ALASHOCK'S BLOG: 01/01/2012

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

AT HOME WITH THE AMAZON INDIANS: Most Intimate Pictures Ever Of One Of The World's Last ‘Uncontacted Tribes’

New world: A family from the Mashco-Piro Indian tribe in remote south-eastern Peru has been photographed up close for the first time

Up close: startling new photos of uncontacted Indians released in bid to protect their lands

· Mashco-Piro tribe live in Manú National Park in south-east Peru

· Clan is thought to number in the hundreds in area around Diamante

· Indians live by rigid social code, and regularly kidnap other tribes' women and children

· Sightings of tribe have increased as illegal logging and gas or oil projects force them from their forest homes

· Peruvian government bans boats from landing on river bank near tribe over fears of common diseases not found in the forest wiping out the tribe

· Indians are one of 100 uncontacted tribes in the world

· Tribe has been behind two bow-and-arrow attacks on people in their territory, one fatal

Remote: A member of the uncontacted tribe holds a knife made from wood and a capybara tooth in this image

Indians: Members of the tribe relax along a river bank. They are one of around 100 uncontacted tribes in the world

Isolated: Exactly a year ago this picture of another uncontacted tribe was taken from a helicopter on the border of Brazil and Peru

Killed: Nicolas 'Shaco' Flores, a Matsiquenka Indian,

was shot in the heart by an arrow by one of the

Mascho-Piro tribe members, possibly in a dispute

over obtaining machetes and cooking pots

VIDEO:

{uncontactedtribes}

Heidi Klum Breaks Silence On Twitter, Thanks Fans for Support in Wake of Split With ex-Hubby Seal

We've heard plenty from the singer Seal in the wake of his split from Heidi Klum. But the supermodel herself has remained distinctly silent on the subject until now.

Klum spoke out this morning, breaking her silence in the wake of last week's surprise separation announcement to thank fans and well-wishers for their support since the breakdown of her seven-year marriage.

"Hi everyone, I want to thank u for all your support & kind words," she wrote. "Really means so much. Thanks again...to the best fans in the world! xoHeidi."

Up until now, the Project Runway host has let her actions speak for her, appearing in public while still wearing her wedding ring (just like her estranged hubby).

Of course, her words have nothing on her loudest action of all: despite making news of their split public, neither she nor Seal has yet filed for divorce.

{E!}

Nigerian Adepero Oduye, Mission Impossible 4 Star Paula Patton & Others Featured On Cover Of Vanity Fair Hollywood 2012 Issue

Adepero Oduye (2nd Left)...

The famed annual Hollywood Issue of Vanity Fair is out. And it's a 3-page pullout of the ladies deemed to be Hollywood's IT girls of the moment. This year, Nigerian Pariah star Adepero Oduye making her VF debuts…

Mission Impossible 4 star Paula Patton and Adepero Oduye in their sexy satin dresses joined several actresses for the Old Hollywood (20's and 30's) themed glammed up Vanity Fair spread, shot by Mario Testino.

The Art Deco set was designed to evoke the all-white, Jazz Age interiors of English decorator Syrie Maugham and to resemble a sexy boudoir.

Other glamourous actresses--Rooney Mara, Mia Wasikowska, Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Chastain, Elizabeth Olsen, Shailene Woodley, Felicity Jones, Lily Collins, and Brit Marling--are featured across the 3 panels as well.

Nigerian Brooklyn resident Adepero (standing) is an Ivy League graduate of Cornell University, and has theater credits spanning many stages like the Yale Repertory Theatre. Her movie, Pariah, which also stars Kim Wayans, was a hit amongst the independent-movie-going crowd. Pariah is all about a Brooklyn teen juggling conflicting identities while risking friendship, heartbreak, and family in a desperate search for sexual expression.

Here's the behind the scenes footage from the cover shoot:

***BONUS

Read more about Adepero Oduye and her sensational movie, Pariah HERE.

(theybf)

POLICE: Boko Haram Killed 5 (A Soldier, 2 Policemen & 2 Civilians) In Attacks On Security Targets In Borno

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria - (AP) Police say suspected Islamic insurgents have killed five people in attacks on security targets in Nigeria's restive northeast.

The Borno state police spokesman said Tuesday that Boko Haram gunmen attacked an air force barracks, a police station and an army checkpoint Monday, about 90 miles (150 kilometers) north of the sect's stronghold in the city of Maiduguri.

Samuel Tizhe said the dead include a soldier, two policemen and two civilians.

An army official said a soldier was shot in the arm during the checkpoint attack.

Boko Haram claimed responsibility for a series of attacks that left at least 185 dead in northern Nigeria's largest city, Kano, earlier this month.

FLASH: ₦40BN CORRUPTION CHARGE – Court Acquits Dimeji Bankole, Former Speaker Of The House & Deputy Usman Nafada

DEVELOPING...A Federal High Court this afternoon acquits Dimeji Bankole, former Speaker of the House and his deputy Usman Nafada over allegations of misappropriation of funds saying duo do not have case to answer over the ₦40bn corruption charge.

RELEVANT QUOTES:

"Anytime you see Ibrahim Babangida, Bola Tinubu, James Ibori and Dimeji Bankole ask them, where is our money."- Femi Kuti

Dimeji Bankole Freed? Yet a mechanic is about to die for stealing a car stereo? - Annonymous

UPDATE FROM PREMIUM TIMES:

The Federal High Court, Abuja, has just ruled, freeing former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, and his then deputy, Usman Nafada, saying they have no case to answer.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on Monday told the court that a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Messrs Bankole, and Nafada, have a case to answer in the case of N38 billion fraud and criminal breach of trust instituted against them.

This submission was made in response to an application for a no-case submission filed by Bankole and Nafada’s counsels on the ground that the EFCC had no sufficient evidence to prosecute their clients.

The duo of Bankole and Nafada were arraigned on Monday, June 13, 2011, on a 17- count charge of criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and theft.

The EFCC, in a counter application, filed through its counsel, Festus Keyamo, dismissed the former legislators’ application as yet another ploy to stall the trial. He further argued that the accused persons were not charged for “over-spending but misappropriation of funds.”

Mr. Keyamo pointed out that, as far as the law was concerned, there was a resolution to commit an illegal act in a meeting which the accused persons attended and chaired.

CONDOM RECALL: South Africa Recalls 1.35 Million Condoms

JOHANNESBURG -- A South African health official says they are recalling 1.35 million condoms given away at the African National Congress party's centenary celebrations amid charges some broke during intercourse and were porous.

AIDS activist Sello Mokhalipi complained after scores of people came to his Treatment Action Campaign offices saying the condoms burst.

He said they poured water into condoms and "they leaked like sieves."

Provincial health department spokesman Jabu Mbalula said Tuesday his department recalled the condoms to conduct scientific tests.

He did not know how many have been recovered since the recall two weeks ago. Tens of thousands of people attended the celebrations.

South Africa has the highest number of AIDS victims in the world.

VIDEO (A Guide To Condoms):

{huffingtonpost}

VIDEO: ODD - Woman Arrested For Abandoning Two Young Daughters, 5 Yrs & 3 Yrs With Just Extra Diapers In Brooklyn

Abandoned: Domini, five, left, and her younger sister Dioni, three, said their mom Dalisha, dropped them near a busy intersection in Brooklyn and drove off

Dalisha Adams, 26, was arrested on Sunday for allegedly abandoning her two young daughters at the intersection of Shore Parkway and E. 102nd Street in Canarsie.

The children showed no signs of physical abuse but were taken to Brookdale University Hospital for observation.

Abandoned: The children were left near this busy intersection in Shore Parkway, Brooklyn

An elderly couple called 911 after noticing the two girls, 5-year old Dominae and 3-year old Dioni, stranded and each holding extra diapers. A witness nearby said, "They were wandering up and down the sidewalk for a while, just playing by themselves. It's horrible. How could you leave your own children out there?"

Mother: Dalisha Adams was arrested last night for abandoning her children

After being taken into custody, reporters from The Daily News were able to talk to the two girls who said, "Mommy just left us on the sidewalk and drove away."

Investigators were able to use records from the city's Administration for Children's Services to identify the mother, 26-year old Dalisha Adams. Police officials say she is being charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor.

MORE PICS:

Rescue: A good samaritan found the children near Bayview Housing Projects on Shore Parkway in Brooklyn, with their extra diapers and called police

Heroes: Police Officers Billy Morales and his partner Ed Centeno made sure they were safe after taking them from the two elderly woman who found them

Grandmother: Bertha Davia said she thinks it has all been a

misunderstanding and Dalisha was supposed to leave the girls with her

VIDEO:

Young Girls Left On Street In Brooklyn: MyFoxNY.com

{Story: cafemom, images: dailymail, UK}

DEATH BY HANGING: Maj. Al-Mustapha Is Innocent, His Conviction UNJUST & DISGRACEFUL…Fani-Kayode Writes

It is another long one from Femi Fani-Kayode as usual…He writes below in reaction to yesterday court verdict that sentenced Al-Mustapha and Lateef Showolahan to death by Hanging:

When I heard that Major Hamza Al Mustapha was convicted of murder and sentenced to hanging by a Lagos High Court yesterday afternoon I was utterly shocked, saddened and disgusted. And let me tell you why.

I was one of those that opposed the late General Sani Abacha's government and fought against Al Mustapha and co. with every fibre of my being during the NADECO days. Given that, if anything, I should have been rejoicing with the many other NADECO leaders, supporters and stalwarts who honestly believe that Al-Mustapha actually ordered the death of our wonderful heroine Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and who believe that he deserves to die as a consequence of it.

However I am not rejoicing with them simply because as far as I am concerned, based on the evidence that was adduced in court, this man had absolutely nothing to do with the killing of Kudirat Abiola.

I believe that whatever we do we must always operate within the law and there is no place for the expression of unfettered emotions, vendetta or jungle justice in a civilised country when it comes to the administrsation of justice. I have been following this case closely for the last four years and I have publically called for the release of Al Mustapha on a number of occasions simply because I found it shameful and unjust that the state could lock up a man in a dungeon for 13 years without being able to prove a case against him.

By doing that they have already almost ruined his life yet there is a presumption of innocence in our law. Now the state has gone even a step further in this whole unsavoury and disgraceful episode and they have convicted a man to hang for something that he knew nothing about simply because they want to silence him and stop him from exposing the truth about the rolen that many of the high and mighty played in the death of Abacha, MKO Abiola and many others.

They want to jail and kill Mustapha just as they have jailed and killed so many other innocent men that came before him. Let me make this clear- I hold no brief and I have no sympathy whatsoever for the Abacha government that Al-Mustapha served and neither do I seek to defend their actions whilst in office.

The truth is that they committed many atrocities and till today many find it hard to forgive them for those atrocities. Many of our people in the south-west were killed, locked up and driven into exile by that government as was the late General Shehu Musa Yar'adua and many others from other parts of Nigeria. I myself had to leave the country and go into exile in Ghana in 1996 because of them and I never thought that I would ever return to Nigeria again.

Yet despite all that I cannot allow my bitterness and anger with the Abacha regime so becloud my reasoning and sense of justice that I would support or applaud a case of what would essentially be judicial murder.

Yes Abacha's government and even Mustapha himself, as a consequence of his unflinching loyalty to his boss, committed atrocities and violated the rights of many but does that mean that we should do the same to them?

Do two wrongs make a right? Are we all to descend into the pit of slaying the innocent and punishing their families simply because we must have our pound of flesh and even where there is no tangible evidence to justify such a course of action? I challenge those that doubt me to look at the evidence and to study the judgement closely as I have done.

It is wickedness and it is a travesty of justice. Worse still it sends the wrong signal to an already tense nation that is fraught with regional, north/south and Christian/Muslim tensions. This absurd judgement could not have come at a worse time and I have little doubt that the Boko Haramites amongs us (whether it be the overt or covert ones) will make quite a song and dance of it.

Thankfully Al Mustapha has the right to appeal but the implication of that is that this man's enemies have virtually destroyed his life already and left him with no hope because, unless he is granted bail pending that appeal, he will be struggling with it from the dingy dungeons of Kirikiri prison all the way to the Supreme Court for the next ten years.

That is the Nigerian state and ''system'' for you. When you are loyal to your leader, when you speak out in his defence, when you defend him with your life and when you tell the world the truth they come at you with everything that they have got and seek to jail or kill you for it once that leader is no longer in power or is no longer alive. One thing is clear though- those that seek to hang Al Mustapha and silence him forever have forgotten the God factor. They have forgotten that there is a God of justice and mercy who still rules in the affairs of men and who forges the destiny of nations.

For my old adversary and new friend Major Hamza Al Mustapha I will not beg any mortal for mercy and neither will I plead for him. I will only pray to the Living God that if truly this man is innocent, as I earnestly and honestly believe that he is, then he should be eventually freed and completely vindicated. This is especially so because something tells me that our country will still need him. God's ways are not ours and only He sees and knows the hidden things that lie ahead. It is not Al Mustapha that we should weep for, it is Nigeria.

Finally let me restate my position clearly for all to see and for posterity to take note of. I believe that Hamza Al Mustapha is innocent of this crime. As far as I am aware there is absolutely no evidence against him and the only person that said that he ordered him to go and kill the late Kudirat Abiola (Sergeant Barnabas Jabilla) has long since recanted and said that he was induced and complelled to give that false evidence by the authorities.

In any civilised country that would have been the end of it but not in Nigeria. In Nigeria it is a case of ''we must get him at all costs'' even if it means bending the law and influencing the courts. One has to ask whether, as a people, we have any fear of God? Is there any justice in Nigeria? Is there any fairness? Can we ever rely on the courts to do the right thing when the state determines to punish an innocent man for his perceived sins against the powers that be?

I am fed up and disgusted with the sort of thing that goes on in this country when it comes to such matters and I just cannot understand how Nigerians are so comfortable with such injustice and wickedness being meted out to their compatriots. Do they not know that tomorrow it could be them or a member of their family? On this matter I stand by Al Mustapha shoulder to shoulder just as I do with every other innocent person that has been unfairly charged to court for political reasons and who has suffered persecution at the hands of a relentless and vicious state that have no fear of God.

This country just has to change. God's wrath is stirred up by such wickedness and insensitivity. You lock up an innocent man for 13 years in the most horrific conditions for something that he did not do, you delay his trial, you wrongly convict him where there is clearly no evidence to justify it and now you want to hang him? God is not asleep Nigeria. Unless God wills it Hamza Al Mustapha will not hang and ultimately he will be vindicated. My prayers are for him and for his family at this difficult time. God bless Nigeria.

{ascology}

MTV IGGY’S ARTIST OF THE WEEK! D’Banj ‘Koko Master’ Lost To Rwandan Pop Singer, IYADEDE

On Friday 27 Jan., 2012 MTV IGGY selected five of the best global bands for the weekly contest, including IYADEDE, D’BANJ, LADY LESHURR, HIMURO YOSHITERU, LULINA. Voters had until Monday night at 11:59 p.m. USA Eastern Standard Time to vote for their favourite new artist on MTV Iggy's ARTIST OF THE WEEK.

REWARD FOR THE EVENTUAL WINNER? This morning, (Tuesday morning), the band with the most votes will feature on the MTV Iggy homepage marquee along with a tell-all interview.

And the winner is…..IYADEDE

Rwandan IYADEDE...

IYADEDE - Born and raised in Rwanda, pop singer Iyadede fled the genocide with her family and settled in Belgium. (She calls her place of birth “a beautiful country I had to leave.”) Making her way to France, Iyadede began her music career, touring with Zap Mama and performing across Europe, singing in French. She alighted again in Brooklyn, and in 2010 released her English language LP Talking to God. New York has been a welcoming port for her, as evidenced by recent high-profile dates with artists like Blitz the Ambassador and Spoek Mathambo

Koko Master...

MAGNANIMOUS IN DEFEAT

D’Banj was magnanimous enough in defeat, this morning he took to twitter to congratulate the Rwandan Iyadede. His congratulatory tweet, “Congrats to Iyadede! Artist of the week on Mtviggy....my fans around the world, pls support d growth of african music. OoooSsssHhhhEeeee...”

{MTV IGGY}

BOKO HARAM: American Bishop T. D. Jakes Prayed For Nigeria…

Bishop T. D. Jakes is the chief pastor of The Potter's House, a non-denominational American mega church, with 30,000 members, located in Dallas, Texas. T.D. Jakes church services and evangelistic sermons are broadcast on The Potter's Touch, which airs on the Trinity Broadcasting Network, Black Entertainment Television, the Daystar Television Network, The Word Network and The Miracle Channel in Canada.

Yesterday morning [30 Jan. 2012], T. D Jakes must have woken up with a heavy heart for Nigeria especially for the city of Kano which of late has witnessed devastating Boko Haram insurgency resulting in 100s of deaths and injuries. The Bishop actually woke up to pray for the unrest in Nigeria yesterday, saying “Nigeria is not forgotten”…(I say a BIG AMEN)

T. D Jakes made this known on twitter when he tweeted, “Woke up praying for the unrest in Nigeria! You are not forgotten!”

Monday, January 30, 2012

DEATH BY HANGING: SHAME ON YOU NIGERIA...Al-Mustapha & Others Will Not Die…Your Conspiracy Against President Goodluck Will Fail...Says Mujahid Dokubo Asari

The blogger just got a bb alert on the assertion put together by Mujahid Dokubo Asari which he posted on his facebook wall and I felt I should share it with you guys.

Mujahid Dokubo Asari is obviously a sympathiser of Aso Rock, guarding Niger-Delta’s shot at the Presidency this dispensation with all zeal and brotherly love for his kinsman, i.e. President Goodluck Jonathan…

Conspiracy Against President Goodluck?

This was how he boastfully reacted to this evening court verdict of Maj. Al-Mustapha and his coconspirator, Lateef Shofolakan of death by hanging for the assassination of Kudirat Abiola 14 years ago...He wrote;

“This is a day of shame for us all....shame on you nigeria....Almustapha and other innocent men will not die....they will live.Insha Allah...the treachery and conspiracy against Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan will fail.When your man Obj was there for eight years you did not get a conviction...Umar Musa Yar'Adua you did not get a conviction....Shame on you...your conspiracy will fail”.

Another Nigerian Conspiracy Theory? Hmmmmmmm……..

DEATH BY HANGING: Late Kudirat Abiola’s Daughter Reacted To Court Verdict Sentencing Major Al-Mustapha & Lateef Shofolahan

Late Kudirat Abiola’s Daughter, Hafsat Abiola-Costello took to facebook this evening as soon as a Lagos High court convicted Former Chief Security Officer to Gen Sani Abacha, Maj. Al-Mustapha and Lateef Shofolahan (former aide of the Abiola Family) for the assassination of her mother 14 years ago.

She wrote on her facebook wall, “God doesn't sleep. Justice for my mum at last. So happy”…

Al-Mustapha and His Co-conspirator, Lateef Shofolahan in the dock...

BREAKING: Lagos High Court Today Convicted Al-Mustapha & Lateef Shofolahan; Both Sentenced To Death By Hanging

A Lagos High court today, 30 January 2012 convicted Former Chief Security Officer to Gen Sani Abacha, Major Al-Mustapha and Lateef Shofolahan (former aide of the Late Abiola Family), both sentenced to death by hanging for the murder late MKO Abiola's wife 14 years ago.

UPDATE FROM AP:

Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha sat without expression, slowly shaking his head "no," as the high court judge ordered him to be hanged over the killing of Kudirat Abiola. His coconspirator Lateef Shofolahan received the same sentence after the two men were found guilty of murder and conspiracy charges. Shofolahan was described by the court as a trusted employee of the Abiola family who ultimately betrayed them for money and power.

Al-Mustapha and His Co-conspirator, Lateef Shofolahan in the dock...

Al-Mustapha was found guilty of ordering a security agent to kill the wife of Moshood Abiola, a businessman widely believed to be the winner of an annulled 1993 presidential poll in Nigeria. Al-Mustapha denied taking part in the 1996 machine-gun killing in Lagos, saying he was tortured into a false confession.
...................................................................
Defense counsel, Olalekan Ojo Johnson said they are dissatisfied with the court ruling and will file an appeal tomorrow…

Patrick Ekeji, DG National Sports Commission Summoned To Defend Spending; Including N1.2Million To Secure A FACEBOOK PAGE For The Commission

DG, National Sports Commission, Chief Patrick Ekeji (L) with Chairman, Nigeria Academicals Sports Committee, Chief Segun Odegbami. Photo/NAN

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Chief Patrick Ekeji is reportedly being summoned by the House of Representatives over the Commission’s expenditures, including N1.2 million for Facebook account.

In a high profile investigation panel set up by the House of Representatives over allegations of financial misappropriation and abuse of office, Chief Ekeji would explain how the N3.7 billion that was advanced to the Commission for the 10th All Africa Games held in Maputo in 2011 was expended.

According to the Nigerian Tribune;

“He (Chief Ekeji) is expected to defend how he transferred monies to 19 sports federation; N1,200,000.00 (One million, two hundred thousand naira) used in opening Facebook account for the National Sport Commission; N182, 124, 179,000.00 used in rehabilitating the National Stadium in Lagos, and another N117,875,820.95 used in rehabilitating the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (Liberty Stadium) Ibadan. Ekeji will also provide warrant of approval by President Goodluck Jonathan for him to expend the sum of N350,000,000.00 from the yet to be approved 2012 Budget for the London 2012 Olympic Game.”

The said currently has about 5465 fans and doesn’t look like anything bought for N1.2 million (about $8000).

{techloy}

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE - AU CHAIRMANSHIP: Presidency Denies Media Reports Alleging Benin Republic's President “DEFEATED” President Goodluck Jonathan

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

President Jonathan Did Not Contest for AU Chairmanship

It has come to our attention that some media houses are alleging that President Goodluck Jonathan was "defeated" by President Yayi Boni of Benin Republic in the “contest” to elect a new African Union Chairman at the 18th AU summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This report is false and is only the latest in a series of sensational and fictional reporting in a bid to cast the administration of President Jonathan in bad light. Let me make the following clear:

1. It is not true that President Yayi Boni “defeated” President Goodluck Jonathan in an election; there was no contest in the first place and President Jonathan was not a candidate for the AU Chairmanship position.

2. It is also not true that President John Atta Mills opposed President Jonathan at any time. Ghana and Nigeria enjoy excellent relations.

3. It is true, however, that in the last week, some newspapers have been speculating that President Jonathan may be adopted by the ECOWAS Heads of States and Governments to be the next chairman of the African Union, since it was the turn of ECOWAS to produce the AU Chairman for 2012-2013. Mr. President was indeed approached by leaders within and outside the West African sub-region to take up the challenge of leading the AU for the next one year.

4. While appreciating this kind gesture, President Jonathan resolved that he needed time to focus on domestic affairs in Nigeria, and that it would be practically difficult for him to combine the three positions of President of Nigeria, Chairman of ECOWAS and Chairman of African Union. He therefore rejected the offer.

5. In order to make his position clear, President Jonathan, in his capacity as ECOWAS Chairman, summoned a mini-Summit of ECOWAS at the AU Commission Headquarters on Saturday, January 28, 2012, to ensure that there was a meeting of minds on the position of AU Chairman. His preference, he noted, would be for ECOWAS to adopt the leader of another country, in order to promote a sense of belonging among member-states. Nigeria, having occupied the position of AU Chairman four times in the past, would readily support any such country.

6. As it turned out, the President of the Republic of Benin had indicated interest in the position, which paved the way for his unanimous adoption by the ECOWAS Heads of State as the sub-region’s candidate for the AU Chair. Thus, it becomes obvious that President Jonathan rather than being “defeated” by President Yayi Boni of Benin actually facilitated his emergence as AU Chairman.

Reuben Abati

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

January 30, 2012

Didier Drogba's Mum Cooks For Ivorian National Team Supporters At The Ongoing AFCON 2012

An Example of a Cooking scene...(But Not From AFCON 2012)

The mother of Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba has been cooking for the national team supporters at a makeshift restaurant she set up near the fans’ village in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, where the Elephants are playing their Group B games.

Clotilde Drogba, who personally does the traditional home cooking of fried plantain chips, pepper soup, white rice, tomato sauce and attieke, said it was her contribution to nation at the tournament by feeding the supporters so they could have enough strength to cheer the team to final victory.

Every match day, some 60 members of the national committee of the Elephants supporters (CNSE) queue up with empty bowls to collect food free off charge from the mother of the most influential Ivorian player, before heading to the stands to sing and clap.

{supersport}

Nigerian Terror Suspect Henry Okah To Wait 8 Months In Jail As South African Court Postponed His Trial Till Oct. 1

Nigerian terror suspect Henry Okah, 47, currently facing terror charges in connection with Oct 1^st2010 Eagles’ Square bombing in Abuja, Nigeria appeared in South African regional court today, 30 January 2012.

Okah already jailed more than a year will remain in jail another eight months before his trial starts in South Africa, a judge ruled Monday.

Henry Okah's trial had been scheduled to start Monday. Instead of starting their arguments, prosecutor Shaun Abrahams and defense attorney Rudi Krause told Judge Geraldine Borchers they had agreed to ask for a postponement until Oct. 1. No reason was given, and the judge granted the request.

Okah, who was in court wearing a dark suit, took the news calmly. He has complained about conditions in jail and tried unsuccessfully to get judges to grant him bail in lengthy hearings over the last year.

Okah faces five charges: two of engaging in terrorist activity, both with an alternative charge of conspiracy to engage in terrorist activities. The third and fourth counts include conspiracy to deliver, place and-or detonate an explosive device causing death and serious bodily injury.

These counts carry an alternative charge of conspiracy to deliver, place and-or detonate an explosive device causing death and serious bodily injury.

The final charge of attempt to cause harm to an internationally protected person relates to the Independence Day celebrations bombings which the state alleges were aimed at murdering Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan.

Okah was arrested in South Africa, where he had been living for months, soon after deadly bombings in Nigeria's capital during Oct. 1, 2010 independence celebrations. He has denied involvement, and says he is not a member of the militant group the Nigerian government blames for bombings and widespread unrest in the delta.

Okah is being tried under South African anti-terror legislation. Nigerian government has not requested his extradition and Nigerian investigators are working with South African prosecutors in the Okah case.

Senegal’s Highest Court Upholds 3rd Term Candidacy Of Incumbent 85-Year Old President Abdoulaye, But Disqualified Senegalese International Music Icon, Youssou N’dour

President Abdoulaye Wade

Senegal's highest court has confirmed its approval of incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade's bid to seek a third term in next month's election, as opposition leaders vowed to continue "national resistance".

The Constitutional Council, appointed by 85-year-old Wade and known as the "five wise men", late on Sunday confirmed its ruling from Friday that declared the president's candidacy valid.

The court said a series of appeals against its ruling were "unfounded", also rejecting Wade's own challenge against the inclusion of three other opposition candidates.

The top court also turned down an appeal by music icon Youssou N’Dour against its rejection of his candidacy on the basis that he had not provided enough supporting signatures.

President Wade and his supporters

Clashes broke out in the capital, Dakar, on Friday when the constitutional court first approved Wade's re-election bid.

A policeman was killed in the turmoil as angry youths, engaged in a pitched battle with the police, torched cars and shops, erected barricades and burned tyres in Dakar's main roads.

'Constitutional coup'

Opposition parties have vowed to continue "national resistance" against Wade's bid, calling the council's decision a "constitutional coup". They argue that the constitution allows a president to serve only two consecutive terms.

However, Wade, who came to power in 2000 and was re-elected in 2007, says the applicable law, amended in 2008, does not apply retroactively and cannot take into account his previous two terms.

The opposition, united under the June 23 Movement (M23), warned on Sunday that "the time for talking is over" as it called for mass resistance and a rally in the coming days.

"This is an appeal, a solemn, strong and resolute appeal to engage in resistance. We are ready for all sacrifices," Amadou Gueye, one of the movement's leaders, said.

Music icon Youssou N’Dour Disqualified

The country's top politicians, who will be rivals in the February 26 polls, are presenting a united front under the M23 banner in a bid to ensure Wade does not take part.

"Our main concern is not the election right now, it is standing alongside our people," said former foreign minister and presidential candidate Cheikh Tidiane Gadio.

Meanwhile, a local body of online news websites (Appel) said in a statement on Sunday that 80 per cent of Senegal's web news providers experienced technical difficulties since Friday night.

It suspected "attacks against the sites' host servers to prevent the closely-watched online media from relaying news on the current tense situation".

Senegal is the only country in mainland West Africa not to have had a coup since the end of the colonial era. February's polls, and a possible run-off a few weeks later, are seen as a test of social cohesion in the predominantly Muslim country.

{Story via Aljazeera}

Sunday, January 29, 2012

CELEB TWEET OF THE DAY: You Are Cordially Invited To Kim Kardashian’s BIBLE GROUP…

“I want to start a bible study group with my friends!”, the reality TV star tweeted earlier this Sunday, Jan. 29th, 2012…

Kim The Church Girl?....

And The Bible Group?....

Subscribe to:

ALASHOCK'S BLOG

Pages