Amaechi Wins Governors' Forum Election

caption: Gov. Rotimi Amaechi

By SaharaReporters, New York

Governor Rotimi Amaechi has won re-election as the chairman of the Nigeria Governor's forum defeating his opponent Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State by 3 votes.

Man Arrested For Duping Facebook Girlfriend Of N850, 000

Officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Ondo State have arrested one Arowolo Femi for duping a girl he met on the Facebook of N850,000



Mr. Arowolo was also accused of duping a Reverend Father of his Honda Accord 2007 model with number plate CU 730RSH under the pretext that he would help him sell the car.

A statement by the command’s spokesman, Kayode Balogun, said the suspect was arrested in Akure after the girl he duped came to report him.

Mr. Balogun said in March 2013, the suspect duped one reverend father (name withheld) of his Honda Accord 2007 model by lying to his younger sister that he would marry her. She then introduced him to the reverend and he prayed for them.

The suspect later told the Reverend Father that he was a car dealer to which the Reverend told him he wanted to sell his car. The suspect allegedly collected the car to sell in Lokoja; but ran away with the car in March.

Mr. Balogun said efforts to reach the suspect had been futile until he was arrested in Akure.

He said the suspect was invited to Akure by the girl he met on facebook after they had been friends for a month.

Mr. Balogun said after meeting the girl, he passed the night in her house. During the night, the suspect checked her phone and found out that she had money in her account; he pleaded with her to lend him N850,000 to clear some of his goods at the port in Lagos, the civil defence said.

When it dawned on the girl that the suspect, who came back the second day to collect the money, was about to dupe her she reportedly contacted men of the civil defence who came to invite the suspect for questioning.

The state commandant, Popoola Waheed Bamidele, therefore advised member of the public to avoid dating people they don’t know on social network.

Mr. Bamidele said the rate at which people have been duped on social network recently has been on the increase and charged women to be careful with the use of social network.

The commandant said the car recovered from the suspect will be handed over to the Reverend while the N850, 000 he collected from the woman will be recovered.

Mr. Bamidele added that the suspect would be charged to court accordingly.

President Goodluck Jonathan has said he will “appreciate to have Boko Haram as my good friends.”

President Jonathan said this on Tuesday, when he delivered his address at the foundation-laying ceremony of Para-military Villages Housing Scheme Development project at Kyami District, along Airport Road, Abuja.

The president’s statement elicited hysterical laughter from the audience on the occasion, as it exudes the confidence of someone winning the war against the sect.

He particularly commended the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, for the initiative, saying the housing scheme would further provide a secure environment for the para-military personnel and their families.

“When you talk of para-military services, some people don’t even know that is the constituency I belong. I started work with government after my school certificate as a Preventive Officer with the then Department of Custom and Exercise. They were called Custom police then. That is where I started my career. So I’m one of them.”

Jonathan added, “that is why I’m quite pleased to participate in today’s event of foundation laying ceremony of the paramilitary village housing scheme being undertaken jointly by the Ministry of Interior and Byuan Resources Ltd.”

While also commending Comrade Moro for taking steps to actualise the first phase of the project, Jonathan said the initiative was a direct furtherance of the Federal Government’s determination to maximise the potential of the public private partnership in improving the well-being of Nigerians and addressing major national challenges.

He noted that shelter was recognised globally as one of the primary needs of every human being, adding that the provision of quality, accessible and affordable housing “is a core priority of this administration.”

Jonathan said both the national and urban housing policies were specifically developed and implemented to accomplish this important objective.

He stressed that his administration had identified clearly that the private sector remained key to the success of the development agenda of the administration and would encourage partnership with private investors.

President Jonathan also disclosed on the occasion the determination of the Federal Government to recapitalise the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and strengthen the Federal Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, Federal Housing Authority and all other institutions of the government in the building sector.

He added that considering the centrality of their roles towards actualisation of the overall objectives of the government, “these institutions will sustain with greater vigour the implementation of existing policies on housing and urban renewal.”

He said the Federal Government was more determined to bridge the existing gap between the housing needs and the availability.

According to him, “there is no doubt that on completion, this project will boost the morale, productivity, security and welfare of the beneficiaries.”

Minister of Interior, Comrade Moro, in his remark, disclosed that Messrs Byuan Resources Ltd had already acquired parcels of land in 24 state capitals of the federation, including FCT, for the execution of the housing project.

President Goodluck Jonathan has recommended former Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, as Chairman of the Police Service Commission.

President Goodluck Jonathan has recommended former Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, as Chairman of the Police Service Commission.

Sources told P.M.NEWS Wednesday that the recommendation has been sent to the Nigerian Senate for ratification.

If approved, Okiro will replace Parry Osayande who quit the job in April.

Sources close to the police said the appointment of Okiro for the job is the right choice President Jonathan has made.

According to one of the sources who pleaded not to be mentioned, “Okiro’s appointment is a good development for the police at a time Mohammed Abubakar is in charge as the Inspector General of Police. Both men worked together at the Lagos Police Command and they share the same vision.

“Okiro is an operational man who suggested that Niger Delta Militants are offered amnesty during the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. He will bring positive change to the police force.”

Okiro was born 24 July, 1949 in Oguta, Imo State. He was  Nigeria’s first ethnic Igbo to assume the post of police Inspector General.

He holds a degree in English Language from the University of Ibadan, a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Jos and an LLB.

He joined the Nigerian Police in 1972. The operational and command positions he occupied during his career include serving as DPO in several police stations, Member, Armed Robbery & Firearms Tribunal, Lagos State,  Assistant & Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Lagos State and later Benue State.

He received a double promotion from Commissioner of Police when he became Deputy Inspector-General of Police.

In June 2009, Okiro published a book titled Policing Nigeria in a Democracy.

Police Arrest Couple, Two Others for Child Trafficking

Police Headquarters

Chiemelie Ezeobi

For Chibueze Mba and his 23-year-old wife, Adaeze, the saying 'Blood is thicker than water' truly held little or no meaning to them. The couple, who had been fingered in about three high profile child trafficking cases, had also sold off their unborn foetus who was due to be delivered  in three months for  N200,000.

Mba confessed to THISDAY that it was not his first attempt.  In fact, selling his son two years ago was the beginning of his foray into child trafficking.

The couple alongside two other suspects:  Benedicta Ogbuonwu (a dealer in stolen children and Patricia Anibogu, adoptive mother), were arrested by men of the Ilembe Police Division in Lagos State, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ekepeghere Ibe, a Superintendent of Police (SP).

The couple had abducted three children, two boys and a girl, whom they sold for N400,000 each and N300,000 respectively, before they were nabbed.

While four-year-old Stanley Eziaka was abducted two months ago and was adopted by Anibogu who was childless after 28 years of marriage, Promise and Goodluck Amaechi were abducted last year and were placed in illegal foster homes before they were adopted.

The well-oiled syndicate operated thus:  the couple would kidnap the kids and then pass them on to the middleman,  Benedicta, at an agreed rate. Benedicta will then sell the victims to one of the orphanages  in Onitsha or to individuals at N600,000.
Narrating how he got entangled in the child-trafficking malaise two years  ago,  Mba said his journey began with his first girlfriend, Ojiugo. According to him, they were dating happily until she got pregnant.

He said: "When she got pregnant, I truly wanted to marry her but her father protested vehemently against our union. It was so bad that we fled to Rivers State.

"When I complained about my inability to take care of my pregnant girlfriend and myself, one of my friends, Dozie, came up with the idea of selling off the child when it was born. At first, I did not agree until Ojiugo pressured me.

"It was then he hooked me up with Benedicta and we discussed and agreed on the sum of N100, 000. She also told me to be on the lookout for women like Ojiugo or those stranded who could not take care of their babies. She promised to reward me handsomely."

He continued, "First, she paid me N30,000 and then took in Ojiugo and took care of her till she delivered. Unfortunately, Ojiugo took the balance of our payment and disappeared. I was hooked.

"I officially began in September last year and it was the same time I married my wife. So far, we had succeeded in abducting and selling three children at the sum of  N400,000 for boys and N300, 000 for the girl."

Corroborating his story,  his 23-year-old wife said she was the one that lured Eziaka into the crime after she had gone to the shop to buy some food.
She disclosed that they were forced to relocate to Akwa Ibom after they had abducted Eziaka. With the money realised from the shady business, she said the husband went into carpentry   while she invested her share in trading in foodstuffs.

Anibogu said she was pushed into the nefarious act because of loneliness and frustration. According to her, she had been married for 28 years with no child.
On why she veered into selling children, Benedicta told THISDAY said she only took the children from the couple because they told her they got them from commercial sex workers.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said the suspects were serial child traffickers who abduct children from their parents and sell to the highest bidder.

She said: "On March 14, a case of missing person was reported at Ilembe Police Division  by Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Eziaka.

"When writing their statements, the parents had disclosed that their four-year-old son had last been seen in company of their neighbours, Chibueze and Ada, but attempts to call their numbers proved abortive as they were switched off."

Investigations continued and the couple were traced to Akwa Ibom where they were arrested. They confessed that they had sold the child to Benedicta at N400,000.
"When they disclosed the whereabouts of Benedicta, police moved to Onitsha and picked her up. During interrogation, she confessed that she resold Eziaka at N600,000 to Patricia Anibogu."

Manchester United: 5 Things David Moyes Must Learn from Sir Alex Ferguson

 

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his successor David Moyes that the biggest challenge he faces when he takes charge at Old Trafford on July 1 will be "the enormity of Manchester United."
This is, after all, a club who, for the last quarter of a century, has only ever had one manager, and one of the most successful in the game at that.
Over the last two decades, the production line at the self-styled Theatre of Dreams has churned out trophy after trophy under the Ferguson era—38 to be precise—with United becoming one of the most recognised—and well supported—global brands in sport.
In May 2012, it was estimated that 10 percent of the world population are Manchester United fans, as if to further illustrate Ferguson's point.
And that's why David Moyes, once manager of humble Preston North End, is now one of the most talked-about coaches in football.
When the new Premier League season gets underway come August, the world's spotlight will be pointing squarely on the shoulders of the ex-Everton chief, as the footballing universe waits to see if he can replace the irreplaceable.
With Ferguson taking a place on the club's board, it may not be too surprising if he whispers the occasional word of advice or two into his fellow Scotsman's ear, and Moyes would be wise to take heed.
Here, we take a look at five things David Moyes must learn from Sir Alex Ferguson.

Winning That First Piece of Silverware Is Vital

 
In his 15 years in management, David Moyes has never once won a trophy. When the announcement was made that the Scotsman had been named as Ferguson's successor at the start of the month, many an eyebrow was raised for this very reason.
And Moyes will have to win silverware at Manchester United almost immediately or face being sacked—according to West Ham boss Sam Allardyce in an interview with the Daily Mail.
Fortuitously, the 50-year-old will be given the opportunity to win what would be the first trophy of his career almost straight away, with United taking on Wigan in the Community Shield in Moyes' first competitive game at the club.
By lifting his first trophy, he would be emulating Ferguson in the sense that, when the pressure is on to deliver silverware, he has done so.
If certain rumours are to be believed, simply "Alex Ferguson," as he was known back then, would have been sacked had the club not won the FA Cup against Crystal Palace back in 1990. That triumph was his first cup win at Old Trafford, and 37 more would later follow.
Now Moyes finds himself in a similar situation, and with the pressure to deliver straight away perhaps more intense in this modern-day footballing climate, Moyes could soon learn from Ferguson that winning that first trophy is absolutely vital for continued 

No One Player Is Bigger Than the Club

 

When David Moyes officially takes charge of Manchester United come July 1, he will be working with world-class stars with, in some cases, world-class egos.
Moyes will be unfamiliar with the multi-millionaire stars waiting for him at Old Trafford and is instead more accustomed to dealing with some of the more "grounded" players, as found at Goodison Park.
And he will have to learn quickly how to deal with these players—in fact, one of the biggest challenges facing him when he arrives in Manchester will be the Wayne Rooney situation.
Rooney has reportedly asked to leave the club, according to Ben Smith of BBC Sport, for the second time in three years and did not feature in either of United's final two games of the Premier League season. Ferguson has commented recently that it will be up to Moyes to decide if the striker stays or goes and if he is to learn anything from the veteran Scotsman it will be that no one player is bigger than the club.
Moyes will have already learned this lesson throughout the course of his managerial career, but it is a more important virtue to stand by now that he is managing one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse more stories

Previous

4 of 7

Next

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his successor David Moyes that the biggest challenge he faces when he takes charge at Old Trafford on July 1 will be "the enormity of Manchester United."
This is, after all, a club who, for the last quarter of a century, has only ever had one manager, and one of the most successful in the game at that.
Over the last two decades, the production line at the self-styled Theatre of Dreams has churned out trophy after trophy under the Ferguson era—38 to be precise—with United becoming one of the most recognised—and well supported—global brands in sport.
In May 2012, it was estimated that 10 percent of the world population are Manchester United fans, as if to further illustrate Ferguson's point.
And that's why David Moyes, once manager of humble Preston North End, is now one of the most talked-about coaches in football.
When the new Premier League season gets underway come August, the world's spotlight will be pointing squarely on the shoulders of the ex-Everton chief, as the footballing universe waits to see if he can replace the irreplaceable.
With Ferguson taking a place on the club's board, it may not be too surprising if he whispers the occasional word of advice or two into his fellow Scotsman's ear, and Moyes would be wise to take heed.
Here, we take a look at five things David Moyes must learn from Sir Alex Ferguson.

Winning That First Piece of Silverware Is Vital

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

In his 15 years in management, David Moyes has never once won a trophy. When the announcement was made that the Scotsman had been named as Ferguson's successor at the start of the month, many an eyebrow was raised for this very reason.
And Moyes will have to win silverware at Manchester United almost immediately or face being sacked—according to West Ham boss Sam Allardyce in an interview with the Daily Mail.
Fortuitously, the 50-year-old will be given the opportunity to win what would be the first trophy of his career almost straight away, with United taking on Wigan in the Community Shield in Moyes' first competitive game at the club.
By lifting his first trophy, he would be emulating Ferguson in the sense that, when the pressure is on to deliver silverware, he has done so.
If certain rumours are to be believed, simply "Alex Ferguson," as he was known back then, would have been sacked had the club not won the FA Cup against Crystal Palace back in 1990. That triumph was his first cup win at Old Trafford, and 37 more would later follow.
Now Moyes finds himself in a similar situation, and with the pressure to deliver straight away perhaps more intense in this modern-day footballing climate, Moyes could soon learn from Ferguson that winning that first trophy is absolutely vital for continued success.

No One Player Is Bigger Than the Club

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

When David Moyes officially takes charge of Manchester United come July 1, he will be working with world-class stars with, in some cases, world-class egos.
Moyes will be unfamiliar with the multi-millionaire stars waiting for him at Old Trafford and is instead more accustomed to dealing with some of the more "grounded" players, as found at Goodison Park.
And he will have to learn quickly how to deal with these players—in fact, one of the biggest challenges facing him when he arrives in Manchester will be the Wayne Rooney situation.
Rooney has reportedly asked to leave the club, according to Ben Smith of BBC Sport, for the second time in three years and did not feature in either of United's final two games of the Premier League season. Ferguson has commented recently that it will be up to Moyes to decide if the striker stays or goes and if he is to learn anything from the veteran Scotsman it will be that no one player is bigger than the club.
Moyes will have already learned this lesson throughout the course of his managerial career, but it is a more important virtue to stand by now that he is managing one of the biggest clubs in the world.

The "Hairdryer Treatment" Is Effective

 

With Ferguson's retirement from management, some might expect the famous, or perhaps infamous hairdryer to have been packed away in his suitcase en route to departing the club, but Moyes would be wise to keep it plugged in in the Old Trafford dressing room.
Ferguson's notoriety of giving his players an earful if he deemed them to be under-performing is famous, and there's something about having the hot blast of an occasionally expletive-laden broadside blasting in your face that really gets the message across.
Former Red Devil and recently retired David Beckham once said of the "hairdryer treatment":

The fear of getting the hairdryer was the reason why we all played so well. He was a manager you wanted to do well for.

So if Moyes ever feels as though the United players are not performing as well for him as they did for Ferguson, perhaps it would be wise to give the metaphorical bathroom appliance a rebirth.

Fight to the Very Last Breath

The picture shown above depicts devastated Bayern Munich players lying hopelessly on the ground as Manchester United completed that dramatic comeback in the 1999 Champions League Final.
It was a victory that has since embodied the "never say die" attitude United have become famed for over the years and has often served as inspiration to help the club snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the years that have followed.
The amount of times the Red Devils have scored 90th-minute winners or equalizers is innumerable, such is the indomitable spirit Ferguson's United had become famed for.
And Moyes can take a good look at this image and the many more that depict United scoring last-gasp goals, and take a lesson from Ferguson that a similar attitude to the game must continue to be applied regardless of who is sitting in the Old Trafford hot seat.
It is an attitude that is ingrained in the very fabric of this famous club and will hopefully continue to be demonstrated under Moyes.

 

The FA Cup Must Not Be Overlooked

 

The last Manchester United captain to lift the FA Cup was Roy Keane, and considering he left the club in 2005, that gives you a pretty good impression as to how long ago that was.
By the time the FA Cup final is played out in May 2014, United will have gone 10 long years without winning the famous old trophy, and that is down in part to Ferguson thumbing his nose at the competition by occasionally fielding weak starting XIs.
With his eyes often fixed on "bigger prizes" such as the Premier and Champions League, the FA Cup seldom took precedent and was often down in his list of priorities, which is a shame.
Ferguson will likely regret that it has now been almost a decade since United won the competition, and David Moyes cannot really afford to underestimate its importance as he goes in search of his first piece of silverware.
Any trophy will do for him, and hopefully that means the club will treat the FA Cup with a greater level of respect.

The FA Cup Must Not Be Overlooked

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

The last Manchester United captain to lift the FA Cup was Roy Keane, and considering he left the club in 2005, that gives you a pretty good impression as to how long ago that was.
By the time the FA Cup final is played out in May 2014, United will have gone 10 long years without winning the famous old trophy, and that is down in part to Ferguson thumbing his nose at the competition by occasionally fielding weak starting XIs.
With his eyes often fixed on "bigger prizes" such as the Premier and Champions League, the FA Cup seldom took precedent and was often down in his list of priorities, which is a shame.
Ferguson will likely regret that it has now been almost a decade since United won the competition, and David Moyes cannot really afford to underestimate its importance as he goes in search of his first piece of silverware.
Any trophy will do for him, and hopefully that means the club will treat the FA Cup with a greater level of respect.

Dean Ambrose: 3 Realistic Challengers for the United States Championship

Who will challenge Ambrose for the U.S. title?

Dean Ambrose defeated transitional champion Kofi Kingston at Extreme Rules for the United States title leaving WWE fans with one question.

Who’s next?
Ambrose has the total package of wrestling and microphone skills that he is likely to have a lengthy reign as the United States champion. He has the opportunity to bring prestige to the midcard title that hasn’t been seen in years. In order for that to happen, Ambrose’s challengers have to be at a higher level as well.
We aren’t talking Santino Marella, Zack Ryder or former champion Kofi Kingston here.
We are talking serious contenders.

Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan recently lost the tag team titles at Extreme Rules and seems to be headed toward singles competition once again. Although Team Hell No has not broken up officially yet, it seems to be only a matter of time. When that does happen, a feud with Ambrose would be a win-win situation for everyone.
Ambrose and Bryan are two independent wrestling darlings who have been squaring off a lot recently. Bryan is a former world champion who would help bring relevancy back to the United States title. When you have a future world champion against a former one, the midcard title will become that much more important.

Kane

Perhaps before Ambrose feuds with Bryan, he will first be challenged by the four-time world champion in WWE, Kane. Bryan’s partner has helped put over young stars in the past whether as a partner or opponent. Ambrose has a recent past with Kane as The Shield and Team Hell No have been at odds with each other since December. Ambrose also faced Kane not long ago as the Big Red Machine sought revenge for The Shield’s attack on his brother The Undertaker.
Kane is unlikely to ever defeat Ambrose for the U.S. title since he is more toward the end of his career. However, the midcard title is one of the only championships in WWE Kane has never claimed. Perhaps when Ambrose is going to be moved to the main event scene, WWE could be kind to Kane and give him the title.

Big E Langston

Could a babyface Big E Langston feud with Dean Ambrose? (photo courtesy of wwe.com)

A feud between Ambrose and Big E Langston would prove to be a showcase of two Superstars who could feud with one another over a world title someday.
Like The Shield, Langston was promoted from NXT to the main roster and immediately pushed into a main storyline. Langston was another Superstar who could have defeated Kingston for the United States title. In fact, there were reports that WWE considered putting a title on Langston to give gold to all members of Team Ziggler.
The one obstacle in the way of a Langston and Ambrose feud is that both are heels right now. However, at the same time, WWE seems to be hinting at a future babyface turn for the former NXT champion. Ziggler has been seen treating Langston poorly at times, but with the World Heavyweight champion out due to a concussion, things are on hold.

Who do you think should challenge Dean Ambrose for the United States title? Does anyone stand a chance? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

here are the videos
Daniel Bryan  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zWa3Y_BCI2U#t=0s


Kane http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fNAsYR9Dje0#t=0s

Real Madrid Transfers: Could Isco Be Heir to Cristiano Ronaldo's Throne?

Jasper Juinen/Getty Images

Real Madrid and Malaga have reportedly begun talks over the transfer of attacking midfielder Isco to the Spanish capital. If the deal goes through and Isco takes a significant step forward in his budding career, his talent and potential could mean he becomes the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo's throne of superstardom in Madrid.

According to Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Real are holding discussion about Isco with Malaga sporting director Mario Husillos and general manager Vicente Casado, as well as the player's lawyer and father.
“Madrid are very interested in him. But so far there is nothing official,” said Malaga director Francisco Martin Aguilar.

David Ramos/Getty Images

"It fills us with pride that a lad that has come through at Málaga to become the player he has," Aguilar told Marca.com. "If he goes it will be to a big club and it will be to the benefit of the coffers at the club."
Isco's contract has a release clause of €35 million, according to the Marca.com report. Diario AS wrote that Real Madrid want to include players in the deal to lower the price.
Isco himself confirmed the rumors, according to Deportes Cuatro (h/t Football España), which quotes Isco as telling a fan: “Well there are talks, so we’ll see what happens.”
That suggests a transfer is not only possible but perhaps even likely. So what do we make of Isco and his chances of becoming a superstar at Real Madrid?

Torres confident over Chelsea stay

Fernando Torres has thanked Chelsea for standing by him during some difficult times and played down rumours he could be sold this summer.

most prolific season to date with the Blues, scoring 23 goals in all competitions, including the opener in the Europa League final victory over Benfica. Even so, with the Blues having been linked with the likes of Radamel Falcao and Edinson Cavani, there have been suggestions that Torres could make way.
However, the 29-year-old believes a club of Chelsea’s stature should have three or four top strikers in the squad and does not believe there is any intent to offload him.
“I have to thank the club,” he said. “From the first day it has not been easy, especially in the press. The first season the club has always stood by me and I really appreciate that. I have a good relationship with the directors and the owner and they always have strong belief in me.
“The rumours are not coming from the club. It is normal. When I was in Atletico Madrid, I was linked with all the teams in the world every summer, and at Liverpool it was the same, and now with Chelsea.
“Rumours cannot be stopped, but the rumours are one thing, the reality is another thing. When Daniel Sturridge left to join Liverpool, we bring in Demba Ba, and everything is fine. Every top club needs to have three or four top strikers and that’s normal.”
He also said it was “normal” that a club like Chelsea would be linked with the likes of Falcao.
“In the summer, the top players are linked with top clubs,” he added. “The summer comes and rumours start: strikers, goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders look like they are going to come and, at the end of the day, only three or four players come every summer.
“They can come and see what happens, but everyone who comes to Chelsea is going to be welcome.”
It appears all but certain that Jose Mourinho will be in charge of the club next season, with Real Madrid having reached an agreement for him to leave the Bernabeu at the end of the season.
Torres said the prospect of playing under Mourinho is a “big motivation” but insisted it is important to show respect for interim coach Rafa Benitez.
“This season is not finished so we want to have respect for Rafa. We know he is going to leave and we have to wait until the club announce the new manager. Obviously everyone is talking about Mourinho, always the top managers in the world are related with the top clubs in the world, so this is the situation now.
“Chelsea is looking for a new manager, Jose Mourinho is free, so it is easy now. Everyone links Mourinho with Chelsea because of his past, what he has said in the last few months, and we have players that have been working with him so they have great memories with him at Chelsea.
“We’ll see what happens. To have the chance to be under Mourinho’s management is a challenge and a big motivation, so we will see what happens, but we should have respect for Rafa this last week.”

NEW Nautical Designed Belts for Men and Women- and a Few Classics Too!

Get hooked on our solid brass fish hook belt buckle in two sizes. 

NEW for 2013!  Look sharp with our polished solid brass fish hook buckle (now available in two sizes) or pair it up with one of our premium leather snap belts. The brass fish hook belt buckle are available in 3 1/2" or 2 1/4" (total length) and 1 3/4" wide (inside dimension). Our brass fish hook buckles retail for $24.95 and our leather strap belts retail for $24.95.  Follow the link here to our brass fish hook belts buckles.

Fish hook belt buckle available in two sizes.

Our selection of leather strap belts ( 1 1/2" wide). Choose between our classic black or dark-brown or with a distressed crackled-black or tan finish. Belts available in sizes: Small: (31” -33”) Medium: (34” - 36”) Large: (37” - 39”) X. Large: (40” – 42”) 

Our nautical brass belt buckles are securely held in place by three snaps and can be easily unsnapped to accommodate other belt buckles. You can easily interchange your buckles for a different look when you want it. 

Leather snap-belt finishes at Skipjack.

The sea turtle swims gracefully through shimmering blue seas...strong, determined, effortlessly navigate, always finds it's way home. This NEW ribbon belt design celebrates the wonderful world of sea turtles and is a great addition to your coastal, beach wardrobe. Features full grain drum-dyed leather billet and buckle ends accentuated by the solid brass buckle. It's also MADE IN THE USA! Available at Skipjack nautical Wares for $26.95!  Follow the link here to our sea turtle belt.

Sea turtle ribbon belt with leather billet.

This beautiful cast brass starfish belt buckle is an elegant accessory for your coastal wardrobe. Fits any 1 1/2 inch snap belt.  Perfect for nights out on the town and a great accessory to your beach-coastal wardrobe.  This bronzed highlighted buckle retails for $45.00. You can also choose from our collection of leather snap-belts is black and brown finishes. Retail price $24.95.  Follow the link here to cast brass starfish belt buckle.

Cast brass starfish belt buckle with bronze accents.
A great addition to your beach-coastal wardrobe.

Don't get caught without  our best selling nautical code signal flags belt...the perfect accouterments for khakis, jeans, or corduroys and of course to wear with your favorite worn cargo shorts too! This cotton web ribbon belt for all seasons has full grain drum-dyed leather billet and buckle ends accentuated by the solid brass buckle. This belt is available with your choice of white, red or navy webbing as a background to the signal flag ribbon. MADE IN THE USA! Retails for $26.95.

Skipjack's best-selling nautical code signal flag belt available now in
three webbing colors.  Best nautical-themed belt on the market!

Skipjack's sailor Macramé braided web belt in natural line is available in four different colors, each created with full grain leather belt ends and solid brass buckles. A great nautical belt for men, women and children too! All belts are 1 ¼” wide. MADE IN THE USA!

Skipjack's sailor macrame' belt is available in four thread colors.

Take a look at our full nautical apparel collection by visiting Skipjack's webstore. Follow the link here to

Porsche for Wizkid, LV for Tiwa, Rolex for Yvonne, Birkin for Mercy! Are Nigerian & Ghanaian Stars TOO Boastful?

Believe it or not, there is no business like Showbiz!
We love our Nigerian superstars and how they constantly keep us entertained 365 days 24/7. Of course, through their many skills either in movies, music, TV and radio, the stars…

One of the World’s Fattest Men Has Died at the Age of 39

ONE of the world’s fattest men has died at the age of 39 – weighing a staggering 64 stone (407 kg).

Ricky Naputi piled on the pounds thanks to a gut-busting diet of 10,000 calories a day.

He grew so fat he was left bedridden in his home on the Pacific island of Guam for FIVE YEARS – being cared for around the clock by his wife Cheryl.

Ricky was offered life-saving surgery and a TV crew from US network TLC who followed him for three years as he battled to lose enough weight to travel to

President Jonathan rewards Golden Eaglets and under 18 Athletic teams

Just like the other victorious Nigerian teams,President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday rewarded the male national Under 17 team and also the Under-18 African Youth Athletic champions .

The Golden Eaglets finished second at the African Under 17 Championship in Morocco,where they lost out to Ivory Coast in the finals,while the Nigerian Athletics team won the maiden edition of the African under 18 championship held in Warri,Delta State.

President Jonathan said that he was rewarding them for their efforts in representing the country very well in their respective competitions,adding that he was giving them a certain amount of money,considering that they are still young,in order not to derail the.

“In recognition of your performance, we are giving you a token cash appreciation. It is token because you are young people and we don’t want to spoil you” President Jonathan said.

“The U-17 players will get N500,000 each. Their coach will get N1m, the assistant coaches will get N750,000, the team officials will get N500,000 each while the team curator will get N300,000.

“For the athletes, we will give N500,000 for gold medals, N400,000 for silver medals, N300,000 for bronze medals and N500, 000 for technical officials.”

“The nation is proud of you. You have done us proud and as a nation, we appreciate your efforts and patriotism. I urge you not to relent. You must continue to inspire young people,” President Jonathan added.

Germany to rule Europe with first European Champions for 12 years

Two German sides will compete for the crown of Champions of Europe at Wembley this weekend, when Bayern Munich take on Borussia Dortmund. The two Bundesliga giants have been competing fiercely for domestic honours in recent seasons, and now they must come face to face for the biggest prize in European club football. Bayern Munich will be looking to make amends for two defeats in Champions League finals in the last three years, while Borussia Dortmund will be hoping to repeat their feat of 1997, when they overcame the odds to lift the trophy.

Bayern Munich have enjoyed a convincing run to the Champions League final this year. Despite losing the home leg in the round of 16 against Arsenal, a comfortable away victory sent them through to the quarter finals on away goals. The 4-0 aggregate victory over Italian champions Juventus was impressive enough, but they then followed this up by defeating Spanish champions Barcelona 4-0 at home and 3-0 in the Nou Camp to reach the final.

Borussia Dortmund’s journey has been far from straightforward. After despatching Shakhtar Donetsk in the round of 16, they were seconds from elimination against Malaga, before two goals in stoppage time dramatically sent them through to the semi-final stage. After a breathtaking display to defeat Real Madrid 4-1 at home, they survived a late onslaught in Spain to reach the final after a 2-0 loss.

Despite winning the Bundesliga title in record time, Bayern Munich’s form has not dropped, and they have won 5 and drawn 1 of their last 6 games. They have only been defeated twice over the course of the season in all competitions, and will be looking to win both the Champions League and the German Cup in the coming weeks. Since reaching the Champions League final, Dortmund have not recorded a single win. They have drawn twice and lost once since the tie against Real Madrid, conceding 6 goals in the process.

Both games between the sides ended 1-1 this season, meaning that Borussia Dortmund are unbeaten against Bayern in their last 6 league matches. Bayern did defeat Dortmund in the German Cup this season, gaining revenge for a 5-2 defeat to their rivals in last season’s German Cup final. They have met in the Champions League once before, and Borussia Dortmund emerged from the tie victorious, with a 1-0 aggregate victory after extra time in 1997/98.

Bayern Munich’s captain Philipp Lahm will be desperate to finally lift the Champions League trophy, and he will be hopeful of victory after being part of the defence that has conceded just 18 goals in 34 league games this season. Bastian Schweinsteiger has played more games than any other outfield player this season for Bayern, and while attacking players such as Ribery, Robben and Kroos have gained the plaudits, the ‘midfield motor’ has been one of Bayern’s most consistent performers this campaign. Mario Mandzukic is expected to be playing as a lone striker, holding up the ball and attempting to add to his 20 goals in his first season at Bayern.

In contrast to Bayern’s strong defensive record, Dortmund have kept just 8 clean sheets in the league this season, and goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller may need to provide an inspired performance to keep Munich at bay. Mario Gotze has been ruled out of the final with injury, so the pressure is on Marco Reus to provide the creativity and goals from midfield, after notching up 4 goals already in the Champions League this season. After a sensational 4 goal haul against Real Madrid in the semi-final, all eyes will be on Robert Lewandowski on Saturday, as he tries to fire his side to glory. The Pole has an impressive 36 goals already this season, including 10 in just 12 games in the competition.

It has been 12 years since Germany produced a Champions League winner, but it is guaranteed that a side from the Bundesliga will be the new Champions of Europe this weekend. After disposing of some of the other giants of Europe on the road to Wembley, both sides have earned their place in the final, and there is no doubt that the eventual winner will be the deserved winners of this season’s competition.

Chelsea could sign Ronaldo – former Madrid President say's

Former World best player,Cristaino Ronaldo could be a surprise swoop for Premier League side,Chelsea,as was revealed by former Real Madrid President,Ramon Calderon.

Calderon who was responsible for the £80m world record transfer fee,that Madrid paid to sign Ronaldo from Manchester United in 2009,said that Chelsea could capitalize on his unhappy situation and cash in on the player.

“Cristiano Ronaldo said he was sad at the beginning of the season. I think the relationship with the current president is not a good one, maybe because the president doesn’t like the players players he inherited.”
“He did the same with Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder. It was unbelievable that when he came he decided to give them away. Then, the next season, they were playing in the Champions League, in the Bernabeu, against Real Madrid for their respective new clubs.”
“Ronaldo wanted to breach his contract. The truth is he didn’t want to extend his contract and it’s only got two years left [to run]. In the last few years it’s a rule that you have to extend the contract or sell. If not, then the player is worth nothing.
“There are not many teams that could afford to pay him what he deserves and who can pay Real Madrid what they are asking for. There are three clubs – Manchester City, PSG and Chelsea. I don’t think any other club is going to pay that amount of money money for a player.”
“They [Real] are going to negotiate the contract now and they will make a decision. It’s something we will know in a few weeks.
“The president doesn’t need to keep Cristiano Ronaldo to be re-elected because no-one else is in the running.”
“In a different world he would have agreed a deal [privately] to let him leave next summer, then said to the fans that he [Ronaldo] was going to extend his contract. Then they would have an agreement to leave the club when someone has the money.”

Chelsea is expected to confirm the reappointment of Jose Mourinho as their manager,but there are reports that he equally fell out Ronaldo,while at Madrid.

So it is possible that Ronaldo might not be moving to Chelsea afterwards.

Mourinho and Ronaldo given two-match bans

Outgoing Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has been handed a two-match ban by the Spanish Football Federation,following his sending off during the finals of the Copa Del Rey match against Atletico Madrid last week.

In an ill-fated Madrid derby match, Mourinho was given the matching orders by the referee,for reacting furiously when the official awarded a free kick to Atletico with around 15 minutes remaining at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid went on to lose the game by 2-1,making it their first loss to Atletico since October 1999,and it unearthed more the problem between Mourinho and his players.

Cristiano Ronaldo as well got two-match ban for the red card he got in the game as well,after a dangerous play against an Atletico Madrid player.

Interestingly,if Mourinho completes the expected switch to Chelsea in the summer,he will serve the ban in the first two FA Cup games of the 2013/14 campaign,unless the English FA decides to waive it .

Ferdinand signs a one-year deal with Manchester United

Manchester United defender,Rio Ferdinand on Thursday penned a new one-year deal,that will see him remain at the club for a further season.

There were fears that Ferdinand could leave the club,as his last contract was due to expire in June,with speculations that he could be headed to the United States of America.

But the 34-year old agreed who agreed to an extension, will now stay to work with new Manchester United manager,David Moyes.

“I am delighted to have signed a new contract. Who wouldn’t want to play in this fantastic team,” Ferdinand said.

Ferdinand who last week announced his retirement from international football,said that he can now focus on his club football.

“I can now fully concentrate on my club career, which has worked well for me over the past few years,” he said.

“I have met with David (Moyes) I am really looking forward to working with him,” Ferdinand said.

New manager,Moyes was happy that Ferdinand agreed to extend his stay at the club: “I am delighted he has signed a new contract and I am looking forward to working with him,” Moyes said.

Mikel might not be available for the Super Eagles – Keshi

Super Eagles coach,Stephen Keshi has expressed serious doubt,about the availability of midfielder,John Obi Mikel,for Nigeria’s upcoming games next month.

Mikel reportedly pulled out of the Super Eagles squad for the friendly game against Mexico,citing that he needed to sort out personal issues.

The Super Eagles are currently in their training camp in Germany,preparing for the friendly on May 31 with Mexico,which they plan to use to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers and also the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Asked about the availability of Mikel for the friendly, Keshi said “I’m not sure he’s coming,” he told MTNFootball.com .

Meanwhile,Mikel is reportedly in England processing an entry visa to Brazil ahead of the Confederations Cup.

“Our initial agreement with Chelsea was for them to drop off both Mikel and Victor Moses after their game. But now he is pursuing a visa to Brazil. We’re also not sure about his condition, if he is fit or not. And so, Mikel might not be there with us,” Keshi said.

The Super Eagles are expected to depart Germany for USA,next week Tuesday,in time for the friendly game in Houston against Mexico.

Already Victor Moses,Kalu Uche and Ahmed Musa,all pulled out from the Super Eagles squad for the friendly game,but Keshi insists that he has capable replacements for them.

Police: Suicidal jumper's fall kills SKorean girl

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean police say a suicidal man jumping to his death killed a 5-year-old girl by falling on her as she walked with her parents outside the apartment building.

A police official said the 39-year-old man died immediately after he jumped Wednesday from the 11th floor of the building in the southeastern port city of Busan. The girl died later from brain damage and broken bones.

The official who spoke Friday declined to be named because the case is still under investigation.
The official says it's unclear why the man jumped. He says witnesses saw the man jumping but there was no suicide note.
South Korea has the developed world's highest suicide rate.

Boko Haram Threathens To Execute French Family Kidnapped in Cameroun, Africa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=y2xErnb_Y5Q#t=0s

Sea of change in Kerala's backwaters

 


The octopus is a sea-faring creature. Like camels of the desert and snow leopards living in snow-peaked mountains, adapted to live in specific surroundings and climatic conditions, octopuses too have for generations adapted to living in salty waters. What would then happen if you found an octopus all of a sudden living in a freshwater lake? It is this startling discovery of octopuses in the serene backwaters of Kochi that has baffled experts. And because octopuses can’t change their love for salt water in a day, the scientists fear it is actually the water of the backwaters that has turned from sweet to salty.
Oceans and seas around the world have an overdose of minerals dissolved in the water. It is this high mineral content that makes sea water very salty different and from river water. The fish, molluscs and other creatures living in oceans are thus different from the aquatic species found in rivers and freshwater lakes, each only fit to survive in its particular water habitat.
Saline survivors
Recently in Kerala fishermen were stunned to discover octopuses in the water bodies of Champakkara, Panangad and Kumbalanghi near Kochi. Under normal circumstances, if these sea creatures swam into the backwaters by chance they would have perished. But because the eight legged animals have survived, scientists are pondering if something is really wrong with the water quality of the backwaters.
According to K Sunilkumar Muhammad, head of the Molluscan Fisheries Division of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, the presence of marine species in coastal waters is due to the increased salinity of the area. He believes the level of salinity has reached 35 ppt (parts per thousand) by now, equivalent to seawater. He adds that sardines, another marine fish, were earlier reported from Champakkara and are proof enough that the water is changing.
Usually the salinity variation in water between high and low tides deter marine organisms from coming to the backwaters for feeding. But strong tidal actions and absence of rain and freshwater influx has changed the situation. It is not just the octopuses who now find the backwaters to be a new home. The less competition for food here, more prey and more space can attract other sea creatures too, including bigger predators like sharks.
Jumbled habitats
It is one of nature’s survival techniques, that makes marine species and freshwater species similar and yet so different. They are both aquatic creatures but there is a world of difference in the way they breathe, feed and exist. It has a lot to do with the salt content of the water and a process called osmosis.
All living organisms are made up of cells and these cells like to keep the concentration of chemicals on the inside the same as on the outside. Therefore a saltwater fish has a high salt content in its body cells like the water it swims in and a freshwater fish has diluted fluids in its cells.
When a saltwater fish is exposed to fresh water, all of that water floods into their cells in order to dilute the chemicals inside and keep a balance with the surrounding environment. Two things can happen when water floods in. Some cells fill up with so much water that they burst, while others just stop working because the chemicals inside them are too diluted. Both of these things will kill the fish. The same thing happens if you forcefully put a freshwater fish into salty seas or oceans.
The presence of octopuses in the backwaters thus signals another catastrophe. It means that the freshwater species already present in these waters, must be finding it hard to survive because the water is becoming saltier than it is supposed to be for them.
While scientists ponder over the matter, it is a lesson for us to understand how a single environment change can create the difference between life and death for so many living forms.

Obama defends drones, sees narrower terror threat

President Barack Obama sought to move the U.S. beyond the war effort of the past dozen years, defining a narrower terror threat from smaller networks and homegrown extremists rather than the grandiose plots of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida.
Obama also offered his most vigorous public defense yet of drone strikes as legal, effective and necessary.
"Neither I, nor any president, can promise the total defeat of terror," the president said in a speech at the National Defense University. "What we can do — what we must do — is dismantle networks that pose a direct danger, and make it less likely for new groups to gain a foothold, all while maintaining the freedoms and ideals that we defend."
Obama also implored Congress to close the much-criticized Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba and pledged to allow greater oversight of the controversial unmanned drone program. But he plans to keep the most lethal efforts with the unmanned aircraft under the CIA's control.
Obama's address came amid increased pressure from Congress on both issues. A rare coalition of bipartisan lawmakers has pressed for more openness and more oversight of the highly secretive targeted drone strikes. Liberal lawmakers have pointed to a hunger strike of more than 100 prisoners at Guantanamo — the military earlier this month was force-feeding 32 of them —.in pressing for stalled efforts to close the detention center to be renewed.
The president cast the drone program as crucial in a counterterror effort that will rely less on the widespread deployment of U.S. troops as the war in Afghanistan winds down. He said he is deeply troubled by the civilians unintentionally killed.
"For me, and those in my chain of command, these deaths will haunt us as long as we live," he said. Before any strike, he said, "there must be near-certainty that no civilians will be killed or injured — the highest standard we can set."
In Pakistan alone, up to 3,336 people have been killed by drones since 2003, according to the New America Foundation, which maintains a database of the strikes. However, the secrecy surrounding the program makes it impossible for the public to know for sure how many people have been killed and how many were intended targets.
The Justice Department revealed for the first time Wednesday that four U.S. citizens had been killed in U.S. drone strikes abroad. Just one was an intended target — Anwar al-Awlaki, who officials say had ties to at least three attacks planned or carried out on U.S. soil. The other three Americans, including al-Awlaki's 16-year-old son, were unintended victims.
Some Republicans criticized Obama as underestimating the strength of al-Qaida and for proposing to repeal the president's broad authorization to use military force against the nation's enemies — powers granted to George W. Bush after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
"I believe we are still in a long, drawn-out conflict with al-Qaida," Sen. John McCain, a top opposition Republican, told reporters. "To somehow argue that al-Qaida is on the run comes from a degree of unreality that to me is really incredible. Al-Qaida is expanding all over the Middle East, from Mali to Yemen and all places in between."
Obama announced new "presidential policy guidelines" on the standards his administration uses when deciding to launch drone strikes. According to an unclassified summary, the U.S. will not strike if a target can be captured, either by the U.S. or a foreign government; a strike can be launched only against a target posing an "imminent" threat, and the U.S. has a preference for military control of the drone program.
The CIA will continue to work with the military on the program in Yemen and control the program in Pakistan, given the concern that al-Qaida may return in greater numbers as U.S. troops leave Afghanistan.
The guidelines will apply to strikes against both foreigners and U.S. citizens abroad.
Drone strikes will largely remain highly secret for the public. Congress has been briefed on every strike that drones have made outside Afghanistan and Iraq, Obama said, but those briefings are largely classified.
While civil rights groups welcomed some of Obama's steps, they appeared largely unappeased.
"The president still claims broad authority to carry out target killings far from any battlefield, and there is still insufficient transparency," said Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union.
Obama was interrupted three times by a woman from the anti-war group Code Pink, who appeared to be protesting both the drone program and the Guantanamo prison. The president acknowledged that the issues were worth being passionate about.
In seeking to close Guantanamo, many Republican lawmakers oppose Obama's efforts to bring some of the detainees to the U.S. to face trial and be held in maximum-security American prisons.
But the new hunger strike by prisoners protesting their conditions and indefinite confinement has refocused the president on efforts to close the detention center. He announced a fresh push to transfer approved detainees to their home countries and lift a ban on transfers to Yemen.
Thirty of the 56 prisoners eligible for transfer are from Yeman. Obama halted all transfers to the poor Middle Eastern nation in 2010 after a man trained there was convicted in a failed bombing attempt of an airliner over Detroit.
In a statement, the Yemeni government said it welcomed the administration's decision and pledged to "work with the United States to take all necessary steps to ensure the safe return of its detainees."
The president said he planned to appoint a special envoy to oversee the prisoner transfers and other efforts to close the prison.