AFCON 2013: Keshi Clears The Air On Quit Threat

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, came under fire recently when he hinted the AFCON 2013 finals might be his last outing in charge of Nigeria’s national team.
Keshi dropped the bombshell at a press conference in Durban on Tuesday and following the controversy his announcement elicited, he has now moved to clarify his comments.
“It doesn’t really matter what people think about what Stephen Keshi is doing. The most important thing is what I am doing here and passing on to my team. If back home in my country, they don’t appreciate what I am doing with the team, so be it,” Keshi explained.
It was widely reported that Keshi fell out with top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the Super Eagles’ draw in their first two games of the competition with the former national team captain threatening to walk out on the team after the sports minister reportedly mooted the idea of hiring a foreign technical adviser.
Keshi also hinted in a thinly-veiled remark that there is no love lost between him and the NFF officials.
“You can’t force somebody to love you. You can’t force somebody to accept you. It has to come from within,” he stated.

Following his 10-year coaching stint which has seen him manage the Togo and Mali national sides, Keshi stressed that he could be on the verge of a move from his current post after the 2013 Afcon.
“We are all professionals. If God grants me (the Afcon title with Nigeria today), the very next day, I might pack my things and leave for another country.
“It is the same thing with (Jose) Mourinho and all the other top coaches in the world. I could stay on and I could leave. It depends on the situation.
“I am a professional and we will see how it goes.
“This is where my heart is, I captained the Super Eagles for 14 years. I have been here as assistant coach. I am here for now but after the tournament, we will see if there is any (offer) out there,” he concluded.
InformationNigeria

El-Rufai Faces Arrest, Prosecution Over Publication Of Classified Documents In New Book

Indications have emerged that former FCT Minister, Malam Nasir el-Rufai may be quizzed and likely face prosecution over alleged breaches of the Official Secrets Act following his massive reproduction of restricted and classified government documents in his memoir, “The Accidental Public Servant,” which was launched yesterday in Abuja and now on sale nationwide.
The book, which details El-Rufai’s nearly 10 years in government, is being studied  by the appropriate government security agencies for proper legal action against the former minister in line with the law of the land.
According to a source, “The Official Secrets Act, which only ensures that classified documents are de-classified only after 10 years provides that—  a person who (a) transmits any classified matter to a person to whom he is not authorised on behalf of the government to transmit it; or (b) obtains, reproduces or retains any classified  matter which he is not authorised on behalf of the government to obtain, reproduce or retain, as the case may be, is guilty of an offence.
“We are  taking a close look at El-Rufai’s book as it relates to the “massive  reproduction of classified documents” and may invoke the necessary sections of the law where breaches are  occurred”.
The source noted that “invoking the relevant law as it relates to breaches of the official secrets act is to ensure that classified documents remain classified as prescribed by law.”

A cursory look at page 533 of the book, el-Rufai lavishly published Federal Government of Nigeria’s classified memo from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President dated June 7 2007 and entitled “Re: Sale of FGN Houses in Abuja-Disposal of former Presidential Guest Houses attached to the office of the Vice-President.”
In addition, on page 535, he also  published a memo from the Chief of Staff to the Chairman, FCT Transition Committee dated June 12, 2007 and entitled “Re: Disposal of former Presidential Guest houses attached to the Office of the Vice-President.” While on page 596, a memo from the Special Assistant to the President to the FCT Minister dated April 27th 2006, entitled “Re: Application for Private Audience with Mr. President.” On page 597 is also reproduced memo from late Hon. Justice Bashir Sambo to President Olusegun Obasanjo dated April 13th 2006 entitled “Re: Application for Private Audience With Mr President.”
The source further disclosed that similar classified documents were also reproduced on pages 601, 602, 606, 607 and 608 of the book.
“ All I can tell you now is that as a responsible agent of the state,we will not allow such a thing like this to go unchallenged,by the time we finish our assignment,we will act in accordance with tje law of the land,nobody is above the laws of the land”, the Source declared.
InformationNigeria

TON Exclusive: Kanye West Set To DUMP PREGNANT KIM KARDASHIAN

Talkofnaija just received a BLOCKBUSTER report from a person with CLOSE TIES to rapper Kanye West. Apparently Yeezy is trying to DISTANCE HIMSELF from his newly pregnant babys mother Kim Kardashian.
The insider who asked for anonymity tells us that Kanye has been AVOIDING his babys moms - and doing his best NOT to spend time with her. The insider explained, "Kanye was coming to Abu Dhabi for a concert and Kim wanted to come with him cause she loves that place. Ye didn't allow her because he said it was dangerous for her to travel while pregnant. But the real reason is his closest friends (Hov included) keep telling him to show up less with Kim, because she's always a bad look for his image."
And now Kanye is making an UNPRECEDENTED move. We're told that Kanye plans on MOVING TO PARIS for the next two months (at least) until he finishes his new album. Kim, we're told, is being asked to stay in the United States and "give him space" while he works and "sorts things out."
Wow . . . he's ALREADY moved out and they JUST bought that house together.
TalkOfNaija

Must-have services to power your new technology

By Ilyce R. Glink

(Photo credit: Thinkstock)If you're a tech junkie who can't wait to get your hands on the hottest new hardware, you already know how important it is to have good service behind those devices. After all, what good is a smart TV with HD resolution if you only have an antenna that receives four channels?

Here are a few must-haves that will help you get the most out of your new gear – no matter what you're using it for.

The ultimate gaming experience
If you're a gamer, you had plenty to drool over at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. Whether you're playing Xbox on an 85-inch TV or using a portable gaming table like the new Razer Edge, there's nothing that ruins an epic virtual battle quite like a slow Internet connection.
[Want a faster Internet connection? Click to compare rates from providers now.]
To avoid lag time during gaming, power your tablet or console with an Internet speed that can handle quick uploads and downloads. Some providers, like Comcast, offer Internet with speeds up to 105 Mbps, but that's probably too much – even for an avid gamer. Instead of going full-throttle, opt for an Internet connection with download speeds around 20 Mbps. This is sure to be enough for a multi-gamer household, and can easily handle everyone in the house being online at the same time.
Bundle your Internet with cable TV and, depending on the cable package and provider, spend anywhere from $69.99 to $119.99 per month. Be sure to find out how much you'll spend after the promotional period is up; this varies depending on provider, package and location.
Theater-style entertainment
Every movie buff knows that the latest in television and audio technology is a must-have for any home theater. Pair an enormous 3D TV with a top-of-the-line surround sound system, a comfy couch and some popcorn, and get ready for some serious in-home entertainment.
You'll need a few different things to get the most out of your 3D TV experience: a compatible television, an HD receiver and service from a provider that offers plenty of 3D channels. Currently, DirecTV offers the most options with three all-3D channels – n3D, 3net and ESPN3D. The provider also offers 3D movies on its DirecTV Cinema pay-per-view channel.
Other providers - like Comcast, Time Warner and Verizon - offer ESPN 3D and 3D movies. Like DirecTV, Comcast offers its own all-3D channel, Xfinity 3D. Dish Network also offers 3D options, with a wide variety of 3D movies available through Dish Cinema.
[Want to switch Cable providers? Click to compare rates now.]
While many of these companies don't charge extra for 3D channels, customers may need to shell out extra cash for an upgraded 3D-compatible receiver or HDMI cable. Read the fine print, ask questions and always consider a bundle to save a few bucks on service.
The ultimate home office
Today's technology makes it easier than ever to enjoy the perks of a fully wired home office. And while it's not as exciting as playing video games on a high-tech console or watching 3D movies for hours on end, working from home is a lot more fun than braving a long commute. After all, who doesn't enjoy conference calls in their pajamas?
The lifeline of any home office is high-speed Internet, but a substantial data plan is equally as important. Whether you're out of state or just working on-the-go, you'll need quick, reliable access to your smartphone and tablet. Now more than ever, providers are offering shareable data plans at affordable rates. To keep costs down, be sure to use WiFi at home and, when possible, while you're away. You won't whittle down your data limit, and you'll avoid overages that could cost big money in the long term.
Check with your provider to see how much data you need, and ask about bundling services to save money.
[Find the best digital services bundle for you. Click to compare rates now.]
Powering all those tablets, smartphones, high-def TVs and gaming devices can get pretty pricey, but having the latest technology doesn't have to break the bank. Shop around for the best price on services, and set (and stick to) a budget for technology.
To really keep track of spending, use the same checking account or credit card to pay for devices and the services that power them. Audit the account every few months to make sure you're on-budget, and remember to contact your service providers as promotional deals run out. Re-bundle when you can, and if your provider won't work with you, find one that will.
Yahoo!News

‘Strong individuals weakened Nigeria’

by Andrew Agbese

Gen. Muhammadu Buhari

Efficient institutions bequeathed by British colonialists at independence were later weakened by strong Nigerian leaders for self-serving reasons, former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, has said.

General Buhari who spoke at the public presentation of the book, “The Accidental Public Servant” authored by former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, in Abuja yesterday said the British colonialists left behind very strong civil service, police, judiciary, the military and other institutions which were later weakened by influence of some “strong individuals.”

The former Head of State said the essence of having strong institutions is demonstrated in Italy, where the average life span of their administrations at a time was only nine months, but that the country was able to withstand the changes and develop because it had strong institutions.

He said the only way for Nigeria to return to the ideal situation where institutions would be strengthened above individuals is to invest in education, adding that the current situation where the investment in education is low cannot guarantee that. General Buhari recalled that in the days of the late Premier of Northern region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, about 46 percent of the budget of the region was devoted to education while the Western region under Chief Obafemi Awolowo invested over 55 percent of its resources on education.

He said the current situation where a minimal percentage of the budget is spent on education while the rest is spent on security is a misplaced priority that needs to be addressed.

General Buhari berated those saying Nigeria should be split, saying they were talking out of ignorance because the people are so intertwined that it would be difficult to split the country along the lines being suggested. He said the country needs people like El-Rufai to prick its conscience so that it can reorganize and get things right. He commended the author describing the work as a courageous effort.

Buhari recalled that he escaped the fury of El-Rufai while the former was FCT minster because he did not develop his plot early enough.

“I escaped the fury of El-Rufai, when I failed to develop my plot early enough, because if I had, I would have got a local contractor, and El-Rufai would have demolished it,” he stated.

DailyTrust

Buhari: Opposition Set to Reclaim Nigeria from PDP

The launching of a book, "The Accidental Public Servant", written by a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Thursday in Abuja provided a platform for politicians across party divide to dissect the state of the nation. The forum also provided them an avenue to give insight into how the battle for votes during the 2015 elections would be fought.

Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) National Leader, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), in his speech at the book launch, said opposition parties had begun mobilising for the 2015 general election to show their seriousness in wanting to wrest power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He cited the formation of a new party, All Progressive Congress (APC), by four opposition parties — CPC, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) — as an indication of their determination to unseat the PDP in the next general election.
It was also at the occasion that the Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, dropped a hint on his interest to run for the presidential election in 2015.
In addition, the author of the book came under criticism from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who faulted some of his narration of events while in government. On his part, ACN National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, in his remarks, pointedly told El-Rufai that he could not exonerate himself from the rot of the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whose tenure the book covers.
According to Buhari who lamented the state of the nation, what Nigeria needs now is a strong and determined leader to deliver it from a looming trouble.
Referring to what the United States President Barack Obama said on the need for strong institutions in developing nations, he said the opposite was the case in Nigeria because the country required a strong leader with discipline and determination to restore the institutions to their proper glory.
Buhari also advised those fanning the embers of disunity to desist from doing so as "the country is too intertwined to divide".
On the formation of APC, Buhari said the party has begun mobilising for the 2015 elections and would make public its manifesto after its committees have finished articulating it.
In his address, Aliyu said he welcomed the formation of APC and expressed his preparedness to contest for the presidency in 2015.
According to him, forming a stronger opposition party will help the development of democracy in the country and help ensure that only competent persons aspire to occupy public offices.
"Today, I am one of those in the PDP who is happy with the merger of opposition parties because this will make sure that no riff-raff will ever come to vie for political office in the name of democracy. For me, I am not an accidental public servant; I am prepared for it, and when someone asked, 'I heard you want to run for president', I said I am prepared," he said.
In his contribution, Tinubu, represented by ACN spokesman, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said no amount of explanation by El-Rufai could exonerate him from the foibles of the Obasanjo administration, in which he actively participated.
He, however said though nothing has since changed in the leadership of the country from that era, help was on the way as the proposed merger of the opposition parties would take care of the fears of Nigerians.
He added that the revelations in the book were too instructive to be ignored because they come directly from an active player in the system at the time.
"Nasir was not just an eyewitness to power, he had his whole body in the power arena and that is why we must not be in a hurry to dismiss some of the most troubling revelations in his book. Inasmuch as Nasir may not and cannot exonerate himself from all that happened, he has chosen a road less travelled by telling it all," he said.
A former House of Representatives Speaker, Hon. Aminu Masari, who chaired the occasion, urged people who had held public office to document their experiences for posterity and to assist others coming after them to learn some lessons.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said the book launch had brought Nigerians from across political divide together to honour el-Rufai, whom he described as a man of humility and who has respect for family.
The book reviewer and Director General of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, described the book in a simple term as 'excellent' and rigorously fair to former President Obasanjo with six of the 17 chapters describing El-Rufai's experience while working with the former president.
His assessment was, however, at variance with the mood in Obasanjo camp as many of the former president’s allies boycotted the book launch.
A source said Obasanjo, who is angry with el-Rufai over his account of events in his administration, is planning to rebut some of the issues the former minister addressed in the book.
In his response, El-Rufai said he was overwhelmed by the speeches at the occasion and the reactions that his book has generated.
In his reaction to the book, Atiku dismissed it as a collection of fiction, half-truths, exaggeration and reflection of selective memory.
A statement from Atiku’s Media Office, said he was particularly piqued by the claim of el-Rufai that he almost resigned as Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) because of alleged persistent pressure and interference by the former vice-president who was then the chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP).
His account of his relationship with the former vice-president, the statement added, contradicted el-Rufai’s testimony at the Senate Public Hearing on BPE from August 8 to 13, 2011 where he told the committee that because he had a special relationship with Obasanjo, he could bypass the council in the decision making process.
Naij

Many Countries Tail Stephen Keshi As He Hints At Bailing

A wonderful tournament so far for Nigerian Coach Stephen Keshi at the ongoing African Cup of Nations, AFCON, and the likelihood of him not continuing as the Super Eagles’ coach has seen many countries lining up for his signature.
Sources close to the Eagles’ coach said some agents have been on their toes trying to talk the former skipper of the Nigerian national team into considering their clients if indeed he is bent on quitting his job as Super Eagles’ coach at the end of AFCON 2013.
The identities of the countries in line for Keshi’s signature were not revealed though, but a source said Keshi has refused to commit himself as he reportedly told them he was still on contract with the NFF.
Keshi’s hint on leaving the national team when he said he was not sure if he would remain Eagles’ coach after AFCON 2013, since he is a professional coach and would go for the highest bidder is seen as the major reason for the rush by many countries to get him.

He made this statement since according to him the Nigerian people seem not to appreciate what he is doing with the team.
With the team doing so well now, and having qualified for the finals, it remains to be seen if Keshi would still leave the national team, especially if the Super Eagles make Nigeria proud by winning the cup.
The football governing body in Nigeria, NFF has not commented on Keshi’s statement but has given him all the needed support since the Super Eagles turned the tables in their favour.
InformationNigeria