EFCC: Orji Uzor Kalu Frustrates Trial

The trial of former Abia State Governor, Orji Kalu, for alleged N5.6
billion fraud was on Thursday stalled at the Federal High Court in
Abuja due to a pending appeal. Mr. Kalu had approached the Supreme
Court to request it to set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal
which upheld the charges levelled against him by the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
He had urged the trial court to quash the charges as no evidence was
established against him.
The anti-graft agency had, among other things, accused the former
governor of stealing over N5.6 billion belonging to Abia State while
in office.
At the resumed session, O. Ololagbe, Counsel to EFCC, said the accused
had resorted to various legal tactics to delay his trial.
"My Lord, this matter has dragged on since 2007 when the accused was
arraigned and doesnot seem to have made any headway,'' he said.
However, Mr. Kalu urged the court to discountenance the allegation
made by EFCC, since he is rightly before the Supreme Court.
"My Lord, the appeal and the brief of argument have been entered, so
what is left now is a date to commence hearing. The reason we are here
today is simply to brief the trial court on the progress of the appeal
and not to question a possible legal tactics to delay the trial.
"These are serious criminal allegations that are not founded on truth
but built on political leanings. So we must deal with it judicially
and judiciously, irrespective of the time consumed," his counsel said.
Justice Adamu Bello adjourned the matter to July 8 for the report of
progress from the Supreme Court.

Chris Brown on Rihanna:"I'm Eternally Gratefuland Thankful" for Her Forgiveness

Though often criticized, the always-controversial 23-year-old sounded
sincere, genuine and thoughtful during his interview with seacrest.
Hear what the entertainer had to say when asked if he ever thought
that Rihanna would forgive him "I just tried my best to be the best
man I could be over the years and just show her how remorseful and
sorry I was for the incident and that time was probably the worst part
of my life and being that she has and she's a wonderful person I'm
eternally grateful and thankful,"
As for how they're getting on now, Chris added: "It's still like we're
kids. I try not to be too grown and be like, 'Lets have candlelight
dinner every night.' I try to make sure everything is fun. It has to
be fun and it has to be genuine."
The singer, though admitted that his age then could have contributed
to his behaviour, but refused to use that as an excuse: "I could put
that on my age but that would just be making an excuse."
"I think for me that at age 18-19 I was capable of writing and
producing songs, so I'm also capable of making the right choices. So I
think it's a learning process."
"At that young age I can tell you I was arrogant and definitely
hotheaded. Everybody has a temper, but for me it was not knowing how
to control it when I thought I had the world in my hands."
The R&B star also spoke about his relationship with fans "People are
entitled to their opinions. I can't go around blaming. It's all about
my responsibility and me growing up as a man."
"So I think now that I'm becoming older, and trying to mature in this
life under the public eye, I have to focus on doing the right thing
and being more of a humble individual."
Chris Brown is currently working on a collaboration with Jennifer
Lopez, whom he hopes to feature on his new album.

Henry Okah Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison over the 2010 Independence Day Bombing

Leader of the Movement of the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND)
Henry Okah has been sentenced to 24 years in prison.
This is coming after he was convicted on 13 counts related to
terrorism for masterminding the October 1, 2010 twin bomb blasts that
killed 12 people in Abuja. The blast also injured 36 others.
Eye Witness News , a South African portal reports that he was
sentenced to 12 years for each for the two car bombs set off. Judge
Neels Classen of South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg said the
state had proven Okah's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt adding that
Nigerian national's failure to testify meant the evidence against him
remained uncontested.
On January 21, the court found Okah guilty on 13 counts of terrorism,
including engaging in terrorist activities, conspiracy to engage in
terrorist activities, and delivering, placing, and detonating an
explosive device.
He was also sentenced to 13 years imprisonment for the threats made to
the South African government after his arrest in October 2010. The 13
years would run concurrently with the 24 years

Yvonne Nelson Dumps Ice Prince for John Dumelo

Ghanain Star Actress Yvonne Nelson may have dumped the Oleku crooner Ice Prince.
Yvonne who is currently on a movie location in New York with actor
John Dumelo took to her Twitter page to dish her real boyfriend ,
Nigerian rapper Ice Prince .
In a Twitter update few minutes ago, Yvonne said "Aboki (referring to
Ice Prince)…. apparently John is my boyfriend he's gonna kill you..
you don't wanna see his aboki"
This beautiful babe is not getting any younger.
Sources in the know claim Yvonne Nelson and Ice Prince are currently
dating though she has denied it.

NCC announces new rates for GSM operators in Nigeria

The Nigerian Communication Commission ( NCC ), has announced a new
interconnectivity rate for the country. The new rates which represents
a downward review takes effect from 1st April, 2013.

The new set of interconnection rates determination for voice services
for the country's telecommunications industry which is as low as
N4.90k is expected to be in operation for the next three years until
further review by the Commission.
Meanwhile, MTN telecommunication has been fined N90 million for
failing to meet up with the industry key performance indicators. The
company has up to April 3rd, 2013 to pay the fine.
Mr. Tony Ojobo, Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communication
Commission made the disclosure on Friday during public enquiry on the
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) regulations.
Number portability enables telephone users retain their mobile
telephone numbers when changing from one mobile operator to another.
Though this is implemented in different ways across the globe.
Speaking on the new set of interconnection rates, Ojobo said the
decision was arrived at after comprehensive consultations with various
stakeholders.
He also said that they were informed by the depth of competition in
the industry, while taking into consideration the position of New
Entrants and Small Operators .
The Termination Rates for voice services provided by New Entrants and
Small Operators in Nigeria , irrespective of the originating network
shall be:
N6.40 (six naira forty kobo) from April 1st, 2013;
N5.20 (five naira twenty kobo) from April 1st 2014; and N3. 90 (three
naira ninety kobo) from 1st April, 2015.
Ojobo noted that the review was a sign to show that the Commission was
a sensitive regulator and has been listening to the yearnings of the
people.
He also announced that the planned emergency centers will soon kick
off with two pilot centers in Minna, Niger State, which is targetted
to serve the northern part of the country and the Akwa, Anambra States
centres meant to serve the southern part of the country. Both are to
serve as a learning curve as more centres are to be opened afterwards.
He gave the emergency number as 112.
He also explained that the initiative which is expected to come up
soon is being delayed bythe issue of management.
Speaking earlier on the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) regulations,
the Executive Vice Chairman, NCC Dr. Eugene Juwah said the service was
being introduced into the Nigerian telecommunication market to act as
an incentive for service providers to improve quality of service and
customer satisfaction.
He further added that "these regulations will in addition create a
harmonious level playing field for all operators.
The draft MNP regulations, he said were aimed at providing a
regulatory framework for the implementation and operation of mobile
number portability in Nigeria, which according to him, "will foster
and strengthen the relationship between service providers in the
country."
Source: The Nation

I Want To Win The EPL Title At Arsenal Or Manchester City – RVP

Van Persie, who revealed his goal was to win three trophies in his
first season with the Manchester side, has been forced to re-adjust
his ambitions since United were knocked out of the UEFA Champions
League by Real Madrid over two legs in the round of 16.
The former Gunner is now hopeful the league leaders can seal the
domestic title when they play Manchester City on April 8 or at Arsenal
three weeks later.
"My goal was to win the treble," Van Persie is quoted as saying in the
Daily Mirror. "I wanted the Premier League, the Champions League and
the FA Cup.
"Now we only have the double and, yes, I think we could win the title
at Arsenal or even against Manchester City. But I really don't care
where we win it. I just want to grab that league title."

Wole Soyinka & J.P. Clark Links Achebe’s Death to Kano Bombings

The news of the death of Nigeria's literary icon Chinua Achebe,
shocked the country.
The renowned novelist, poet, and author of the classic novel, ' Things
Fall Apart ' passed away yesterday in Boston, U.S.A and since then,
tributes and condolences have been pouring in.
Reports say that he died after suffering from an undisclosed ailment
and although the nature of the ailment has not been revealed, veteran
writers and Achebe's compatriots, Prof. Wole Soyinka and J.P. Clark ,
have said his death may not be unconnected to the bomb attacks that
occurred in Kano on Monday.
In a joint statement they issued on Friday which was made available to
Punch , they described him as "a brother, a colleague, a trailblazer".
The statement entitled " On the Passing of Chinua Achebe ," reads:
"For us, the loss of Chinua Achebe is, above all else, intensely
personal. We have lost a brother, a colleague, a trailblazer and a
doughty fighter.
"Of the 'pioneer quartet' of contemporary Nigerian literature, two
voices have been silenced – one, of the poet Christopher Okigbo, and
now, the novelist Chinua Achebe.
"It is perhaps difficult for outsiders of that intimate circle to
appreciate this sense of depletion, but we take consolation in the
young generation of writers to whom the baton has been passed, those
who have already creatively ensured that there is no break in the
continuum of the literary vocation.
"We need to stress this at a critical time of Nigerian history, where
the forces of darkness appear to overshadow the illumination of
existence that literature represents.
"These are forces that arrogantly pride themselves implacable and
brutal enemies of what Chinua and his pen represented, not merely for
the African continent, but for humanity.
"Indeed, we cannot help wondering if the recent insensate massacre of
Chinua's people in Kano, only a few days ago, hastened the fatal
undermining of that resilient will that had sustained him so many
years after his crippling accident."
Even though he lived far away in U.S.A, Achebe was still connected to
his roots and followed closely the happenings in Nigeria.

Presidential Pardon Aftermath: Alamieyeseigha's Stolen Billions May be Restored

Following the presidential pardon granted to the former governor of
bayelsa state, Mr. Alamieyeseigha, he may be paid billions of naira,
the value of the assets seized from him after his conviction for money
laundering.
Recall that President Goodluck Jonathan had granted Mr. Alamieyeseigha
a presidential pardon, rendering the former Bayelsa State governor a
freeman.
While Mr. Alamieyeseigha was convicted, properties he acquired from
his money laundering regime were seized, and most of them sold by the
federal government.
After his pardon, since his rights and privileges will be restored
according to Nigerian law, it is uncertain if he will retrieve the
items or the value of the items he corruptly acquired from the
Nigerian government.
Some lawyers say the presidential pardon bestowed on Mr.
Alamieyeseigha grants him fresh rights to the items he acquired with
wealth he stole. All, however, condemned the pardon granted the
fugitive, who is still wanted in the U.K. for jumping bail after he
was arrested for money laundering.
Though both the Federal Government and Mr. Alamieyeseigha are yet to
speak on the forfeited property, lawyers said the former Bayelsa
Governor has a case to demand the return of his forfeited property and
may infact go to court for same.
Should he achieve success in court, and since the property have
largely been disposed off, the federal government may pay billions of
naira in lieu of the property.

Arguing on the issue, an activist lawyer and Senior Advocate of
Nigeria, Femi Falana, said the precedence of an Appeal Court ruling on
what pardon means, implies Mr. Alamieyeseigha can ask for his asset to
be returned and actually get them.
"This is the implication of a full pardon," he said.
Mr. Falana cited the case of Olu Falae versus Obasanjo, where Mr.
Falae challenged the eligibility of former President Olusegun
Obasanjo, to contest for presidential election in 1999 saying the
former military head of state was not granted full pardon by the then
military junta.
"According to the Court of Appeal in the case of Falae V Obj, it means
that a man who has been pardoned is a new man (homo novus) in the eye
of the law. The conviction and sentence are wiped out and he is
entitled to the full restoration of his rights and privileges as well
as the return of his seized assets," Mr. Falana said.
While challenging the result of the presidential 1999 election, Mr.
Falae had argued that Mr. Obasanjo did not get "full pardon" from Gen.
Abdulsalami Abubakar after his conviction for involvement in the 1995
coup plot and therefore is not qualified to contest the election.
But the Court of Appeal while dismissing Mr. Falae's argument had ruled that:
"The word used under Section 161 (1) and Exhibit 11 is "pardon", and
in this context, pardon may be with or without any conditions. It is
clear from Exhibit 11 that the pardon granted to the 1st Respondent
was not made subject to any conditions. In my view, under the Nigerian
law, a "pardon" and "full pardon" have no distinction. A pardon is an
act of grace by the appropriate authority which mitigates or
obliterates the punishment the law demands for the offence, and
restores the rights and the privileges forfeited on account of the
offence. The effect of a pardon is to make the offender, a new man
(novus homo), to acquit him of all corporal penalties and forfeiture
annexed to the offence pardoned. I am of the view, that by virtue of
the pardon contained in Exhibit 11, the disqualification of the 1st
Respondent was to suffer because of his conviction, has been wiped
out."


Some other lawyers, however, disagree with this interpretation.
"The forfeitures were made before the pardon was granted, so what
happens if the properties forfeited to the Federal government have
been sold to a third party," asked activist lawyer,Bamidele Aturu.
"When you forfeit something, it is what you forfeit that you will get
back. Those goods have been forfeited to the Federal Government there
is no way this act of pardon can release that. So I don't know by what
legal abragadabra that anybody will say that the forfeited goods
should be handed over to him unless they want to perpetrate serious
fraud on Nigerian people.Those properties have been forfeited and
forfeited for life," he added.