10 Ways Men Are Better At Relationships Than Women

Here are ten ways I’ve noticed men are BETTER at relationships than women:

1. Men are less likely to hold grudges.

Women have no problem reminding you what it truly means to be scorn. But let’s face it, remembering a forgotten birthday ten years later (after continuous scolding) is over kill, ladies. Most men, won’t partake in such cattiness, they are like little kids in that they typically forgive and forget within 10 minutes of an incident.

2. Men are less likely to treat their adult partners like children.

When is the last time you heard a husband scold his wife for wearing an inappropriate shirt, or order her to do the dishes? Just let that sink in.

3. Men have a lot more patience.

It’s not often that women would wait an extra hour and be late so that he could get his hair perfected, and then still say, “Honey, you look great!” Chanced are we’d be livid and pout the entire car ride. Not to mention, how many women do you know who would accompany him to the golf course with as much patience as he displays in shopping malls? I’m willing to bet, not many.

4. Men handle their partner’s intense emotions with more kindness.

How many men do you know who will stop arguing and comfort her if she cries in anger, and how many women do you know who will do the same if he yells in anger?

6. Men don’t habitually gossip about details of their partners’ personal lives.

Women support an entire gossip media industry that does nothing but discuss the intimate details of other people’s personal lives and this rarely is different when it comes to the tiresome details of their own life.

7. Men don’t sweat the small stuff as often.

Think about it: Which parent is always stressing about the dirty clothes at 10 PM when the twin toddlers have finally been wrangled into their beds — Mom or Dad?

8. Men are more hopeful.

They still believe in marriage and are willing to get married, in spite of a very unjust judicial system that continues to award women an unfair amount of custody and lifetime spousal support settlements that seem entirely out of proportion to logic. On the other hand, there are women who become so jaded (and dare I say it — bitter) after bad relationships that sometimes they lose faith in men, as a whole.

9. In general, men complain less.

I could go on and on with this example, but just the lack of a major self-help book industry for men, compared to women, is indicative of which gender constantly places their energy focusing on a laundry basket full problems (and un-fixable ones, at that).

10. Men are more at peace with the way things are.

Women are more likely to remain in one gear — that gear being “improvement” mode; this results in them pressuring everyone to improve the relationship, the house, the bank accounts, etc.

Maybe (just maybe) if more women were open to learning about: patience, tolerance, forgiveness, and being at peace with “what is” from the men in their lives, there’d be a significant decrease in relationship stress for everyone. I not sure why most women feel the constant need to one up their lives, but I do think that most of us are far more competitive this way in comparison to men.

The problem is your attempt to “improve” what’s truly not broken doesn’t contribute to the peace, harmony, and stability — OR FUN — of romantic relationships.

9 Reasons Young Women Are Scared Of Getting Married

Gone are the days when getting married used to be one of the biggest concerns for women as soon as they reached early 20s. Unlike what most movies still show us, not many women have “getting married” as the only objective of their lives. Rather, many young women today prefer to postpone this process as much as possible.

Well, it is not just the things, like liberal society, financial freedom, etc., which have shaped this mindset, but there many other issues related to marriage that make them rather worried. Don’t agree with us? Well, then let us tell you some real reasons why young women are scared of getting married.

#1. Loss of independence

Many women believe that till the time they are single, they are free to do whatever they want. And, the things will change once they get married. The fear that none of their plans will ever be made without wondering about what their husband or in-laws will say, just instils the anti-marriage thoughts in their mind.

#2. The big change

We all know that adapting to a change is not easy for a majority of people, and no one wants to come out of their comfort zone. So, how can women be any different? That is why, the mere thoughts of changing homes (sometimes even city or country), family, entire lifestyle, etc., gives them a terrible headache. Well, isn’t that a genuine reason to be scared of marriage?

#3. No more pampering

The pampering and care that a girl gets from her mother is one of the best things that can happen to her. And maybe it is this love only, which makes the women think that getting married is not really a very good idea as they would then have to leave this pampering behind. Moreover, the constant reminders from their mothers saying things like “your mother-in-law will not bear your tantrums like I do”, is simply enough to freak them out.

#4. Maintaining the ‘Marriage Protocol’

Post their wedding, the life of a woman is filled with the expectations, like have kids, take care of them, save for their education, etc. And, since the women today want to follow the ‘my life, my choice’ mantra, these reasons simply put them in a doubt if at all they should get married.

#5. Commitment phobia

Yes, men are not the only ones who fear commitment. Women too have their own set of relationship fears. “What if it is just an infatuation”, “what if things don’t work out”, and many more such “what ifs”, force women to steer their thoughts away from marriage.

#6. Career dilemma

Most of the girls think that getting married means an end to their ambitions and career plans. This stands true at least in the situations where the woman has to leave her city or country, as she might not get the job in a new place immediately. And, no one likes a halt or break in the career for which they have worked so hard.

#7. Added responsibilities

The responsibilities of a woman change and increase manifolds after marriage. Most of them have to take care of various things, like cooking, cleaning, and other household responsibilities. Well, women know that when it comes to finding a girl for their son, most mamas have a desire of getting a helping hand even in today’s time. Not every young woman is comfortable with this idea. So, the reason to be worried for them is not really wrong. Don’t you agree?
Well, not always would you hate these household responsibilities, especially, when they will come with some really great benefits for you.

#8. Settling with entire family

marriages unite not only two people, but also their respective families. Usually, there comes a long list of new relatives, whom the women have to deal with after they get married. And, even if they dislike them, they have to pretend just the opposite of what they feel. What’s more?

#9. Changing identity

Women are still expected to change their surname after marriage. And in certain communities, they even have to change their first name. This can be quite an issue for many women. It is about the change of identity that they have lived with for their entire life, which bothers them more than anything else.

Well, while many of you might have been able to relate to a lot of these points, all that we can suggest you is not to overthink about the question of when or if at all you should get married. If you don’t want to get married right now, just take your time and forget about everything else.

Ladies Will You Rock Any Of These Hair Styles?

That’s Nollywood actress, Daniella Okeke rocking a Green hair in the first photo and a Grey/Silver hair in the second photo.

 

Jonathan Dissolves FEC Today

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) will be formally dissolved today ahead of Friday’s swearing in of president-elect Muhammadu Buhari who will form his own cabinet after he assumes power.

The session will be presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan. He is expected to present a speech highlighting his achievements since he was sworn in as president on May 29, 2011.

Ministers are also expected to speak. on their experience as members of the FEC under President Jonathan. The meeting commences at 11:00am.

He is expected to leave the Presidential Villa for Otuoke, Bayelsa State via Port Harcourt.

(LIAR) Lady Who Lied About Getting Her Waist Trained Caught ……

Haha! So she claims she got this tiny waist from waist training for just 5 months (bloody lie) ..Well, she got caught! See how she got busted below..Apparently she had surgery..BTW! Did they remove her ribs? mhmm..lol!

flavour360blog.com

NDLEA’ Siege To Kashamu’s Home Not Extra-Judicial – AGF Adoke

If the confirmation by Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke that the siege laid to the Lekki Phase 1 residence of Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu is not illegal, then the game is up for the Peoples Democratic Party chieftain.

In the early hours of Saturday, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, sealed off the residence of the Ogun-East Senator-elect, fueling speculations that the anti-narcotics agency might have concluded plans to arrest Mr. Kashamu and extradite him to the United States of America to answer for drug-related charges brought against him there.

A statement by his media aide, Austin Oniyokor, however, described as illegal, the decision by the drug law enforcement agency to surround his house just as unconfirmed reports claim Mr. Kashamu has threatened to commit suicide if the NDLEA operatives break into his master bedroom – where he has since holed up himself – to effect his arrest.

According to Channels TV, Mr. Adoke revealed that a formal request has been made by the American government seeking Buruji’s extradition and same has been passed to the appropriate legal body.

The AGF, however, stressed that due process an all legal proceedings would be pursued with respect to the senator-elect’s extradition.

14 year old girl sentenced to 40 years for drowning baby

A 14-year-old Dallas girl who drowned a 2 month old baby out of jealousy was sentenced by a juvenile court judge on Friday to 40 years in custody, the maximum punishment available, after admitting to drowning the infant in January, court officials said.

The teenager will begin serving her sentence in state custody of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. A judge will determine whether she is eligible for parole before her 19th birthday or should be transferred to an adult prison.

In a juvenile lockup, the girl will have more options than if she had been tried as adult. She will go to school and get counseling.

The baby belonged to a family friend who was in jail. Child Protective Services had placed the infant in the home of the teenage girl’s mother at the request of the baby’s mother, according to police.

Investigators said the girl confessed to submerging 2-month-old Justice Hull in a bowl of water because she did not want her mother to adopt the baby. The teenager’s mother was at work at the time of the incident.
George Ashford, the teen’s attorney, said he wasn’t surprised by the sentence. He said the victory for his client came earlier this year when the case was not moved to adult court.

Dallas Morning News

10 Ways Men Are Better At Relationships Than Women

Here are ten ways I’ve noticed men are BETTER at relationships than women:

1. Men are less likely to hold grudges.

Women have no problem reminding you what it truly means to be scorn. But let’s face it, remembering a forgotten birthday ten years later (after continuous scolding) is over kill, ladies. Most men, won’t partake in such cattiness, they are like little kids in that they typically forgive and forget within 10 minutes of an incident.

2. Men are less likely to treat their adult partners like children.

When is the last time you heard a husband scold his wife for wearing an inappropriate shirt, or order her to do the dishes? Just let that sink in.

3. Men have a lot more patience.

It’s not often that women would wait an extra hour and be late so that he could get his hair perfected, and then still say, “Honey, you look great!” Chanced are we’d be livid and pout the entire car ride. Not to mention, how many women do you know who would accompany him to the golf course with as much patience as he displays in shopping malls? I’m willing to bet, not many.

4. Men handle their partner’s intense emotions with more kindness.

How many men do you know who will stop arguing and comfort her if she cries in anger, and how many women do you know who will do the same if he yells in anger?

6. Men don’t habitually gossip about details of their partners’ personal lives.

Women support an entire gossip media industry that does nothing but discuss the intimate details of other people’s personal lives and this rarely is different when it comes to the tiresome details of their own life.

7. Men don’t sweat the small stuff as often.

Think about it: Which parent is always stressing about the dirty clothes at 10 PM when the twin toddlers have finally been wrangled into their beds — Mom or Dad?

8. Men are more hopeful.

They still believe in marriage and are willing to get married, in spite of a very unjust judicial system that continues to award women an unfair amount of custody and lifetime spousal support settlements that seem entirely out of proportion to logic. On the other hand, there are women who become so jaded (and dare I say it — bitter) after bad relationships that sometimes they lose faith in men, as a whole.

9. In general, men complain less.

I could go on and on with this example, but just the lack of a major self-help book industry for men, compared to women, is indicative of which gender constantly places their energy focusing on a laundry basket full problems (and un-fixable ones, at that).

10. Men are more at peace with the way things are.

Women are more likely to remain in one gear — that gear being “improvement” mode; this results in them pressuring everyone to improve the relationship, the house, the bank accounts, etc.

Maybe (just maybe) if more women were open to learning about: patience, tolerance, forgiveness, and being at peace with “what is” from the men in their lives, there’d be a significant decrease in relationship stress for everyone. I not sure why most women feel the constant need to one up their lives, but I do think that most of us are far more competitive this way in comparison to men.

The problem is your attempt to “improve” what’s truly not broken doesn’t contribute to the peace, harmony, and stability — OR FUN — of romantic relationships.

9 Reasons Young Women Are Scared Of Getting Married

Gone are the days when getting married used to be one of the biggest concerns for women as soon as they reached early 20s. Unlike what most movies still show us, not many women have “getting married” as the only objective of their lives. Rather, many young women today prefer to postpone this process as much as possible.

Well, it is not just the things, like liberal society, financial freedom, etc., which have shaped this mindset, but there many other issues related to marriage that make them rather worried. Don’t agree with us? Well, then let us tell you some real reasons why young women are scared of getting married.

#1. Loss of independence

Many women believe that till the time they are single, they are free to do whatever they want. And, the things will change once they get married. The fear that none of their plans will ever be made without wondering about what their husband or in-laws will say, just instils the anti-marriage thoughts in their mind.

#2. The big change

We all know that adapting to a change is not easy for a majority of people, and no one wants to come out of their comfort zone. So, how can women be any different? That is why, the mere thoughts of changing homes (sometimes even city or country), family, entire lifestyle, etc., gives them a terrible headache. Well, isn’t that a genuine reason to be scared of marriage?

#3. No more pampering

The pampering and care that a girl gets from her mother is one of the best things that can happen to her. And maybe it is this love only, which makes the women think that getting married is not really a very good idea as they would then have to leave this pampering behind. Moreover, the constant reminders from their mothers saying things like “your mother-in-law will not bear your tantrums like I do”, is simply enough to freak them out.

#4. Maintaining the ‘Marriage Protocol’

Post their wedding, the life of a woman is filled with the expectations, like have kids, take care of them, save for their education, etc. And, since the women today want to follow the ‘my life, my choice’ mantra, these reasons simply put them in a doubt if at all they should get married.

#5. Commitment phobia

Yes, men are not the only ones who fear commitment. Women too have their own set of relationship fears. “What if it is just an infatuation”, “what if things don’t work out”, and many more such “what ifs”, force women to steer their thoughts away from marriage.

#6. Career dilemma

Most of the girls think that getting married means an end to their ambitions and career plans. This stands true at least in the situations where the woman has to leave her city or country, as she might not get the job in a new place immediately. And, no one likes a halt or break in the career for which they have worked so hard.

#7. Added responsibilities

The responsibilities of a woman change and increase manifolds after marriage. Most of them have to take care of various things, like cooking, cleaning, and other household responsibilities. Well, women know that when it comes to finding a girl for their son, most mamas have a desire of getting a helping hand even in today’s time. Not every young woman is comfortable with this idea. So, the reason to be worried for them is not really wrong. Don’t you agree?
Well, not always would you hate these household responsibilities, especially, when they will come with some really great benefits for you.

#8. Settling with entire family

marriages unite not only two people, but also their respective families. Usually, there comes a long list of new relatives, whom the women have to deal with after they get married. And, even if they dislike them, they have to pretend just the opposite of what they feel. What’s more?

#9. Changing identity

Women are still expected to change their surname after marriage. And in certain communities, they even have to change their first name. This can be quite an issue for many women. It is about the change of identity that they have lived with for their entire life, which bothers them more than anything else.

Well, while many of you might have been able to relate to a lot of these points, all that we can suggest you is not to overthink about the question of when or if at all you should get married. If you don’t want to get married right now, just take your time and forget about everything else.

NDLEA’s Siege To My House Illegal, Says Kashamu •Points Finger At Bode George

The Senator-elect for Ogun-East, Prince Buruji Kashamu, has described as illegal, the move by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officials to lay siege to his Lekki residence in Lagos State.

A statement signed by his media aide, Austin Oniyokor, said “this latest onslaught is a confirmation of the alleged plot to illegally abduct him in spite of the pending suit against this illegality.

“As a matter of fact, the court has ordered parties in the matter including the NDLEA to maintain status quo until judgment is delivered on Wednesday 27th May 2015.

“We have confirmed that they do not have a warrant of arrest, just as the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has said that it did not give any order to carry out this illegality.

“We have confirmed that this illegality is being designed and executed by Chief Bode George whose wife is the Director General of the NDLEA, all in a bid to score cheap political points.

“We urge all well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on NDLEA, Chief George and his wife to toe the path of the rule of law and follow due process.

“Nigeria is not a Banana republic! The United States being the bastion of democracy, the rule of law and due process should not lend itself to this kind of illegality”, the statement said.

5 Ways To Address The s*xual Boredom In Your Marriage

Here are a few suggestions to take note:

1. Make your bed a wireless zone

When you head into your bedroom, turn off your lap tops, iPads, cell phones, etc. Many marriage and family therapists recommend reserving your bed for intimacy, connection and sleep. Unplug your television and move it to another room. It’s a sad day when surveys show that people would rather give up s*x in exchange for a new plasma TV.

2. Get a grip on your daily usage

If you deal with cell phone anxiety, you have a problem. Brian Alexander, author of “America Unzipped: In Search of s*x and Satisfaction” explains, “It’s tough to look forward to, or enjoy, s*x if you are anxious.” If you’re too attached to your cell phone that you can’t even go an hour without checking it, then you need to figure out a way to get rid of that anxiety.

3. Leave work at work

Set a goal to stop checking and answering emails after 7 p.m. It’ll do wonders for your relationship and work-life balance. In fact, according to the Harvard Business Review, your late-night emails are probably hurting your team’s engagement and performance, so cutting down will help your overall productivity.

4. Get help for your p****graphy problem

If one or both of you have a p****graphy problem, you need to get help. According to Fight the New Drug, studies have shown that “P0*n often leads to less s*x and less satisfying s*x. And for many users, P0*n eventually means no s*x at all.” No matter how hard to you try to justify it, p****graphy is a destructive habit that will hurt your relationship.

5. Put it on the schedule

If you aren’t making s*x a priority, then schedule it in. Set up a specific date and time with your spouse, and then protect it. Put the kids to bed early. Book a hotel room, if you need it. Go out on a date and have a real conversation — uninterrupted by any potential distractions. Make it a priority to make genuine connections with your spouse.

10 Exotic Vacations Nigerians Can Take Without A Visa

Getting a visa in Nigeria to any country can be overwhelming. At times, the queues at the embassies or visa application centres can make you cancel your holiday plans. Some embassies make Nigerians feel like they don’t want them in their countries. The stress of getting a visa sometimes makes me dread going on a vacation. I bet you feel the same way? But don’t worry, there are alternatives. Forget New York, Hawaii, London or Germany; there are actually places you can visit without visiting the embassies to apply for visa, while you get denied in the end.

If you are looking for a place where you can soak in magnificent scenery, natural beauty and breath-taking seascapes, indulge in exciting activities, shop till you drop and enjoy delicious cuisine; here are 10 exotic vacations Nigerians can take without a visa. These destinations are perfect vacation getaways, filled with fun-filled activities that will make your vacation memorable.

1. Zanzibar

Zanzibar is one of the most beautiful island destinations in Africa. The destination is amazingly beautiful, full of scenic beaches and luxury resorts. Visitors get to experience the rich culture and heritage of the island. It offers a wide variety of adventure and exciting activities. For those who want to enjoy their holiday in natural scenery of forests and beautiful coastline, Zanzibar is the perfect destination for you. Nigerians can visit Zanzibar for 90 days; visa can be acquired on arrival at the point of entry. Not stressful at all!

2. Mombasa

Mombasa is an idyllic holiday destination for Nigerians. The city is the second-largest in Kenya and it is located near the African coastline of the Indian Ocean. Holidays in Mombasa can really be mesmerizing, you will feel like you are in Hawaii or Bahamas, the destination offers an unforgettable vacation for families, lovers or honeymooners. Nigerians can visit Mombasa for 90 days; visa can be acquired on arrival at the point of entry. You don’t need to stress yourself for visa; you just get the visa stamp at the airport for $50.

3. Seychelles

There is no better way to spend your vacation than on an exotic island like Seychelles. It offers visitors a world of enthralment and charm , from scenic beaches with tropical charm to delicious seafood. The destination is home to some of Africa’s best beaches and offers visitors opportunity to indulge in exciting water activities. Nigerians are granted visitor’s permit for 30 days in Seychelles.

4. Accra

Many people think so little of Accra because it is located in a neighbouring country. However, Accra is a beautiful destination with magnificent beauty, perfect for a luxurious vacation. The city offers visitors so many things to so and see. Nigerians do not require visa to visit or stay in Accra.

5. Comoros Island

Comoros Island is located on the Indian Ocean. Located off the coast of East Africa, Comoros is a small country island. It is not always populated, which makes it perfect for an exotic vacation. Not only is Comoros Island undeniably stunning, there are a lot of things to do and see on the island. Nigerians are granted visa on arrival at the point of entry in Comoros.

6. The Gambia

The Gambia is probably the visa-free destination for an exotic vacation. Its natural beauty attracts thousands of visitors every year. The Gambia always leaves an eternal imprint on visitors’ memory lanes. Nigerians can visit without a visa.

7. Fiji Island

An exotic vacation in Fiji Island is definitely worth taking. The island has calm atmosphere and moderate climate all year round. Nigerians can visit and stay in Fiji Island for 4 months.

8. Cape Verde

Cape Verde is one of the lesser-known destinations in Africa, but it is an ideal place to visit for an unforgettable vacation without visa. You can visit one of its beautiful islands such as Sal Island, which is close to Senegal. The island offers visitors fun-filled vacation. Nigerians do not require visa to visit and stay in Cape Verde.

9. Cotonou

Cotonou is popular for so many things but it is really a great vacation destination. Many Nigerians are fond of visiting the Benin Republic illegally, by entering through the bush or forbidden entrances when they can actually stamp their passports at the point of entry and enter the city freely. Nigerians do not require visa to enter or stay in Benin Republic.

10. Mauritius

Mauritius is a holiday paradise, cloaked with turquoise sea, beautiful beaches with sparkling white sands, surrounded with coconut palm trees. There are many heavenly hotels where you can stay and enjoy impeccable services. What else do you want for an exotic vacation? Mauritius offers everything you can ever think of. Nigerians can visit and stay in Mauritius for 14 days without visa. However, you’ll need to approach Mauritius Consulate in Nigeria for an entry permit.

Source: travelstart.com.ng

17 Awful Ways To Break Up With Someone

They say that breaking up is hard to do, but if the stories below are any indication, it’s clearly a lot harder for some people than others.

Below, 18 breakup stories that make an awkward hug goodbye and the ol’ “it’s not you, it’s me” spiel sound better than ever.

1. “A friend of mine was studying abroad in Spain and her parents paid for her boyfriend to go visit her for a week. He returned to the U.S. and dumped her on Skype three days later because he said he wanted to be ‘free’ his senior year.”

2. “I was once broken up with the day after having s*x for the first time and the first time he said ‘I love you.'”

3. “Before a job interview. Super shitty.”

4. “The day before they fly you to New York to see them. Also super shitty.”

5. “Breaking up on the dance floor at your friend’s wedding reception.”

6. “Having an S.O. coordinate with their superintendent to stage a building-wide fire drill to prompt you to leave their apartment in a jiffy and having them block your calls and texts immediately thereafter.”

7. “Texting. Really, anything that isn’t in person when it’s possible to do it in person is bad.”

8. “On April Fools’ Day — and then having friends wonder if it was a joke so she has to ask. It wasn’t a joke.”

9. “The worst is being too much of a wimp to break up with someone and then acting horrible for several weeks until they are forced to break up with you.”

10. “A friend who was in a long-distance relationship was broken up with on Skype the night before her birthday. The asshole didn’t even realize the next day was her birthday.”

11. “Taking advantage of vague relationship status — or suddenly claiming it was vague — only to completely disappear without the courtesy of a conversation an actual breakup would require. It’s ghosting, but shittier.”

12. “After you move somewhere to be with them.”

13. “Breaking up with you on the plane ride home from your long-planned Florida trip because, and I quote verbatim, they ‘couldn’t bring themselves to dump you on Disney property.'”

14. “A friend of Puerto Rican descent planned her first trip to Puerto Rico and during the trip her husband asked her for a divorce. Not close to the end of the trip, but close to the beginning of the trip. Their marriage was on the rocks but come on, totally not the right time.”

15. “As they’re dumping you (over Skype, no less), they say that they had been saving for your future engagement ring, as if this breakup (and no ring) is some form of punishment for bad behavior.”

16. “Just weeks after you signed a two-year lease on an apartment together.”

17. “Over email, so the godawful news is sandwiched between spam and weekly deals from Modcloth.”

Narrow Escape: iPhone Safes Owner’s Life, Takes Shotgun Blast

A British man was convicted of attempted murder in the shooting of a man police say survived when his iPhone absorbed most of the shotgun blast. UPI reports:

Ryan Duggan, 19, was convicted this week in Chester Crown Court of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life stemming from the October 2014 attack on a 25-year-old man.

Police said the victim approached a group of teenagers who had shut off the water supply to his apartment block and one of the teens, identified as Duggan, fired a sawed-off shotgun at the man. The man’s life was saved when his iPhone absorbed the brunt of the blast, police said.

“Fortunately, the victim’s mobile phone took the brunt of the shot and, as a result of this, he survived. This is remarkable — had that phone not been in his pocket at that time he would undoubtedly have died,” Cheshire Police Detective Inspector Gary McIntyre said after the trial.

McIntyre said the victim is still being treated for his injuries and will likely require further operations and rehabilitation. Duggan, whose gun was found covered in plastic wrap inside a bush, is scheduled for sentencing July 10.

Iheanacho In Line for Senior City Debut after Sinking Man Utd U-21

Kelechi Iheanacho scored twice as hosts Manchester City’s development squad saw off neighbours Manchester United 3-1 in an U-21 Manchester Derby on Saturday.

Visiting United’s U-21 champions had a chance of ending their season with a win at the Academy stadium after Ashley Fletcher’s goal right before the break, but Iheanacho second-half brace; complimented by left-back Angelino’s effort sealed victory for the coach Patrick Vieira’s side.

Iheanacho is well in contention for his senior Man City debut in Sunday’s Premier League season finale against Southampton, having caught the eyes of manager Manuel Pellegrini with some impressive performances in recent months.

The Nigerian scored in the reverse fixture of the FA Youth Cup final before scoring the match-winner as City defeated FC Porto to win the Premier League International Cup.

Kelechi Iheanacho Scored Twice in Man City Win Over Manchester United.

There are yet strong indications that the 19-year-old will not be loaned out next season as City bid to reclaim the Premier League title; however, Iheanacho could heap much more emphasis on his claim to a first team shirt when he represents the Flying Eagles at the World Youth Championship beginning in one week’s time.
The striker will fly straight to New Zealand via Singapore next week to join up with the rest of the coach Manu Garba-tutored lads, who are aiming to win the Fifa U-20 World Cup for a first time.

Fletcher’s strike gave United a 1-0 lead into the interval on Saturday, but Iheanacho restored parity in the 55th minute, turning his man in before sinking the ball inside the bottom corner of the net.

Spanish defender Angelino pulled the hosts ahead six minutes after the hour mark, when his deflected shot found the back of the net from a set piece.

Iheanacho rounded off another fine performance for the development squad ten minutes from time, curling the ball into the corner of goal.

How I Hurned Down Political Appointment, N114m To Perform At Political Gigs, Tuface Reveals

Superstar singer and Hypertek boss, 2face Idibia has revealed that he lost a total of N114m ($570,000) for refusing to perform at political gigs.

The BET Award winner opened up on how he turned down an offer to contest for a seat at the House of Representatives during the last general elections in Nigeria.

Tubaba decision stemmed from the launch of Vote Not Fight Campaign, an initiative of his non governmental organization, 2Face Idibia Foundation.

The campaign which is a initiative took the music star on regional tours and grassroot engagements across the country.

Omotola’s Son Drops New Song Featuring Seyi Shay

Veteran Nollywood actress has succeeded in pushing her son into the limelight.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde’s son, MJ has now produced a new song that features singing sensation, Seyi Shay.

The 16 years old music producer recently completed work on the single of a budding artist, Verchi featuring Seyi Shay.

According to reports, the new music which is a joint production effort between Eni Beats and MJ.

His mom obviously was the first to tweet and promote the song.

It was further gathered that the new song is a project been funded and managed by Omotola’s Red Hot Records.

Teacher Arrested, Accused Of Letting Students Have s*x In Classroom In Atlanta

An Atlanta-area teacher was arrested after a parent accused him of letting middle-school students have s*x in his classroom. Quinton Wright is charged with four misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office said. He was booked into jail Tuesday and released after posting bond. CNN has more:

The mother who made the complaint said she discovered a disturbing text message on her 14-year-old son’s phone. “Basically he’s allowing the students to have s*x in a storage room of his classroom,” the mother told CNN affiliate WSB. “He told my son, ‘You can have it from 7:30 to like 8:30,’ ” the mother said, reading some of the messages. ” ‘Did you tell the girl what’s going to happen? That she cannot tell anybody?’ — basically don’t tell anyone I’m allowing you to use my room.”

Wright, 25, taught math and science at Champion Theme Middle School in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He also coached basketball at the school. The school district said he was removed from the school.

Even before discovering the text messages, the mother said she was suspicious about the teacher. “He called me when the kids are at their eighth-grade prom and asked if he could come over and take pictures with the boys before the prom,” the mother told WSB. “I said no.”

First lady's workout is a knockout

As part of her "Gimme Five" fitness campaign, first lady Michelle Obama tweeted a video of five exercises for her followers to try.

Why my relationship has worked for 13 years – Reminisce

(Reminisce has said the impression most people have about him is that of an irresponsible young man with many of them not knowing he has been married for 13 years.

Call him the rapper of the moment and you’ll absolutely be spot on. Reminisce is currently breaking boundaries with his 3rd studio album, Baba Hufasa.

The rapper recently spoke with Punch where he opened up a lot more about his relationship and family life.

‘Not many people know that I have been married for over 13 years because I do not announce it. I choose to let people know whatever I feel they should know at whatever time I feel it is appropriate. It was her birthday, I am 34 years old and she also clocked 34 so I wished her a happy birthday on Instagram. Our relationship worked because we know what we want out of it. As an individual, I know what I want and I know the kind of people I move with. I knew those that are close to me now before I became famous. The same thing applies to my relationship, I stick with the person I love and that I am comfortable with,’ he said.

Talking more about his spouse, the rapper said, ‘My wife and I fight a lot, we argue every time but she is my friend and I love her a lot. She acts like a man and she is my best friend. We don’t see ourselves as husband and wife. I believe she is the only person I can live with and she is the only one that can look out for me. I value her opinion because she had been with me before I became popular and she really knows me. She is a nice person and everybody is always comfortable around her. She understands my job and knows that I have to do certain things in order to make money.’

Mystery as Unemployed Man Runs Mad, Dies in Friend’s House

Unemployed and desperate, 24-year-old Taiwo Bamidele saw an opportunity as soon as he met his Lagos-based friend, Akinkunmi Odetunde, during a wedding ceremony in Akure, Ondo State on Saturday, May 9, 2015. If he had anything on his mind at the time, it would have been the hope that his life might change for the better once he reached Lagos.

Odetunde, who works in Lagos as a tricycle operator told Saturday PUNCH that when Bamidele saw him, he immediately asked to follow him to Lagos in search of greener pastures.
“I did not see anything wrong in him wanting to follow me to Lagos when I went to attend the wedding event. So, when I was leaving the following day, we left together and we have both been living at my sister’s apartment at Mile 2 Estate, Amuwo Odofin,
Lagos,”Odetunde said.
According to 30-year-old Odetunde, apart from his sister and her husband, another friend of his, a Delta State indigene, Francis Jacob, also lives in the same apartment.

But on Friday, May 15, a breakfast of semovita and okra soup would bring on the household a calamity which has so far defied explanation.

Odetunde, who is being held at the homicide unit of the Department of Criminal Investigations, Yaba, Lagos, along with his friend, Jacob, said the food was cooked by his sister. He said:
 “We all ate the same food that morning including my sister and her husband. But by afternoon, Taiwo (Bamidele) started to complain of fever. He said the fever meant it was likely that he had developed malaria. So, I went to buy him malaria drug but as soon as he swallowed the drug, he vomited it. 
He told me that he would prefer concoction, so I bought him concoction around 4pm which he took but did not vomit.”
Odetunde said he had thought that as soon as his friend slept off, the fever would disappear and he would soon be fine. By midnight, he knew he was wrong and that something more serious than just fever was happening to Bamidele.

He said around 12 am that night, he was suddenly roused from sleep by the sound of laughter.

Odetunde said:
“I wondered who was suddenly laughing in the middle of the night. I woke up and realised that my friend was the one laughing. He sat up on the bed around 12 midnight and started to laugh. 
I asked why he was laughing. But the laughter only intensified. It got to a point that everybody had woken up in the house and we agreed that it was necessary that we restrained him because he had started becoming aggressive as he laughed. 
The more we restrained him, the more he became aggressive and at a point all of us in the house could not restrain him again. He escaped from our grips and forced the door open that night. He laughed as he ran outside while we tried to catch him without success. As he ran outside, he fell and knocked his head on a wall, fell down and stood up again and ran off.”
Odetunde said throughout that night, they looked everywhere for Bamidele but could not find him until 3am on Saturday when they approached a vigilante group that had captured him.

The vigilante group, according to him were about to start whipping him when they got there. He said:
 “We had to beg them not to flog him. They soon realised that something was wrong with him too as a result of the abnormal way he was acting. 
They told me that he was becoming mentally unstable and that I should look for a rope so that they could restrain him. They said if we left him, he could run into a speeding vehicle or even jump into a canal that is close to our area. When I got the rope, we tied his leg and hands. 
I knew many of his family members so I started calling some of them on the phone. The only person I got through to was his father, who promised that very early the following morning, he would come. But unfortunately before he came, Taiwo (Bamidele) died.”
When asked what could have happened to bring about the sudden change in Bamidele before he died, Odetunde insisted that nothing sinister was done to him to make him develop such a sudden mental illness.

He said within the six years he knew the deceased, he had no sign of mental illness and neither did he drink or smoke.
“How could I do anything bad to a friend who is like family to me? Immediately he died, I was even the one who reported the incident at the police station where I was detained,” Odetunde said.
Odetunde’s sister and her husband are said to be on the run at the moment.

Saturday PUNCH learnt that Bamidele’s family have insisted that they do not want any police prosecution but the police at the FESTAC division transferred the case to the DCI, Yaba for further investigation.

Bamidele’s father who was also summoned to the DCI said he had nothing to say, adding that “everything is in the hands of God. God knows best.” He did not volunteer any other information on his late son and whether Bamidele had any problem that pointed to mental disorder in any form.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Kenneth Nwosu, who confirmed the story, said the suspects were only being held pending when investigations would be concluded.

He said action would be taken depending on the outcome of police investigation.

Photos: Buhari with PM David Cameron in London Today

President Elect Buhari, who left Nigeria on Friday, met with PM Cameron today at No 10 Dawning Street, London. See  pics after the cut.

  

Enugu to Abuja Female Trekker Gets Warm Reception from NOA (Photos)

28 year old Agu Joy Chidera trekked from Enugu to Abuja and received a very warm reception from National Orientation Agency Abuja on Tuesday. ‎A parade was conducted for her with lots of media interviews. The NOA Director General also commended the young lady for her passion to embark on the "UNITY TREK".

The graduate of Political Science student from ESUT said the desire to trek was not for political reasons but because of her love for the nation. According to her:

‎ I was inspired by the love I have for my nation Nigeria and my activist nature which always drives me to effect my immediate environment positively. I received so much love from Nigerians on my journey to Abuja which took me 15 days, though the highest money I got during the trip was 500 given to me by a journalist.""

Joy further stated that she was propelled by two incidents that happened at the pre and post el‎ection. First was the failure of the card reader to capture the bio-data of the number one citizen "Mr President" and yet the election was not annulled or postponed. This singular act of the president showed he was out to serve irrespective of what his people might think.

While the post election issue was when GEJ honorably conceded to defeat thereby saving the nation of massive disaster and bloodshed.

Obafemi Martins & Son Turn Up the Heat in New Photos

Just check out their swag! See more hot new photos of proud daddy Obafemi below.

Don’t merge FRSC with Police, Soyinka tells FG

Nobel laureate and the first Chairman, Federal Road Safety Corps, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has called on the Federal Government not to merge the agency with the Nigeria Police Force.

He made this call on Thursday at Asero Motor Park, Abeokuta, during the Road Safety advocacy mega rally with the theme: ‘Towards an enduring safe road culture in Nigeria.’

Soyinka, who said the FRSC had been repositioned over the years for effective performance, noted that merging it with the police would affect its performance.

He said, “I must commend the Corps for their commitment to duty. It must be stressed that they had repositioned the agency for better performance. I want to recommend that the FRSC should remain independent of the police.”

Soyinka described the FRSC as “the preventive medicine against accident on our roads.”

He recommended that road safety clubs should be introduced in secondary schools across the country to make them imbibe road safety culture in their formative years.

The Corps Marshall, FRSC, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, said the programme was part of the agency’s three-pronged strategy of advocacy, education and enlightenment in reducing accidents on the roads.

He said the agency would continue to engage the drivers and other stakeholders in other parts of the state, listing Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, and Ilaro, among others.

He said, “We believe in advocacy, education and enlightenment. This means we will constantly engage the drivers and other stakeholders in this kind of programme.

“This is what we will be doing regularly. But we want the commercial bus drivers to support us.”

Oyeyemi warned the drivers against overloading their vehicles, drinking and using of telephones while driving. He urged the drivers to always put their vehicles in proper shape before embarking on trips.

The State Sector Commander, FRSC, Mr. Adetunji Adegoke, said improved stakeholders’ consultation and road use education were part of its corporate strategic goals for 2015.

He said, “The corps has over the years partnered with various transport unions, private and public organisations, military and para-military agencies and governments at all levels in its quest to reduce road traffic crashes and ensure a safer motoring environment in the country.”

Senate Presidency: Akume Faults Tinubu, Akande On Zoning

The Senate Minority Leader and one of the leading contenders for the Senate Presidency, Senator George Akume, on Friday disagreed with the Pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande and a leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, over their declaration that zoning arrangement won’t be used in sharing of political positions in the National Assembly.

Akume, who spoke with journalists in his Abuja residence on Friday evening, maintained that the party, before now, had adopted a zoning arrangement which favoured the emergence of the next Senate President from the North Central, being his geopolitical zone.

It would be recalled Akande had, earlier this week, said the party would not employ the use of zoning to determine the next senate president and that anybody was free to vie for the position.

In the same vein, Tinubu had told journalists on Thursday in Abuja that zoning will not be used to compromise the quality of leadership for the National Assembly, adding that the party had decided to allow all those interested in the Speakership of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate to contest.

But Akume insisted that zoning was part and parcel of the politics of Nigeria, arguing that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan became the President of Nigeria as a result of zoning.

He said, “Even if zoning is not explicitly stated in the Constitution, there is always this letting to understanding that there must be fairness and balance in the occupation of strategic positions. We should not throw away zoning.

“In every zone, there are capable Nigerians that will hold their own in every endeavour. So, basically zoning is acceptable to me because it ensures stability. I have not heard from the party that they have jettisoned zoning.

“I remember, the last meeting we had, there was this issue that it has been zoned to North Central. I do not know it has been taken away because the party has not said they are taking it away but all I want to say is that the party made a comment on it.

“I am a faithful party man. I was part of the team that negotiated the merger of this party and I am also in the privilege position to talk about the dynamism of APC”.

On the argument that the North-Central, specifically Benue State, had occupied the Senate Presidency since 2007, Akume said there was nothing wrong with the trend even as he argued that the North-West, has also, always produced the President of the country whenever it was the turn of the North.

I Advised My Son to Marry a Foreigner - Oshiomhole’s Mother

Iyamho community in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State became the envy of the Nigeria last Friday, May 15, 2015, when the Comrade Governor of Edo state, Adams Aliyu Eric Oshiomhole exchanged marital vows with his heartthrob, former Miss Iara Fortes, a lawyer from Cape Verde.

The Governor’s mother, Hajia Aishetu Oshiomhole was on hand to show love and support to her son and in a new chat with Vanguard has revealed that she actually advised her son to shun the idea of marrying a Nigerian woman in order not to create crisis in his family.

Hajia Aishetu told Vanguard:
“I supported him to marry a foreigner so that the relationship between my son and his children will remain cordial. Our Nigerian women will go and destroy the family just because they want property. That was the main reason I supported him to marry a foreigner when he told me about it. So I am happy about it. Besides, the new wife is a
very good woman. 
She behaves like Comrades late wife. Very accommodating, understanding and hard working. And you know my son travels a lot as a governor. He needs a woman who understands his work and that is the kind of wife he married. She is just like Clara. 
Normally, people spend two years or less before they marry again but Comrade decided to wait for five years due to the love he had for his late wife. And Clara was a good person, very lovely and nice to all of us. So we supported Comrade for taking time to re-marry because we loved Clara. Comrade and the former wife lived very happily, there was no quarrel, nothing at all and that was why he mourned for five years. I am happy that he brought a wife that will bring him and the children together”.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Iyamho community, HRH Bashiru Itameso, who equally is a cousin to the Comrade Governor, said
“I was happy seeing him remarry. I am happy because I never wanted him to marry a Nigerian because our people are wicked. I prefer it that he married a foreigner. If he had married a Nigerian, in-laws will come and start troubling him. They will start tearing themselves apart for materials things and that will create serious problem between Comrade and his children. We all supported him to marry a foreigner”.
It would be recalled that Oshiomhole’s first wife, Clara lost the protracted battle with cancer on December 7, 2010, just two years after her husband became governor of Edo state.

Why Buhari Went To The U.K Days Before Hand Over – Spokesman

President-elect Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, departed Nigeria for Britain via the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, on a private visit.

According to a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by his campaign spokesperson, Malam Garba Shehu, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) will use the opportunity of the visit to take a much-deserved rest ahead of his inauguration on May 29th.

“He is expected back in the country a few days before the inauguration, refreshed and ready to hit the ground running once he is sworn into office”, he said

Jonathan Deserves A Nobel Prize For Capacity To Take Functional Institutions And Destroy Them – el-Rufai

Kaduna State governor-elect, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has blamed the outgoing government of President Goodluck Jonathan for the state of Nigeria’s economy. He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was inheriting, perhaps, the worst ever set of human development indices in Nigeria’s history than any government has ever had to face.

El-Rufai spoke on the second day of the policy dialogue organized by the APC. He stated that challenges facing the APC administration were enormous, but narrowed them down to five big issues.

“So what are the challenges ahead for us? The challenges for us are only five but they are big issues; first is rising governance cost. Jonathan’s legacy of waste, debt, corruption and institutional destruction. One of the things I think Jonathan deserves a Nobel Prize for is the capacity to take functional institutions and destroy them within the shortest period of time.

“Functioning institutions that we left have been destroyed and I don’t know how; it is magic, Jonathanian magic. The second is manifest injustice. We live in a country where 3-4 million people that work for the public service consume about 90 percent of the revenues of the government.

“That is injustice and we must ask ourselves whether that makes sense. We must ask ourselves whether we should live in a country with this kind of perverse prioritization. How can we be spending only 10 percent of the budget on capital expenditure and the entire 10 percent will be borrowed?

“So the entire revenues of the Federal Government are going to be spent on running the Federal Government so that one million people that work for the Federal Government wear nice suits meanwhile we don’t have roads, electricity is not working, no rail system. What kind of people are we?

Proposing solutions to the problems, El-Rufai said:“I have ten points. I am sure they are not exhaustive, but ten is enough. First we need to accelerate implementation of the national ID scheme. Now I am sure you are surprised why I put that as number one but one of the biggest problems we have in this country is tracing wrong doings and criminals.

“People do things and just disappear. People from neighbouring countries come into Nigeria and just take our passports and do things in our name. The national ID card scheme is the most important infrastructure we need not only to identify who is a Nigerian but to count ourselves and eliminate many areas of wrong doings.

“This project has been ongoing forever. In 2006, I was asked to take it over. We did organize; we did the Nigerian Identity Management Commission but it is still ongoing. We need to finish registering all adult Nigerians within the shortest possible time and give them ID cards so that when they do something they can be traced. It is a very important human infrastructure.

“Secondly, we need to review our statues on falsification of records and perjury. Nigeria is the only country where people lie on forms, change their age, do any kind of stuff without any consequence because our statues make it very difficult to convict.

“I don’t think we will make progress because it starts from there. The moment a person feels comfortable about altering records it is even easier to steal and disappear since there is no identification. For us in the APC government if we want to change government we have to do this,” he said

He also called for the overhaul of the NNPC.

“I said NNPC is evil, I mean it. Any organization that can singly bankrupt the country is evil,” he said.

Nigerians Don’t Appreciate The Sacrifices Of Our Armed Forces – Jonathan

The way Nigerians make negative comments about the Armed Forces and Police is a cause of concern for President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking on Friday, May 22, during the inauguration of the Armed Forces Radio, known as “Defence Radio 107.7 FM”, the president said the sacrifices of these security operatives is the reason some can sleep at night.

He, therefore, called for an end to the trend.

According to him, the coming on stream of the radio station will help to enhance the operations of the military.

He said, “Other nations even bring foreign media to cover some of their operations and things are exaggerated as if they even work harder than we do.

“So, today that we are launching your radio station will be a turning point, where some of our operations will be properly covered and Nigerians will know.

“If Nigerians know what you are doing and what you are passing through, Nigerians will remain grateful.

“And I use this opportunity to call on all Nigerians, both our senior citizens and ordinary citizens to appreciate the commitment and the sacrifices of our armed forces.

“We wouldn’t have been sleeping if these people are not working.

“I always feel a bit worried and sometimes angry when I read in the papers negative comments about our armed forces and the police.

“Ours is a society that sometimes doesn’t appreciate the commitment of individuals, the suffering of individuals.

“These people fight and some of them pay the supreme price, leaving widows and young children as orphans”.

President Jonathan noted that rather than commend and encourage members of the Armed Forces, Nigerians unduly criticize them.

He admitted that while it is normal for the society to criticize, it should show some level of respect for members of their security forces.

Nigerian ministers, President Jonahan, Vice President Sambo to travel abroad after May 29

President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice-President Namadi Sambo and many ministers have concluded plans to travel abroad shortly after the May 29 inauguration of a new government.

While Jonathan had said he would travel out of the country for a much deserved rest after the May 29 inauguration, Sambo is planning to travel to London on May 31, two days after the inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s new President.

It was learnt that the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had also concluded plans to return to the US after the President elect’s inauguration. However, her Petroleum Resources counterpart, Mrs.Diezani Allison-Madueke, has already travelled out of the country.

Though sources close to the minister said she would return to the country to attend the last Federal Executive Council meeting of President Jonathan’s administration, the minister would leave the country after the FEC meeting.

A senior Presidency official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, however, told one of our correspondents that the vice-president was planning to rest in London.

According to him, Sambo will only rest for about two weeks abroad before returning to the country.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Media and Publicity, Umar Sani, however, said the planned trip could not be attributed to any fear of persecution by the incoming government.

Sani said if Sambo was afraid of Buhari, he would have left the country before the May 29 inauguration day.

He said, “There is nothing to fear. Vice-President Namadi Sambo is not afraid of any persecution or victimisation by the incoming government. His planned trip has nothing to do with fear. If he is afraid of anything, he would have gone before May 29.”

Like Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, also planned to travel abroad, but he said he would leave for the ongoing World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

He stressed that he would be back in the country when the exercise is over.

When asked if the trip was to avoid Buhari’s manhunt for perceived corrupt public officials, the minister said, “It is strange to me and I have not heard anything like that.”

But the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, said no amount of road block could stop him from travelling to any country of his choice.

Shekarau also dared the incoming administration to proceed and mount a checkpoint for him in the crusade against corruption, adding that he had nothing to hide.

His Special Assistant (Media and Communications), Mr. Nnamdi Olebara, said, “Shekarau has no skeleton in his cupboard; if he is travelling, it is not because of any arrest because he has nothing to fear.

“Anybody who knows Shekarau right from ages knows that he has nothing to fear. Asking of when he will travel is digging into somebody’s privacy. Let Buhari mount a checkpoint if he knows that Shekarau has committed any crime.

“If Shekarau is going to his mother’s house, he doesn’t need any permission; if he is going to Saudi (Arabia), he doesn’t need anybody’s permission. He is not escaping to anywhere because he has nothing to fear. He is a committed patriot who has revolutionised the education sector, brought sanity and a lot of development.”

The Minister of National Planning, Dr. Abubakar Sulaiman, said there was nothing wrong for members of Jonathan’s cabinet to travel abroad after the May 29 inauguration of the new government to rest.

He said though he would be returning to the classroom as a lecturer at the University of Abuja, there was no reason for anybody to think that any member of the current administration that travels out after May 29 is afraid of probe.

In a telephone interview with newsmen in Ilorin on Friday, he explained that it is normal for people to take rest outside the country after strenuous political and administrative engagements.

He also said none of them is afraid that the incoming administration would jail them.

Sulaiman said, “I am not travelling out. I am a lecturer. After May 29, I will resume work at the University of Abuja.

“There is nothing anybody can do. This is democracy for God’s sake and there is rule of law. People have liberty, right and freedom to seek redress. Nobody can intimidate anybody. If Jonathan has worked for five or six years, there is nothing bad for him to take a rest outside the country. If Sambo has worked for four years, there is nothing wrong in him taking a rest; so also the ministers. Taking a rest is good for everybody.

“Taking a rest is not borne out of any fear that the incoming government is going to witch-hunt anybody. I am not afraid of probe. If anybody wants to ask questions, there are procedures to do so. The era of putting people in jail cannot come again. It is gone forever. We have a right to live and go and rest anywhere and when there is time for questions, we can come back and answer them. I do not think that people are leaving the country for fear of being probed.”

But the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Musiliu Obanikoro, plans to travel abroad for a two-week vacation after May 29.

Obanikoro, who spoke with one of our correspondents on Friday, said he might go to Ghana or South Africa or the United States to take “a deserved rest.”

He said, “I think it is a wise thing to take a rest after all said and done. I will start with a six-week executive course in Harvard University and I will follow this up in August by starting a degree course in History at the same prestigious institution.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga; Minister of Information, Senator Patricia Akwashiki, and their Foreign Affairs counterpart, Amb. Aminu Wali, ruled out plan to leave the country for fear of prosecution.

Aganga, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Communications, Mrs. Yemi Kolapo, said, “The minister has been in office since all this while and he is currently in Lagos meeting with some businessmen. So, there is no reason to do that.”

Also the Special Assistant to the Information Minister on Media, Mr. Joseph Mutah, said Akwashiki would not leave the country because of the fear of the incoming government.

He said, “Why would she travel out of the country because another government is coming to power? The minister will remain here before and after the inauguration of the new government.”

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmedu Ogbole-Ode, was emphatic that Wali did not plan to travel out of the country.

“Where is he going to? He has no plan to go to anywhere, he is staying put in the country, you can quote me on that,” Ogbole-Ode said.

Buhari may not sign convicted soldiers’ death warrants – Falana

Nigeria’s President-elect may commute the sentences of soldiers on death row, a lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, (SAN), said on Friday.

Falana, in a telephone interview with our correspondent, expressed confidence that the country’s incoming President, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), may not sign the death warrants on the 66 soldiers convicted for mutiny.

He said Buhari had promised to review the operations against Boko Haram militants in the North-East.

He said, “No democratically elected president in Nigeria has ever signed a warrant for the execution of anybody since 1960. He (Buhari) has repeatedly expressed concern over the collapse of the military institution and the war in the North-East.

“He has said the prosecution of the war on terror will be reviewed, that implies that the entire operations will have to be reviewed.”

The convicted soldiers had said they lacked adequate weapons to fight the Islamist insurgents.

The Nigerian Army has revealed that another 579 soldiers are facing trial over indiscipline.

Army spokesman, Sani Usman, said the courts martial, currently taking place in the capital, Abuja, were to ensure professionalism in the army.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has said that the Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, had caused “one of the most serious humanitarian crises in Africa.”

Falana, a prominent human rights lawyer, who represented some of the 66 soldiers sentenced to death for conspiracy, cowardice and mutiny last year, said the Nigerian government had failed to adequately equip the units fighting the insurgency in the north-East.

“They (the soldiers) did not sign to commit suicide but to fight for their fatherland and since the government did not make weapons available, they were unable to fight,” he told the BBC’s Newsday programme.

“The sentences are awaiting confirmation but we are taking steps to ensure that no soldier, no officer in Nigeria is executed on account of the negligence of the Nigerian state in motivating the soldiers to fight and equip them.”

He said that outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan “had refused to grant the request of the convicted soldiers to review their matter.”

“So happily the incoming government of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has promised to review the entire operations in the North-East region and we are confident that the cases of the officers and the soldiers will be reviewed so that justice will be done to them,” he added.