News Desk Friday, November 30, 2007

Bakassi stays in Cameroon, says FG

IRRESPECTIVE of the objection by the Senate to the manner the Obasanjo Administration ceded the Bakasi Peninsula to the Cameroon, Nigeria will not renege on the hand-over agreement with Yaounde, Chairman of the Nigeria-Cameroun Mixed Commission, Prince Bola Ajibola, declared yesterday. MORE>>>

How Abacha Strike Force killed Kudi Abiola—Witness

THE driver of Alhaji Mohammed Abacha, Mohammed Abdul (a.k.a. Katako), yesterday at an Ikeja High Court, Lagos gave a graphic account of how he and other members of the late General Sani Abacha’s Strike Force killed Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, in 1996 in Lagos. MORE>>>

10 Militants Paraded For Threatening To Blow Up Oil Installations

The State Security Services (SSS) on Thursday in Abuja paraded 10 suspected members of the Niger Delta Youth Coalition for allegedly threatening to blow up oil installations in the Niger Delta. The suspects were said to have made the threat through a letter to President Umaru Yar'Adua. MORE>>>

Bakassi Handover Stands, Says Ajibola

The Federal Government has ruled out the possibility of revisiting the Bakassi issue, maintaining that the decision of the International Court of Justice to cede the oil-rich Peninsula to Cameroon was binding on Nigeria with or without the ratification of the National Assembly. MORE>>>

Nigeria Experiences Crime Boom

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Men carrying AK-47s leap from late-model Mercedes Benz sedans and burst into a Tex-Mex restaurant, training their weapons on tables crowded with foreign workers, greasy fajita pans, Corona beer bottles and ashtrays. MORE>>>

PDP - Ali Must Go Next Year

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that its National Chairman, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, has no intention of extending his tenure till 2009, adding that he is willing and ready to go after the party's national convention. MORE>>>

IN GLOBAL NEWS:

56 Killed in Plane Crash in Turkey (WASHINGTON POST)

Cameroon gorillas returning home (BBC NEWS)

More work needed to hit UN world school goal - report (REUTERS)

Ugandan justice failing war's rape victims-Amnesty (ALERT NET)

Immigrants' children grow fluent in English, study says (LOS ANGELES TIMES)

Iraq Lacks Plan on the Return of Refugees, Military Says (THE NEW YORK TIMES)

Videos Show U.S. Hostages In Colombia (CBS NEWS)

A Christian Quotable

"I love Asians. Asians are fierce."

-Christian Siriano, Project Runway 4

The 8 Brides of Teri Hatcher

Desperate House-ho Teri Hatcher did a spread for NY Times Magazine where she dressed as eight different types of brides. Fun! She actually looks pretty good in these shots. Let's take a gander, while I try to figure out what type of bride she is portraying:

Traditional/Eighties Bride

Glamour Bride/Stepford Wife

Black Widow Bride?

Hippie Bride

Cougar Bride

Bollywood Bride

Lesbionic Bride

Homewrecker Bride/Trophy Wife

Open Letter to Keyshia Cole

My darling lil olive loaf,

First, let me thank you for the hood-tastic entertainment that is your reality show. Last episode when your mom flipped that chair I had flashbacks from "Crackheads Gone Wild." Fun-ny. But there are more pressing matters at hand. You were spotted on TRL this week wearing what I can only call a cream and white fright. I need answers. Is that a skirt? Is that a shirt? Where does one end and the other begin? Were you told there was a Winter Wonderland theme? Pickle, your outfit is clouding my mind with confusion and white noise. Please ask your stylist to back away from the sewing machine and stop ripping up old sweaters. You FINALLY have the right hair color and style, but everything doesn't have to match, cupcake. In closing...and you knew this was coming...you shoulda let this go. *Rimshot!*

Luh you still, Elle

Photos via Wire Image

British Style Awards

Raven-haired beauties ruled the black carpet at the British Style Awards last night in London. The very preggers Stella McCartney won Designer of the Year, Marc Jacobs won for best New Retail Concept, and Christopher Bailey for Burberry was awarded Menswear Designer of the Year.

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But onto the good stuff! I don't love Thandie's dress but she looks gorge as per usual. Dita Von Teese can do no wrong in my eyes, but her rack is sadly saggy in that dress. Kelly O., my how we've grown! She looks amaaaazing! The hair is fierce and I love that wine color against her ghostly skin. Well done. Lily Allen...I have to give it a thumbs down. It looks way to costume-y, like Tinkerbell come alive. I suspect that if it was in a more grown up color, say black, she may have gotten a pass. The good news is, she can still say she looked better than our girl, Vivienne Westwood...

Dame Westwood won the award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion. Obviously they were saluting her work up to and not including last night.

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Photos via PopSugar and Faded Youth Blog

Fab Look of the Day

Vanessa Paradis has always intrigued me, probably because I know absolutely nothing about her. Even after managing to snag super hot A-lister Johnny Depp, she is content with playing the background and living a quiet life in France with him and the kids. There's something so absolutely fab about that. So here she is at a tree lighting ceremony in the City of Lights on Monday. This look definitely says "Christmas in Paris." I love her soft fingerwaves, red lipstick and yes, I especially love the belted tweed coat with the bracelet sleeves. (I wonder if it's Chanel?) There's something about French fashion that is so attention-grabbingly chic but at the same time, sensible and understated. Oui oui!

The best part about these pics? She kept her mouth closed. In true European fashion, homegirl suffers from a slight to moderate case of yuckmouth.

Photos via Faded Youth Blog and PopSugar

News Desk Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Tribunal Nullifies Election Of Plateau Speaker

The Plateau State Elections Petition Tribunal yesterday delivered a landmark judgment by nullifying the election of the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Goar. The tribunal held that Mr. Goar was not duly elected and thereby ordered INEC to conduct fresh elections within 90 days into Pankshin-North Constituency of the House of Assembly. MORE>>>

How Kudirat’s Murder was Hatched, By Witness

The trial of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Ishaya Bamaiyi (rtd), continued yesterday at an Ikeja High Court, Lagos, with the former driver to Alhaji Mohammed Abacha, son of late General Sani Abacha, giving graphic details of how he and other members of late Abacha's Strike Force killed late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of late Chief M.K.O. Abiola in 1996 in Lagos. MORE>>>

Yar’Adua, lawmakers head for showdown

PRESIDENT Umaru Yar’Adua and the National Assembly appear to be on a collision course over the benchmark of oil price for the 2008 budget. The President had proposed a benchmark of $53.83 per barrel while the National Assembly had raised this to between $60 and $70 per barrel based on the current price of oil in the international market. MORE>>>

Shake-up Imminent In Police

A reshuffle is expected in the police next week which may affect three Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) and ten Commissioners (CPs). Likely to be affected are DIGs Yakubu Mohammed (from Katsina State), Abdulrahman Yusuf (Kogi), and Bukar Dikwa (Borno). They are expected to proceed on retirement leave in January 2008. MORE>>>

Tribunal Sacks Male Lawmaker After Presenting Certificate From A Girls’ School

A member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Obo Mkpanam Bassey, has been sacked by the Governorship and House of Assembly Elections Tribunal in Calabar for certificate forgery. The Action Congress (AC) candidate, Mr. Eyo Egbai, had dragged Hon. Mkpanam who is serving a second term in the House to the Tribunal on allegation that the legislator’s secondary school certificate was forged. MORE>>>

Bakassi Revisited

THE Senate's rejection of the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula, Cross Rivers State, to Cameroun by former President Olusegun Obasanjo has returned this ever contentious issue to international attention again. The ceding was an aftermath of an International Court of Justice, ICJ, judgment of 10 October 2002. MORE>>>

Glimpsing Nigeria's digital lifeline

But in March this year, the scruffy primary became part of a remarkable experiment. It was the first in Africa to get its hands on the so-called $100 laptop, a rugged device aimed at helping children in the developing world get the most from their education. MORE>>>

Siemens apologises to Nigeria over 10m-euro bribery scandal

Lagos, Nigeria - German company Siemens has written to Nigeria's Presiden t Umaru Yar'Adua to apologise for the bribery scandal, in which the company repo r tedly funnelled 10 million euros to several Nigerian officials to facilitate con t ract deals. MORE>>>

IN GLOBAL NEWS:

Musharraf steps down as military chief (LOS ANGELES TIMES)

Somali journalists banned from covering insurgents (ALERT NET)

Senegal's Wade to mediate with Mugabe on EU summit (REUTERS)

Mideast Talks Yield Promises To Press On
Israelis, Palestinians Will Restart Peace Negotiations (WASHINGTON POST)

After Annapolis (BOSTON GLOBE EDITORIAL)

Take the Wheel and Hold My Mule

My heart hurts. Just because your name is Kandi does not mean you should shout out Reeses, Snickers, Crunch Bars and muh-effin Tic Tacs on your leggings! I bet you her booty says Butterfinger.

And while we're on inappropriate leggings, please let's remember that they should be worn with looooong shirts, sweaters and tunics. Anything else is too much information.

Peace Twigster

Twiggy's out...

In ANTM news, living legend Twiggy has been booted from the show, that is, she will not be returning to judge the 10th season of Top Model due to "scheduling conflicts." (Um, exactly what else does Twiggy have to do?) Color me shocked. Twiggy was about as entertaining as a bowl of generic cornflakes. She was way too nice...and nice is not good for TV. So Paulina Porizkova-juana, a Czech supermodel who most recently appeared on Dancing with the Stars, has signed on as her replacement. Here's hoping she's a bitchy-mess!

Paulina's in!

Lucky Mag's Gift Guide

Thanksgiving 2007 is now just a memory, and Christmas season is officially upon us! Lucky for us, December's Lucky Magazine includes a handy dandy gift guide featuring a bunch of great gifts that are grouped according to price. Perfect for shopping on a budget!

One of the items featured in the "Under $25" category is the mark Bijou Ring...which just happens to be available in my mark store! Friends, sisters, GBFF's and fashionable co-workers will love the antiquey feel of this oversized cocktail ring. And at a mere $14, you can gift yourself one as well!

You can check out Lucky's 50 under $50 Gift Guide online, here.

The Beyoncé Experience

It started with "Are you ready...to be ENTERTAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIINED?!?!?!" and ended with "Sasha has left the building." You already know! I'm talking about the Beyoncé Experience on BET on Thanksgiving night! I loved! Beyoncé patted her weave and shook her tailfeather all over that stage. Amaaaaaaazing, darling. What an orgasmically dramatical way to end an entire day of debauchery. Here was the set list:

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Intro (The Beyoncé Experience Fanfare)
"Crazy in Love (Crazy Mix)"
"Freakum Dress"
"Green Light"
"Baby Boy (Reggae Medley - Murder He Wrote)"
"Beautiful Liar"
"Naughty Girl"
"Me, Myself And I"
"Dangerously in Love (He Loves Me Mix)"
"Flaws and All"
Cops and Robbers Intro
Destiny's Child Medley:
"Independent Women Part I," "Bootylicious," "No, No, No Part 2," "Bug-A-Boo (H-Town Screwed Down Mix)," "Bills, Bills, Bills," "Cater 2 U," "Say My Name," "Cater 2 U," "Jumpin' Jumpin'," "Soldier (Soulja Boy Crank Mix)," "Survivor"
"Speechless"
"Ring the Alarm" Intro Skit (Jailhouse Confessions)
"Ring the Alarm"
"Suga Mama"
"Upgrade U"
"'03 Bonnie & Clyde (Beyoncé's Prince Mix)"
"Check On It (Special Tour Version)"
"Déjà Vu"
"Get Me Bodied (Extended Mix)"
"Welcome to Hollywood"
"Dreamgirls"
"Listen"
"Irreplaceable"

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So who watched? What did you think? In the meantime, check out these fun flics of Miss B with her dancers and crew members...

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Photos via Bossip

Make Today a Tina Day

Snaps and claps to the one and only signature wig rocking, hip-shaking, river-rolling, short and sparkly wearing original Miss Tina, the divalicious Tina Turner on her birthday!

Make her proud by doing at least one of the following:
1. Watch "What's Love Got to Do With It" and drink everytime Ike says "Anna Mae!"
2. Do your housework/cooking/lounging in a man's button up, baby oiled legs and heels
3. During quiet moments, scream out "Awwww NUTBUSH!"
4. Put on a random wig and do the Proud Mary dance...alone with the shades drawn
5. Channel Tina and have a serious attitude with your man. When he asks you something like "How was your day?" respond by saying, "Go straight to hell, Ike."

Whatever you do, make it a Tina Day!

Photos lovingly swaggerjacked from the internets

News Desk Monday, November 26, 2007

Obasanjo ran Area Boy govt, says Tinubu....Calls for urgent review of revenue allocation formula

Former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu has called for urgent review of the revenue allocation formula and establishment of financial processes that would prevent corruption in the country. Tinubu, who was in Ibadan at a dinner hosted by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) at the weekend, also likened the presidency under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to social miscreants popularly called Area boys due to its disregard for the Rule of Law. MORE>>>

ICPC begins Etteh’s, deputy’s probe - Over N628m house renovation scandal

AS investigation continues into the house renovation contracts awarded by the former leadership of the House of Representatives, the former Speaker, Olubunmi Etteh, and her erstwhile deputy, Babangida Nguroje, are to appear before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) this week. MORE>>>

In Nigeria, the new face of global Mormonism

LAGOS, Nigeria — Outside Zion Osandu Ndukwe's one-room apartment, a naked toddler ran up and down a filthy hallway lit by a single candle. The power in the overcrowded slum was off yet again. The stench of urine from the communal bathroom overpowered the fragrance of spices in the bubbling soup a neighbor was stirring. MORE>>>

News Desk Friday, November 23, 2007

Senate right to void Bakassi handover, says Akinjide * Utomi urges caution; CPP lauds upper chamber

Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, said yesterday in Ibadan that the Senate was right in repudiating the transfer of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroun. Akinjide said it was wrong for former President Olusegun Obasanjo to have ceded the Bakassi and other areas to Cameroun without legislative approval as required by the Constitution. MORE>>>

I’m back in PDP because AC has nothing more to offer — RIMI

Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Second Republic governor of old Kano State, chieftain of PDP and later AC has his head being asked for in a ‘platter’ during his recent re-decampment to PDP. Unsavoury remarks have been made about him on the front pages of newspapers but in this recent encounter, the former chairman of Nigeria Printing & Minting said he has no regrets about leaving AC for PDP and went further to explain why he did it. Many interpretations have been given to why you went back to the ruling PDP after leaving it for AC and campaigning with its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubabar. MORE>>>

Sahara Oil Invests $250m

The recent oil discovery is expected to accelerate economic growth in Ghana as Sahara Group of Companies, one of the largest energy sector players in Africa, says it will in the next five years open filling or fuel stations in all the 166 districts of the country. The company therefore says it is ready to commit about $260 million in investments not only in construction of filling stations but also in oil production in the country. MORE>>>

Why Chief Ralph Uwazuruike's Case Should Be Dismissed

Some few days after former president Olusegun Obasanjo had ordered the command of Colonel Agbabiaka to go ahead and demolish Odi in November 1999, over the killing of 12 policemen by Ijaw youths in that little Bayelsa town, a deadly gang had already emerged all around the Lagos metropolis, causing havoc, maiming and destroying properties.

The gang: Ganiyu Adams faction of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), a well-composed notorious group of nihilists and hoodlums who have unleashed murder and mayhem in the name of fighting armed robbers, and, also, demanding a just cause--if only their needs could be met--the right to self-reliance. The entire Lagos had been turned into a state of empire and anarchy for many complicated reasons. First, then Governor Bola Tinubu who supposedly should be the chief security officer of the state, had been blamed by the presidency for not doing much about the OPC mayhem and what it has cost the state in terms of lives lost and an estimated staggering amount in the millions of Naira, if not billions in the nation's currency.

At the beginning of January 2000, the new millenium, Obasanjo, worried and restless, had to write Tinubu a personal note regarding the "rapidly deteriorating security situation" in Lagos State where he (Tinubu) is the governor, and that Tinubu could not afford to let the entire state be overrun by hoodlums led by Adams' OPC faction which is being seen as a threat to the state and national security. Adams' deadly gang had turned "hubs" like Ketu, Ajegunle, Mushin, Lagos Island and its environs with what one Tunde A. Olowu in a Tell magazine advertorial had called "theatres of war."

Obasanjo, in his threat to use executive powers with "due consultation" of the National Assembly to shut Lagos State's democratic fabric down by declaring an emergency rule, had no idea what was about to happen. He had presumed his threat would move Tinubu to swiftly act. Tinubu threw back, though, warning OBJ to stop playing nasty politics with OPC, that OPC was not the problem of political instability in the state, and that he should shut up and "get real" with politics of the day. It was a brutal "power show" which eventually had Tinubu smoking with in-your-face attitude to OBJ, that the Yoruba nation would stand behind Adams deadly squad, no matter what.

Before any form of political tussle could erupt, OBJ had already been concerned about what was unfolding and in the event his presidency declares a state of emergency in Lagos or anywhere in the West, that the Yoruba nation would rise to the occasion and bid goodbye to the entrapment called Nigeria. As if what has triggered the state of confusion and fight over political supremacy between the presidency and security concerns with Tinubu was not enough drama in the affairs of state, there happened to be a clash in Bariga, Lagos. That engagement between members of OPC and the police force took the life of Afolabi Amao, the divisional police officer who commanded the Shomolu Police Station. Amao's body was littered into the Lagos Lagoon. The drum beat of war has just begun.

OBJ had preplanned to turn Lagos into another Odi, that is, if Tinubu does not arrest the issue appropriately. But in one of Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors meeting, Tinubu was given a thumbs up, "given the constitutional limitations of governors in many areas." The clock was tickling and invasion of Lagos seemingly imminent including the sack of Alausa where the state lawmakers, the governor's team of kitchen cabinets, lobbyists and fat cats conduct business related to the state.

OBJ did not know what had hit him. The Yoruba nation including the leader of Afenifere, Senator Abraham Adesanya, were not in the mood to play cat and mouse with OBJ. They warned that another Odi episode would not be tolerated in Yorubaland, and that the OPC would square off with OBJ's federal forces. The challenge was real and more honest, and one could foresee another Odi unfolding. The roundtable had been presented a totally different agenda and OBJ had backed down after several warnings that an invasion of Yorubaland by a sitting Yoruba president would not be entertained, and would spell doom for the entire Yoruba nation. In Tell magazine's Forum of January 31, 2000, Lagos-based lawyer Femi Fani-Kayode sounded a serious warning to the presidency. Fani-Kayode writes;

Let the Obasanjo administration be under no illusion: we will not sit by idly and tolerate an 'Odi massacre' or a 'Choba mass rape,' anywhere in Yorubaland. If it ever happens, the OPC will be forced to form an armed wing of young warriors and together with other groups in Yorubaland, we will violently resist the evil intentions of our collective detractors. The militancy of the OPC will then be childs play compared to what will befall Nigeria.

Apparently, on behalf of a strong Yoruba backing, OPC won in this war of words in what had been prefight ramblings between the presidency and the Yoruba nation. Lagos was not invaded, after all, and Adams' OPC annihilation of innocent and defenceless citizens continued apace.

OBJ had ordered a shoot-at-sight at any OPC hoodlum or nihilist suspected to be a potential threat to civil society. Also, in a battle ready move, state police commissioner, Mike Okiro had gone to work to slug it out with OPC in the deadly gangs criminal activities in the state.

In February 2000, Okiro received a "distress" call that armed bandits were on the rampage at Onitire in the Surulere area of Lagos. In a fierce engagement with the armed robbers the police force claimed to be OPC members, one of the bandits was gunned down, the other seriously wounded while three escaped. Okiro claimed victory in that shoot-out, but OPC fired back immediatly issuing a "seven day ultimatum to the Lagos Police Command to stop killing their members, whom they claim the police labels as armed robbers," even though Adams had been on the lam and on the top list of the nation's police command. The Yoruba nation had been behind Adams, and had seen the whole lot of problems within the national political scene, pointing out OPC as a Yoruba issue and should be handled the Yoruba way.

Yes, OPC had been a Yoruba issue because while military tanks were rolled as OBJ's military brigade stormed Okigwe Township on that fateful Friday afternnon, December 1, 2000, in search of Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, and while the Igbo elite groups--Ohanaeze, World Igbo Congress and the rest that claims to be a better managed Igbo organization than the others--could not do anything, absolutely nothing to defend Uwazuruike and his non-violent movement in the quest to actualize Biafra, Adams' deadly gang were busy defacing innocent citizens with acid and pillaging wherever they operate. Adams had a great ride and enjoyed every aspect of Yoruba leadership in protecting him and the Yoruba nation.

Enter the Ijaw nationalist Muhajid Dokubo-Asari, the local gang leader whose militancy and threats to blow up every oil installations in the Niger-Delta continues to scare the people in that region. His grudge was that his people have not gained from the region's oil wealth which justified his taking up to arms to fight the establishment. His call to arms scared the presidency which had OBJ send his personal plane to fly Dokubo-Asari to Abuja for peace talks.

After a failed negotiation for ceasefire, Asari and his thousands of followers under arms continued to kidnap, destroying properties and blowing up oil installations in the region which did tip the oil price coupled with political instability. However, after series of threats, the Rivers State Police Command arrested Asari on September 19, 2005. Mass protests in Port Harcourt by Ijaw militant youths followed his arrest and civil unrest became the order of the day.

As it happened, the four movements (two of them notoriously deadly) OPC (Frederick Fasheun Faction), OPC (Ganiyu Adams faction) MASSOB and Asari's militant group that allegedly gave the presidency headache, were rounded up on a different time frame and slammed without trial. For the record, MASSOB did not bear arms. Its movement was non-violent. Fasheun was released on health grounds. Adams was released last December with the case struck out by the judge for lack of jurisdiction. Dokubo-Asari was released with no further charges and not to appear in court for trial. Before his release, the Ijaw nation issued out a press release demanding the militant's unconditional release along with other detainees including Uwazuruike of MASSOB when President Umar Yar'Adua gave conditions for release. According to the release;

The Ijaw Nation is justifiably aggrieved on account of the continuing egregious and callous violation of the fundamental rights and freedoms of Dokubo-Asari and other Ijaw Rights Activists, who have been imprisoned indefinitely without trial by the malicious invocation and abuse of the powers of the Nigerian State. It is particularly discriminatory and unacceptable that several months after the unconditional release of the OPC leaders, Fredrick Fasheun and Gani Adams, the Nigerian government continues to detain Dokubo-Asari of the NDPVF and Ralph Uwazurike of MASSOB.

On October 26, 2007, Justice Binta Nyako granted Uwazuruike bail to enable him take care of his mother's burial and that he must report to Imo police two times in a week until his trial date set for January 28, 2008. This is where the injustice comes in and typical of a kangaroo court, why would his colleagues charged for the same "crime" be walking out free of charge while he is asked to return to court for a case that has no meaning? When Frederick Fasheun was released on health grounds, was he asked to be reporting to his local police command until he gets well, probably? When the militant Adams was released unconditionally, was he also asked to be reporting to his local police station to make sure he is going by the rules and not annihilating people anymore? Or when Dokubo was released, was he under house arrest until his case in court is finally resolved? If Uwazuruike, Adams, Fasheun and Dokubo Asari were charged with treasonably felonies, why should Uwazuruike be asked to come back to court while Adams and Fasheun were granted unconditional release?

When Uwazuruike returns to court in Abuja on January 28, 2008, the judge should dismiss the case, like Adams, for lack of jurisdiction to achieve equity and fairness rather than a sham legal procedure bent on achieving a pre-planned outcome.

News Desk Thursday, November 22, 2007

How Bamaiyi, Mustapha plotted to kill Osoba, Ibru, others —Sgt Rogers

SERGEANT Barnabas Jabila, otherwise known as “Sgt Rogers,” yesterday wept profusely as he returned into the witness box, six years after his first public appearance, to give testimony on some of the gory operations of the deadly “Strike Force” established by the administration of the late Gen Sani Abacha. MORE>>>

Why UK can't try Ibori, say AGF

THE Attor ney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), ruled out yesterday, the possibility of granting the request of the United Kingdom (UK) to try the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, in London for alleged money laundering. MORE>>>

Election Results Forged in 12 States, Says INEC

A few days after it accused the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) presidential candidate in the last April 21 election, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, of tendering forged documents to prove his petition at the tribunal, the Independent National Electoral Commi-ssion (INEC) went a step further yesterday, saying its result sheets and other documents in 12 states had been tampered with. MORE>>>

EFCC Begins Probe Of Obasanjo

Investigation may have begun on the eight-year reign of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as news emerged on Wednesday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opened a file on him. This is probably connected with the rolling allegations of personal enrichment, and gross abuse of office made against the octogenarian by critics, among them Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, and human rights lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi. MORE>>>

Nigeria deploys troops to Camerounian border

THE Nigerian Navy has begun to send more of its men to the sea border with Cameroun following the killing of 21 Camerounian soldiers and the retaliatory killing of 10 Nigerians by the soldiers. MORE>>>

€10m scandal: ICPC seeks more facts from Siemens

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Wednesday said it had sought more information from the German telecommunications giant, Siemens AG, towards building its case against the indicted Nigerians. The commission has also confirmed that some of the 13 indicted Nigerians in the scandal have made useful statements to facilitate a thorough investigation into the matter. MORE>>>

IN GLOBAL NEWS:

Court upholds Musharraf election (BBC NEWS)

U.N. nuclear watchdog agency chief keeps pressure on Iran (LOS ANGELES TIMES)

Putin Links Rivals to West (WASHINGTON POST)

Pakistan to be kicked out of Commonwealth (GUARDIAN UNLIMITED)

China Changes Its Mind About U.S. Warship (NEW YORK TIMES)

Arms seizure threat sparks panic in Darfur camp (ALERT NET)

170 countries for Sunday's World Cup draw (REUTERS AFRICA)

Oprah's Favorite Things: Fashion and Beauty Edition

The Delovely Diva Extraordinaire, Oprah, just had her annual "Favorite Things" show where she showcased (and gifted the audience with) 20 of her favorite Holiday gifts of the moment. My main focus, as always, was the fashion and beauty gifts. Let's take a look, shall we?

CLAUS PORTO SOAPS FROM LAFCO NEW YORK

These all-natural, bath-sized shea butter bars distributed by Lafco New York are a labor of love. They have been created by the Claus Porto's family-run factory in Portugal for the past 117 years. The jumbo-sized soaps appeal to the senses with beautiful wrappers and 17 magnificent scents, from honeysuckle to grapefruit fig. "They make great hostess gifts," Oprah says.
Approximate value: $42 (set of 3)
800-362-3677; www.lafcony.com

Elle's Rating - I do love a nice bar of soap, especially one that is all-natural and full of shea butter. Lather-ific! And I'm quite sure these make lovely hostess gifts, on a regular shmegular day. But we're talking Christmas here. Nobody wants a bar of soap under the Christmas tree, no matter how indulgent it is. C+

UGG® AUSTRALIA CLASSIC CROCHET TALL BOOT

"I bet every truly dedicated Oprah watcher knows what my feet cannot live without," Oprah says. This slouchy knit boot keeps feet comfy and cozy in three colors: black, sand and rum raisin. The UGG boot's famous sheepskin sock lining is like walking on a cloud.
Approximate value: $120
888-432-8530; www.uggaustralia.com
Also available at Nordstrom stores www.nordstrom.com

Elle's Rating - I do love an Ugg! I have become a total convert over the past few years. It started with the slippers, moved to the Classic boots and now I have my eyes on the Rina style boots, which give me a Gladiator vibe I'm loving. So I can't deny the power of the Ugg and these crochet ones are perfect for a snowy day, curled up in front of a fire with some hot cocoa. Oh, the Holidays! B+

RACHEL PALLY SWING TURTLENECK AND SAILOR PANTS

After a long day of taping The Oprah Show, the first thing Oprah says she does backstage is change into something comfortable. Now, she's sharing her new favorite thing to lounge around in!This outfit by L.A. designer Rachel Pally is made from stretchy fabric that's both lightweight and super soft. "It barely feels like you're wearing anything!" Oprah says. The turtleneck and pants are available in sizes 2 to 24 and come in four colors—purple, navy, teal and brown.
Approximate value: Swing Turtleneck $141; Sailor Pants $194
www.rachelpally.com
Also available at Nordstrom stores www.nordstrom.com and http://www.shopbop.com/

Elle's Rating - Where is my Fug-B-Gone spray when I need it? In a word...horrid. I don't care if the fabric feels like 1000 marshmallows massaging your every nook and cranny, I would not be caught dead in a shapeless swing turtleneck and sailorpants. These could be straight out of Ashro catalog. No, no and no. D-

KAI BODY BUTTER and BODY BUFFER

"Bathing is an art form and nobody enjoys it more than I do," Oprah says. Kai customized their signature scent into a moisturizing body butter in a tub just for Oprah. "It's clean and fresh," she says. She also loves the Body Buffer by Kai, which combines an exfoliating loofah and cleansing soap all in one. Just wet and squeeze to release foaming bubbles that smell like an exotic garden.
Approximate value: Body Buffer $28; Body Butter $55
www.kaifragrance.com
Also available at Embrace in Hinsdale, IL: 877-361-7223, www.embraceyourstyle.com; www.eluxury.com, 877-890-7171

Elle's Rating - Now this is more like it! Nothing beats a fabulous smelling body butter après bath, darling. But she got me with the Body Buffer! An exfoliating loofah with a cleansing soap all in one? Genius! Spa luxury at its finest. A

TOYWATCH WATCHES

"My next favorite thing comes straight out of the pages of O, The Oprah Magazine," Oprah says. TOYWATCH watches come in a variety of styles and colors and have been seen on everyone from Madonna to Al Gore. The Crystal and Colored Crystal models made Oprah's list this year. "I loved mine so much, I wore it just about every day on my big road trip with Gayle," Oprah says.
Approximate value: $150–$1500
877-998-8600; www.toywatchusa.com
Also available at Bloomingdales stores nationwide http://www.bloomingdales.com/

Elle's Rating - Husbands and boyfriends take note! Christmas is a time for jewelry! I'm not much of a watch person, but I do feel like if I got one of these bad boys, I'd totally make it work! I really like how they don't look too delicate and are perfect for everyday wear. They also have a classic styling that won't look dated in a few years. Yup, these tickers have staying power! A-

CLARISONIC SKIN CARE SYSTEM

Developed by the people who created the Sonicare Toothbrush, the Clarisonic Skin Care System helps remove six times more makeup than soap and water alone. The bristles vibrate 300 times per second and massage your face to squeaky clean perfection. "It's a miracle massage for your face," Oprah says.
Approximate value: $195/system
888-5-CLARISonic (888-525-2747); www.clarisonic.com

Elle's Rating - Wipe me down and sign me up! This is what Christmas is all about. A gift that you are so happy to get, but would never ever buy for yourself and will probably stop using when the battery runs out. But for those few precious months of actual use, it is the answer to a prayer! As a person who puts on a full face daily, I truly need some vibrating bristles in my life. Love it! A+

Source: Oprah.com

Congo Creates Great Ape Preserve

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Congo is setting aside more than 11,000 square miles of rain forest to help protect the endangered bonobo, a great ape that is the most closely related to humans and is found only in this Central African country.

U.S. agencies, conservation groups and the Congolese government have come together to set aside 11,803 square miles of tropical rain forest, the U.S.-based Bonobo Conservation Initiative said in a statement issued this week.

The area amounts to just over 1 percent of vast Congo — but that means a park larger than the state of Massachusetts.

Environment Minister Didace Pembe said the area was denoted as a protected reserve last week as part of the administration’s goal of setting aside 15 percent of its forest as protected area. The Sankuru announcement increased the amount of protected land in Congo to 10 percent from 8 percent, he said.

The Sankuru Nature Reserve aims to protect a section of Africa’s largest rain forest from the commercial bushmeat trade and from deforestation by industrial logging operations in the central part of the country known as the Congo Basin.

Sally Jewell Coxe, president of the Washington-based Bonobo Conservation Initiation, said the group has been working to establish the reserve since 2005, when it started meeting with leaders in villagers that ring the area to persuade them to stop hunting the ape.

Though local lore holds that washing a baby with the ashy remains of a bonobo will make the child strong, Coxe said many area villages have committed to ending the practice.

“We have agreements with many of the local villages that are on the edges of the park, and they will be the managers and be very involved in it,” she said.

Bonobos — often lauded as the “peaceful ape” — are known for their matriarchal society in which female leaders work to avoid conflict, and their sex-loving lifestyle.

The bonobo population is believed to have declined sharply in the last 30 years, though surveys have been hard to carry out in war-ravaged central Congo. Estimates range from 60,000 to fewer than 5,000 living, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

The Sankuru reserve also contains okapi, closely related to the giraffe, that is also native to Congo, elephants and at least 10 other primate species.

Startup funding has been provided through a grant of $50,000 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and about $100,000 from private donors, Coxe said.

“We’re really thrilled; now comes the hard work of funding it for long term,” Coxe said.

Jesus be a pair of industrial strength tweezers*

Little Lourdes is a lovely young girl. She's only 11 and we all know that she is smack dab in the middle of that awkward stage we all went through. But those eyebrows...they are threatening to connect and are traveling down her nose! The pure unadulterated horror. This really has me thinking about the importance of grooming. For us adults, wayward facial hair is a completely unnecessary evil. I never understood why grown women would walk around rockin full mustaches and goatees. Wax is your friend! But the question remains, is 11 too early for a wax? If you were Madonna, would you strap her down to the bed a la "Mommy Dearest" and pluck/wax that uni into submission?

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Photo via Dlisted

*I see you, Fresh!

News Desk Tuesday, November 20, 2007

EFCC made me poor – Alamieyeseigha

Former Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, has accused the Federal Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of impoverishing him with the confiscation of his assets and about 1.7 million pounds sterling reportedly found on him by British police in London. MORE>>>

€10m bribe: ICPC summons ex-ministers, others

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Monday said it had invited the former ministers and other public officials allegedly involved in the 10m euro bribe scandal by a German multi-national engineering firm, Siemens AG. MORE>>>

Council of State confirms Okiro as IG

The first Council of State meeting under President Umaru Yar’Adua took place on Monday and took far-reaching decisions that bordered on the security of the country, economic stability and the welfare of the police. It also approved the promotion of Mr. Mike Okiro to the post of substantive Inspector- General of Police. Okiro had functioned in an acting capacity for about six months. The position was effective from June 1, 2007. MORE>>>

Nigeria rejects US presence in Africa

THE Federal Government announced on Monday that it would not host the United States military's new Africa-wide military command, taking Africa’s most populous nation and a top source of American oil imports out of contention. MORE>>>

IN GLOBAL NEWS

Walkout fuels French strike woes (BBC NEWS)

New York Tightens Shelter Policies (WASHINGTON POST)

Pakistani authorities release thousands of opposition supporters (LOS ANGELES TIMES)

Baghdad Starts to Exhale as Security Improves (NEW YORK TIMES)

Fashion Recap: 2007 American Music Awards

This guy would have fit right in.

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I can pretty much sum up American Music Awards fashion in one word: shiny. Believe me, I love sparkle, shimmer, sequin and metallic to an unhealthy extreme but by night's end, I felt as if my corneas had been scorched from all the never-ending shine. From Fergie to Nicole Scherzingleberries to Avril to Rihanna, shimmer reigned supreme. Even the men couldn't be outdone: Will.i.am rocked a metallic blazer, T-Pain's t-shirt was iced out and I noticed more than a few random band members with shiny pinstripes or metallic shirts. Sparkle overload!

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As a result, I don't have the eye strength to do a full fashion recap, so please click yourself over to FabSugar where they have the rundown. Danka.

P.S. I blame Seal. I think he officially killed this trend for me when he wore this monstrocity of a suit during last week's taping of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Really, Seal, what kind of coonery is this?

News Desk Sunday, November 18, 2007

Aso Rock budgets N2.3million daily for refreshment....N1.5m for eye glasses

THE National Assembly has been allocated N65 billion out of the N2.5 trillion spending plan for 2008 proposed by President Umaru Yar‘Adua. N2.2 billion of the proposal has been earmarked for food, details of the proposal obtained by Sunday Vanguard have revealed. The Presidency including the State House has been allocated N26.9 billion in the 2008 spending plan with N1.301 billion going for feeding and refreshment in the State House. MORE>>>

Trial for loitering: American ‘wrongly deported’ to Nigeria knows fate, Wednesday

A Lagos Magistrate Court, Ebute-Metta, Lagos has fixed Wednesday for ruling in the case brought against a black American Mr. Grayson Ernest Eugene who was serving a jail term in the United States before his alleged deportation to Nigeria in error by the American government on December 12, 2006. Eugene, 44, is standing trial before Magistrate R.O. Davis on a one-count charge of “an act not warranted by law” which “causes inconvenience or damage to the public by loitering around American Embassy premises.” MORE>>>

Siemens Bribery Scandal: Suspects’ll be Prosecuted in Nigeria, Says EFCC

Siemens Bribery Scandal: SuspeThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it was investigating all suspects in the Siemens bribery scandal and assured that those found to be culpable would be prosecuted in Nigeria. Spokesman of the agency, Mr. Osita Nwajah, told THISDAY last night that: “We are already involved in the matter. Investigation is still on-going. All those found to be culpable will be brought to justice in Nigeria,” he added. MORE>>>

Nigerians Abroad to Remit $16b

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole yesterday told the House Committee on Foreign Affairs that it must ensure that all policies of the Federal Government are geared towards maximising the benefits of the nation’s foreign relationships in the best interest of the average Nigerian, just as he confirmed that Nigerians living abroad will remit over $16 bilion back home before the end of this year. MORE>>>

Real reasons INEC aborted PDP convention - The Iwu, OBJ connection

Indications have emerged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may have stopped the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to fulfill the requirement of due process, but to assist some forces with enough time to re-strategise, with the aim of regaining the control of the party. MORE>>>

Imo AC Guber Candidate Teargassed At Tribunal

The gubernatorial candidate of the Action Congress, AC in Imo State at the April election was allegedly assaulted and tear-gassed by the police at the venue of the ongoing Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Owerri the state capital. The candidate, Hon. Uche Onyeagucha told our correspondent in an exclusive interview at his Abuja Apo Legislative Quarters, that he had gone to the Tribunal on Monday, November 13, 2007, but his car was blocked by some police officers and Special Assistants to Governor Ohakim, demanding to know his identity. MORE>>>

Why Soludo Sacked Me - Wahir Mshelia (former deputy governor, CBN)

Until she resigned her appointment on May 3, 2005, Mrs. Wahir Mshelia, 57, was the deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). After her resignation, she went into retirement, ending her voyage of 27 years in the public service. Recently, however, she opened up, alleging that she was actually hounded out of office by her boss and that he did so with the active connivance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. In an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday, Mshelia said her former boss and incumbent governor of the nation's apex bank, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, persecuted and sacked her because he could not abide by her principled stand on issues, especially her penchant for insisting on due process. She stated that Soludo was equally angered by her stout rejection of the bank's consolidation policy, which she believed was not in the overall interest of the North. MORE>>>

Six die in electoral violence in northern Nigeria

KAN0, Nigeria, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Six people were killed and over 250 arrested in the northern Nigerian state of Kano in weekend violence linked to local government elections, the state's chief of police said on Sunday. MORE>>>

Luxe Links

Crack kills - Dlisted

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I'm not the only one having a love/hate relationship with Marc Jacobs. - NY Times

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Cosmo talks fashion with Auntie BeeBee and Mama Tina - Cosmopolitan

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If anyone cares, pics from the Vicki Secret Fashion Show - Hollywood Tuna

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Monica looking cute and pregnant - Style Razzi

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Thinking about taking your hair back to its roots? - Clutch Mag

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A French Woman's Guide to Beauty - Style Bites

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Fab news! TopShop is set to open its first US store, with a plus-size sister store to follow! - The Budget Fashionista

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Have a luxurious weekend...
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- Elle

News Desk Friday, November 16, 2007

London appeal court freezes Ibori’s assets

Former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, on Thursday suffered another setback in the bid to free himself from prosecution over corruption. A London Court of Appeal, Criminal Division, in an unanimous decision, ruled that the Southwark Crown Court, which had discharged a restraint order on Ibori’s assets, erred by lifting the order. MORE>>>

Militants bomb Shell's oil pipeline in Delta

PORT-HARCOURTMILITANTS in the early hours of yesterday blew up with explosives a crude oil delivery pipeline, belonging to the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Delta State amidst fears that the execution of the multi billion dollars Escravos Gas -to –Liquid project of the American oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited, may be truncated following a fresh threat by the people of oil – rich Ugborodo community, Warri South West local government area. MORE>>>

Two police officers, two armed robbers killed in gun battle at Apapa

Police sources said a gang of about eight armed robbers were spotted somewhere around Trebbor junction, Apapa at about 11pm on Tuesday. It was gathered that men of anti-robbery squad who were scattered around Apapa and environs were put on the alert. However, sources said the gang quickly made a U-turn and headed towards Tin Can Island where another team led by the late Inspector were on a pin down point at a black spot. MORE>>>

Bakassi Killings: Nigerian Soldiers Not Involved, Azazi Insists

Chief of Defence Staff, General Andrew Azazi, insisted yesterday that Nigerian military did not attack Cameroonian soldiers in Bakassi. Also yesterday, leader of Nigerian delegation to the United Nations, Prince Bola Ajibola, reiterated that Nigerian government had no hand in the November 12, 2007 killings of the 20 Cameroonian soldiers. MORE>>>

Illegal Bunkering: Navy Arrests 260 Ships – Adekeye

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye, yesterday said 260 ships involved in illegal bunkering have been arrested by the Nigerian Navy. Adekeye disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen during the maiden tour of the Minister of State for Defence, Mrs Fidelia Akuabata Njeze, to Naval headquarters, to enable her interact with principal staff officers. MORE>>>

Nigeria's Niger Delta Militants Issue New Threat

In Nigeria, the militant group Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said it intends to spread its agitation from the oil-rich region to other parts of Nigeria. In an email sent to journalists late Thursday, the group said it will attack major bridges and other non-oil sector-related infrastructure throughout Nigeria. MORE>>>

Militant Group Says Nigeria Military Behind Attacks of Cameroon Soldiers

One of the most potent militant groups operating in Nigeria's oil-rich delta region, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, or MEND, says the Nigerian military were behind a cross-border raid that left 21 Cameroonian soldiers dead on Monday. Nigerian authorities deny the accusation. The attack took place in the Bakassi Peninsula, an oil-rich strip of territory recently ceded to Cameroon after international courts overturned neighboring Nigeria's claim to the land. Sarah Simpson has more from Lagos. MORE>>>

IN GLOBAL NEWS

U.S. deserters lose bid for Canada refugee status (BOSTON GLOBE)

China spying 'biggest US threat' (BBC NEWS)

U.S. to urge compromise in Pakistan (LOS ANGELES TIMES)

Home Run King Bonds Charged With Perjury (WASHINGTON POST)

Report Raises New Doubts on Iran Nuclear Program (NEW YORK TIMES)

Do Real Men Wear Fur?

Am I wrong in my thinking that furs are strictly female attire? There is something so extremely corny, and soooo sugary sweet about men in fur. I don't care how much money you have, whether you just got back from Antarctica, or whether it was inherited from your dead Mama (may she rest in peace), just don't do it! Thoughts?

Photos via Mollygood