Psquare Breakup Update: Peter Okoye Opens Up On How His Brothers Betrayed Him

PSquare with their brother, Jude at the middle 

Peter Okoye, formerly of P-Square has spoken out about the rift with hisbrothers in full detail at last. 

In a rather lengthy interview with THENETNG at his home in Lekki, he discussed a variety of topics.

The twins who were once inseparable now hardly set eyes on each other. Peter Okoye has gone solo and even released a video recently called ‘Look into my Eyes’. Peter Okoye is certain that this is the end of the duo or maybe trio if the third brother is added to the mix. 

He really just wants the fans to understand what’s going on and why it has to be this way.

You can find the lowdown of what Peter had to say below.

‘The truth is, the fans should be happy that we were able to drop the ‘Double Trouble’ album in 2014. What’s happening now should have happened then.‘The issue was the fact that I was in Psquare and it felt like I was in fear. 

If I don’t do this, Psquare will break-up, if I don’t do that, Psquare will scatter.’Four years ago, I told Jude that he needs to step down as our manager, because I didn’t want to disrespect him as a brother, but this is business, we have to structure it. 

And Jude said to me that there’s a way I’ll talk to him, and he’ll slap me. So I kept quiet’.‘So, a few hours after, Paul came to me and said if I want Jude to step down it’s not a problem, but it’ll mean that he (Paul) will go solo. The first time word got out about P-square breaking up, a lot of people called us; senators, governors, and people like that. 

In fact three of us were once in a private jet to go and see someone who wanted to resolve our issues and we didn’t speak to each other all through the flight. At the end of the day, I swallowed my pride for peace to reign and allowed Jude to remain as our manager’

‘I and Paul stay together in this estate and the last time I saw him was about a week ago.’

THENETNG-But you live in the same premises. Why is this so?

‘Truth is, I’ve not been in talking terms with Paul since December 2015 and that was why I travelled in January because I had a lot on my mind.Something happened at Mavin Studios last year that broke my heart.

Now listen to this, Psquare featured on songs with J-Martins, Bracket, LKT, 9ice and these 4 songs were done by Paul alone, but guess what, did I appear in the videos, YES’.

‘Now hear this, we have other collabos with Kaha, Darey, Ruggedman. I did these songs alone.How come they don’t have videos? Paul refused to appear in the videos’.

‘So I told Paul that when next he does collabo alone, he should be in the video alone, because it got a point where artistes began to feel if they do a collabo with Paul it gets a video but if it’s me it doesn’t get a video.

The last collabo we did was with Flavour and I refused to do another one. Even Flavour had to speak all the Igbo he knows to convince me before I agreed to do it. 

Only for my brother to come and tell me that ‘shey I thought you said you won’t appear in any video that I did the collabo alone? Why did you appear on this one?’. I was sad but I knew another one will come’.

‘So Tiwa Savage called me, apparently Paul had gone to do a song with her, not the campaign song they are promoting now, another P-square collabo entirely. Soshe called me that she’s been trying to reach Paul to get the CD of the song from him that he’s already done his part, so I went to Paul’s house to help ask for it and tell him that I want to go to their studio to do my verse and he said he doesn’t know where the CD is’.

‘I went to the Mavin studio to meet Tiwa, when I got there, she asked for the CD and I told her Paul didn’t give me any CD, so I called him again andgave the phone to Tiwa and told her on phone that the CD is at Omole, so I got into the studio recorded my verse and when I finished, everybodywas clapping. 

I was surprised only torealize that Paul had gone to tell them that I don’t sing or write songs’.‘I felt really bad and betrayed, but I covered up for him. I jokingly asked Teebillz if they gave him Red Label and he said yes, so I was like you guys caused it, and we laughed over it. 

So when my assistant went to pick up the CD, Paul and Jude started shouting at him to tell Peter that what is he doing at the Mavin studio? He knows how we work. The next day, I went to Paul and told him how I felt when I heard what he said. 

Only for Jude to say that he made Paul the lead singer of Psquare 8 years ago! A leader leads, he doesn’t destroy.’

Sources close to the Okoyes say their elder brother Jude is central to the band’s problems. Howie T, their first manager admitted as much in an exclusive interview with THENETNG early this week. 

But industry watchers insist Jude was the reason the group became profitable and premium in the first place. P-square are known to bill more than anyone else. When other A-listers were comfortable with N3-5M, they moved up to N6.5m. 

When artistes were happy to go overseas for peanuts and the promise of promo, they insisted on up to $120K. They turned down major shows if the price was wrong. It soon became an industry standard– if you wanted P-square, you had toput big bucks on the table. 

When Globacom, a Nigerian telecommunication company, signedan endorsement deal with them six years ago, the total fees went up to N240m. No Nigerian artiste has in recent times, matched P-square in billing. Very few can hold a candle tothem when the subject is live performance.

But Peter says in spite of all these, P-square had zero structure.‘When it comes to decision-making, it has always been a Triangle formation, and the highest vote wins.I never used to complain because wewere all okay, but what has changed now is the fact that we’ve grown. 

You can make a certain decision based on how we used to do it and it may affect everyone as an individual, but it gets to a point when the decisions taken never gets to be my own and I began to wonder if anything is wrong’.

‘I always get Ideas, most of P-squareideas come from me, and when I sayIdea, I mean materials we need to put out for people to see, video, stage performances and all. But when I come up with them, nobody wants to accept it. 

I didn’t complain because people still love what we do,but then again, there wasn’t much competition in the industry back then’.‘As time goes, we should get better, itshouldn’t be same triangle deciding, because if we continue that same way, we’ll lose it. 

All I want is a proper structure in the sense that, weneed to have proper management, business managers and all’.‘As I speak to you right now, we don’t have any office, no structure. 

When this issue started about five years ago, our lawyer told us the way we run our business is wrong without a structure’.‘I’ll give you an instance’.‘We had to go perform somewhere once, and because I had a slight argument with Paul, he said he’s not going. 

The show was the wedding of the President’s daughter, because some times when we perform for some certain people, they always talk to me, they don’t call Jude’.‘I didn’t even know until we got to theairport and at the end of the day we missed the reception, but we finally performed at the gala night, becausewhen I got to the airport my brother wasn’t there, and I became confusedon how I was going to explain to the President that we can’t perform?

‘So I made up my mind to go with theband, perform like that and lie that my brother was sick. So we left for Abuja and when we got to the hotel dressing up my assistant manager called that he was on the way to the airport with Paul, so we had to wait for them to land in Abuja and that was why we couldn’t make it on timeto the reception’.

‘The president was mad. In fact Mama Peace (Patience Jonathan) was really mad. But we eventually made up for it with a performance at the Gala night.Only for Jude to say Paul said he wasn’t going for a show and I still went on it with’.

‘Imagine if Jude had a proper structure and we had contracts? That wouldn’t happen. And it was more because the show came through me. If the show came through Jude it wouldn’t have happened. 

I don’t have a problem with doing things as a family, but then the structure and proper organization is important too. The name P-square is very big outside but inside we have no structure, I seepeople like Audu of Chocolate City, Mavin Records, even Ubi Franklin and I wanted us to have a structure like that. P-square is just up there because of the grace of God.’

THENETNG- You’ve said a lot about Jude being the problem, and how you’re the minority. 

But, really, as Peter, what do you bring to the table‘It’s really sad that people have labelled me ‘Dancer’, and people don’t really know what I do for P-square. Kudos to Paul, I’m not a good songwriter, in-fact I’ll rate myself 30%, so when it comes to song writing, I give it to Paul 100%.

‘However, not writing songs does notdisqualify you from being a musician. I can tell you for free that a Nigerian wrote two of the songs onRihanna’s new album. I’ve travelled a lot and most times people ask, ‘which one are you, the singer or the dancer’? 

And it’s really sad’.‘In P-square, I am the creative person, I can sit-down and tell you what people want to hear, what they want to see and what they want to learn from P-square. But it’s not something to brag about’.‘Jude directs all our videos’.

‘This whole thing began when Paul went online and started post lyrics ofmost of our songs on Instagram thathe wrote them all, just because Peterbrought in something to the table’.‘I’ve been trying to bring more business for P-square I didn’t know it was going to cause problems. 

I sent my manager to a meeting in Senegalto meet with Universal music about getting us deals, and when he came back, the way they responded to himwasn’t encouraging’.

‘So I had to sendDiouf, the footballer to help get the documents and convince my brothers before we could pull through with the deal. And after some months, we started making money. 

Meanwhile, while filling the forms, Jude filled everything as P-square. So the first money came, we shared it. The second money was bigger, it came and we shared it too. 

That was when Paul said we had to re-fill the form and give proper credit to the songwriter (Himself) and if the form is not brought back, he’s going to expose me and tell the world that he writes all the songs’.

‘And the next day he went online to post those lyrics. So my question is, when he was doing that what did Jude do about it? Absolutely nothing!’

Peter also alleged that his brother, Paul, is weak

‘I remember I once told Paul something, when Jude was using theterm ‘Our Money’ when he just became our manager, that was whenwe made our first 1 million. 

I called Paul and told him that our former manager used to make about 15%, now that Jude is our manager, let’s think of a percentage that we’ll be giving him and put it on paper’.‘Paul was like, it’s not necessary. 

Probably, he went to tell Jude about it. I’m sorry to say this, but I think Paul is weak’.

‘You know they say change is constant, you can’t stay at one spot, as the industry moves, you move. SoI won’t say the problem we have is money. I think everybody is just dragging power unnecessarily. 

Imagine Jude telling me that he’s in charge of P-square and there’s nothing Peter and Paul can do about it, and I look at Paul he’s quiet about it’.‘I’ve never seen where a manager talks to his artistes anyhow. 

If there’s any issue you should call us aside quietly to talk about it’.He also explained why he called out their big brother Jude out on Social Media‘First of all, if I as an artiste tells you to step down, and you say Paul and I cannot do anything, then there’s no other way I can take you out than going public’.

‘On December 14, 2015 we sat down to have a meeting hoping to be able to set a proper structure in place, butPaul noticed that it wasn’t working the way he wanted, so he said he wants to tell us that he’s starting a new group.

I thought he meant he wanted to start a record label, and he was like no, he’s starting a new group that he belongs to. And Jude simply said, ‘anybody stop you’? He picked up hisphones and walked out of the meeting. I felt it had already been discussed behind me’.

‘I later found out that Paul is already recruiting the group and Jude is theirmanager. At the moment I heard they are called ‘The MVPs’ I don’t know what it means yet’.‘So how do you expect me to be managed by the same person we’ve been having issues with, who is now the manager of the other group. 

There’ll surely be conflict of interest’.‘And it actually happened two weeks ago’.‘Jude called me, after I had said he’s fired. He called me on a Thursday tosay ‘Hope you know we are going to the embassy tomorrow for that show in Holland’. 

I know about the show, it was already booked before the issues started, so I told him, ‘Bro you are not my manager, talk to my manager’. He said, ‘Noted’. 

And the next day, they went to the embassy with the new group members, which means they had already set up their interview at the embassy because it’s not possible to get an appointment in less than 24 hours’.

‘So I traced the organisers, and told them that Jude does not represent us, he represents only Paul. I told them this is what it takes to get Peterand Paul, Peter alone or Paul alone’.

‘So I went on social media to protect our careers, because if I didn’t do it, Psquare will not release any materials anytime soon, they’ll be busy promoting their artistes’.‘And I remember going to talk to Paul about it before I went on social media, I went to his house he was in his room with his friend, and I was like can he excuse us, I want to talk to you and Paul said, no, his friend should stay, anything I want to say should be said in front of him. 

So I said, no, you know we are brothers and he was like, ‘oh, na now you know say we be brothers’.So I said, I came to talk to him about what’s been happening, but it was turning into an argument so I left andI travelled out. I was away for over a month, knowing that we didn’t have any show at that time. 

I went to Turkey, London to rest my mind, my friendSamuel Eto’oinvited me to come’.On how he fired Jude.‘The day I fired Jude was at a concert. It was the day I came back, we had a show, so I went straight to the venue in Lagos and told Jude I want to talk to him, and he said I should say anything I want to say in front of everyone. 

I was like that wasthe same attitude Paul gave me before I travelled’.‘So Jude was like if I like I should getout, and I was like guy don’t embarrass me. He said who are you,because you think you are P-square?So I told him openly that if he cannot resolve me and Paul’s issue, he doesn’t deserve to be our manager, and he said I should get out. 

There and then I told him ‘You are fired’! 

He looked at me and said, ‘You fit fire me’?’.‘That was when I entered my car andstarted Tweeting. 

How else can you take him out?’‘Long before I made up my mind, Paul already said there’s no more P-square, If Jude leaves he goes with him’.

‘And before I announced my management, I wanted my mind to be clear, so I went back to Paul, this time we were alone and we spoke a lot, I told him I had no issues with him, but he needs to stop letting Jude use him as a shield. 

Both of us started shedding tears, and when wefinished he still said he hopes I’m nothere to tell him that I still want P-square and I told him I want to move on, because he already has a manager (Jude) and I don’t, so I had to structure myself too’.

‘And I didn’t want to allow the P-square name to fade before moving on. Look at Don Jazzy and D’banj, when they broke up, they waited for like 6 months and had to start again. Now, that P-square just broke up, let me use the name to move on quickly, because there’s no time’

ON SIGNING SOLO DEALS

‘It still boils down to the fact that Psquare was not structured. Music is like football, Messi has his manager, Neymar has his manager, Suarez has his manager, but when they get to the pitch, they play as a team’.

‘Before I did the Olympic deal, I’ve brought some deals for Psquare but the people endorsing Psquare only see Peter and Paul, but behind it’s Peter, Paul and Jude so the price goes so high that it never works’.

‘But when a deal comes to my table, it’s not like they called Jude and I went behind to talk to them, the deal came directly to me from Jude’s friend. He called me and told me about it, and before then I had already established my own beverage factory and the deal coming was from PZ, which means I could do more business with them, so should I lose that deal because they didn’t call Jude?

’‘And I asked them that why me and not Psquare, they said they couldn’t afford Psquare and more so the brand was tailored to fit one person. So I went back to tell Paul and Jude and they didn’t say anything, they didn’t ask me not to do it.Don’t get it wrong, we’ve been doing different private businesses, the only difference was that the Olympic deal had to come out public. 

I’ve been doing mass housing projects on my own, Paul has been doing real estate,Jude has been doing his own thing, he even went to do Northside record label, so it’s not like it’s the first thingI’m doing alone. It’s just the first one that went public’.

‘So even when I decide to open my beverage factory, people will still saywhy am I doing it alone without my brother’.Peter has also made it clear that this is not a publicity stunt‘I hear lot of people think it’s all a stunt, and that’s what I really want toput an end to. 

It’s not a stunt at all. It has been going on for a while’.‘When Jude didn’t come to my wedding, people started saying we broke up and then others said it’s a stunt, then when Paul posted those lyrics stuff on Instagram people thought it was a stunt too, but the truth is that, this is not and has neverbeen a publicity stunt’.

‘I am telling you the truth, I am moving on because people are already getting tired of this Psquare brouhaha, now I have my manager Olatunde Michaels and I expect everybody to respect that. 

I am a family man, a musician, singer and dancer, if I don’t move on, Psquare will collapse and there’ll be nothing left’.‘Already Paul has done two songs without me but no one is saying anything, he did a song with his artiste ‘Muno’ with his name as Rudeboy did they feature me? 

He did a song with Tiwa Savage, did they feature me?’‘Last week Yemi Alade sent me her album track list to help her share on Instagram, guess what I saw, she had a song with Psquare that I didn’t even know about. Only Paul did it’.

On his next move

‘Because I announced a new management, people feel am the onegoing solo, but Paul has already gone solo, he’s moved on and didn’t need to announce any new management because he still works with Jude, so I had to announce mine and believe it or not, people are booking me for gigs already’.

‘And guess what, I’ll still perform Psquare songs, nobody can stop me,nobody can stop Paul too, we didn’t have a contract with Jude, so I have the right to perform Psquare songs especially the ones I took part in’.‘I’ll also consider releasing solo songs and even albums. 

Truth is – in the last album Paul did some songs alone, I did some songs alone. ‘Bring It On’ was Paul alone, ‘Eje Ajo’, ‘Shekini’ was done by me alone’.

‘Remember the 4 songs ‘Free For Fans’ that we released, those songs were removed from the last album and I leaked them’.‘I have some songwriters already, V-Tek writes for me, and I’m still bringing up more’.

On The relationship between the Okoye wives and late mother

‘People think we changed when we started having wives. Before my mum died, she was at St Nicholas hospital on the island, and my sisters were living in this house (in Lekki), and every morning before my wife goes to work, she’ll leave home at 5am in the morning to go and stay with my mum even before we get there ourselves. 

And when she closes from work, she’s back with her again’.‘So I just laugh when I hear people say my mum didn’t like my wife. It’s my wife and sister that prepare my mum’s meals in the kitchen’.

‘Now let me shock you: our wives, the three of them are the closest set of people you can imagine. Even with all that’s going on. It’s really surprising. Somehow, they respect themselves and stayed out of the whole drama and I respect them a lot. 

And that’s somehow what has kept us together for this long, otherwise Psquare would have ended like two or three years back’

CONCLUSION

‘The truth is I feel happy it has come,because I’ve been staying in Psquarein fear for the last four years. The situation now is, if you want Psquareto perform, you’ll have to get in touch with two management, I don’t care if you pay Paul’s management more than they pay me, once we are able to agree Psquare is still there’.

‘I just don’t want to have a management that feels he’s in control because he’s my elder brother’.‘And because of the legacy that I want Psquare to be remembered for, that was why I went to talk to Paul the last time. 

I don’t want us to start doing beef songs, or we see at the clubs and we don’t greet each other, or ignore our kids and stuff like that. And even if Psquare breaks up, I still want us to have our relationship as brothers. If I’ve regretted anything in my life so far, I swear to God this is not one of them, I’m happy because I’ve been in pain for a long time’.

‘It’s good if we go and do stuff separately so that even IF we come back we’ll have respect for each other. I wish Paul the best and I wishJude the best as well’.Well there you have it. It seems it’s the end of an era, but now light has been shed as to what really happened. It is hoped that maybe wehear from the other parties so we fans can get some closure.

[heralds] 

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PHOTO NEWS: Is It By Force To Take A Lady Out??

I ran across this picture on Facebook and it passed a resounding messages to me. Some men are in the habit of living champagne life on Coca-Cola income... What a pathetic situation!! 

The guy pictured above decided to give a special treat to his lover whereas his boxers is nothing to write home about. 

He can still get a boxers at N200 if he cannot afford high class ones than disgracing himself in the public. 

Why did he sag when he knew that he had issues unresolved with his underwear? 

We guys should stop living fake life, a lady that will stay will stay and the one that will not stay will not, even if you use SUPERGLUE. 

a word is enough for the wise. 

Good evening my people. 

-PFB 

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Opinion: Nigerian Youths Are The Bane Of Their Woes

The present report of uncensored hooliganism and thuggery that is on in Rivers State at the moment is uncalled for and condemnable. 

It will be recalled that, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) slated today, 19th of March for the re-run elections into the Senate and House of Representatives in Rivers State. 

This is in fulfilment of the court verdict that ordered for a re-run within 90 of delivering its judgement. 

Though the history of elections in Nigeria has always come with a certain degree of criminality, which are always ascribed to the 'shortsighted youths'. 

The today Rivers election is not a different. My submission is that, youths are always engaged in this heinous crime to humanity. 

Few days ago, we read it that close to 1,000 sons and daughters of the rich and the mighty were employed through the back down by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). 

Shouldn't these guys with juicy background and political vested interest be used in this kind of situation? But the answer is hell no. 

These so-called politicians will inoculate their children and wards from violence but use shallow thought youths to achieve their selfish goals. 

At most, these miscreants receive N5,000 for the job which might lead to their arrest or even death. 

But because of greed, or say poverty they always indulge in this risky adventures. It is with disdain that I reacted to some people arrested earlier today. 

I will be happy if Wike's or Amaechi's children are arrested for electoral violence, not because I don't like them but because they benefit from this process directly. 

They should be able to defend it with their lives but the reverse is the case! Boohoo!!! 

It is high time we the youths woke up from our slumber and fight for our rights. This politicians will only use you and dump you, if someone meant well for you, the same will not send you to journey of no return. 

What is working presently in our country? No light, bad economy, almost everything is in disarray..... Shouldn't we sit down and ruminate cum pounder over all these??? 

May God open the eyes of Nigerian youths! Amen

Say no to thuggery. 

-PFB 

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Shocking!! Electrician dies after falling more than 800ft from a Los Angeles skyscraper

An electrician has died after falling more than 800ft (245 metres) from a Los Angeles skyscraper that will be the tallest on the West Coast once it is completed.

The worker, who was on his second day of the project, fell from the 53rd floor of the Wilshire Grand Center at around noon on Thursday on to the back edge of a passing car.Its driver did not appear to be seriously hurt but was taken to a hospital.

Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter identified the worker as 36-year-old JosephSabbatino, of Palmdale.He said co-workers and police have described Mr Sabbatino's death as a suicide.

Lisa Gritzner, a spokeswoman for Turner Construction, said Mr Sabbatino was not supposed to be above the third floor of the building and had removed his hardhat before he fell.

She said the man was not wearing a safetyharness, and had not been issued with onebecause his work did not require it.

The incident happened at one of the busiest times of day at one of the busiest intersections in downtown Los Angeles.The $1bn, 73-storey skyscraper will be about 1,100ft tall (335 metres) when it is finished next year.

Chris Martin, CEO of Martin Project Management which is supervising the construction, said there were barricades around the edge of the building and other safety measures in place.

[sky news] 

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Ese Oruru writes letter to her abductor & lover, Yunusa (READ UNEDITED VERSION)

Below is a letter was allegedly written by 14-year-old abducted Bayelsa indigene to her lover cum abductor, Yunusa, who is presently in police custody for abducting her, taking her to Kano, converting her to Islam, marrying and impregnating her.

Read below as obtained by Sunnewsonline:

Dear, Inusa how are you? I hope you are fine and all is well with you? Please don’t be annoyed by these words but I think it is best for the both of us. Please please please don’t be annoyed I beg ofyou Inusa, maybe every­one just have to say the truth.I want to start by saying thank you for everything if accepted, thank you yanzu, I would say I now know what is going on which you never wanted to tell me but I will say that is not fair. 

When I started selling here, I met Abubakar who once told me that he had fellings for me but I can never send because I did not have fellings for him, so I turned him down.

Then again I met Genedu and I also turned him down. Now, it is Dantata which everybody knows that he loves me dearly but I find a lot of faults in him and don’t love him back. 

He has done his best to stay down and beg about one year now, if I am right, I will never lie to you Inusa. Dantata has been begging me to love him back but as soon as I wanted to fall for him you came back into my life.

I still know that Dantata is still waiting for me only if I will accept him. Inusa I now know that you also love me and I have decided to love you back. 

I love you Inusa but sometimes I do think Dantata is still seeking. My name as know by myself is RITA and my main problem is that if I love you (Inusa) and you also love me what will become of us. 

You once told me you like me more than anyone else, but now I have seen how far you have gone in this case because it is very serious to me.

You asked me to help you in just three ways in which you said: Follow me to my village – Kano State Leave your religion for mine – Christian & Muslim Itis only you I love and no other person I have already accepted the first quest then while decide to tell me that you cannot take me along with you the same day it is very unfair. 

Inusa why, just tell me why you decide to be unfair.Well, Inusa there were many other Hausa boys who asked for friendship but did not get it. 

I had so many people who I have lived with do you know what it means to live the people you had lived with for 13 good years of life.

Think on me Inusa please I beg of you Inusa please Think on me My heart bit immediately or anytime I see you if you know how much I love you you will not think about hurting my fellings I still stand by you Inusa, yeallo yellow my best colour but one question who made you think. 

I write this because I am sick and tired of this baldadash I hear everyday. You should know this Genedu, Abubakar, Saidu are humans for crying out loud.

Inusa to conclude this taught you can solve this problem by just one thing. 

Your address and your phone number, maybe if we have to go one by one we shall do just that. 

No matter what happens I still love you Inusa No matter what the case may be I still love you Inusa From yours dearly Rita a.k.a Ese

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Remains of Ocholi, wife, son buried amid tears, encomiums

The remains of James Ocholi, the Minister of state for Labour and Employment, who died in a car accident, were on Friday, laid to rest amidst weeping, wailing andeulogies from family members, friends, colleagues and associates, Today reports. 

Mr. Ocholi was buried alongside his wife, Blessing, and son, Joshua, in their family home in Abocho, Biraidu District, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.The three family members died in an auto crash on March 6, on the Kaduna-Abuja highway.

Speaking at the funeral service, the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, described the three deceased family members as “saints called home by the creator”.He urged Nigerians to imbibe the scriptural injunction that in all circumstances, thanks should be given to God.

Mr. Osinbajo said Mr. Ocholi, Blessing and Joshua played their parts in the vineyard of the Lord in diverse manners but all towards the common goal of advancing the kingdom of God.

He stressed the need to be grateful to God for giving them the grace.He said although some apostles died a tragic and painful death, “still the scripture says precious in the sight of God is the death of a saint because their death is victory for heaven”.

“Three saints went home on the 6th of March,” he said.

In his speech titled “The Veil is Lifted”, Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, described life as “reality show from which none gets out alive”.

He said mankind had accepted the fact that everyone must die but lamented the horrible circumstances of the Ocholis’ death.“My dear people, without doubt, this is one harvest of deaths too many for Kogi State.

“After barely any respite from a similar sorrow in the recent past, Kogi mourns again,” he said in reference tothe demise of Abubakar Audu on November 22, 2015.

Mr. Bello recalled that the late Mr. Ocholi cooperated with him when he was elected governor, adding that they shared a common vision of greatness and unity for the state.

Bishop John Ibenu of Chapel of Freedom International, Lokoja, who represented Archbishop Sam Amaga of Foundation Faith Church, led other officiating ministersin the funeral service.He urged Christians to be prepared for the imminent end.

In his homily titled “The Invitation You Could not Resist,” Mr. Ibenu urged the people to make their ways right with God before the invitation, which could neither be deferred nor resisted.

Some members of the Federal Executive Council, lawyers, judges, friends and family members attended the burial.

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See All The Fixtures Slated For This Weekend In #EPL, #LaLiga, #SeriaA, #Ligue1 And #Bundesliga

Below are the fixtures:

England: EPL 

19/3/2016 (Saturday) 

13:45 Everton VS Arsenal

16:00 Chelsea VS West Ham United

16:00 Crystal Palace VS Leicester City

16:00 Watford VS Stoke City

16:00 West Bromwich Albion VS Norwich City

18:30 Swansea City VS Aston Villa

20/3/2016 (Sunday) 

14:30 Newcastle United VS Sunderland

14:30 Southampton VS Liverpool

17:00 Manchester City VS Manchester United

17:00 Tottenham Hotspur VS AFC Bournemouth

Italy: Seria A 

19/3/2016 (Saturday) 

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Hulk Hogan awarded $115 million in Gawker sex tape case

Former wrestler Hulk Hogan

The jury in Hulk Hogan’s invasion of privacy suit against Gawker Media awarded the ex-wrestler $115 million on Friday, Today reports. 

The six person jury in St. Petersburg, Florida — four women and two men — deliberated for nearly six hours.Hogan, dressed all in black including a black bandana, cried when the verdict was announced.

The ex-wrestler, whose real name is Terry Bollea, had sued Gawker, founder Nick Denton and former editor A.J. Daulerio for posting the nearly two-minute segment of a Hogan sex tape in 2012. 

Hogan’s suit claimed Gawker violated his privacy and sought $100 million.“Mr. Bollea is exceptionally happy. 

This is not only his victory today, but also anyone else who’s been victimized by tabloid journalism,” his lawyer David Houston said outside the courtroom. 

Hogan stood quietly behind the lawyer, his sunglasses failing to conceal dried tears on his cheeks.

But he tweeted “Thank you God for justice.”

The jury must still consider whether to impose punitive damages next week.“We’re coming back Monday for the rest of it,” Houston said.

Gawker’s legal team, which had argued that posting thevideo was protected by the First Amendment, appeared to have anticipated a costly verdict. Lawyers for the New York news site issued a statement shortly after the jury retired to begin deliberations. 

The statement mentioned the jury’s inability toconsider a trove of recently unsealed documents related to the case.“It may be necessary for the appeals court to resolve this case,” the statement said.Denton read from a prepared statement outside the court house Friday evening that said, “Given key evidence and the most important witness were both improperly withheld from this jury, we all knew the appeals court will need to resolve the case.

That’s why we feel very positive about the appeal that we have already begun preparing, as we expect to win this case ultimately.”The “most important witness” Denton referred to was radio host Bubba “The Love Sponge” Clem who made the video. 

The judge in the case quashed Gawker’s subpoena to have Clem testify, citing his lack of trustworthiness. The jury awarded Hogan $55 million for economic injuries and $60 million for emotional distress. 

Those same jurors will reconvene next week to consider punitive damages on top of the $115 million already awarded.

Florida law requires an appealing party to post a bond for the full amount of damages, but that requirement is capped at $50 million. Denton has been candid about the financial threat posed by the lawsuit. In January, he sold a minority stake in Gawker Media, which he founded in 2002, for the first time as an additional layerof protection.

In closing arguments earlier in the day, Hogan attorney Kenneth Turkel tried to paint the Gawker defendants asindecent gossip-mongers who make a mockery of journalism.

Turkel told the jury that Daulerio “didn’t have the common decency” to reach out to any of the parties involved before he posted the video excerpts and the commentary, which “probably tells you all you need to know about Gawker.”

Turkel invoked a 2013 interview in which Denton said “invasion of privacy has incredibly positive effects on society.”“Who thinks like that?” the attorney asked incredulously.

On two occasions, Turkel seemed to suggest that Denton and his company don’t share the Florida jury’s values.“This guy is up there in New York sitting behind a computer playing god with other people’s lives,” Turkel said of Denton. Turkel also scoffed that Daulerio wrote in his 2012 commentary that “the Internet has made it easier for all of us to be shameless voyeurs and deviants.”“I’m not so sure all of us are shameless voyeurs and deviants,” Turkel said. 

“They may be up there on Fifth Avenue at Gawker.”Gawker attorney Michael Sullivan restated the company’s free speech argument that’s been the bedrock of the defense’s case. 

The First Amendment, he told jurors, protects unpopular speech.“What the plaintiff asks you to do is easy: to feel sympathy for Mr. Bollea, to muster your dislike and disdain for Gawker,” Sullivan said. 

“What we ask you todo is harder, very hard, but ultimately it is right.”Sullivan warned that Hogan’s lawsuit could have a chilling effect on free press if “powerful celebrities, politicians and public figures would use our courts to punish people.”“We will all be worse off as a result,” he said.

Sullivan downplayed the raunchiness of the nearly two-minute video package that was posted on Gawker, which only included nine seconds of sex. 

He ridiculed Hogan’s lawyers for opting against showing the excerpts in court.Sullivan also sought to raise doubts that Hogan was unaware he was being recorded inside Clem’s bedroom, where Hogan had sex with Clem’s then-wife. 

The attorney noted that Hogan could be heard on the tape asking about cameras, and that the plaintiff was surely aware that Clem was in an open marriage and had a propensity for recording his wife in the act.

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Kogi Assembly Mayhem: Senate Agrees To Take Over Kogi House Of Assembly

The Senate has agreed with the House of Representatives to take over the legislative functions of the Kogi State House of Assembly pending the restoration of normalcy in the assembly. Channels TV reports.

The Senate has also declared that the impeachment proceedings embarked upon by five members of the state assembly is null and void.

The upper chamber took these decisions after looking at the report from the House of Representatives on the matter.

The Senate consequently directed the Inspector General of Police to seal the Kogi State House of Assembly complex until the matter is resolved.

The House of Representatives had approved a recommendation that the National Assembly should take over the legislative functions of the Kogi State House of Assemblydue to its leadership crisis.

The recommendation was made by a delegation mandated by the House of Representatives to look into what it called illegal removal of the Speaker of the State House.

The House of Representatives condemned the actions of the five lawmakers which were said to be in clear violation of Section 92 Sub-section C of the Nigerian Constitution.

The House also condemned the action of the Nigerian Police in subverting the Constitution by allowing the actions of the five lawmakers.The latest decision by the Senate meets therequirement of Section 11 (4) of the Constitution.

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See The UEFA Champions League Quarter-final Draw

The draw for the round of eight in the  ongoing UEFA Champions League was made earlier today. As it is now, the Spanish giant, Barcelona will be up against Atlético Madrid as PSG host the Citizens. 

The full draw:

• Wolfsburg VS Real Madrid 
• Bayern VS Benfica 
• Barcelona VS Atletico Madrid 
• Paris Saint Germain VS Manchester City 

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Reps probe secret recruitment of 909 employees by CBN

The House of Representatives on Thursday began an investigation into the alleged ‘secret’ recruitment of 909 employees by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The controversial recruitment was reportedly carried out by the apex bank on the directive of the Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, with a reasonable number of the beneficiaries being children and relatives of highly-placed persons in the country.

At a session presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, in Abuja, the House asked its Committees on Federal Character, Banking/Currency to complete the investigation within three weeks.

An All Progressives Congress lawmaker from Kano State, Mr. Aliyu Madaki, had drawn the attention of the House to the recruitment under ‘matters of urgent public importance’.

Madaki noted that there were no prior notifications on the recruitment through advertisements to give all Nigerians the opportunity to apply.

He recalled that in 2015, there were speculations that the apex bank conducted a secret recruitment, but that the bank quickly denied it.

Madaki added that the latest development only confirmed that the bank carried out the earlier recruitment.

He stated, “The recruitment by the CBN is in breach of the Federal Character Principle as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The recruitment breached section 14(1); 14(3); and Section 17(1) of the constitution.

“There was no fairness, no justice in this exercise conducted by the CBN.”

Lawmakers did not debate the motion before passing it in a unanimous voice vote.

Dogara had overruled any debate on the issue on the grounds that it could pre-judge the outcome of the investigation.

“This is an investigation; let us not allow any debate so that we won’t pre-empt the outcome,” he added.

Meanwhile, the majority of the lawmakers on Thursday endorsed the second reading of a bill for an Act seeking to repeal the People’s Bank of Nigeria Act, 2004.

Members said the bank had become moribund and its functions taken over by the Nigerian Agricultural Bank.

The bill was sponsored by an APC member from Yobe State and Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Mr. Goni Bukar-Lawan.

However, there was some drama as the bill generated arguments among members.

While some lawmakers felt that the bank could still be resuscitated, others held the view that it had since lost its relevance since it had been merged with the Nigerian Agricultural Bank.

But, the majority won the day as Dogara ruled in support of the bill. 

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El-Rufai wants to throw Nigeria into chaos – PFN tells Buhari

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Wednesday, condemned the planned regulation of religious preaching in Kaduna State through a bill before the State’s House of Assembly.

Chairman of the PFN in Enugu State, Rev. Dr. Godwin Madu, who issued a statement over the development, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call Governor Nasir El-Rufai to order as such move was capable of throwing the country into chaos.

According to Madu, “the situation in Kaduna State today calls for caution because this religious issue maybring problem in other states if not properly checked.“The licensing of preachers is not to the best interest of the nation and it is contrary to the constitution of the country.

“We are forced to have if we have two countries in Nigeria or two constitution. Mr President should intervene in this matter. Let there be caution and proper understanding between government, leaders and religious leaders; let us stop anything that will not make for peace.”

On the planned establishment of grazing reserves across the 36 States of the Federation, the PFN said it was a veiled plan to Islamize the country.He said, “We frown at the impending doom that may befall the nation if Mr. President fails to check the incessant attempts to Islamize the states.

“We request the National Assembly not to consider such bill; let the sponsors of such bill desist from it.“The nature of attacks on the host communities of the Fulani herdsmen is so damaging; how can a grazing field be given to them whereas it is the cause of crisis in several cities across the country.”

The group while decrying the cases of rape, murder andarson linked to herdsmen, called on security agencies to rise in defence of helpless citizens “whose farms arebeing damaged, their wives and daughters raped and murdered”.

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Nigerian Police Begins Admission Into 2016 Cadet Programme (See The Requirements)

Applications for admission into the 4th regular course of degree programmes of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State commences on 15/3/2016 till 17/06/2016.

Lagos Police spokesperson in a statement on Thursday advised interested applicants to visit the website www.polac.edu.ng for online sales and submissions of admission forms.

According to the requirements, candidates must be Nigerian citizens, be between 18 and 22 years of age, and must have a height of not less than 5 foot 6 inches(1.67metres) if male, and 5 foot 4 inches (1.62 metres) if female.

“In addition, male candidates must have an expanded chest size of not less than 36 inches (91cm). All candidates must be free from any physical or mental disability.“

Candidates must have obtained a minimum of six credits at the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO) or the National Businessand Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) at not more than 2 sittings and including a credit pass in English Language and Mathematics as well as subjects relevant to the candidate’s chosen course of study in the Academy.

“Candidates must also obtain satisfactory scores in both the written examination and the interview and must pass rigorous physical psychological tests of fitness.”

The statement added that statement of results or certificates relating to examinations taken before 2010 will not be accepted.

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Wonder Of The Century: Purportedly "Dead" Ekiti Honourable, Afolabi Akanni Paraded Alive By DSS

Hon. Afolabi Akanni

Contrary to rumors propagated by Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose and his government that an Ekiti State lawmaker was killed while in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), it was revealed today that the lawmaker in question is alive and remains in DSS custody.

Read the full press release by the DSS below:

You may have been aware of the recent situation in Ekiti State in which the DSS was accused of abducting of the State’s Assembly Legislators.

The fact is that one of the members of the Assembly, Hon. Akanni AFOLABI was duly invited by the Service over some serious breaches bordering on State security and for which he has some explanations to make. These breaches fall under the purview of the DSS to investigate.

This Press Conference has become necessary in order to debunk a rumour which is being dangerously spread in Ekiti State by some mischief makers to the effect that Hon. AFOLABI has died in custody. Nigerians and Ekiti people in particular are convinced to see that AFOLABI is hale and hearty as he is being presented to the Press today.

The DSS will therefore warn all those who have planned to make a meat out of this to desist from it and stir clear from trouble as the Service will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law against any one or persons that may engage in violent actions of any kind.

In a similar vein, all law abiding Ekiti residents should go about their normal businesses as the Service assures them of full protection by security agencies. 

For: Tony OPUIYO

Department of State Services

National Headquarters

Abuja.

Credit: SR 

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Breaking: Hon. Afolabi Akanni, One Of The Detained Ekiti Lawmakers Is Not Dead But Ill

Hon. Afolabi Akanni

Contrary to the rumour flying around that one of the detainees of the Ekiti State assembly lawmakers, Afolabi Akanni is dead, the said lawmaker is alive but seriously sick. 

The latest development was made known by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), using it Twitter account. 

In its tweet:

"FLASH: Afolabi Akanni, the Ekiti state assembly lawmaker in DSS custody is alive but sick."

This has laid to rest the rumour that was peddled by the Ekiti State government earlier today about the honorable's present state. 

Details latter.... 

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Gbege!!! Hon Akanni, One Of The Detained Ekiti Lawmakers Dies In DSS Custody

Ekiti State government has announced that a member of the state's House of Assembly has died in the detention of the Directorate of State Services(DSS).

The Commissioner for Information, Youth Sports and Culture, Mr Lanre Ogunsuyi, who made the announcement in a press conference on Thursday, said although the DSS had held him incommunicado since March 4th, "our contacts in the DSS told us that he is dead."

According to Ogunsuyi, "we were told that he developed an ailment last night and he died by morning. 

The DSS had denied him access to his family, his doctor or to anyone that knows him.

"The Commissioner for Information said they were however, waiting for the DSS to confirm or deny the death of Akanni or produce him for his people to see."

A statement read by Ogunsuyi said: "Information reaching us indicates that one of the abducted members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Honourable Afolabi Akanni, has died in the custodyof the Department of State Services (DSS)."

The statement added: "Significantly, since his illegal detention, he has been held incommunicado without access to his family members, doctors andlawyers.

"We call on the DSS to immediately clarify the situation as to the status (dead or alive) of Hon. Afolabi Akanni, representing Efon Constituency by producing him physically for all Nigerians, particularly his immediate family to see.

"While we are waiting for the DSS, we urge every resident of Ekiti State, particularly the people of his immediate constituency in Efon, to remain calm."

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Bello Appoints SA On Speech Writing, Four Other Aides As He Sacks HoS

Governor Yahaya Bello

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has appointed Barrister Moses Okezie as Senior Special Assistant on Speech Writing, Research and Documentary.

Barrister Okezie who hailed from Imo State was part of the five new political appointees by the Governor.Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Ayoade in a statement Wednesday in Lokoja, listed others appointees as; 

Barr. Justina Abanida from Yagba West Local government area, Chairman, Kogi State Universal Basic Education, SUBEB, and Alhaji Yakubu Oseni from Okene Local government area as Chairman, Kogi State Board of Internal Revenue.

The statement also announced arch. Robert Achanya as Director- General, Bureau of Public Private Partnership while Mr. Emmanuel Odiniya who hails from Olamaboro Local government area is to serve as Chairman, Bureau of Local Government Pension.

The statement which said the appointment takes immediate effect said their appointment was an efforts by the Governor to position his government to ensure equitable distribution of dividends of democracy in the state.

In a related development, the State Head of Service hasbeen placed on 30 days compulsory leaves.The SSG also said the compulsory leave of th HOS follows a directive from the Governor, Yahaya Bello.

However, it was gathered that the HOS situation just like the Permanent Secretaries, Treasurers, and others whose 30 days compulsory leaves have expired may not return back to office.

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Fire guts Ondo governor’s office as Sheriff visits Mimiko

The visitation of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff to the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko was early disrupted Wednesday as the multi-billion naira Executives’ Chamber of the governor’s office was gutted by fire.

The PDP Chairman, who arrived the state at exactly 1:15 pm was expected to address the party leaders and journalists in the same executives chamber’s office.Sheriff was still in a close door meeting with Mimiko in his main office three minutes after he arrived when the incident occurred.

This was said to have been caused by power surge from the ante-room of the governor’s office.Journalists and PDP leaders, who were waiting for Sheriff at the Executives chamber’s office discoveredthe fire outbreak but their efforts was not enough to quench the fire.However, as the information reached the governor, he quickly left the office with his guest to the Government House which is about two kilometers to his office. 

Workers were seen rushing out of their offices for safety.Officers of the Fire Brigade Services and the State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Gboye Adegbenro arrived the scene 20 minutes after the incident occurred.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr. KayodeAkinmade, while confirming it said it was a minor incident and had been put off by the fire officers.According to him, “we have a power surge at the anteroom that the links to the State executives chamber of the governor’s office.“Our fire officers responded promptly and put off the fire. 

Work is now back normal at the governor’s office.Akinmade said he decided to address reporters in order to discourage people with insinuation by putting the record straight.

“It is a general things that power surge occurred. Of recent, I think CBN office in Calabar was on fire and even the fire secretariat in Abuja was once on fire.“Thank God that our fire fighters were able to be on ground to prevent the incident from being escalated.

The Commissioner however said he could not ascertain the level of damage of the fire incident.

At the Government House, Sheriff said he was in the state to consult with the PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman ahead of the PDP Convention slated for May.

[nation newspaper] 

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Aftermath Of N50 billion? NCC lifts sanction on MTN Nigeria

Mr. Tony Ojobo, the Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), said on Wednesday that the commission had lifted the sanction placed on MTN Nigeria since July 13, 2015.

Ojobo said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the regulatory sanctions were for 24 identified infractions.

It said that the lifting of the regulatory sanction was in no way related to the Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card non-deactivation fine.

“This is to confirm that NCC has lifted the regulatory sanctions placed on MTN since July 13, 2015.

“The sanctions were for 24 identified infractions which are not in any way connected with the SIM card non-deactivation fine.

“These were a number of violations discovered by the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Team of the commission in June 2015.

“Consequent upon the inability of MTN to remedy the identified infractions, the commission invoked the sanction in its guidelines,’’ the statement quoted Ojobo as saying.

It said that the sanction meant the denial of regulatory services to the telecommunications company for failing to remedy the infractions in line with NCC’s regulations.

According to the statement, consequent upon the remediation of the 24 infractions by MTN, the regulatory body’s letter of March 14, 2016, informed the company of its decision to lift the regulatory sanction.

“It should be noted that this does not in any way extend to the fine for non-deactivation of SIM card case.

“The case of SIM card deactivation is an entirely different infraction, which is mutually exclusive to the 24 infractions now remedied.

“This has become necessary in view of the many enquiries being received from concerned stakeholders.

“This action is without prejudice to the matter which is presently in court. Please be guided accordingly,’’ it quoted Ojobo as saying.

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Shocking!! Cultists behead fellow students, use heads as goalposts

Men Suspected to be cultists have beheaded two undergraduates of the Abia State University, Uhuru and thereafter, used their heads as goalposts, daily post reports. 

The deceased identified as Ebuka Nwaigbo, a 300 levelstudent of the Department of Estate Management, and Samuel Ethelbert, 300 level student of the Department of Political Science, were until their death living at Chi-Doo Lodge along the Uturu-Afikpo road.

Their killers were said to be members of a rival cult group on a revenge mission for one of their members killed last month.

A source, who craved anonymity, said the two cult groups known as Burkinafaso and Mafia had been in a battle of supremacy for years in the university.

He disclosed, “Last month, one Collins Agwu, a member of Burkinafaso, was gunned down by the Mafia.

“His colleagues (Burkinafaso) decided to retaliate by killing members of the Mafia.

“That night they came to the lodge on four motorbikes carrying four persons each and they forced themselves in when one of the students living there came out to buy Indomie Noodles.

“They beheaded their targets while the third person, their visitor, was seriously wounded.

“After killing them they carried their heads and bodies in a sack bag and took it to a playground where they (cult boys) normally play football near the school gate and mounted their heads as goalposts.

”There has been a heavy police presence at the school since the incident occurred.

The Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, Ezekiel Onyeke Udeviotu, who confirmed the incident, disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, Joshiak Habilah had directed the Criminal Investigation Department to commence probe into the murder of the students.

He said, “We are willing to invite any member of the public with any useful information that could lead to the arrest of criminals to our office if such a person is afraid of giving the information to police officers.”

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British prog rock star Keith Emerson's death confirmed as suicide

British prog rock star Keith Emerson's death has been officially confirmed as suicide by the Los Angeles coroner's office.

A report posted on the office's website stated that the 71-year-old died of a gunshot wound to the head.

It also stated that the keyboardist suffered from heart disease and depression caused by alcohol.

He died on 11 March at his home in Santa Monica, Los Angeles.Emerson, born in Todmorden, Yorkshire, was the founding member of British superband Emerson, Lake and Palmer - one of the most famous progressive rock bands of the 1970s.

He helped form The Nice in 1967 before starting ELP in 1970 with former King Crimson guitarist Greg Lake and drummer Carl Palmer.

Palmer said in a statement: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music Keith Emerson."

Keith was a gentle soul whose love for music and passion for his performance as a keyboard player will remain unmatched for many years to come."

He was a pioneer and an innovator whosemusical genius touched all of us in the worlds of rock, classical and jazz.

"I will always remember his warm smile, good sense of humour, compelling showmanship and dedication to his musical craft."

[sky news] 

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Ex-Ekiti commissioner docked over money laundering

Former commissioner for Health in Ekiti state, Dr. Femi Thomas,who was once Executive Secretary of National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, was Tuesday arraigned before a Federal High Court, Ikoyi Southwest Nigeria, over an alleged payment of 2.2 million dollars without going through a financial institution.

Arraigned alongside the former commissioner is a bureau de change operator, Kabiru Sidi.‪According to a four-count criminal charge number FHC/L/457C/2015 filed before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) prosecutor, A..B. C. Ozioko, it was alleged that Dr Thomas a.k.a. Doctor Ike, and Mrs Femi Thomas now at large, on or about 3 July, 2015, at House 20, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, compound, Idi-Araba, conspired among themselves to make and accept the sun of $2.2 million (United States dollars), which sum exceeded N5 million, as stipulated by the law.‬

The accused and Mrs Femi Thomas were also alleged to have made a cash payment of $2.2 million to Mr. Ibitoye John Bamidele without going through any financial institution.‬In count four of the criminal charge the Bureau De Change operator, Kabiru Sidi, was alleged to have on 15 July, 2015, at the Ikoyi office of EFCC, made a false statement to Afeez Mustapha, an investigating officer with the Commission, that he was the owner of the said $2.2 million‪. 

The offences alleged to have been committed by the accused persons are contrary to sections 18 (2)(b): 1(a) and 39(2)(b) and punishable under sections 16(2)(b) and Section 39 (2)(c) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004.‬‪ 

The two accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.‬ Upon the plea of the accused persons, the EFCC prosecutor urged the court to remand them in prison custody and give a trial date.

However, lawyers to the accused persons led by Dr. Joseph Nwobike, SAN, and Abiodun Ogundare told the court that they had filed an application for bail for the two accused persons. 

They urged the court to admit the accused persons to bail, Dr Femi Thomas to bail onself- recognisance, and that the second accused person be admitted to bail on liberal terms.‬

Justice Saliu Saidu admitted Dr Femi Thomas to bail inthe sum of N25 million with two sureties.‬ One of the sureties must be a Grade Level 15 officer in Federal or Lagos State Ministry, while the other surety must be a landed property owner within Lagos State, and the Bureau de Change operator was admitted to bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties.‬‪

One of the sureties must be a Grade Level 12 officer in Federal or Lagos State ministry, while the second surety must be a landed property owner within Lagos State.‬

The judge also ordered that the two sureties must depose to affidavit of means and submit their passport photographs, while the two accused persons must deposit their international passports with the Register of the court.‬Justice Saidu, while adjoining the case till 12 May for trial ordered that the two accused persons be remanded in prison custody pending the time they are able to perfect their bail conditions.

[pm news] 

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See All The UEFA Champions League Match Fixtures For This Week

Actions will result latter today in this week UEFA Champions League as Manchester City play a host to Dynamo Kyiv and Barcelona trade tackles with visiting Arsenal. 

See all the fixtures:

15/3/2016 (Tuesday) 

20:45 Atlético Madrid VS PSV Eindhoven 

20:45 Manchester City VS Dynamo Kyiv 

16/3/2016 (Wednesday) 

20:45 Barcelona VS Arsenal 

20:45 Bayern Munich VS Juventus 

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Opinion: Much Ado About The Breakup Of PSquare

PSquare & Brother, Jude Okoye

The much rumoured breakup of the biological twins duo, Peter and Paul Okoye has been flooding the news in recent weeks. 

The super talented singers have been battling with so many things of resent. Though the ugly scenario was taking to Twitter by Peter, who ranted the poor managerial acumen of their brother, who doubles as their manager, Jude Okoye. 

Okoye's family can be said to be the most musically blessed household in Nigeria entertainment world, in that both the singers and the producer are all of same parent. 

It will be recalled that since Peter got married to his long time lover and baby mama, lola, many unpalatable news have been coming out of the PSquare's family. 

His elder brother, who equally stand as their producer shunned the much publicised wedding which was attended by the creme la creme of the society. 

Analysing only that, one might not be unsure that things are not in order. An insider made it known that Jude decided to shun the wedding due to the position of their late mum that stood in deference to Peter's choice of wife, even with two kids for him already. 

However, his twin brother, Paul was physical present at the event. 

Be that as it may, we all know that contracts always have terminal dates but it shouldn't have existed in an household. 

Though there have been series of denials from the singers and brother and also from their publicists. 

But the rumour was confirmed by Peter Okoye over the weekend as he performed solo, he presented himself as "Mr P'. 

This has laid to rest the rumour, yesterday, Paul released a solo track where he wrote an open letter to their late parent, in the track he related all the happenings to them.

He was crying all through the track and was an opinion that if their parents were to be alive, that things will not degenerate to this state.

He titled it "Call Heaven". With this development, PSquare might ceased to exist.

I wish them well.

-PFB 

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[Sports] No foreign coach for Eagles —NFF

Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has debunked rumours that the federation has been receiving applications for some foreign coaches to handle the country’s senior national team.

A board member of the NFF, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Technical and Development Committee, Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, disclosed that with hisposition in the federation, he has not seen any application from any foreigner looking for employment as the Super Eagles Coach.

“We cannot be talking of employing a foreign coach when there is no vacancy for a job. We didn’t receive any application and there is nothing like hiring a foreignmanager for Eagles on the table for now. It is all lies that we are receiving applications for the Eagles job,” he said.

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Opinion: Like James Ocholi’s Sons, Like Immigration Scam Casualties' Families

I'm not happy as to how the media is silent on the second anniversary of the devastating immigration scam, where close to 20 vibrant youths lost their lives. 

On 15th of March, 2014 was a day to remember in Nigeria. It was a day that Nigerian Immigration Service conducted a sham recruitment aptitude test for certain Nigerians that signified their interest in working with the organisation. 

The event which led to the death of around twenty job seekers across the nation was pathetic, not only because over 6 six million people applied for less than 10,000 slots but the modus operandi of the exercise. 

Each job seeker was asked to pay N1,000 for form and at the end of the day, the money was embezzled.... Hmmmm

No job, no refund of money! 

Though the principal actor in the person of Abba Moro is being tried presently. But to me the government is not sincere as to the job promise offered the families that were affected. 

If after two years, none of the affected family members is given a job yet and James Ocholi’s children that lost their parents last week have gotten from same federal government.

This is just a case of interest on the part of the government.... Is government really representing the MASSES? 

Governance is said to be a continuum, so it doesn't matter who made the promise but the occupier of the seat. 

I will not be happy with the government until this promise is fulfilled and massive job opportunities are provided for the teeming jobless youths. 

Rest in peace the job martyrs.

-PFB 

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Oyegun back from leave, APC’s convention holds next week

Oyegun back from leave, APC’s convention holds next week

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun on Monday resumed from a ten-day vacation with an assurance that the National Executive Council meeting of the party will hold as scheduled onThursday March 24.

The return of Chief Oyegun to his office put to rest speculations that he may have tactically vacated the seat of national chairman due to pressure on him by some leaders of the party to quit.Oyegun also said that the party may have to look outside the North Central zone to produce the National Publicity Secretary for the party, pointing out that the challenge faced by the party was getting somebody who can handle the position like the former National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed.

There has been speculations in the media that Chief Oyegun may not return to his position as the NationalChairman of the party even though he had told newsmen that he was proceeding on a vacation.Oyegun said: I am glad to be back. I told you I was going on a break because I needed it. I’ve had a goodbreak, I’ve had a bit of rest and I’m back to the office”.

On the scheduled meeting of the various organs of the party that has failed to hold for a long time now, Oyegun said “all the scheduled meetings of the party will run as planned, the caucus on the 21st, the BOT on the 22nd and NEC on the 24th. 

Everything will go as planned”.Speaking on the delay on appointing a National a Publicity Secretary for the party,Chief Oyegun said “I think arrangements have been completed to hold the necessary congresses to nominate the spokesperson. 

I think that should be done very shortly. In fact the issue is getting somebody that can be as close as possible to the outstanding performance of the present minister of information, Lai Mohammed.“I think that has been the issue. 

As a matter of fact if it means making adjustments somebody who is good is priority number one and you can make adjustments subsequently”

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