Brain-Damaged Governor Suntai of  Did Not Recognize his Deputy

 

 Acting Governor Garba Umar of Taraba State has revealed that hospitalized Governor Danbaba Suntai did not recognize him when the two met over two days in Hanover, Germany. The deputy governor recently made a two-day visit to the seriously injured Mr. Suntai who has been at a hospital in Hanover, Germany since escaping with grave injuries from a crashed plane he was piloting when it went down near the airport in Yola, capital of Adamawa State last October.

SaharaReporters has reported exclusively that Mr. Suntai is brain-dead and unable to recognize visitors, including members of his family and a few other Nigerian politicians who have visited him in Germany.

A source close to the acting governor, who travelled to Germany two weeks ago, told SaharaReporters that Mr. Umar disclosed that the injured governor did not speak a word to him throughout his stay in Germany.

Another source revealed that the acting governor also told the Presidency in Abuja that, on one occasion when he tried meeting with the governor, Mr. Suntai drooled saliva uncontrollably as he sat in a special chair.

Our sources said that German medical consultants told the visiting acting governor that one of Mr. Suntai’s biggest medical issues is that fluids accumulate on one side of his brain, thereby impeding normal brain function. The German doctors indicated that the fluids have to be constantly drained or else Mr. Suntai would die.

Following our consistent reports that Mr. Suntai was brain-damaged from the crash, his wife and aides have maintained a well-oiled  propaganda in the state claiming that Mr. Suntai had almost fully recovered and was on the cusp of returning to Nigeria to resume office. The propagandists have enlisted several hands, including Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State who recently claimed in a press release that Mr. Suntai would soon return. Mr. Jang had visited the ailing governor in Germany and released an apparently staged photo showing Mr. Suntai standing with him.

A top politician in Taraba told SaharaReporters that he sympathized with Mr. Suntai and his family, but added that one man should not hold the state hostage. “I think those around him should come out and tell us the whole truth about Danbaba,” said the source. “If he is well, let him come back and tell us what he plans to do to move the state forward. If he’s still incapacitated, he should resign so that the deputy can take over as full governor and handle the challenges of governance.”

 

 I really don’t know how to describe myself —Cossy Orjiakor

 

 

Since her entrance into the movie industry about a decade ago, Cossy Orjiakor has sparked off more controversies especially with her frequent pictures on twitter. She is one of the most talked about in Nigeria. She spoke on her life in this interview with an online medium.
You are barely established in the movie industry, why jump into music?
I have always loved music. My mum had a B.Sc. in music from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State when I was younger. She used to sing and dress up in cute attires and hand gloves and all. I kind of liked it. So, she made me love music.

Why do you seem not to be doing a lot of movies these days?
I have been doing lots of stuff that have nothing to do with movies. I’ve been very busy, but now, I’m very free. That’s why I’m getting back to music. I did a movie last year and it’s about to come out soon. I’m also working on producing a movie in April this year.

So, how far have you gone with the plans for the movie?
The script writer has delivered and I’m okay with the story line. I’m just waiting for Emmanuel Ehumadu to finish up the movie he is doing now. Once he is through, he will help me out with the casting, and then shooting will start in April.

How well have your fans received your album, ‘Naughty Queen?’
My marketer has been out for a while now. He just got back, so the distribution of the hard copy will commence soon. So far, my fans love the album.

You are one artiste that doesn’t seem to care about what people say about you, how do you get the boldness to do so?
I do actually care about what people say about me, but I don’t care about what biased people say about me.

Do you think you are always being misunderstood in the media?
No, not really. I’m very down to earth, I don’t pretend. I’m as real as they come.

How do you feel when you read or hear false stories about you?
I take them as one of those things. Then if the person peddling the false story is worth it, I reply and clarify things. If the person is not worth it, I ignore it.

How was growing up for you?
Good and fun. I have the best parents and good siblings.

What were your parents’ reactions when you told them you were going into entertainment?
While growing up, my dad actually bought a grand piano for my mum, so we all played around with it. He has always encouraged me to be true to myself.

How would you describe your style?
My mood or the event determines that. Also, the time of the event matters. During day time, I’m well-dressed and decent. If it’s a night party and I want to get naughty, I wear hot stuff.

Do you have a favourite fashion accessory?
I don’t have a favourite accessory though, I can’t do without my perfumes.

I’m sure you must have a lot of men running after you?
I don’t really notice. Maybe, maybe not.

Has it occurred to you that a lot of men out there fantasise about your body?
Yeah. They fantasise about me because I have lovely body features, the type dreams are made of.

Is that why you flaunt it a lot?
Maybe.

You seem to be confident with your body, do you think it makes people judge you or think lowly of you?
I don’t know.

What’s the craziest thing you ever heard about yourself?
When they link me with men I have never met before, like the coach or the footballer that was said to have bought me my SUV. I wish he could buy me a race car too (laughs).

So, how do you relax when you need to?
I love messages.

How would you describe yourself?   
I really can’t describe myself, but I’m deep.
Courtesy: NET

Jenifa, Genevieve in duel over AfMag awards 

Funke Akindele (Jenifa) and Genevieve Nnaji have locked horns over the AfricaMagic Viewers Choice Awards as the two renowned Nollywood actresses are among five screen divas now fighting tooth and nail  alongside Bubu Mazibuko, Nolwazi Shange and Ghanaian Jackie Appiah. While Akindele and Genevieve are nominated based on their roles in the films Maami and The Mirror Boy, others are there on the platforms of Man on Ground, Otelo Burning and Perfect Picture.

In the nominations released on Monday, Akindele also features in the Best Actress in a Comedy category with The Return of Jenifa, where she is competing with Lilian Esoro (Clinic Matters) and Mercy Johnson (Dumebi the Dirty Girl).
Also in the Best Actor in a Comedy, where Hafiz Oyetoro (House a Part) is competing with Kunle Bamtefa (Glorious Journey), Bovi Ugboma (The Bovi Ugboma Show), Francis Odega (Clinic Matters) and Ikhide Isaac (Wanna Be). In the Best Movie Director category, Obi Emeloye  (The Mirror Boy) has Akin Omotoso (Man on Ground), Tim Green (Skeem), Sara Blecher (Otelo Burning) and Shirley Frimpong-Manso (Perfect Picture) to beat.
Interestingly, Phone Swap producer, Kunle Afolayan, also has a ‘battle’ with Akindele as both films are nominated in the Best Movie (Comedy) category, alongside Geore Edmund’s Open Fire and others. With a total of 28 awards in 26 categories, the AMVCA includes six categories where viewers will vote for winners and 18 more technically-focused segments where winners will be selected by a judging panel.

 Jonathan alienating Yoruba - S/West leaders 

 

WORRIED by the continued marginalisation of Yoruba ethnic nationality in federal appointments, leaders of thought from the South-West geo-political zone, on Wednesday, accused the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan of systematically excluding the Yoruba nation from the federation in terms of appointments without justification.
The Yoruba leaders, while addressing a world press conference in Ibadan, called on President Jonathan to redress the “systematic discrimination” against the Yoruba nationality in federal appointive positions without delay, saying that the Yoruba have been getting “crumbs” from the administration.
Speaking in unison under the aegis of the Yoruba Unity Forum, umbrella body for all Yoruba sons and daughters, the leaders, armed with a long list of those at the apex of political power as well as those in control of the principal economic and financial agencies from which no South-West person was included, said the Yoruba did not deserve the humiliation it was getting from President Jonathan who was massively voted for in the region in 2011.
YUF also accused the Jonathan administration of implementing Yoruba ethnic cleansing agenda as evident in the sack of Yoruba sons and daughters in federal agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and their replacement with 107 staffers from the South-East region.
“The President (South-South); Vice President (North-West); Senate President (North Central); Speaker (North-West); Chief Justice of the Federation (North-West); Deputy Senate President (South-East); Deputy Speaker (South-East); Acting President Court of Appeal (North-West); Secretary to the Government of the Federation (South-East); Chief of Staff (South-South); National Security Adviser (North-West); Head of Service of the Federation (North-East).
Of the 12 topmost positions in the country, no single Yoruba person was included.
“Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy (South-East); Governor of the Central Bank (North-West); Minister of Petroleum (South-South); GMD NNPC (North-West); Chairman, National Council on Privatisation (North-West); Comptroller of Customs (North-West); MD Nigerian Ports Authority (North-West); Minister, National Planning Commission (North-West); DG, Bureau of Public Procurement (South-East); Acting Comptroller of Immigration (North); Minister of Power (South-East),” the long list read in part.
In the statement read by Chief Falae, the YUF said that out of the 12 topmost positions that constitute the apex of political hierarchy in the country, no Yoruba person is represented, adding that President Jonathan had compounded the problems by deliberately failing to include Yoruba persons in the major appointive positions.
The Forum noted that the control of the principal economic and financial agencies, education management agencies,  security services, bureaucracy, information and broadcasting agencies, as well as control of the judiciary and the anti-corruption agencies,

NDLEA arrests barber with N50m cocaine

 

A Nigerian based in South Africa, Ozoh Chukwuemeka, has been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for trafficking N50m worth of cocaine.

The 45-year-old barber was apprehended at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos with 6.100kg of the substance.

The drug was detected during the outward clearance of Arik Air passengers to South Africa.

NDLEA Airport commander, Mr Hamza Umar, said the discovery was made at the baggage checking desk at the departure hall.

He said, “The drug which was neatly hidden in a false compartment of Ozoh’s luggage was discovered during routine check on passengers.”

Ozoh, a father of one, insisted on his innocence. He claimed he was made to believe the bag contained chemicals.

He said, “A friend of mine in South Africa requested that I bring a bag containing chemicals from Nigeria to South Africa for $3,000. I asked him if it was drug but he said it was just chemicals. He paid for my return ticket.

“I am only struggling to take care of myself with my barbing business. If I had known that things will turn out this way I would have rejected the proposal.”

NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, said Ozoh’s explanation was unacceptable. “At 45 years, he should have known better. In any case, ignorance is not an excuse and he will soon be arraigned under the NDLEA Act as soon as investigation is concluded,” he added.

United Bank of Africa UBA 2013 CV Collection

United Bank of Africa UBA 2013 CV Collection

 

As one of Africa's leading financial services institutions, with operations in more than 19 countries and 14,000 colleagues internationally, UBA offers opportunities for the best candidates to shine at every career level. We are connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments, trade finance and investment banking.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) is accepting CVs from Fresh and Experienced Candidates with qualifications ranginging from OND, HND, and First Degree.



A.) Fresh Candidates (Trainee)

Requirements
Age limit is 27 (Not more than 27 years by August, 2013)
OND, HND, BSc

B.) Experienced Candidates

Requirements
3 - 4 years experience in Banking or relevant industry.
HND, BSc (no grade specified)

How to Apply
If you are in Lagos, submit your CV at UBA House, 57 Marina, Lagos.
If you are not in Lagos, locate any UBA branch or their Regional head offices in your location and submit your CV.

NB: At the UBA Marina office,  the CVs are rejected at the point of submission if you are applying for Trainee position and more than 27 years or if you are applying for Experienced position without up to 3 years experience.

Genevieve Nnaji Gets Emotional Display At The Première of Unguarded

As Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji got dressed for her event which happened to be the  movie première of the movie Unguarded, she had no idea what was in store for her. Follow the photos and find out about Genevieve Nnaji’s emotional display:

Genevieve Nnaji….unaware of what awaited her in the very near future

She got there bright and early and posed for a few red carpet photos.

Genevieve with her friends and colleagues: Emem Isong and Desmond Elliot

Seeing a few of her friends, she decided to join them for another set of red carpet photos.

…Take that, Genny!!!

Going forward, she was then engulfed in a big hug from an adoring fan…

Awww…..Genny understands.

…but this hug was different from others. This was a tear filled hug, a hug from someone who couldn’t believe he was seeing his idol.

…’Calm down’, she says. ‘Calm down’

Being a good sport, Genevieve Nnaji hugged him right back and even helped dry his tears.

I feel you, Genevieve. You’re my hero

He expressed his adoration for the Nollywood actress, from the depth of his heart.

That’s my hero right there, Genny!

After which they both took a picture, much to the amazement of the crowd that surrounded them.
The End!

Tee Billz And Tiwa Savage Are Finally Engaged !!!

tiwa and Tee Billz seal the engagement with a passionate kiss

The fifth of February was supposed to be sexy diva, Tiwa Savage’s 33rd birthday, but it also turned out to be her engagement day as Tiwa was proposed to by her longtime manager and business partner, Tunji Balogun, better known as Tee Billz.

At an exclusive birthday bash at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Tee Billz presented an engagement ring to Tiwa, thus confirming months of speculation and denial of romantic relationship between the two.

R&B singer, Praiz, serenaded the couple immediately after the proposal, in the presence of other superstars like Don Jazzy, Banky W, Dr. SID among others.
It was Don Jazzy who first let out the information as he sent a tweet with photograph of the lovebirds: “Awwww, it’s official. Mavin First Lady @TiwaSavage and @teebillz323 are finally engaged. I’m excited I witnessed the proposal. Congrats,” Don Jazzy tweeted.
EME Boss, Banky W, was a bit poetic: “He liked it so much he put a ring on it.”
Early yesterday, the social media had been abuzz immediately Tee Billz reportedly updated his Blackberry Messenger status to read: ‘Happy Birthday Mrs Billz’. This was further amplified by Tiwa with munched photographs of two cakes on her Instagram page. One of the cakes came from her Mavin label mates and surprisingly, the other with inscription ‘Happy Birthday Mrs Billz’.

Tiwa flaunts her engagement ring with Don Jazzy

Despite their denials of romance, many had maintained that the two are more than business partners. Apart from escorting the singer to numerous shows and private parties, Tee has been caught on camera in many uncompromising position with the Kelele crooner.On a number of occasions, the two were seen clubbing together at her label’ boss, Don Jazzy’s Club PoP in Victoria Island, Lagos.
In fact, a few weeks ago, they both traveled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates for a brief

I was never a stripper’ – Karen Igho

 

In this interview, 27-year-old Karen Igho reveals to B1magazine how she managed to survive the many controversies that trailed her victory at the 2011 BBA, her relationship with eccentric VJ, Denrele and her plans for the future.

What has changed about you since you won the show in 2011?

I am still Karen Igho, but a mature one. A lot has changed. I am older and wiser now. You will not catch me doing certain things. I have seen life in a different way and I know a lot more now.

How does it feel being the reigning Nigerian with the Big Brother crown?

I feel very honoured and privileged that I still have the position as the last Nigerian winner of the show. However, I must add that to win the BBA is not a joke, whoever will, has to be a lot more entertaining than myself, Uti and Kevin Pam put together. I just think it is not time yet for a Nigerian. It’s just the right person needed.

What do you think was responsible for your victory?

I would say God. While I was preparing for the show, the last thing on my mind was how to win. I just wanted to have fun and learn as much as I could. I was lucky to understand that the best strategy for such games is to have no strategy to avoid unnecessary surprises.

What do you mean by unnecessary surprises?

Unnecessary surprises can be anything. You can wake up one day and realise you have been betrayed by a fellow housemate. We were young individuals locked in a room with cameras and constantly watched by millions of people. It was psychologically draining. We all had to fight for attention, respect and win games too. We needed to shout, be crazy or cause trouble to get all these.

What is your take on Nigeria’s performance at the last edition?

Let me first congratulate all of them for going there. I cannot blame any of them or say exactly what went wrong. Ola and Chris left on health grounds, which is a cogent reason. One’s health is a lot more important than money, but if they both had remained in that house, they would have won. Goldie too did her best. They are all cool people but I guess it was not time for a Nigerian.

 Do you think Goldie was being true or was playing a game?

I cannot say anything about that because I am not Goldie. I don’t know if she was being real or fake. I can only speak for myself. I was real and I did my thing but we are different.

Do you still feel hurt about the stories wriiten about you while in the house?

Not any more  I have forgiven everybody involved. The things written about me were not only false and untrue but slanderous too. I was locked up in the house and could not defend myself. People believed these untrue stories, about me and it continued to spread but I thank God I won the show and I have been able to win the hearts.

 Which of the stories got you most?

The one about me being a stripper was untrue. It still baffles me till date. I was locked up for 90 days with a sum of money at stake and as crazy as I was, I didn’t kiss or have sex with any guy and people could still write that I was a stripper.

Were you a stripper?

I was never a stripper. People don’t even know anything about me but are quick to believe the terrible things they heard. My mom is a very strong Christian and she built my spirituality. People who saw me like a wild card girl do not understand what it is being locked in a room with lots of alcohol and nothing to do. It is impossible not to misbehave but once you are back into the normal world, things change. How many times have I being caught smoking in public?

What then were you doing while in the UK?

My uncle helped with my trip to the UK and I went there to study. I studied Business Administration in Southwark College during which I took a summer class in Theatre Arts. All through my stay there, I survived in a legit way. I joined the UNICEF and other charity organisations, which had African countries in mind. I was also a sales girl for Karen Millen.

Which of the stories were true?

My having a rough childhood was true. My being a stripper wasn’t true. The breast story was true. I genuinely did the implant because I had breast lumps and two of my sisters have done the same (operations).

Tell us about your growing up

I am the first born of ten siblings. My family is a loving and caring one. They stood by me during the Big Brother days. My mother fought severally to defend me. I am from the Urhobo in Delta state, but I was born in Plateau state. I schooled in Jos and Warri. My growing up was not easy. My parents were separated and I had to live with my grand mum. It was not easy at all but I thank God.

What did you do with the money?

I built a house for my mum, another for my grand mum and I invested the rest. I am still hustling to make more money.

What is happening to your clothing line?

Karenified is still there. I rushed the first collection to meet with my birthday last year and because I wanted to raise some money for an orphanage, I planned to visit. It was successful but I want it bigger, so now I am taking my time and getting to understand the creative side of me better because I want it to reflect in the designs.

How did acting come into the picture?

While I was in the UK, studying business administration, I took a summer course in acting and tried my hands on some Shakespearian works. That and many other experiences I gathered improved my confidence in acting and presenting which are some of the things I now do.

What is your relationship with Denrele?

God brought Denrele into my life in a funny way in 2008. I just came back for a holiday (from UK) and my cousins invited me to his birthday party. There we met and exchanged contacts and became friends. He has been instrumental to where I am today and I am very grateful.

How true is the story that you both are dating?

Somebody started the joke on twitter recently and it went viral. Denrele is my brother and he knows the kind of guys I like.

Can you marry Denrele?

I don’t know the future but Denrele and I cannot get married. We have become one family.

Why are you yet to be married?

No be man go come first? Let’s just say I am waiting for God’s time but I am still working on my career and build the brand.

What kind of man do you like?

I want a God fearing and down to earth man and there must be strong chemistry.

Which Nigerian male celebrity will you date?

I know quite a few and would not want to call names. Besides most of them are married. If I mention anybody, you people (press) will be on my neck and once you see me with the person, another story begins. Nigerian acts are all wonderful people.

How did you get the Naija FM job?

I got the Naija FM job through Collete Otusheso (MTV). She encouraged me and introduced me to my boss, Gbemi (Olateru Olagbegi), Deji Awokoya (Beat FM) and since then, its been fun for me. I love the Naija FM family.

How was your first day on air?

I was nervous. I almost peed in my pant. I was confused and didn’t know what to do, but thanks to Ifektive and my other colleagues, they made it very easy for me and now I am loving it.

What project are you working at the moment?

At the moment, I am working on a Rukky Sanda movie and I have also gotten an invitation to be a part of a soap opera that will be aired across Africa.

What is the update on your assault case with Simrnoff gig?

We agreed to settle out of court because at the end of the day, the deed has been done and the lesson learnt. I also hope that with this the government stands up and ensure that our force men are properly trained on how to relate with the citizens

Wizkid at war with EME

 

The inevitable battle line has been drawn; what was once considered an enviable model set up by thriving record label EME, is now being torn into shreds by a recent alleged fall-out between Pop singer Wizkid and the label’s management.

You read it right: Ayodeji ‘Wizkid’ Balogun is at war with his label Empire Mates Entertainment and might just be walking out of his record deal for good. The pop singer’s recent outburst on social media Twitter and Instagram has confirmed weeks, even months of rumoured disagreement between both parties.

Details are sketchy but we can confirm there’s a lot of bad blood between Wizzy (as he is fondly called) and EME which is run by label executives Banky W and Segun Demuren (Demuren plays a more background role but is fully involved in executive decisions).

The controversy started many months ago – tongues started wagging when Wizkid fired his manager Osagie Osarenkhoe and hired long-time friend Godwin Tom in September 2012. Godwin Tom, we learn had been pitching Wizkid to several labels since 2007 before Osarenhkoe came into the picture and introduced him to EME, the label that groomed him and push his career to the very top.

Sources say EME were not pleased with the move to fire Osarenkhoe, but gave in to Wizkid’s demands. The label retained Osarenkhoe to manage EME”s other acts – Skales, Niyola and Shaydee. Wizkid has now also signed an international management deal with UK based Disturbing London, run by rapper Tinie Tempah. The young singer has been in England for weeks now.

Insiders say Wizkid has also moved out of the EME ‘mansion’ in Lagos and acquired his own home in Lekki Phase 1, this was shortly after he bought his BMW X6 auto-mobile late last year. The distance became glaring; the core of the squad had detached himself from unit.

Sources who spoke with NET anonymously say Wizzy would come late to public appearances and Banky would spend the whole time apologizing. ‘They would always come separate to any gig. It looked like Wizzy and Godwin had formed their own team and didn’t need them Banky anymore‘, an inside source told this newspaper, Saturday.

It also showed emotionally; Wizkid was not seen at most of the rehearsals for their concert in December. He appeared at the later stage and rarely talked with the crew. ‘But they all tried to suppress what was going on; only the in-house team knew the whole truth‘.

NET investigations gathered that concerned parties tried desperately to keep the young superstar under control, but nothing, it seems, would work.

On Friday, February 1, 2013, the first bombshell dropped: Wizkid took to twitter and Instagram to make subliminal remarks about his label. ‘Don’t take Loyalty for stupidity..don’t!’, ‘Moving on to start all over again!…Fuck it!..‘, and went on to say ‘If dey sleep on u..move on!‘.

It came as a shock to fans worldwide; especially coming barely days after Banky W’s interview assuring fans Wiz was not leaving the label and that rumours of his departure were false.

The controversy continues with Wizzy updating his Twitter profile, removing ‘EME/Konvict’ and replacing it with his management’s contacts.

‘Wizkid is the one hurt, that’s why he is the one talking, he will still say more‘, one source tells us, even as many who claim to be familiar with the situation say ‘the problem is that he thinks he’s grown too big for the label and he’s suddenly forgotten where he’s coming from and the many sacrifices Osagie and Banky especially had to make to help him grow‘.

No word from both camps as EME and Wizzy’s management remain mum over the matter. Godwin Tom did not respond to repeated enquiries even as an EME executive failed to get back to us despite promising.

In less than one year, there have been quite a number of fallouts with artistes parting ways with their record labels. The most controversial still remains the Mo’Hits saga with D’banj and Don Jazzy breaking ties back in February 2012.

Others include May D getting thrown out of Square Records, Flowssick parting with Kollertunz Records because he failed to sign his artiste contract, Yung6ix dropping the 411 Entertainment label, fully pitching his tent with Storm Records and urban Hip-Hop group L.O.S dropping BankHead Entertainment to fully sign with Storm Records.

There are so many unanswered questions but we have a strong feeling more events will unfold. The biggest question for now is will Wizkid make an appearance at Banky W’s February 15 concert?