Lagos State Governor Fashola uses Billionaire to entice Ibeju Lekki Chiefs to Surrender Lands

Aliko Dangote and Governor Babatunde Fashola

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola visited Ibeju Lekki residents today just days after authorizing police to force residents from their land.

Governor Fashola wants the area for the Lekki Free Zone project.  Joining him was billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote, whom the Government is interested in persuading to use the site for a refinery and petrochemical project.

At the meeting local chiefs occupied front seats with the Dangote Group as well as other investors.  A source said some of crowd had been rented to respond favorable to the speeches.

During the meeting the front seat occupants frequently cheered the remarks of the Governor and Mr. Dangote.

Ibeju Lekki residents occupied the rear seats. 

Governor Fashola said he had to plead with Dangote to consider the area for his refinery rather than another area and stated the benefits of siting the project in Ibeju Lekki. 

He asked the crowd whether they wanted the project in the area or not?

Residents in the back rows loudly voiced their opposition to the project which annoyed the Governor as their voices were too loud to be ignored.  He threatened to deal with them if their opposition disturbed investors from commencing work on the site.

Mr. Aliko Dangote said his project will train about 9,000 engineers, but he didn't say whether community youth would benefit from the training.

Representative of the Ibeju Lekki Federal Constituency, Mr. Abayomi Abdul-Kabir Ayeola also cursed a member of the community while making his vote of thanks.  This was in response to his question whether the community had seen the benefits (gifts to local chiefs) of the project and he was told they had not.

A source told Saharareporters, Governor Fashola and other officials of the Lekki Free Zone project met secretly with local chiefs and made them sign over the lands on behalf of their communities.

Another source said the community chiefs of Idasho and Idotun did not participate in the meeting but other representatives were paid by the Government to represent the chiefs without their consent.

Landlords/ladies told our sourcethey were not opposed to development but they were never consulted, nor were they told of any plan for compensation or resettlement.

Another source said their local chief sold out lands in the community without the consent of residents. 

"Sometime in 2008," one landlord said, "we were invited to Alausa … and they (Free Zone handlers) gave us N10,000 each. We were told it was for our transport, but they announced later that it was compensation for our lands."

"How can they give us N10,000 as compensation and ask us to quit our residences? Our chiefs compromised all through and they are the gluttons responsible for everything to happen from this crisis," he added.

After the meeting today, a source told our source some members of the rented crowd were seen complaining they were not paid enough in their role of praising Dangote whenever he spoke.

Welcome to Mbu’s territory

Whatever you say of the Police High Command, they are working. They are very sensitive to the yearnings of the people who selected them into their positions.

Don’t mind those who think that they should be serving the people, as if it is the people that commissioned them. The last time I checked the INEC register, the Police Service Commission was not a political party. Well, at least not officially.
Those who have never enjoyed the privileges extended to these men and women who help the police ossify in its conducts, can criticize all they want. For all you care, they may be the troublemakers heating up the polity or beneficiaries of such actions. One thing is certain, they are jealous of the privileges of members - fat allowances, go-slow melting travel, sitting bonuses and free-armed escorts. The critics should wait for their own turn. I bet when and if that time comes, they would start to eat up their words like our new defense chief.
The same man was misquoted as promising to smoke out Imam Shekau from the evil forests of Haramistan perhaps just to get the American ransom. No one in his or her right senses would promise to handcuff a fly. Although men have broken records doing the unthinkable, (including marrying their dogs), no fly handcuffs has yet made the Guinness Book of Records; except of course you believe the makers of insecticides. Therefore, I welcome the chief’s recant with all my sense of loyalty and patriotism. The promise was an April Fools joke.
As a loyal citizen, I have vowed never to believe anything I read in the press, ever since Daily Times was auctioned to the highest bidder and the New Nigerian became the old Naija bride betrothed to 19 jealous governors with different party and sundry interests. The rule is; if it’s not on NTA, it’s not officially sanctioned. Unsanctioned news may not be unnecessarily bad for your health, but it is bad for your sense of patriotism. I hope that speaks to those who say nothing when the national team loses but simply turn to the English Premier League.
Looks like things are about to get better. There are new appointments for official news outlets and they fit like broken blocks fit for the foundation of government buildings. With elections round the corner, we are guaranteed no dull moments. So let ‘s just sit back, relax with hassle rock tea and cassava bread and listen to the authentic diaries of President Jones, Lame Pat, dishonorable ministers and of course, the party of despicable people. There are new men (no apology to the women) at the helm of government news affairs. We must give it to our propaganda minister; he truly dug deep to exhume and crown these ones.
Don’t mind those complaining that some people have been recycled, as if recycling is not a multi-million Naira environmental-friendly business. In Naija, when the gods want to destroy your time-tested reputation, they give you government appointment. Mostly this is done when you’re most vulnerable. So, congratulations to the new official liars. I hope they take censorship to the next level and teach Goebbels something he never knew about propaganda. Government newsrooms need sniffer dogs too.
Sniffer dogs are awesome they are trained to sniff trouble before it begins. That’s the kind of thing needed these days when people heat up the polity. Those who have lost out of government are swearing to burn down the nation if they fail to win selections in which they are not even official candidates. Some write provocative letters, others make provocative statements. Political ports too need sniffer dogs and isn’t the feral capital the port of politics?
Last week, the president commissioned a market in spite of a court injunction. Some governors who were hemmed-in in their capital cities are fast turning Abuja into the hotbed of the opposition. That is something that cannot happen in Port Harcourt, thanks to the deployment of an effective sniffer dog. In future, they would need a visa to enter the city. Some ministers arrive late for council meetings. They would need efficient sniffer dogs to prevent them from over sleeping. Some governors are experts at holding parallel fora from buildings registered for residential purposes. Very often, the damage is done before Malam Mugu discovers, an efficient sniffer dog would prevent that.
Here is welcoming the tested Rivers’ Rottweiler to the feral capital. Let those attending guerilla meetings and issuing nocturnal press statements beware – your sins shall find you out. Your press statements shall be trashed. And before you hold a rally or gather in groups outside Wahala Plaza, read the NAN dispatch, watch NTA or listen to Radio Nigeria. There may be a colonial law outlawing your actions; Mbu would find it, and use it effectively against you. Welcome to Mbu’s territory, welcome to impunity.

DEFECTION FROM APC TO PDP in sokotoJonathan Receives Bafarawa in Half-Empty Square

From left: Vice President Namadi Sambo; President Goodluck Jonathan and National PDP Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu, acknowledging cheers from the crowd during the defection ceremony of Attahiru Bafarawa from APC to PDP in Sokoto on Saturday

President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, and other PDP bigwigs in the country including its National chairman, PDP Governors ministers stormed Sokoto yesterday to formally receive former Sokoto Governor Attahiru Bafarawa who recently dumped the All Progressives Congress for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).. Says, PDP’ll win in 2015

The event took place at the Shehu Kangiwa Square, the usual venue for political activities in Sokoto. Though the event was attended by some PDP governors from across the country, our reporters noted that the crowd that welcomed President Jonathan to Sokoto fell short of expectations, as the square was half-empty.

The crowd from Sokoto was heavily complemented by supporters of the PDP  who attended the function from Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi States. They accompanied PDP governors or deputy governors to receive Bafarawa into their fold. However, there was tight security in Sokoto, as soldiers and policemen were posted to strategic locations all over the city, while a helicopter hovered in the sky around the venue throughout the period the reception lasted.
Former President Shehu Shagari was among those who received President Goodluck Jonathan and his entourage at the Sultan Abubakakar III international Airport, Sokoto.
In his address, President Jonathan expressed gratitude to the people of the state for receiving him warmly, saying it was a reassurance that the people would go with the PDP in the next elections.
Despite the gale of defections from PDP, the president asserted that the party remained stable and unshaken. He said, “This is the only party that can lead Nigeria now; this is the only party that is now very steady. In PDP, there’s no shaking.”
He described PDP as the symbol of democracy in Nigeria, saying that’s why even those who were not in partisan politics believe in the PDP. According to him, it is only PDP that can stabilize the country.
He added that PDP “has been undergoing changes; other parties are still evolving. We don’t know what they would change to, but PDP is stable at all levels and we promise PDP would continue to give leadership in this country.”
On Bafarawa’s defection to the PDP, he asserted that, ”Today, we did not come to Sokoto state to  campaign  for any position, but to reassure our great followers  and, indeed, the great country that PDP is still united; PDP is still the party to beat. It is still the party that can lead this country to where we want to go.”
Jonathan said with Bafarawa joining  the PDP  along with  his supporters,   Sokoto  State Deputy Governor Mukhtari  Shagari and other strong politicians  in PDP, Sokoto state is for PDP.
He declared, “In Sokoto State now, we are waiting for the next elections; we’ll deliver PDP in all elections. We want to use Sokoto State as an example to show all others that PDP is still the main party in this country; PDP will continue to be the major party in Nigeria.”
The National Chairman of the party, Dr Adamu Muazu, described PDP as a party of Nigerians, that it is synonymous with the development of Nigeria.  He said, “It is a party to beat in the next 60 years. I assure you our party is growing from strength to strength, day to day.”
He disclosed that after due consultation with all stakeholders, they are going to come out with very effective programme that will enhance the quality of their manifesto for them to perform very well: “The light that we have cannot be hidden; no propaganda can put it off. No amount of blackmail can put it off. Those who outside now I urge them to see the light before it is too late.
Also speaking the governor of Akwa Ibom State, who is also Chairman PDP Governors Forum, expressed appreciation to former President Shagari. Akpabio, like other speakers, asserted that PDP would do it again in 2015, adding that the 2015 elections would be defined, not by propaganda, but by the legacies that PDP has left behind since assumption of office.
Earlier while welcoming the president the states Deputy Governor, Muktari, praised the president for the support for his Almajiri school system, saying, “This shows that you  as the president of Nigeria; you are not concerned about the tribe of anybody, but you are concerned that we are all Nigerians, you did not even care whether the children who go to this schools are Muslims; you did your duty as the president of Nigeria.”
Former Governor Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa for whom the gathering was called, assured the president that he and his supporters would work for Jonathan’s victory in 2015.  He said, ”Mr. President, as far as Sokoto is concerned, go and sleep. You don’t have any problem. We have been winning elections, but we have been rigged out. But now that we are back to PDP which I believe, there is no other party that will get councillorship seat in Sokoto, come 2015, except PDP.”

AC Milan Striker Mario Balotelli Brought to Tears After Racist Chants or Because of Poor Play?

During Saturday night’s match against Napoli, AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli was seen on the sideline in tears.  He tried to hide his tears but soon broke down crying.  Some thought it was because he was subbed out of the game but it turns out it was the racist chants that deeply hurt Balotelli.

It has been reported that the #Balotelli incident was all about racist chants. #Milan #Napoli#SerieA

— Serie A Live (@SerieAlive) February 8, 2014

Balotelli is constantly a target for racist soccer fans and usually reacts defiantly but even the strongest human being has their breaking points.

It’s sad that this still happens.

UPDATE:

Now there’s some discrepancy as to the real reason Balotelli was crying.  While he is often the victim of racism amongst soccer fans, his  manager, Clarence Seedorf alluded it was because of poor play and being subbed out.

“We are players and there are times when we express ourselves that way. I see nothing wrong or abnormal in that. I experienced it at times too,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“He too needs to grow in general. He played very well against Cagliari, while tonight perhaps didn’t make the most of the space. These are things we can all improve on and I’m happy he has so many areas to improve, as I can help him through that education.”

- Shaina Auxilly (@Shay_Marie)

The Best New Way To Colour Your Hair

A new hair care company called eSalon.com is infuriating hairdressers across the United States, and is set to do the same in the United Kingdom.

eSalon says they are fast becoming a target for outraged hairdressers: “They have written us angry letters saying, ‘How could you do this? We’re losing customers because of you!’”

Maybe it’s because eSalon provides that same salon style service, but at home. They offer customers the full treatment: affordable hair colour for home use, with the personal guidance of a professional colourist, and it doesn’t cost you a fortune.

eSalon is nothing like the one-size-fits-all boxed hair colour you get at the chemist. Instead, they provide custom blended hair colour like you’d get at the salon. They use professional-grade ingredients that leave hair soft, shiny and provide excellent grey coverage. The personalised pigment even has your name on the bottle, because it’s made for you and no one else.

And for a total hassle-free experience, each hair colour order is delivered right to your door, and the colour is under £13. That’s a far cry from the £100-plus you would pay at the hairdresser’s!

Just ask eSalon’s colourists how jealous some can get: “It’s so bad, we’re sometimes reluctant to tell other colourists what we do. But mostly we’re proud of the service we provide for busy, professional women.”

Customised colour truly makes a difference. eSalon already has a handful of high-profile mentions under their belt. It was featured on The Rachael Ray Show, while InStyle Magazine named it “Best of the Web” and Total Beauty voted it “Best Hair Colour” for 2013. Plus it’s gotten hype from Lucky Magazine and OK! Magazine.

Right now, they have a special offer for new customers: Get your first custom colour kit for £6.45* (a 50% savings!), with a satisfaction guarantee or your money back.

Footballer Maicon dies in tragic car accident - Shakhtar Donetsk confirms death of striker

The 25-year-old was a 'talented, open and friendly guy' who 'loved life and knew how to make it positive and bright' an official statement read

Creative Commons

Maicon Pereira de Oliveira

Shakhtar Donetsk striker Maicon Pereira de Oliviera has died in a car accident.

The club confirmed the news in an official statement on Saturday morning.

"FC Shakhtar regretfully informs that on 8 February 2014 the life of a footballer Maicon Pereira de Oliveira tragically ended.

"He died in a car crash in Donetsk."

The Brazilian joined the Ukrainian outfit in 2008 and made six appearances scoring one goal.

Recently he had been on loan with Zorya Luhansk and Illichivets Mariupol.

"He was a talented footballer, open and friendly guy," they added. "Maicon loved life and knew how to make it positive and bright.

"Tragic, untimely and absurd death took away a wonderful person from our ranks. Maicon was only 25 years old.

"It is a terrible bereavement for each of us. FC Shakhtar expresses condolences and sympathy to Maicon’s family and friends. May he rest in peace..."

The club later confirmed that training had been cancelled as a mark of respect whileclub captain Darijo Srna paid his own tribute on behalf of his team.

"I have no words. We have lost a very good man, a friend, a colleague, a friend," he said.

"This is a difficult and tragic moment in the life of Shakhtar and its fans.

"But even in this difficult situation, all of us should pull ourselves together and try to get through this terrible tragedy.

"We will do everything in our power to help and support the family of our dead colleague.

"The team shares the pain, which Maicon’s family and friends are experiencing now. We are deeply mourning."

Maicon is not to be confused with 32-year-old fellow Brazilian footballer Maicon Douglas Sisenando, who had a long career with Inter Milan and currently plays for Italian side Roma.

Is Arsenal's title challenge falling flat on its face? Things go from bad to worse for Wenger as he takes a hefty tumble after loss

Arsenal's title challenge may not have fell flat on its face just yet after Manchester City's slight slip-up at Norwich, but their manager did take a tumble on his way back from the 5-1 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger, so often the cool, calm and collected Frenchman, slipped on his way into Liverpool Lime Street Station after the loss.

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Strolling through: Wenger arrives at Liverpool Lime Street Station after the defeat

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Slipped up: Wenger looks in pain as he takes a tumble coming into the station

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Helping hand: A police officer comes over to help Wenger back onto his feet

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Back on track: Another police officer helps Wenger with his bag as he is brought back up

It was just one of those days for Wenger, who saw his side go 4-0 down within 20 minutes at Anfield.

They improved, however, and ended up drawing the second period 1-1, but with a tough run-in over the next month, plenty more slip-ups are inevitable.

Arsenal's next three games are Manchester United, Liverpool again in the FA Cup fifth round, and Bayern Munich, all at the Emirates Stadium. 

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On top of their game: Liverpool celebrate their humiliation of title rivals Arsenal on Saturday afternoon

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Hit the road, Jack: Arsenal midfielder Wilshere can't believe his side's capitulation against their rivals

You Won’t Believe What This Girl Has Done To Her Leg. This Latest Craze Is Catching On Fast. WOW.

This is an example of a recent body-modification trend. This is not a fake leg, as it may seem at first glance. This was actually done to her own leg. Is it as painful as it looks? Yes. Although, it may not be what you think.

What you see is the latest in 3-d tattooing. The blends of special ink to make realistic shadows, and the attention to detail come into play when creating one of these pieces. The designs are generally simple, as opposed to intricate murals, but the degree of detail employed is astounding. Some of these examples are quite impressive. You may get the urge to slap somebody on the shoulder to save their life when the lighting is just right.

That looks like it hurts!

Excuse me, sir. Can I borrow your pen? Ma’am, your tattoo needle, perhaps?

OMG, LOOK OUT!

Gone are the days of simple boring tattoo sleeves…

… and in today, is the “button-up belly” look.

I suppose that the button-up serves to help appear professional while swimming or showering. These are quite impressive, in any event. I haven’t got a tattoo, myself, but stumbling across these images, I was blown away at the creativity and innovation behind the scenes of each one of these tattoos. They do border on the “novelty” aspect of things, but none the less, they are as unique as it gets.

Source: cssdesignawards