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Saturday 28 February 2015
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Dozens of Nigerians in Abuja March to Show Support for Troops Fighting Boko Haram

While thousands of Cameroonians were marching in Yaounde to show support for the Cameroonian army’s battle against Boko Haram on Saturday, dozens of Nigerians were conducting their own solidarity march in Abuja to honour the Nigerian army and regional forces fighting Boko Haram.

Channels TV reports that the march was organized by Support Our Troops Foundation. They were motivated to hold the march due to the recent progress the army have made in the fight against the terrorists – especially reports of reclaimed territories by the troops. The foundation expressed its hope that the march would boost the morale of the soldiers. Nigerian Army spokesperson, Chris Olukolade, was present at the march, and he expressed his appreciation to all who participated in the march, promising that “never again will reclaimed territories fall to the insurgents.” Here are some photos from the march:

March 3

March 2
Friday 27 February 2015
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2015 Geneva Motor show Preview...latest cars








2015 Geneva Motor Show Preview

A barrage of teaser photos and speculation can only mean one thing - Geneva Motor Show is on its way. Arguably the biggest event on the car calendar, it’s set to be a biggy when it kicks off to the public on 5 March. We’ll be there reporting live from press day on 3 March, but for the mean time, check out these cars we expect to see on display.

A barrage of teaser photos and speculation can only mean one thing - Geneva Motor Show is on its way. One of the biggest events on the car calendar, it’s set to be a big one when it kicks off to the public on the 5th of March. We’ll be there reporting from the media days on March 3, but in the mean time, check out these cars we expect to see on display.
Geneva’s well on its way - find out what we’re expecting to see 

Tipped as the most extreme Aston ever, the Vulcan will be a track-only rival to the McLaren P1 GTR and the Ferrari FXX K. Expect a small production run (likely to be around 30 cars) and a V12 engine with a similar power output to the 760hp Aston Martin One-77.Aston Martin Vulcan

Billed as the most extreme Aston ever, the Vulcan will be a track-only rival to the McLaren P1 GTR and the Ferrari FXX K. Expect a small production run (likely to be around 30 cars) and a V12 engine with a similar power output to the 760-hp Aston Martin One-77

Aston Martin Vantage GT3

If you’re after a slightly more sensible race car from the Aston Martin stable, this special edition Vantage GT3 packs just 600hp. The track-inspired road car (the most powerful road car Aston has ever built) is 100kg lighter than a V12 Vantage S thanks to extensive use of carbonfibre. Like the Vulcan, the GT3 will be sold in very limited numbers - just 100 lucky buyers will be able to pick one up for £250,000 each.If you’re after a slightly more sensible automobile from the Aston Martin stable, this special-edition Vantage GT3 packs 600 hp. The track-inspired road car (the most powerful road car Aston has ever built) is around 220 lb lighter than a V12 Vantage S thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber. Like the Vulcan, the GT3 will be sold in very limited numbers - just 100 lucky buyers will be able to pick one up.

Audi R8

This is not a facelift. It might look 
This is not a facelift. It might look like one, but Audi assures us the new R8 is an entirely new model. Teased in the image above, the replacement for the ageing supercar (launched in 2007) features optional laser headlights and will share its chassis with the Lamborghini Huracan. Awesome. There’s even expected to be an all-electric e-tron version shown at Geneva.like one, but Audi assures us the new R8 is an entirely new model. Teased in the image above, the replacement for the ageing supercar (launched in 2007) features optional laser headlights and will share its chassis with the Lamborghini Huracan. Awesome. There’s even expected to be an all-electric e-tron version shown at Geneva. 
 

Audi Prologue Avant conceptWe first saw Audi’s drop-dead gorgeous Prologue concept car at last year’s LA motor show. But now the German manufacturer’s treating us to an estate version. It could hint at a new top-of-the-range A9 model, and we really, really want it. Anyone who says estates aren’t cool needs to take a look at this.

We first saw Audi’s drop-dead gorgeous Prologue concept car at last year’s L.A. motor show. But now the German manufacturer’s treating us to a wagon version. It could hint at a new top-of-the-range A9 model, and we really, really want it. Anyone who says wagons aren’t cool needs to take a look at this.
 

Audi RS3 Sportback

Take one Audi A3, chuck in a 2.5-litre 367hp TFSI petrol engine and a quattro all-wheel drive system and what do you get? A hot hatch that’ll hit 62mph in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 174mph (if you mumble something about the Autobahn and ask Audi politely to remove the usual 155mph limiter). It’s the second generation RS3, with prices expected to start at a shade under £40,000 when it goes on sale in the UK soon after the Geneva show.

Take one Audi A3 Sportback, chuck in a 2.5-litre 367-hp engine and a quattro all-wheel drive system and what do you get? A compact luxury car that’ll hit 60 mph in four seconds and reach a top speed of 174 mph. It’s the second-generation version of the RS3, a model that never made it to North American shores. Sadly, we doubt this one will come here either.

Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur facelift

This Bentley Continental GT might not look a lot different to the current model, but the twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine is now packing 590hp - up from 575hp. At the same time fuel consumption is improved to 20mpg, thanks to cylinder deactivation technology.Speaking of Bentley, this new Bentley Continental GT might not look a lot different to the current model, but the twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine is now packing 590 hp - up from 575 hp. At the same time fuel consumption is improved, thanks to cylinder deactivation technology.

BMW 1 Series

Fair play BMW - the German carmaker sure does know how to do a good facelift. Along with revised looks, there are new engines (including a host of efficient, three-cylinder units) and the hot M135i has had power boosted by, wait for it… 6hp.
Although BMW no longer sells the 1 Series in North America, we’re hoping that one day the German brand will. In Europe, the nameplate is reserved for a pair of three and five-door hatchbacks that are roughly the size of a VW Golf. For 2015 they’re going under the surgeon’s knife, and will feature a slightly new look. The critically acclaimed 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine from the Mini Cooper will also find a home under the hood of certain models.
 

BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer

You know when purists were upset when BMW revealed the front-wheel drive 2 Series Active Tourer? Well, they’re set to get even angrier with this. It’s the seven-seat 2 Series Gran Tourer, set to be a premium rival to the likes of the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso and Ford S-Max. We’re looking forward to taking a look. Don’t laugh.
While we’d love to see the 1 Series hatchback here, BMW can keep this one for Europe. The 2 Series Gran Tourer is the car we thought we’d never see – a front-wheel drive, seven-seat mini-minivan. Think of a Mazda5 without the sliding doors and you won’t be too far off the mark.
 

BMW M4 MotoGP safety car

Do safety cars come much cooler than this? Sure, we love the matt black paint job and mahoosive rear wing but what makes this M4 so special is water injection. Without getting too techy, the idea is that water sprayed into the air heading for the combustion chamber. This cools it down, resulting in more efficient combustion. So, better fuel economy and more performance. To come on BMW road cars of the future? Possibly.
Do pace cars come much cooler than this? Sure, we love the matt black paint job and giant rear wing but what makes this M4 so special is water injection. Without getting too techy, the idea is that water sprayed into the air heading for the combustion chamber. This cools it down, resulting in more efficient combustion. So, better fuel economy and more performance. To come on BMW road cars of the future? Possibly.
 

Borgward

Remember German manufacturer Borgward? Maybe not - it went bust back in 1961. But the carmaker has issued a teaser video suggesting it’ll make a big return at Geneva 2015. It’s one to keep an eye on.

Remember German manufacturer Borgward? Maybe not - it went bust back in 1961. But the carmaker has issued a teaser video suggesting it’ll make a big return at Geneva 2015. It’s one to keep an eye on.
 
This is what’s going to be drawing punters to the Ferrari stand at Geneva. It’s the 488 GTB, the turbocharged replacement for the popular 458. Its 4.0-litre V8 engine produces 670hp and can hit 62mph in 3.0 seconds. That’ll do.

Ferrari 488 GTB

This is what’s going to be drawing the masses to the Ferrari stand at Geneva. It’s the 488 GTB, the turbocharged replacement for the popular 458. Its 4.0-liter V8 engine produces 670 hp and can hit 60 mph in less than three seconds. 

Ford Focus RS

Ford couldn’t wait for Geneva to show off its new Focus RS hot hatch, and who can blame it? It’s loud, brash and has all of the power. Just what you want in a car to compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf R. The 2.3-litre Ecoboost engine (nicked from the new Ford Mustang) will produce “in excess” of 320hp, while a new four-wheel drive system promises outstanding levels of grip. It’s going to be savage.
Ford couldn’t wait for Geneva to show off its new Focus RS, and who can blame it? It’s loud, brash and has tons of power. Just what you want in a car to compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf R and Subaru WRX STI. The 2.3-liter Ecoboost engine (borrowed from the new Ford Mustang) will produce “in excess” of 320 hp, while a new all-wheel drive system promises outstanding levels of grip. It’s going to be savage.

Acura NSX

Honda revealed its NSX supercar at Detroit, and we can’t wait for another poke around at Geneva. We’ve been waiting for this for years, but it looks like it’s going to be frankly awesome. A V6 petrol engine combined with no fewer than three electric motors means more than 550hp is divided between all four wheels.The Acura NSX debuted back in Detroit, but will get its first outing for European in Geneva. This stunning-mid-engined sports car combines a V6 engine with three electric motors; it makes more than 550 hp and is all-wheel drive. The only thing different about model bound for Switzerland is the fact that it wears a Honda badge as Acura does not sell cars in Europe. 
 

Hyundai Tucson

Woah… the Hyundai Tucson IX35 replacement is a bit of a stunner. How could this be? Ah… it’s been designed under the careful watch of Peter Schreyer, the man responsible for making Kias all good looking over recent years. Like the new Hyundai i20, the interior quality looks to have been taken up a notch. Watch out Nissan Qashqai.This is the new Hyundai Tucson, and it’s a surprisingly handsome crossover. It was designed under the careful watch of Peter Schreyer, the man responsible for making Kias look good over the past few years. In addition to its nicely styled exterior, Hyundai has amped up the cabin quality. Watch out Honda CR-V. 

Infiniti QX30 concept

What’s a premium manufacturer without a desirable crossover these days? Nissan’s upmarket sub-brand, Infiniti, is expected to launch the QX30 next year - but for now, we’ll be seeing the concept version at Geneva. Export a platform and powertrain from Mercedes-Benz combined with sections made from carbonfibre and 21-inch alloys.
What’s a premium manufacturer without a desirable crossover these days? Nissan’s upmarket sub-brand, Infiniti, is expected to launch the QX30 next year - but for now, we’ll be seeing the concept version at Geneva. The QX30 will share its underpinnings with the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. 
 

Kia Sportspace concept

If we were to say the words “Kia Optima estate” to you, the pace of your heart beating is unlikely to change. But look at the picture above. This is the Sportspace concept, and it hints at the design of the new Optima estate due later this year. Please just build it, Kia. It’s stunning.If we were to say the words “Kia Optima wagon” to you, the pace of your heart beating is unlikely to change. But look at the picture above. This is the Sportspace concept, and it hints at the design of the new Optima due later this year. Please just build it, Kia. It’s stunning

Range Rover Evoque facelift

Range Rover Evoque 2016Range Rover's ever-popular Evoque gets a facelift which is set to debut at Geneva. It will feature new LED headlights and new four-cylinder Ingenium engines (as seen in the new Jaguar XE). We could even see a convertible version - is the world ready for an Evoque convertible?
 
 
 

The BMW M5-rivalling Lexus GS F will also be making its European debut at Geneva, after we got our first glimpse at Detroit last month. Its 5.0-litre V8 engine packs 477hp.Lexus GS F

The BMW M5-rivalling Lexus GS F will also be making its European debut at Geneva, after we got our first glimpse at Detroit last month. Its 5.0-litre V8 engine packs 477 hp

Lexus LF-C2 concept

And, like it or not, the LF-C2 is also coming following its Detroit debut. It’s a 2+2 convertible version of the Lexus RC coupe.And, like it or not, the LF-C2 is also coming following its Detroit debut. It’s a 2+2 convertible version of the Lexus RC coupe. 
 
 
 
 
 

Lotus Evora 400

In a bid to take Lotus sales to another level, the Norfolk carmaker is launching its fastest road car yet. Power from the Evora’s 3.5-litre V6 has been boosted to 400hp, meaning a 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 186mph.In a bid to take Lotus sales to another level, the English sports-car maker is launching its fastest road car yet. Power from the Evora’s 3.5-litre V6 has been boosted to 400 hp, meaning a 0-62 mph time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph.
 
 

McLaren 675LT

McLaren’s been teasing bits of its 675LT for a while now, but it’ll finally be taking off the covers at Geneva. With 675hp (you guessed it), the Longtail will be a more powerful version of its 650S supercar.
McLaren’s been teasing bits of its 675LT for a while now, but it’ll finally be taking off the covers at Geneva. With 675 hp (you guessed it), the Longtail will be a more powerful version of its 650S supercar.

Mercedes-Maybach Pullman

After the ultimate in chauffeur-driven luxury? The 6.5-metre long Mercedes-Maybach Pullman is set to rival the Rolls-Royce Phantom. We’d hate to have to decide between the two.

Mitsubishi L200

One Mitsubishi Geneva unveiling we do know more about is the L200. The company’s describing it as “sport utility truck” and it’ll be powered by a new 2.4-litre diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. One Mitsubishi Geneva unveiling we do know more about is the L200. Think of it as Mitsubishi's version of the Toyota Tacoma or Chevy Colorado. The company’s describing it as “sport utility truck” and it’ll be powered by a new 2.4-litre diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. With the midsize truck market growing in popularity, perhaps Mitsubishi should consider offering the L200 here.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Latest Porsche 911 GT3 not extreme enough for you? The Stuttgart manufacturer is set to launch a 911 GT3 RS at Geneva, with a brand new six-cylinder engine and a PDK automatic gearbox. Latest Porsche 911 GT3 not extreme enough for you? The Stuttgart manufacturer is set to
launch a 911 GT3 RS at Geneva, with a brand new six-cylinder engine and 
a PDK automatic gearbox. It's expected to make over 500 hp. 
 

Porsche Cayman GT4

This excites us more, however. It’s a 385hp version of the Cayman, powered by a 3.8-litre flat-six engine from the 911 Carrera S. It’ll come with a manual gearbox and hit 62mph in 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 183mph. This excites us more, however. It’s a 385-hp version of the Cayman, powered by a 3.8-litre flat-six engine from the 911 Carrera S.
 It’ll come with a manual 
gearbox and hit 62 mph in 
4.4 seconds and reach a 
top speed of 183 mph.

Toyota Avensis

 This is the new Toyota Avensis family saloon and estate. Toyota’s keeping quiet over details, but expect a new range of engines including diesels from BMW.The Toyota Camry is the most popular car on sale in the United States. The Avensis is its 
European cousin. This is the
 latest version which boasts a 
snout that’s similar in appearance
 to the Yaris subcompact
 hatchback. We have to admit – they’re pretty slick looking. 

Volkswagen Golf GTD Wagon

Practical, fast and economical - the new Volkswagen Golf GTD is likely to tick every box when it goes on sale after its Geneva Motor Show debut. Not only does it look great and have room for the dog, it’ll hit 62mph in 7.9 seconds while returning 64.2mpg. Watch out, Ford Focus ST. Speaking of never say never, this is the new Volkswagen Golf GTD Wagon, the performance version of the Golf SportWagen that’s set to go on sale later this year. Not only does it boast the same attractive styling and performance suspension as the GTI, it also gets 44 more horses and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. We’ve heard that VW is seriously considering selling the GTD hatchback in the U.S. – we’ve got our fingers crossed for the SportWagen version. 
 
Victoria Kimani Delves Into Acting; Lands First Movie Role

Victoria Kimani Delves Into Acting; Lands First Movie Role

 
Victoria Kimani, Chocolate City Kenya’s first lady is taking her talents to the movie scene. Yes she’s acting now. The singer/song writer just landed a role in the movie project, 7 Inch Curve where she’ll be featuring in a lead role. The movie also stars a host of star names including Wole Ojo, Gabriel Afolayan, Yvonne Ekwere, Uche Agbai, Ivie Okujaye, Baaj Adebule amongst others. 7 Inch Curve, written and directed by Shola Thompson, tells the story of an up and coming musician whose day takes a wicked turn. Now we’ll sit back see how well Victoria does with her first acting gig.
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Read Full Text Of The Powerful Speech Buhari Gave At Chatham House London

 This is a full text of the speech Buhari gave at Chatham house, London today as provided by APC. It is very lengthy but it is well worth a patient read.



 Permit me to start by thanking Chatham House for the invitation to talk about this important topic at this crucial time. When speaking about Nigeria overseas, I normally prefer to be my country’s public relations and marketing officer, extolling her virtues and hoping to attract investments and tourists. But as we all know, Nigeria is now battling with many challenges, and if I refer to them, I do so only to impress on our friends in the United Kingdom that we are quite aware of our shortcomings and are doing our best to address them.buhari chatham buhari chatham The 2015 general election in Nigeria is generating a lot of interests within and outside the country. This is understandable. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and largest economy, is at a defining moment, a moment that has great implications beyond the democratic project and beyond the borders of my dear country. So let me say upfront that the global interest in Nigeria’s landmark election is not misplaced at all and indeed should be commended; for this is an election that has serious import for the world. I urge the international community to continue to focus on Nigeria at this very critical moment.  
B-w1TknXEAAzJVe.jpg large Given increasing global linkages, it is in our collective interests that the postponed elections should hold on the rescheduled dates; that they should be free and fair; that their outcomes should be respected by all parties; and that any form of extension, under whichever guise, is unconstitutional and will not be tolerated. With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, the collapse of communism and the end of the Cold War, democracy became the dominant and most preferred system of government across the globe. That global transition has been aptly captured as the triumph of democracy and the ‘most pre-eminent political idea of our time.’ On a personal note, the phased end of the USSR was a turning point for me. It convinced me that change can be brought about without firing a single shot. As you all know, I had been a military head of state in Nigeria for twenty months. We intervened because we were unhappy with the state of affairs in our country. We wanted to arrest the drift. Driven by patriotism, influenced by the prevalence and popularity of such drastic measures all over Africa and elsewhere, we fought our way to power. But the global triumph of democracy has shown that another and a preferable path to change is possible. It is an important lesson I have carried with me since, and a lesson that is not lost on the African continent. In the last two decades, democracy has grown strong roots in Africa. Elections, once so rare, are now so commonplace. As at the time I was a military head of state between 1983 and 1985, only four African countries held regular multi-party elections. But the number of electoral democracies in Africa, according to Freedom House, jumped to 10 in 1992/1993 then to 18 in 1994/1995 and to 24 in 2005/2006. According to the New York Times, 42 of the 48 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa conducted multi-party elections between 1990 and 2002. The newspaper also reported that between 2000 and 2002, ruling parties in four African countries (Senegal, Mauritius, Ghana and Mali) peacefully handed over power to victorious opposition parties. In addition, the proportion of African countries categorized as not free by Freedom House declined from 59% in 1983 to 35% in 2003. Without doubt, Africa has been part of the current global wave of democratisation. But the growth of democracy on the continent has been uneven. According to Freedom House, the number of electoral democracies in Africa slipped from 24 in 2007/2008 to 19 in 2011/2012; while the percentage of countries categorised as ‘not free’ assuming for the sake of argument that we accept their definition of “free” increased from 35% in 2003 to 41% in 2013. Also, there have been some reversals at different times in Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Mali, Madagascar, Mauritania and Togo. We can choose to look at the glass of democracy in Africa as either half full or half empty. While you can’t have representative democracy without elections, it is equally important to look at the quality of the elections and to remember that mere elections do not democracy make. It is globally agreed that democracy is not an event, but a journey. And that the destination of that journey is democratic consolidation – that state where democracy has become so rooted and so routine and widely accepted by all actors. With this important destination in mind, it is clear that though many African countries now hold regular elections, very few of them have consolidated the practice of democracy. It is important to also state at this point that just as with elections, a consolidated democracy cannot be an end by itself. I will argue that it is not enough to hold a series of elections or even to peacefully alternate power among parties. It is much more important that the promise of democracy goes beyond just allowing people to freely choose their leaders. It is much more important that democracy should deliver on the promise of choice, of freedoms, of security of lives and property, of transparency and accountability, of rule of law, of good governance and of shared prosperity. It is very important that the promise embedded in the concept of democracy, the promise of a better life for the generality of the people, is not delivered in the breach.Now, let me quickly turn to Nigeria. As you all know, Nigeria’s fourth republic is in its 16th year and this general election will be the fifth in a row. This is a major sign of progress for us, given that our first republic lasted five years and three months, the second republic ended after four years and two months and the third republic was a still-birth. However, longevity is not the only reason why everyone is so interested in this election. The major difference this time around is that for the very first time since transition to civil rule in 1999, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing its stiffest opposition so far from our party the All Progressives Congress (APC). We once had about 50 political parties, but with no real competition. Now Nigeria is transitioning from a dominant party system to a competitive electoral polity, which is a major marker on the road to democratic consolidation. As you know, peaceful alternation of power through competitive elections have happened in Ghana, Senegal, Malawi and Mauritius in recent times. The prospects of democratic consolidation in Africa will be further brightened when that eventually happens in Nigeria
This is a full text of the speech Buhari gave at Chatham house, London today as provided by APC. It is very lengthy but it is well worth a patient read. Permit me to start by thanking Chatham House for the invitation to talk about this important topic at this crucial time. When speaking about Nigeria overseas, I normally prefer to be my country’s public relations and marketing officer, extolling her virtues and hoping to attract investments and tourists. But as we all know, Nigeria is now battling with many challenges, and if I refer to them, I do so only to impress on our friends in the United Kingdom that we are quite aware of our shortcomings and are doing our best to address them. buhari chatham The 2015 general election in Nigeria is generating a lot of interests within and outside the country. This is understandable. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and largest economy, is at a defining moment, a moment that has great implications beyond the democratic project and beyond the borders of my dear country. So let me say upfront that the global interest in Nigeria’s landmark election is not misplaced at all and indeed should be commended; for this is an election that has serious import for the world. I urge the international community to continue to focus on Nigeria at this very critical moment. B-w1TknXEAAzJVe.jpg large Given increasing global linkages, it is in our collective interests that the postponed elections should hold on the rescheduled dates; that they should be free and fair; that their outcomes should be respected by all parties; and that any form of extension, under whichever guise, is unconstitutional and will not be tolerated. With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, the collapse of communism and the end of the Cold War, democracy became the dominant and most preferred system of government across the globe. That global transition has been aptly captured as the triumph of democracy and the ‘most pre-eminent political idea of our time.’ On a personal note, the phased end of the USSR was a turning point for me. It convinced me that change can be brought about without firing a single shot. As you all know, I had been a military head of state in Nigeria for twenty months. We intervened because we were unhappy with the state of affairs in our country. We wanted to arrest the drift. Driven by patriotism, influenced by the prevalence and popularity of such drastic measures all over Africa and elsewhere, we fought our way to power. But the global triumph of democracy has shown that another and a preferable path to change is possible. It is an important lesson I have carried with me since, and a lesson that is not lost on the African continent. In the last two decades, democracy has grown strong roots in Africa. Elections, once so rare, are now so commonplace. As at the time I was a military head of state between 1983 and 1985, only four African countries held regular multi-party elections. But the number of electoral democracies in Africa, according to Freedom House, jumped to 10 in 1992/1993 then to 18 in 1994/1995 and to 24 in 2005/2006. According to the New York Times, 42 of the 48 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa conducted multi-party elections between 1990 and 2002. The newspaper also reported that between 2000 and 2002, ruling parties in four African countries (Senegal, Mauritius, Ghana and Mali) peacefully handed over power to victorious opposition parties. In addition, the proportion of African countries categorized as not free by Freedom House declined from 59% in 1983 to 35% in 2003. Without doubt, Africa has been part of the current global wave of democratisation. But the growth of democracy on the continent has been uneven. According to Freedom House, the number of electoral democracies in Africa slipped from 24 in 2007/2008 to 19 in 2011/2012; while the percentage of countries categorised as ‘not free’ assuming for the sake of argument that we accept their definition of “free” increased from 35% in 2003 to 41% in 2013. Also, there have been some reversals at different times in Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Mali, Madagascar, Mauritania and Togo. We can choose to look at the glass of democracy in Africa as either half full or half empty. While you can’t have representative democracy without elections, it is equally important to look at the quality of the elections and to remember that mere elections do not democracy make. It is globally agreed that democracy is not an event, but a journey. And that the destination of that journey is democratic consolidation – that state where democracy has become so rooted and so routine and widely accepted by all actors. With this important destination in mind, it is clear that though many African countries now hold regular elections, very few of them have consolidated the practice of democracy. It is important to also state at this point that just as with elections, a consolidated democracy cannot be an end by itself. I will argue that it is not enough to hold a series of elections or even to peacefully alternate power among parties. It is much more important that the promise of democracy goes beyond just allowing people to freely choose their leaders. It is much more important that democracy should deliver on the promise of choice, of freedoms, of security of lives and property, of transparency and accountability, of rule of law, of good governance and of shared prosperity. It is very important that the promise embedded in the concept of democracy, the promise of a better life for the generality of the people, is not delivered in the breach.Now, let me quickly turn to Nigeria. As you all know, Nigeria’s fourth republic is in its 16th year and this general election will be the fifth in a row. This is a major sign of progress for us, given that our first republic lasted five years and three months, the second republic ended after four years and two months and the third republic was a still-birth. However, longevity is not the only reason why everyone is so interested in this election. The major difference this time around is that for the very first time since transition to civil rule in 1999, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing its stiffest opposition so far from our party the All Progressives Congress (APC). We once had about 50 political parties, but with no real competition. Now Nigeria is transitioning from a dominant party system to a competitive electoral polity, which is a major marker on the road to democratic consolidation. As you know, peaceful alternation of power through competitive elections have happened in Ghana, Senegal, Malawi and Mauritius in recent times. The prospects of democratic consolidation in Africa will be further brightened when that eventually happens in Nigeria

Read more at: Read Full Text Of The Powerful Speech Buhari Gave At Chatham House London | LATEST NIGERIAN NEWS BREAKING HEADLINES NEWSPAPERS
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Reason For Obasanjo and Jonathan Issues


By Oboh Agbonkhese

Chief Augustine Onyemaechi Mazie, is the Chairman, Board of Trustees, New Paradigm Transformation Initiative, NPTI, and strong advocate of unity, peace and progress of Nigeria. A retired Air Force personnel, he served as the Chairman Unity Campaign Team for the Election of the National Chairman and National Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2001 and is a two-time Principal Secretary of PDP, 2001 and 2005. In this interview, he bared his mind on the chances of the presidential candidates of the two major political parties in the forthcoming elections, saying that Gen. Muhammadu Buhari would have toppled Jonathan’s administration if he was still in the military. He also spoke on why former President Obasanjo is having issues with President Jonathan. Excerpts.

What is NTI’s assessment of Jonathan’s re-election bid?

The New Paradigm for Transformation Initiative, NPTI, is a socio-economic and Non-Governmental Organization, committed to the improvement and sustenance of peace, unity, positive transformation of Nigeria, and socio-economic wellbeing of the Nigerian people. In essence, one of the cardinal principles of the organization is to support any leader that upholds the principles of good governance.
Chief Augustine Onyemaechi Mazie

Chief Augustine Onyemaechi Mazie

Presently, it is pledging its support to President Goodluck Jonathan because the members were convinced that the President truly inspired them through his transformational policies and initiatives like FoI law, free and fair elections, institutional restructuring, economic reawakening and the ongoing infrastructural revival. As stakeholders in Nigeria, we in NPTI can talk about what is wrong with Nigeria, if the President is not tackling the Transformation Agenda, which he promised Nigerians, but if Nigerians are misunderstanding what he has been doing, we will help him to project his good work.

Don’t you feel jittery that the President is not getting the expected support?

Well, I can tell you that there is no fear at all in the Jonathan camp as I speak. I have come to realize that some people criticize everything that is begin said about the President without actually knowing what is being done. Some people said that President Jonathan has not built roads and other infrastructure, you cannot say that of him. If they are saying that, what were the situations of our roads when he became President? If you travelled during the last Christmas and saw the condition of the roads. You would agree with me that he is working.

But some people will wonder if it is only roads you could point at?

But he has performed in other areas as well. Take a look at our railways. I was so happy  because I have little children who didn’t know when the rail were running, but this past December, we saw train running from Port Harcourt to Enugu.

The President has not hidden his plan for the aviation sector. When you go round, you will realize that he has worked on that sector too, including agriculture, economy, and attracting foreign direct investments.

What is your take on his anti-corruption war?

I am surprised that the opposition is talking about corruption. Obasanjo in his inaugural speech as President in 1999, commented on corruption. He said he was going to fight corruption, but this corruption turned back to fight them. And you can see that is what is happening to Jonathan now.

Do you think his approach to the fight is yielding result?

The fact that the President has not jailed anybody does not mean he is not fighting corruption. He said “I am putting structures in place to be sure that if you block the way people steal money, there will no more corruption’’. The President is devising a system that was created by past leaders that will not tempt people to commit corruption. He said we have to put some processes, checks and balances in place, so that people do not just steal money anyhow. If those things are put in place, how do you think people will engage in corruption?

But the opposition insists his government is corrupt?

Those pointing accusing fingers at the President have not cleaned their cupboard very well. How could Buhari say he wants to come and fight corruption? When he was Minister of Petroleum, it was reported that $2.8 billion was missing. He has not accounted for it till today. At that time, one NTA journalist, Ms Vera Ifudu, reported it extensively.

There is also this case of 53 suitcases that passed through Buhari’s ADC, Jokolo, which has not been accounted for till date. What do we see in this country as corruption? Those corrupt people who fought Obasanjo are still fighting back. Buhari committed the greatest disservice to Nigeria by toppling a civilian government. If Buhari was still in army, the way he is fighting to become president, he would have toppled this present government. If Jonathan were to be like Buhari, he would have probably sent Buhari to jail for the atrocities he committed.

Do you think the Transformation Agenda is real?

Remember that the President told Nigerians that when he was growing up, he had no sandals. The same man who said he had no sandals  after going to school is now trying to prove to Nigerians that there are so many people like that by building 125 Almajiri schools. That is impacting because most of these Almajiris did not have the privilege to go to school, rather, they go pan-in-hand begging for food.

These young lads, through Jonathan’s intervention, are now in classrooms and would be future leaders. So, if you are building for the future, you are impacting lives. We were spending billions of naira importing rice. The agricultural reform plan of this administration has changed all that, that we now have rice.
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Eaglets seek redemption against Guinea


Golden Eaglets
Golden Eaglets
World champions Nigeria will engage Guinea in a battlefor supremacy when they clash in a third-place match at the 11th CAF U17 Championship in Niger Republic tomorrow. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/02/eaglets-seek-redemption-against-guinea/#sthash.hh2897J4.dpuf
Both teams battled to a 1-1 draw in their second group match with goals from Sam Diallo through a penalty kick after 17 minutes, while Kelechi Nwakali drew Nigeria level from penalty spot in the 85th minute.

Both teams have met thrice in this competition in 1995, when Nigeria won 2-1 in a group game, drew 2-2 in a group game in 2001 and drew 1-1 in the on-going edition.

The team’s coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, slammed the team’s performance against Guinea in the group stage as the worst game the Eaglets have played under his reign.

World champions Nigeria will engage Guinea in a battlefor supremacy when they clash in a third-place match at the 11th CAF U17 Championship in Niger Republic tomorrow.

Eaglets seek redemption against Guinea

on   /   in Sports 1:47 am   /   Comments
World champions Nigeria will engage Guinea in a battlefor supremacy when they clash in a third-place match at the 11th CAF U17 Championship in Niger Republic tomorrow.

Golden Eaglets
Golden Eaglets

Both teams battled to a 1-1 draw in their second group match with goals from Sam Diallo through a penalty kick after 17 minutes, while Kelechi Nwakali drew Nigeria level from penalty spot in the 85th minute. Both teams have met thrice in this competition in 1995, when Nigeria won 2-1 in a group game, drew 2-2 in a group game in 2001 and drew 1-1 in the on-going edition.
The team’s coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, slammed the team’s performance against Guinea in the group stage as the worst game the Eaglets have played under his reign.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/02/eaglets-seek-redemption-against-guinea/#sthash.hh2897J4.dpuf

Eaglets seek redemption against Guinea

on   /   in Sports 1:47 am   /   Comments
World champions Nigeria will engage Guinea in a battlefor supremacy when they clash in a third-place match at the 11th CAF U17 Championship in Niger Republic tomorrow.

Golden Eaglets
Golden Eaglets

Both teams battled to a 1-1 draw in their second group match with goals from Sam Diallo through a penalty kick after 17 minutes, while Kelechi Nwakali drew Nigeria level from penalty spot in the 85th minute. Both teams have met thrice in this competition in 1995, when Nigeria won 2-1 in a group game, drew 2-2 in a group game in 2001 and drew 1-1 in the on-going edition.
The team’s coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, slammed the team’s performance against Guinea in the group stage as the worst game the Eaglets have played under his reign.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/02/eaglets-seek-redemption-against-guinea/#sthash.hh2897J4.dpuf

Eaglets seek redemption against Guinea

on   /   in Sports 1:47 am   /   Comments
World champions Nigeria will engage Guinea in a battlefor supremacy when they clash in a third-place match at the 11th CAF U17 Championship in Niger Republic tomorrow.

Golden Eaglets
Golden Eaglets

Both teams battled to a 1-1 draw in their second group match with goals from Sam Diallo through a penalty kick after 17 minutes, while Kelechi Nwakali drew Nigeria level from penalty spot in the 85th minute. Both teams have met thrice in this competition in 1995, when Nigeria won 2-1 in a group game, drew 2-2 in a group game in 2001 and drew 1-1 in the on-going edition.
The team’s coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, slammed the team’s performance against Guinea in the group stage as the worst game the Eaglets have played under his reign.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/02/eaglets-seek-redemption-against-guinea/#sthash.hh2897J4.dpuf
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NYSC Member Commits Suicide After Girlfriend Dumps Him

chioma-225x300
                                         
Chioma Okewuru

A 26-year-old National Youth Service Corp member, simply identified as Ernest, has committed suicide after being jilted by his girlfriend, Chioma Okewuru, who is also a corps member. Vanguard Newspaper reports
The two corps members met and fell in love while serving in Redemption Secondary School, Ofombogha 1 in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross Rivers State. Vanguard Newspaper reports that the deceased, a graduate of the University of Benin, went berserk when the lady came back from her village over the weekend with a ring from a man she had promised to marry.
Mr. Noah Ntuen, Acting Divisional Police Officer for Obubra confirmed the incident saying “the girl had told the guy that she would not marry him, but that they could be friends. So when she came back from home last weekend and showed him the ring her husband-to-be gave her, the young man became furious.
“On Wednesday, the situation became worse and at about 7pm, he locked himself in the room and took some poisonous substances.” “They met at the NYSC Orientation Camp at Abrekpe-Ebokpo and as luck would have it, they were both posted to the same school where they had a relationship going. “He had the hope the whole thing would end in marriage, but Chioma already had another person she wants to marry.”
[Video] Download Chidinma Kite

[Video] Download Chidinma Kite

Capital Hill’s Chidinma premieres video to the Del B produced number titled “Kite”. The alluring video was shot on locations in Cape Town, South Africa by Clarence Peters. What a delight to the eyes.


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Download Chidinma Kite 
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[Video] Praiz Ft. Wizkid – Sisi













Praiz-Shoots-Sisi-video-featuring-Wizkid-8ft




















Praiz finally unwraps the visuals for his Wizkid assisted track “Sisi”. The GospelOnDeBeatz produced number is housed on the X3M Music tenor’s album “Famous”.
Watch the Unlimited L.A directed clip and drop your comments.

Watch & Download Praiz Ft. Wizkid – Sisi Video Below:-



Download Praiz ft Wizkid 
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Ebonyi Assembly begins impeachment moves against Gov Elechi


Ebonyi State governor, Martin Elechi
Ebonyi State governor, Martin Elechi


Ebonyi State governor, Chief Martin Elechi, on Friday accused some key figures in the Federal Government and the Peoples Democratic Government of masterminding the impeachment plot against him.
The governor made the allegation just as an impeachment motion was passed against him by members of the Ebonyi House of Assembly.
In his response to the plot, Elechi named the Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim; Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party; Uche Secondus; and the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Olisa Metuh as those behind the move.
In the eight-count charge signed by fifteen lawmakers and read on the floor of the House by the Acting Leader, Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, Elechi was accused of gross misconduct.
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The lawmakers said they endorsed the notice of impeachment served on Elechi because his alleged offence was a clear violation of the Constitution.
However, addressing journalists at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Abakaliki, the state capital, about the same time the impeachment motion was being moved at the House of Assembly, Elechi alleged that Anyim, Secondus, Metu and others within and outside the state offered financial inducement to the lawmakers to impeach him.
According to him, Anyim had earlier during a national caucus meeting of the PDP in Abuja moved a motion for his impeachment on the allegation that he, Elechi, was working against the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Elechi also said he was accused of meeting with former president Olusegun Obasanjo and former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, to work against Jonathan.
Denying ever meeting with Obasanjo, whom he described as an in-law of Ebonyi State, or Nyako, whom he said he saw last during an expanded National Executive Council meeting of the PDP before Nyako’s impeachment, Elechi stressed that it was Anyim and his likes, through their activities, that were undermining Jonathan’s re-election bid in the state.
Elechi said, “I mentioned this as one of Anyim’s motion (at PDP caucus meeting) because it has come to the public domain.
“I was to be in that meeting but the notice came less than 24 hours and I had billed myself for other things, so I didn’t attend.
“I am relying now on the publications of various papers and other things I hear about Anyim.
“I didn’t exhaust all of them like his effort to stop the bond which we are eminently qualified for, he tried that but he failed.
“It is interesting for Nigerians to know that the decision to impeach the governor preceded the finding of justifiable reasons to do so.
“It is simply the case of giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it.
“The legislators must be convinced that an impeachment is justifiable before they can consent to it.
“But because there have been no justifiable reasons, many honourable members of Ebonyi State House of Assembly received threat messages to either append their signatures or risk assassination and/or a kidnap of their family members.
“Others were coerced from the National Headquarters of the PDP to give their bank particulars so that money will be paid into them.”
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