BREAKING: Boko Haram kidnaps two prominent Emirs

 

The extremist Boko Haram sect has kidnapped two first class traditional rulers in Borno state – the Emir of Uba, Ismaila Mamza and the Emir of Gwoza, Idrisa Timta, Security officials aware of the incidence have told PREMIUM TIMES.

The two emirs were seized by gun-wielding insurgents at 10a.m Friday near Shaffa while they were travelling to Gombe to attend the funeral of the Emir of Gombe, Shehu Abubakar, who died on Tuesday evening at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, where he was undergoing treatment for cancer.

The two abducted emirs were elevated to First Class traditional ruler status only in January.

The Borno state government is yet to issue an official statement on the abduction.

The abduction came 46 days after the Boko Haram sect whisked away over 250 schoolgirls from their dormitories in Chibok.

Over 200 of the girls are yet to be freed.

singer kefee collapses mid-flight to chicago

According to unconfirmed reports, Kefee passed out ‘mid-flight on her way to Chicago, forcing the plane to make a stop’ in order for her to receive medical attention. 

Neither the singer nor her husband could be reached for confirmation. 

PRESS RELEASE: Unlawful Attack Of The #BringBackOurgirls Abuja Family By Sponsored Thugs

Following our march to meet with President Jonathan, during which he was represented by a delegation led by the Secretary to the Government, a speech was read on his behalf advising our movement #BringBackOurGirls, Abuja Family: “...that protests should be directed at the terrorists…”.

Last Monday May 26th , being the 27th day of our daily gathering at the Unity Fountain and the 42nd day since the abduction day of our girls, we observed a large contingent of a new group that arrived in over 30 Federal Government SURE P Buses with a message that aligned with what we had been told during our meeting with the Federal Government delegation.

Understanding fully the constitutional guarantee of every citizens’ right to their expression and to peaceful gathering, we continued with our own meeting in a new location, having lost our usual spot to the new group.  Regrettably, we then witnessed patterns of escalating aggression toward our group by this new group.

In our bid at stemming any further aggravation, we wrote a Letter of Complaint dated 28th May to the Inspector General of Police and the FCT Commissioner of Police which was duly  received by their respective offices. In our letter, attached to this Statement, we reminded the Nigerian Police that we have been a group, which has conducted itself with utmost civility in the course of our campaign for the abducted Chibok girls.  We asked the Nigerian Police Force to be available to reprimand the aggressive group and remind them of the need to conduct themselves similarly and to desist from any form of confrontation to our group.

Unfortunately, what we feared would happen unfolded, and tragically with officers of the Nigerian Police Force looking on, thugs, hooligans, miscreants dressed in the red, yellow, and white t-shirts with the inscription: #ReleaseOurGirls Boko Haram” burst upon our group breaking chairs, and bottles on the heads of members of #BringBackOurGirls, Abuja, many of the women broke down. They snatched phones and handbags of ladies in our group and also attacked the local and international media correspondents, confiscating and breaking their cameras. The police, at a point, arrested two of the ringleaders, but before our very eyes, released them barely 10 minutes after.

By this Statement, we are calling the attention of the President, the Federal Government and the international community to the descent to anarchy against our group, which simply emerged as a women-led civil society group driven by a response to the plight of the abducted Chibok girls and their families.

We know that this is a violation of our fundamental right to peaceful assembly and freedom of association, but we remain resolute in standing with the Chibok girls. We invite every Nigerian with goodwill towards the abducted girls to our daily events. Tomorrow, we shall stand in solidarity with them through a National Symposium, which will be holding at Thisday Dome, with live broadcast on Channels TV.  We shall return to the Unity Fountain on Friday, May 31, 2014 and will continue with our daily advocacy. We shall continue to demand that those with the responsibility to protect our lives and our welfare to BringBackOurGirls.

Signed:

Hadiza Bala Usman

Obiageli Ezekwesili

Read president GEJ's Democracy Day speech

Happy Democracy Day to all Nigerians. Read the Democracy Day national broadcast by our president below...

Fellow Nigerians,

1.   I greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our beloved country.

2.  Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

3.  Although I have ordered a low-key commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people.

4.  As we commemorate 15 years of our Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to the true path of democratic governance, built on the foundations of rule of law and freedom of expression.

5.  As a result of our collective efforts since 1999, democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that our people are the better for it. The scope of fundamental rights and liberties enjoyed by our people over the past 15 years has been expanded beyond measure.

6.  On my watch, we have witnessed high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services.

7.  In the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and skilled personnel.

8. Significant increase in mobile telephone and national broadband penetration, making Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy.  We have also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints.

9.  Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world. We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged in Abuja early this month for the World Economic Forum in Africa.

10.               The event not only witnessed a record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment into the Nigerian economy estimated at over $68 billion over the next few years.  

11.                 In foreign relations, our country has equally done well within this period, by establishing and strengthening strong partnerships with all ECOWAS countries and the rest of the world. This has helped to deepen Nigeria’s leadership role in multilateral institutions including the United Nations.

12.                Furthermore, under this administration, we have made consistent progress in improving the standard of elections in our country to ensure that they are ever more credible and truly representative of the people’s free choice. The National Conference we initiated to deliberate and make recommendations on the best ways of resolving our current political and socio-economic challenges is on-going. It is our expectation that its outcomes will help to further consolidate the gains we have made from democracy in the past 15 years, and place our dear nation even more firmly on the path to greatness.

Dear Compatriots,

13.                It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedom we cherish and celebrate today.

14.                The despicable abduction of school girls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire world, the heartless brutality of these terrorists who want to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanize our nation.

15.                In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been  injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states  is in jeopardy.

16.                There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd. Terrorist activities have brought war and pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These agents of evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack the innocent. We cannot allow this to continue.

17.                I welcome the statements of solidarity from patriotic citizens and the global community in support of our efforts to stamp out terrorism. I applaud the understanding that in a democracy, such as we are building, people can have differences while sharing worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism. Nigeria is the only country we have and we must all work to preserve it for present and future generations.

18.               Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone,  Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.

19.                Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists.

20.              It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.

21.                I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil.

22.               I have also authorized the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.

23.               For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.

24.               My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.

Dear Compatriots,

25.               We must remain united to win the war against terrorism. Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.

26.               The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever. The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.

27.               We are a strong, resilient and courageous people.  We will continue to partner with the civilized world, to confront international terrorism and every other challenge that comes our way with patriotic zeal and determination.

Fellow Nigerians,

28.              Yes, we have challenges but we will surely overcome. Nigeria is our country. Nigeria is blessed. We will all collectively protect, defend and develop this country for ourselves, and our children.  

29.               Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

30.              Thank you and God bless Nigeria.

Brad Pitt attacked at Hollywood premiere of 'Maleficent'

Actor Brad Pitt was yesterday May 28th allegedly struck in the face by notorious celebrity 'prankster' Vitali Sediuk as he was signing autographs at the Hollywood premiere of Angelina Jolie's movie, Maleficent. The 25 year old jumped the barricade and attacked the actor, police say

Sediuk has a history of confronting celebrities at red carpet events. In 2012, he was slapped by actor Will Smith after he attempted to kiss Smith during a movie premiere. Only recently at the Cannes premiere of "How to Train Your Dragon 2" Sediuk was put his head up America Ferrara's dress hoping to break through security to get into the premiere. In the past he's hugged actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Bradley Cooper around the knees at separate events.

Sediuk was held by security guards and then taken away by officers from the Los Angeles Police Department to the nearby Hollywood police station. He is likely to be charged with misdemeanor battery. Pitt was said to be unharmed and continued to sign autographs.

17 things you never appreciated about your mom until your 20s

You know she’ll always be there for you. Even if you do some dumbass thing like start saying “Namaste” at the end of your conversations or killing a person.

1. Her food is amazing. Remember before you left the house for college, when you were bored with her homemade eggplant rollatini and whined that you wanted to go to Baja Fresh? Yeah. Now you crave that homecooked food every time you have one of your own semi-edible stir fry dishes. And even if she doesn’t cook, eating greasy takeout while watching SVU with her is equally comforting.
2. She’s generally right about things. Boys, jobs, apartments, hairstyles, whether to splurge on the professional pantsuit or the freakum dress — basically everything. Moms are #psychic.
3. She’s fun to talk to. On the phone. For three hours. Every mom has a billion opinions, and people with opinions are the most fun to chat with.
4. She is an expert of the kind of cute little homey accents that make a house a home, and inspires you to do the same in your starter apartment. Basically, she’s a font of #AnthropologieHacks. Yo what up, it’s your girl Young Puts Scented Soaps In Clothing Drawers!
5. She’s an accidentally hilarious text messager.
6. She’s the Horse Whisperer of finding random crap you misplaced in the house. The Crap Whisperer. Yes, it STARTED because you were too lazy to look yourself and told her that she was just “much better at finding things,” but now it’s not about laziness — you really just need her to find things. (Whatever it is, it’s between the couch cushions.)
7. She listened to all your middle school drama bulls__t as if they were things that would actually matter in five years. With such solemnity and care that it’s almost like you are talking about the state of global warming instead of a Livejournal fight you’re having with Stephanie Horowitz over Jeremy McNamee.
8. Decisions she made about raising you, even when you were a pain in the ass about them, made you the successful, amazing, ~*~*lOvELy~*~* person you are. If she hadn’t forced me to study for tests and quizzed me with flashcards — which inevitably led to fights — I might not have become the Professional Butt Sex Scribe that I am today.
9. She’ll give you reality checks when necessary. Honey, you don’t have insurance and you live in a 200-square-foot windowless hole, this is not a good time for you to get a dog.
10. She indulged all the passing childhood phases/obsessions you had. Ice skating phase? ($). Ballet phase? ($$). Anime phase ($$$ plus the endless embarrassment that cannot be fiscally quantified). Getting out of gym by pretending you sprained your ankle phase? ($$$$$ in bone scans to keep up your lie).
11. You know she’ll always be there for you. Even if you do some dumbass thing like start saying “Namaste” at the end of your conversations or killing a person.
12. She’s not Amy Poehler in Mean Girls.  
13. She’s the best drunk ever. S__t Drunk Moms Who Don’t Usually Drink Say needs to be on YouTube, now.
14. She always wants to fight your battles, even though you don’t need her to. Thank you, Mom, but I’m 27; you don’t need to call my landlord.
15. She didn’t yell at you 24/7. I mean, kids are FRUSTRATING. Have you ever ridden public transportation?
16. She always caught whatever gross playground PoxMumpsCold contagion disease that you brought home as a kid. And took care of you just the same, even though she felt equally like crap.
17. She’s a real, multifaceted person. Until you reach adulthood, your mom’s name is Mom and her job is also being your mom. Suddenly, in your 20s, you notice that she is a human being with interests outside clothing and feeding you, and it’s baller.

Labaran Maku says ; Blame opposition for insecurity in Nigeria

Nigeria's Minister of Information, Labaran Maku yesterday May 28th said Nigerians should blame the opposition political parties for the rising insecurity challenges Nigeria is facing. The minister made this statement while addressing newsmen after the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja

"If you go back to the #bringbackourgirls campaign, 90% of those organizing it belong to a political party. Has the media ever analyzed this? And yet the insurgency is operating only in states controlled by that party. The entire money we are spending is to maintain security in the states operated by that party, so why go out and start playing politics? We are busy spending money to maintain security in those states, what have they done about it? Because 90% of all the insurgency is in those states controlled by that political party,  90% of those campaigning to bring back the girls are members of that party. Because the media would look the other way. I think if we want this country to grow, we must ask the relevant questions" he said.

Busted: Reason why Rob Kardashian stayed away from kim's wedding

Rob Kardashian is determined to drop his considerable gut after fleeing Kimye's wedding in fat shame  ... vowing to hit the gym EVERY DAY until he sees his toes again, Rob's trainer tells TMZ.

Celeb trainer Gunnar Peterson tells us ... Rob texted him when he arrived back from Italy, where he bailed on Kimye's wedding because he felt too fat to pose for family photographs.

Gunnar says Rob's text was clear as crystal -- he wanted to hit the ground running ... literally ... posting up workouts every day this week, and continuing the intensity until the fat is gone.

As we reported, Rob's gym regimen hit a lull before Kim's wedding -- he worked out just a couple times a week -- but we're told Rob is now determined to get his old body back.

Gunnar tells us ... he will show Rob no mercy --  he'll endure a full hour of high-intensity full body exercises, cardio, resistance training ... the whole hog -- daily.

Nigerian Beyonce Wannabe : Tiwa Savage Balogun in new video Wanted. Sexy or Thrashy?

 Pictures from Tiwa's newly released video wanted directed by moe Musa. 

Former President Obasanjo initiates contact with Boko Haram to help #BringBackOurGirls

A former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has commenced efforts to reach out to the extremist Boko Haram sect, in a series of attempts at negotiating with the sect to free over 250 school girls it abducted more than a month ago from Chibok, in Borno .

A source close to the former leader said that Mr. Obasanjo has contacted a go-between, who assisted him in his unsuccessful attempt at mediating with the Boko Haram group in 2011.

When contacted Tuesday, Mr. Obasanjo declined comments on the matter. He only said, “What do you want me to do? Do you want me to fold my hands why this insurgency continue? How do you expect me to sleep well when these innocent girls are being held by their abductors?”

Confab Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi loses wife.

Maryam, the wife of former chief justice of Nigeria(CJN), Idris Kutigi, has reportedly died @ the National Hospital Abuja, she died @ 2am on Wednesday morning. She was aged 7O.    

The death was announced by the leadership of the Conference when it resumed sitting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

The conference, therefore, adjourned till Monday.

The circumstances of her death is yet unclear.

Pregnant woman stoned to death by her father, brothers for marrying a man she loves (GRAPHIC PHOTOS)

pregnant woman in Pakistan has been stoned to death by members of her family because she married a man of her choice. Farzana Parveen was killed by a mob of men, including her father, brothers and her former fiance, in front of a high court in broad daylight.

The victim, who was 3 months pregnant, was killed in front of a crowd in what was described as an “honour” killing.Farzana’s crime had been marrying Mohammad Iqbal against the wish of her family. Her father had then accused Iqbal of kidnapping and it was this case the victim was appearing for when she was killed.Her family members tried to grab her and when she resisted she was stoned with bricks from a nearby construction site. All the culprits escaped except the victim’s father.
More photos below:

Boko Haram attacks Nigerian military base, 24 personnel feared killed

The attack occurred on Tuesday evening, a few minutes after 5:00 p.m.

Gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram have attacked a security base in Buni Yadi, the headquarters of Gujba Local Government Area killing 24 officials, residents of the area have said.

The victims include 13 soldiers and 11 police officers, the residents said.

The attack occurred on Tuesday evening, a few minutes after 5:00 p.m.

Residents of the town informed the BBC Hausa service that the attackers came in ten Hilux vans, an armoured tank, and several motorcycles.

The insurgents reportedly told the residents to go back home and stay indoors as their target were the security personnel in the town.

A resident of the town, who refused to be named for security reasons, informed PREMIUM TIMES over the telephone that the attackers also torched some part of the traditional ruler’s residence, and several other buildings.

“They also raided that local government secretariat and burnt most of the vehicles inside the complex,” he said.

The Boko Haram had on February 25 attacked the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, killing about 59 students although the military said 29 male students were killed.

About 24 buildings of the school were also burnt down during the February attack.

When contacted, the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Brigadier General Olajide Layeye, said he was “not aware” of the Tuesday attack.

“I just left my boss few minutes ago and he didn’t mention that,” he said.

The Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Chris Olukolade, a Major General, could not be reached as his telephone number was not unreachable.

Take a look at Kim's georgeous wedding dress.

The reality star looked stunning in a white, Givenchy Haute Couture lace gown and a long silk veil during the ceremony, while Kanye sported a custom Givenchy tuxedo. Kim's BFF Jonathan Cheban also posted a pic of the dress from the back -- with Kim's famous booty on display.

Magnificent! 

Kim K and Kanye west are officially married.

It is officially too late to speak now ...  'cause Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are finally husband and wife.

Mr. and Mrs. Kanye West tied the knot Saturday at Fort di Belvedere in Florence, Italy surrounded by family and friends ... and according to on-lookers, Kanye was pretty nervous before the ceremony.

We're told Andrea Bocelli sang as Kim was walked down the aisle by Bruce Jenner.

Based on pics of the wedding site ... it looks like the reception will be held at the Fort -- but the way things have been going, who knows?!Kanye and Kim started dating in 2012 and the following year Yeezus proposed after an elaborate ceremony inside San Francisco's AT&T Park.

This is kanye west first marriage and kim's third.

Kim K & Kanye (Kimye)'s wedding Garden, Versailles Orangerie.

Kimye Wedding Dinner No Jay Z & Beyonce But the Caviar Was to Die For!!!

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's big wedding dinner at Versailles had two big
holes in it -- Beyonce and Jay Z -- but we're told everything else went off
without a hitch ... including fancy French food, Lana Del Rey songs, and even
DAVID BLAINE.Sources inside the party tell TMZ, everyone was talking about
how Bey and Jay failed to show ... but they could still make the wedding
ceremony tomorrow in Florence.Other than that, we're told the wedding
dinner was magical -- starting with the food ... one source tells us, "It was all
French stuff. Pretty much everything was truffled." But the best part ...
we're told the jars of caviar with blini were other-worldly.We're told the party
was cocktail style ... lots of mingling ... and of course, there was a roving
magician ... but not just any roving magician ... Kimye hired David Blaine.And
if that wasn't awesome enough ... we're told Lana Del Rey actually performed
THREE songs.Just incredible. And it's only Day One.

U.N. Security Council slaps Boko Haram with sanctions

(CNN) -- The U.N. Security Council approved sanctions Thursday against Nigeria's Boko Haram.

It added the terrorist group to the United Nation's 1267 sanctions list, a list of al Qaeda-linked organizations subject to arms embargoes, travel bans and asset freezes.

"Today, the Security Council took an important step in support of the government of Nigeria's efforts to defeat Boko Haram and hold its murderous leadership accountable for atrocities," said Samantha Power, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

"By adding Boko Haram to the U.N.'s 1267 sanctions list, the Security Council has helped to close off important avenues of funding, travel and weapons to Boko Haram, and shown global unity against their savage actions," she added.

 

Twin blasts killed at least 118 people Tuesday at a market in the central city of Jos.

The explosions went off 20 to 30 minutes apart, sparking an inferno that sent crowds running and screaming, covered in blood.

Nigerian authorities described the blasts as "terrorist activities" but declined to speculate on who might be responsible.

In separate attacks in Borno state this week, at least 30 people were killed by members of the terror group, according to local residents.

Boko Haram attackers swooped in on motorcycles Monday and killed 10 people in one village, residents said.

A day later, gunmen stormed a nearby village and killed 20 others, residents said.

During the attacks, Boko Haram set fire to homes and food stores, residents said, and fired machine guns. The group has not claimed responsibility for those attacks.

Both villages are close to where more than 200 girls were kidnapped from a school last month. A Boko Haram leader claimed responsibility in a chilling video and said he was willing to free the girls in exchange for imprisoned militants.

"The sanctions designation is the latest step in the international community's long-term effort to help Nigeria counter this terrorist threat," Power said.

"We will continue doing everything we can to help the people of Nigeria bring back their girls, and we will work with the government of Nigeria to eliminate Boko Haram, including refuting their backwards and bloodthirsty ideology, because no child anywhere should ever be afraid to pursue a brighter future."