Mohammed Abubakar Kulkwa, Audu Duwara, Bukar Ndakva, Daniel Dahwara and Bitrus Katsala implored the President not to disregard their plea because it was the only sure way to conquer the terrorists. .

Janet Jackson, Los Lobos get first nods for Hall of Fame

New York - "Queen of Pop" Janet Jackson and trailblazing Mexican American rockers Los Lobos received their first nominations on Thursday to enter the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They will face a field that includes previous nominees such as The Smiths, the 1980s Manchester band whose moody romanticism helped create the indie rock scene, and gangsta rap pioneers N.W.A., recently the focus of a Hollywood blockbuster. Also read: Rihanna opens up to Vanity Fair about Chris Brown An unspecified number of winners will be announced in December and inducted in April at a ceremony in New York, although the museum is based in Cleveland. Jackson, the sister of "King of Pop" Michael Jackson, became a superstar in her own right with her 1986 album "Control" that brought the edginess of the then-emerging genre of hip-hop to her R&B roots. Jackson, whose elaborate dance routines and social consciousness strongly influenced younger artists such as Beyonce, last week released her first album in seven years, "Unbreakable," which is a favorite to debut at number one. Los Lobos, which means "the wolves" in Spanish, emerged in East Los Angeles in the 1970s as one of the original Latin crossover acts, bringing "nortenos" and other Mexican styles to US rock 'n' roll. Best known for a 1987 cover of Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba," Los Lobos released a new album last month that reflects on the US immigrant experience and their own aging. Other first-time nominees include two classic bands from the Midwestern state of Illinois: Chicago, who built off the jazz tradition of their namesake city to become soft-rock sensations, and Cheap Trick, the power rockers who packed arenas and won a particular following in Japan with anthems such as "Surrender." Another Chicago native, Chaka Khan, was nominated for the first time. The 62-year-old "Queen of Funk" has been eclectic throughout her career, pursuing rock, hip-hop, jazz and soul along with her trademark genre. Also receiving their first nods are Steve Miller, who developed a psychedelic blues style that took from American roots music; The Cars, who helped define the 1980s New Wave by bringing synthesizers into classically structured pop tunes; and, in perhaps the least expected nomination, The J.B.'s, originally the back-up band for funk legend James Brown, who was inducted on his own in 1986. To be eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an artist needs to have released a recording at least 25 years ago, which would mean 1990. The new inductees will be determined by a ballot of more than 800 historians, musicians or industry players, with an online vote by fans accounting for one ballot. - AFP

Hospital never a legitimate target: US general

The US commander in Afghanistan said Thursday that his forces would never intentionally target a hospital and that all requests from Afghan troops for air support are thoroughly vetted. General John Campbell was testifying to US lawmakers five days after a US air strike on a Doctors Without Borders hospital in the disputed Afghan city of Kunduz that killed at least 22 staff and patients. President Barack Obama has apologized to the medical aid agency but three investigations — by the US military, by NATO and by Afghan officials — are underway and the general would not be drawn on their progress. But, asked about unconfirmed allegations that Afghan troops had called in the US strike because wounded Taliban fighters were being treated in the hospital, Campbell said that would not be a justification. “A hospital is a protected facility. We would not target a hospital,” he told the US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee in Washington. “When the Afghans call for fire, that’s not an automatic response. Every day the Afghans ask me for close air support and we just don’t go fire some place,” he said. “We go through a rigorous procedure to put aerial fires on the ground — A US process, under the US authorities. “So we’ve got to figure out what happened in that case but I don’t want people to think that just because the Afghans call fire that there’s automatic fire anywhere they want it, that’s just not the case.” Asked whether the presence of Taliban fighters in a hospital could justify a strike, Campbell said simply: “No.” On Thursday, Doctors Without Borders said nine patients and 24 staff are still missing after the bombing of the hospital, bringing the potential total toll to more than 50 people. The aid agency has demanded an independent enquiry

Army deploys more troops in Yobe

The Nigerian Army has deployed more soldiers in Geidam, Yobe State, following an attack on the Sector 1 of the 27 Task Force Brigade in the area. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col Sani Usman, said in an electronic mail on Thursday, that although the troops repelled the attack, killing most of the insurgents and destroying their weapons, three soldiers were killed in the attack. Usman said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Tukur Buratai, who visited the Brigade, warned the officers in the area to ensure that such ugly incident was not repeated. He restated the determination of the Military to flush out the insurgents and to ensure that the unfortunate incident was prevented in the future. “The Nigerian Army wishes to confirm an attack on Sector 1 of 27 Task Force Brigade located at Gaidam, Yobe State, on Wednesday evening. “The attack was successfully repelled by the troops and the reinforcement sent. The troops killed most of the attacking terrorists, destroying their weapons and equipment. “However and regretfully too, we lost three soldiers and some equipment during the encounter,” he said.

Assad forces stage vast offensive in western Syria

Russian warships launched rockets for the first time into Syria from the Caspian Sea on Wednesday [Russian Defense Ministry/AP] RELATED FEATURED Government forces advanced in western Syria in a "vast offensive" against armed opposition groups, as NATO voiced alarm at escalating Russian military activity in the war-torn country. Government forces appeared to have regained ground on Thursday, after its chief of staff General Ali Abdullah Ayoub announced "a vast offensive to defeat the terrorist groups" and restore control over opposition-held areas. Although Ayoub did not specify where the operation would take place, Syrian state TV reported that the army had targeted "terrorist positions" in the central province of Hama, killing 32 fighters and destroying four armoured vehicles. At least 13 government fighters and 11 opposition fighters were killed in the clashes, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Opposition fighters shot down a low-flying military helicopter, but it was unclear if the aircraft was Syrian or Russian, Rami Abdelrahman, the director of the observatory, said. He could not confirm what had happened to those inside. Elsewhere in Syria, backed by Russian air strikes, goverment forces fought heavy battles with armed opposition groups for control of a hilltop in an mountainous range close to President Bashar al- Assad's coastal heartland. RELATED: Analysis: Is Russia flexing its missiles in Syria The fighting was centered around Jeb al-Ahmar, a highland area in Latakia province which if captured would allow the army to more effectively pound rebel positions in the nearby Ghab Plain, said Abdelrahman. A Syrian military source told AFP news agency on Thursday that the army, backed by Russian raids and allied groups including the Lebanese group Hezbollah, had advanced into the key mountain range. "They have seized most of the hilly region of Jeb al- Ahmar" which overlooks the strategic Sahl al-Ghab plain to the east and Assad's coastal stronghold of Latakia to the west, the source said. The plain has been the focus of a months-long offensive by a rebel alliance including al-Nusra Front. Russia has dramatically stepped up its nine-day-old air war against foes of Assad, with heavy bombing by warplanes and cruise missile strikes from the Caspian Sea. Russia says it is striking the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group and "other terrorists". The US has accused Russia of targeting groups other than ISIL or al-Nusra in more than 90 percent of its raids. 'Consequences for Russia' US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter said on Thursday Russia would soon begin to suffer casualties. "This will have consequences for Russia itself which is rightly fearful of attacks ... in coming days, the Russians will begin to suffer from casualties," Carter said at a NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said there had been a "troubling escalation" in Moscow's air campaign. "We will assess the latest developments and their implications for the security of the alliance," he added. "This is particularly relevant in view of the recent violations of NATO's airspace by Russian aircraft," Stoltenberg said. Tensions between Russia and NATO member Turkey shot up this week after Russian aircraft infringed on Turkish airspace at least twice. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday warned Russia risked losing a deal to build his country's first nuclear power plant and its status as its main gas supplier, as the diplomatic row intensified. Source: Agencies

Ebola scare hits Nigeria again, 10 quarantined in Calabar

University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH, has quarantined ten persons following the death of a patient in the hospital on Wednesday with symptoms suspected to be Ebola virus. Dr. Queeneth Kalu, Chairman of Medical Advisory Committee of the hospital who made the revelation on Thursday in Calabar while addressing pressmen said blood samples have been sent to the Ebola Diagnosing Centre in Benin Edo State. “On Wednesday, 7th October, 2015, we managed a patient who presented with symptoms mimicking viral hemorrhage (Ebola Virus) and have decided to take the necessary measures”. Dr. Kalu stated that those quarantined are principally nurses who attended to the patient and those who came in contact with him before his death. ‘”The following have been informed: National Centre for Disease Control, Federal Ministry of Health, The Cross River State Government, Calabar Municipality, and the Department of State Security Services, DSS” She said further information will be provided to the public as soon as the test results of blood samples sent for analysis in received by the hospital.

Ethnic groups reject Buhari's role as petroleum minister

Abuja - Two ethnic groups in the Niger-Delta have kicked against the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to assume the office of Minister of Petroleum, Vanguard reports. Ijaw People Development Initiative (IPDI) and National Association of Izon Ebe Students on Wednesday said it was unconstitutional for President Muhammadu Buhari to assume the office of Minister of Petroleum. The groups in a joint statement, said, “By virtue of Section 138 of the Nigeria Constitution of 1999 as amended, the president shall not during the tenure of his office hold any other executive or paid emolument in any capacity whatsoever.” Also read: Buhari to oversee petroleum ministry for 18 months “This provision is indisputably clear , Buhari is taking us back to the days of the military rule, obviously he lacks the power to assume the position of petroleum minister as serving president,” they asserted. Their words, “It is an act of lawlessness and the constitution prohibits a public officer assuming two political offices and earning double salaries, the president inclusive.” They stated, “The president should resign as president and subject himself to screening by the Senate if he wants to be petroleum minister.” Read more at Vanguard

Russia will soon suffer ‘casualties’ after Syria intervention: US defence secretary

US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter said Thursday Russia will soon begin to suffer casualties after dramatically expanding its military support for long-time ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. “This will have consequences for Russia itself which is rightly fearful of attacks … in coming days, the Russians will begin to suffer from casualties,” Carter said at a NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels dominated by the Syrian crisis. The secretary told reporters that Russia was backing the wrong horse in Syria and urged President Vladimir Putin to sign up to the US programme of a future without Assad. Worse still, Moscow was reckless in its military commitment, risking clashes with US and other planes targeting Islamic State (IS) jihadists in Syria. “They have shot cruise missiles from a ship in the Caspian Sea without warning; they have come within just a few miles (kilometres) of one of our unmanned aerial vehicles,” Carter said. “They have initiated a joint ground offensive with the Syrian regime, shattering the facade that they are there to fight ISIL,” he added, using another name for Islamic State. Damascus announced Thursday it had launched a “vast offensive” to wrest back territory from rebel forces the day after Russia launched a series of unprecedented cruise missile attacks from ships in the Caspian Sea. NATO diplomatic sources said Moscow had given no advance warning of the missile strikes which came as a complete surprise. A Syrian general said the Russian intervention had weakened IS and other opponents of Assad but Washington says that more than 90 percent of Moscow’s strikes have targeted the moderate opposition backed by the West. Russia has justified its intervention in Syria as part of global efforts to fight “terrorists” and also to target Russian jihadists who may one day attack their own country.

Protesting MPs release tear gas in Kosovo parliament

The session was immediately cancelled as smoke from the tear gas filled the chamber [EPA] Sign up for weekly stories behind the headlines Subscribe Email Address * RELATED Write a comment Harry_Alber_007 Kosovo = Pseudo-state of the US- NATO engineered break-up of Serbia and former Yugoslavia, and part of the NATO expansion into Eastern-Europe. .......new ICBM coordinates coming to you soon. kris cozak Now that is democracy. Bring in the sheep. FEATURED Opposition lawmakers released clouds of tear gas in Kosovo's parliament, causing two MPs to faint, in protest at a recent EU-brokered deal reached by the government with Serbia. The session was immediately cancelled on Thursday as smoke filled the chamber and two female lawmakers were taken by ambulance to hospital, said an AFP news agency reporter at the scene. Four ambulances were seen outside the parliament offering first aid to those affected by the incident, in which tear gas spread from two small boxes placed by the protesters near the assembly podium. The government later released a statement saying the opposition's "violent behaviour" had "exceeded all bounds of institutional and democratic behaviour". Opposition members are angry over an accord brokered by the EU in August between Kosovo's government and Serbia, which the EU had hailed as a "landmark" in normalising relations. Before releasing the gas, opposition lawmakers tried to delay the day's session by blowing whistles and throwing eggs at governing coalition MPs. The government defended the deal with Serbia, arguing the newly-formed Association of Serb Municipalities would not hold executive powers. This is not the first time eggs have been employed in protest: last month the opposition pelted Prime Minister Isa Mustafa to prevent him addressing parliament over the ongoing dialogue with Serbia. An egg struck the front lapel of Mustafa's suit as he left the podium. 'A threat to majority' Kosovo, whose population is predominantly ethnic Albanian, declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Belgrade fiercely rejected the move and still considers the breakaway territory as its southern province. As part of the recent deal, Kosovo agreed to give more financial and legislative rights to its minority Serb community, setting up Serb-run municipalities that allow for greater autonomy. Opposition parties see the move as a threat to the majority and believe it could deepen the ethnic divide in Kosovo. Kosovo and Serbia were at war in 1998-1999, which ended after Serbian armed forces withdrew from the territory following an 11-week NATO bombing campaign. Source: Agencies

Violence flares up between Israelis and Palestinians

Israeli medics at the scene of a stabbing incident that left a soldier lightly injured before the Palestinian assailant was shot dead by police [Reuters] Sign up for weekly stories behind the headlines Subscribe Email Address * RELATED Write a comment Bader Rammal "The ox knows it's master, the donkey its owner's manager, but Israel does not know, my people don't understand.. Wow to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption.." Torah, Isaiah 1:3-4 Be4rJew : Have you considered changing your name to "Be4rox-donkey".....It will bring you up to the level of ox-donkey's intelligence! Be4rJew @Jim Lawrence (cause he's fond of qoutes) "We will have peace with the Arabs once they love their children more than they hate us" Golda Meir, Israel's PM 1970's Mike Thompson Golder Meir (That`s the Russian Golder Meir) also said; There is no such thing as a Palestinian. Which only goes to show that you just cannot trust a Zionist Israel, you never could, you never will. Jews for Justice for Palestinians (Who are Semite by the way, as are all Arabs!) Jim Lawrence Albert Einstein to the zionist Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Albert Einstei Be4rJew Albert Einstein didnt say that! Albert Enstei Did! who the F was he?! Jim Lawrence ???????????? Lectori Salutem seems equally relevant to pals who's hatred and violence isn't helping their cause Jim Lawrence Yes,,, seems you both are insane... right? Be4rJew @Jim Lawrence Here's a good one for ya' Two Palestinian mothers sit on a bench in a park watching their boys play in the sand box One mother turns to the other and says with a sigh: - They blow up so fast these days... Hervé Lavoie I am a pro-israeli, but even I can tell that a lack of compassion can be as vulgar as an excess of tears. matanb This joke is simply a response to jokes which jew haters posted and its got nothing to do with lack of compassion Be4rJew Humor never hurt anyone, unless its about the prophet Muhamad (peace upon him) Jim Lawrence Humor is the best antidote for anything, even death Hervé Lavoie I still believe it lacks taste, but I do concede your points Jim Lawrence Yes, that is a good one.. :-) Jim Lawrence To the Palestinians under occupation Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson Be4rJew Look at the Jewish people Jim, we rose up from the ashes, literately and have been great contributors to society in every field. Now look at Islam, not only it for ever fails, it wants to drag the rest of humanity with it... Jim Lawrence I agree with you on that Be4rJew Be4rJew Well, the last time i checked the Israeli Palestinian conflict had little tiny winy bit of religious ingredient in it.... matanb The palestinians are growing a violent generation, hoping it will help them fight Israel. Unfortunatelty, the violence will become a problem for thw palestinian society themselves. If they ever have a state, and i hope they will, they will have to deal with a society which is accostomed to hate and use violwnce tonsolve their problems. Stop the palestinian violence. bass yamaha from my observations, Arabs in general 'like' to hate! They wallow in it and believe that hate and willingness to die are necessary to win! The don't learn from history! Americans in WW2 didn't hate Japanese or Germans and won! The test is - how you treat the POWs. JMLD49 Stabbing random civilians. The bloodlust of these people is crazy. Be4rJew Yep, some cousins we have, eh? peacefully911 cause and effect.. Hervé Lavoie So, like throwing rocks at people and being arrested? I don't get why stone throwing is being trivialized by so many people. I mean I get the resistance thing, but it's not like they were throwing marshmallows. Stones can injure, even kill people. I won't speak for the rest of the world, but not to thrown stones at people is like the first thing you learn in western society, just after you get out of diapers... if my mom had caught me throwing rocks I would still be grounded 20 yrs later. Mike Thompson Do you live in a country that is occupied by foreign invaders who subjugate you with genocidal Apartheid, and refuse to assimilate with the intrinsic population, Herve? Or do you live in a country that fought against colonialism, in bloodshed? Or do you live in a country that resisted Nazi German occupation? Jews for Justice for Palestinians bass yamaha You mean; Islam and violence? Or incitement to hate and violence? hell_isra Ph*uck Judaism terrorism Stab or kill a winged Hebrew monkey a day and make the evils of Judaism torah hate go away. When a jew worry about "it's" security it use its 2nd passport to make reverse Aliyah Hervé Lavoie I really feel like you should be reported for inciting violence... hell_isra Go cry at your local friendly brothel synagogue or you can wish upon a star of David's to force others to accept the rejects of humanity represented by Judaism pioneering best.iality and inbreeding under the torah banner you winged Hebrew monkey. If this is inciting violence then I am like every rabbi. Guilty Bader Rammal ( And when your LORD declared that He would keep on sending against them -the Jews- till the Day of Resurrection, those who would afflict them with a humiliating torment.) Quran 7: 167 Can Israel go against the Word of God? Are Religions fake? Lectori Salutem JESUS said:“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits." MT 7:15-20 What are the fruits of Islam? Jihad, terror, sharia law, ignorance, intellectual backwardness and obscurantism, destruction, dictatorship, polygamy, misogyny, war, jealousy, theft and pillaging, deceit, hatred of non-Muslims, injustice, censorship,vengeance, refugees ... Bader Rammal Have you approved your lie? Lectori Salutem is the Messenger of a new religion called "Zinxism", in which the First Law says: "It is fine to say a lie as long as it has been approved by the Great Messenger (me)." !!! Lectori Salutem never heard that before lying pagan bader. but i do take note and hope others do to how you are not capable of disputing the teaching of jesus including his prediction that mo from the cave is a false prophet and that your faith is exactly has has be predicted - FILLED WITH BAD FRUIT! Bader Rammal No, you filthy liar !! You have made a comment on Aljazeera declaring your new filthy religion. Jesus also said, " "You are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. he has always hated the truth. when he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44 Lectori Salutem do you even know what John 8:44 is bader? or do you just pick and chose lines out of the bible that might somehow change the topic? if you understand what was said in john 8:44 you might realize how foolish you sound i'm a christian pagan, always was, always will be. Lectori Salutem and BTW, i was calling you a pagan. for islam is a pagan faith Be4rJew @Lectori He barely knows his right from left, dont bother Bader with difficult tasks :) Bader Rammal Lectori - You are a filthy liar. always was, always will be. That's what Moses, Jesus and Muhammad said about the killers of God's Prophets. Hervé Lavoie The jews and muslims are at each others throat already, please don't drag the christians into this mess. Max Barry Ha, ha The Quran!!!!! Be4rJew Oh! its written in the Quran! Does your Quran explain why most of Muslims are imbeciles? (its a fact not an insult) Bader Rammal No, the Quran, Torah and Bible explain why most Jews are pigs, monkeys and donkeys "The ox knows it's master, the donkey its owner's manager, but Israel does not know, my people don't understand.. Wow to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption.." Torah, Isaiah 1:3-4 "You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to he- ll ?" Matthew 23:33 ( The likeness of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then failed to observe it, is as the likeness of a donkey carrying books. Evil is the likeness of the people who deny Allah Revelations, and Allah does not guide the evildoers.) Quran 62:5 (You knew full well those of you who violated the Sabbath, so We said to them, Be monkeys despised and outcast) Quran 2:65 (Say, "Shall I tell you of what is worst than that?" Those whom Allah has cursed and with whom He is angry and has made into monkeys and swine, and the worshipers of false deities.) Quran5:60 You should change your name to "Be4r ox-donkeys- snakes-monkeys-swine" Jim Lawrence *There is a big controversy on the Jewish view of when life begins. In Jewish tradition, the fetus is not considered viable until it graduates from law school. *The Harvard School of Medicine did a study of why Jewish women like Chinese food so much. The study revealed that the reason for this is because Won Ton spelled backward is Not Now. Max Barry Your claim to be only an anti Zionist is a cover for you anti Semitism. Your usual comment nothing to do with the article only your hatred of Jews. matanb The best way to deal with antisemitic bigots like jim is to totally ignore them. It drives them crazy. I explained to him once that i ignore him because he is nothing but a troll and he has been obssessed in trying to get my attention since. There is no point in trying to talk to racist trolls. Jim Lawrence @matanb the m0r0n If you think you are getting to me then you are full of yourself.. I answer you to expose your lies-- and I will continue... matanb See Max, this is exactly what i meant :) Be4rJew @Jim Youre here cause nothing gives you a h4rd on like Israel or the Jews! Jim Lawrence @Be4rJew Right and then I ease that hard when I am with your wife. matanb The other day Jim described the day a Nazi was put in jail in Germany as a "sad day in history". This is where i realized that the guy is a lost cause Jim Lawrence @matanb- I never made a statement like that... Now you are a liar.. Typical----Maybe it was dean using my name-- He is a zionist liar also using deception Mike Thompson Jewish, Christian, Islam are all Semite religions Max. Semite was a term coined in the 19th century and it meant "Of Middle Easter Origin", over 40 Semite languages were identified, including Maltese and Hebrew, Coptic and Aramaic. Arabs are a Semite race. It was a Zionist who first used Anti-Semite as meaning Anti-Jewish and Zionists who continue to use that misleading term. Zionists still attempt to use a general term to describe a specific, but that does not mean Zionists are correct. Anti-Jewish, Anti-Christian, anti- Islam are the correct specifics, Anti-Semite is just a vague generalisation. The mid 19th century demands for a Zionist homeland, complied with the then attitude of European powers to gain colonial empires, even tiny Belgium has an African colony. What is so wrong with Zionism today, is it`s an outdated idea that has been repudiated throughout the world, yet Zionist Israelis insist that Palestine is only for Zionist immigrants from Europe. If Europeans want to live in Palestine, then live there, but with due respect for the sensibilities of the intrinsic Palestinian population, who are Semite, unlike immigrants who are European. Jews for Justice for Palestinians... matanb I dont like to be called a liar, so heres the link for jim's comment about the nazi.it is the first comment on the article, aeveryone is free to read and judge who is the liar: http://www.aljazeera.com/ news/2015/07/german- court-finds-bookkeeper- auschwitz- guilty-150715101809671.ht ml Jim Lawrence @matanb- Ok, you thought I would not look it up but I did and you are a liar... This is what I posted This tells it all for sure.. http://s30.postimg.org/ b1fnewmr5/ JIDF_TROLL_SOILS_KOSHER_ DIAPER.gif mantanb-- you are a liar straight out of the top drawer... I am not amazed Jim Lawrence @Max Barry Those jokes are from are from a great Jewish comedian--Groucho Marx-- Maybe you think he was anti-Semitic and hated Jews.... Eh-- whats your answer? Max Barry It is not the jokes it is your context. It is like a black making a joke about blacks. Acceptable to many but the same joke by a white is seen as offensive. Bigots like you do not get it. Jim Lawrence @Max Einstein was thinking about you when he said "The difference between Genius and Stupidity is that genius has it's limits Imtiaz KorKani 3rd Intifada has start. Pento Gram And many more Arabs will die. Ak Mohamoud Q: How many Zionists does it take to screw in a light bulb? A: One to change the bulb and 5,999,999 to hold him while getting stabbed in the back. The Gladiator What do you call a Muslim at a HAJJ? Road Kill! Bader Rammal I would tell Muslims at Hajj : Be careful of "No U-Turn Iran Shia violators". The Gladiator @Bader I thought is was the Africans fault like Ak Mohamoud? Bader Rammal @Gladiator It was intentional to disrupt Hajj and make the Saudis appear disorganized. Max Barry How many Muslims does it take to change a light bulb??? A. None of them understand what a light bulb is they hire a non Muslim to fix the problem.. Ak Mohamoud Better than 6 million. Ak Mohamoud Q: How many Zionists does it take to screw in a light bulb? A: One to change the bulb and 5,999,999 to hold him while getting stabbed in the back. The Gladiator What do you call a Muslim at a HAJJ? Road Kill! Ak Mohamoud bohoo....its the same one dannon35 The religion of peace shows its true self. Allah is proud of you. He told me so in a dream last night. Be4rJew Way to go Palestinians, now you will get your state for sure - Ah, NO! Instead, enjoy collective punishment for that seems to be the only measure you understand... Jim Lawrence Don't be naive-- The Palestinians would never have a chance for a state as long as the zionist are there.... Be4rJew Well, then they are doomed... Lectori Salutem sure they would if they had truly had international support but they don't because the international community won't reward terrorist! 2Truthreal Its getting worse there's more crazy factions growing who want everyone to die or troll it. Max Barry They had many chances but they and their leadership like most Muslims demand it their way or the highway and were then pointed to the highway. Boon Chiang Teo The same can be said of the Palestinian who dont want the Israelis in both Palestine and Israel. That is why there will never be peace. Pento Gram they already have a state, it's called Jordan and if they keep at it we will help help them return to their homeland. The Gladiator Time for BiBi to go. It's one thing to go after HAMAS which I fully support but another thing if BiBi thinks reoccupying the west bank with troops is the answer. Abbas and BiBi need to take responsibility to settle these smaller issues while working towards a bigger resolution. matanb When did Bibi say that he wants to retake the wb? The Gladiator Bibi has said he will send troops back in to quell the violence. matanb Whats wrong with sending troops? Did you expect something else? The Gladiator @Mantanb Yes, I would expect a better resolution. If you could prove HAMAS is behind this, that is one thing. But if people are so desperate that they are starting to act like this, then that is another. Jim Lawrence @matanb---- It is the occupation, oppression and collective punishment, and illegal settlements that is the cause of Bibi sending troops to the West Bank Stop the occupation matanb Gladiator. I agree that the problem is bigger than the specidic dtabber and the solution cant be only with force. However, the imidiate act to stop this brutal violence has to be with more security, which means more forces. By the way, hamas is not beyond it, the palestinian leadership which incites violence is behind this Jim Lawrence @matanb "However, the imidiate act to stop this brutal violence has to be with more security" ________________________ You will never have enough security unless you have one IDF person for every one Palestinian because humans had rather die that be occupied and oppressed for over any length of time-- Israel has a choice Mike Thompson Last March, matanb, if you remember during the election run up, Netanyah was behind in the polls, then he announced "There will never be a Palestinian State on my watch" Manna from heaven for Zionist Israelis, so pleased with that statement they were, that good ol` Bibi found himself er elected. Mind you you just cannot trust a Zionist Israeli, when Obama objected to Netanyahu`s declaration, good ol` Bibi said "he never said that". Zionist Bibi`s Duplicity, or Bibi`s down right lies, take your pick. Jews for Justice for Palestinians. Jim Lawrence True The Gladiator What? Didn't you say I had no credibility but now you agree with me? Make up your mind Jim...LOL Jim Lawrence @ Gladiator OK-- I take it back :-)) the_ararar gladiator is this the real you? matanb What makes you think it is not? Jim Lawrence @matanb What makes you think it is not? _______________________ Because it is extremely unusual to see a zionist being negative about another zionist Billy So the Palestinians are doing exactly what the jews did in 70ce when they were occupied by the Romans. Jews invented terrorism and use of human shields. too bad Israel hasnt remembered that lesson. matanb The Jews used suicide bombers on buses in 70ce? I didn't know that. The Gladiator Actually, if you do your research, you will see that it was the Muslim Brotherhood that invented the modern day terrorism. Jim Lawrence Was that before the Irgun gang? The Gladiator @Jim Yes, it was in FACT before the Irgun gang. Google it! Jim Lawrence @ Gladiator- I am not speaking of the creation of the Muslim Brotherhood... I am speaking of when they started being terrorist... The Gladiator @Jim Correct. They started before the Irgun gang. Jim Lawrence I will have to look that time frame up... Hope you are not caught once again as you have been many times before--- I'll give you a chance to retract your claim if you like The Gladiator @JIm Have fun Jim. But if I remember correctly, you don't know how to google ...LOL Max Barry Hey Jim I know you like most Muslims fail to do any research and just spout from you backside. Today’s terrorist movement started in 1928 with the founding of Ikhwan al- Muslimun, the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, to oppose the Arab secular governments that stripped the Islamic elite of its power. This group, led by Hassan al-Banna, felt no Islamic country should tolerate a secular government. Islam had always been the judge, jury, and executioner over the people. This militant group armed and trained itself and became such a problem for the Egyptian government that the terrorist leader, al- Banna, was executed but this only elevated him to martyrdom. The movement grew in power and status. Jim Lawrence @Max-- OK, that was a year before the Irgun gang started killing innocent Palestinians, destroying villages under the leadership of ..Avraham Tehomi Benoit Epsztein @Jim Lawrence: so by Dean Hellisra, Zak and co, all Assanging, we can still have hope : there remains a common denominator to humanity... : like attempts at cheating. Jim Lawrence : like attempts at cheating. ________________________ Read Professor Dan Ariely's book.. A brilliant Psychology researcher that did a research at Tel Aviv University. where he tested hundreds of people.. The name of his book is "The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty.... You will be shocked 2Truthreal Im too cheap to buy the book everything I read is free from online. Even the tvs shows stream them save time from tv commercials and costs) Jim Lawrence @2Truth Man,,, that is not the same as holding the book in your hands. 2Truthreal Thats the future thugh soon Tv will become obsolete the big ones have already have). Ak Mohamoud Q: Why did the Zionist cross the road? A: To get stabbed by a Palestinian. 2Truthreal Brainwashed African please

Date set for ruling Tukur fuel subsidy scam

Lagos - The bid by former minister for Commerce and Industry, Mahmud Tukur, and four other defendants standing trial in a N1.5billion subsidy scam, to have charges against them quashed has failed. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is opposing the bids. The other defendants are Ochonogor Alex, Abdullahi Alao and their companies- Eterna Plc and Ax Energy. They are standing trial before Justice Lateef Lawal Akapo of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja. Also read: Oil subsidy scam: Marketer alleges attempts on life At the resumed hearing of the matter on Wednesday, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, prayed the court not to entertain the submissions of the defence team led by Olaniran Obehe to quash the charges against the accused persons. Tukur's counsel, Obehe, alongside Ebun Adegoruwa and Aderemi Oguntoye: counsels to Ochonogor and Alao respectively, prayed the court to quash the charges against their clients. Adegoruwa had argued that the charges be quashed or alternatively strike out Ochonogor’s name from the charge, while Alao's counsel described the charge as “incurably cancerous.” After listening to the arguments and submissions of counsel, Justice Akapo has adjourned the matter to November 16 for ruling. - CAJ News