Gbemi Saraki Tears Kwara PDP Apart

What both the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, thought they have gained by removing Bolaji Abdulahi, the immediate past Minister of Sport is now tearing PDP in Kwara State apart. The new ruling party in the Harmony state, All Progressive Congress, (APC), is now enjoying a temporary relief just as the replacement for Abdulahi in the federal cabinet has removed the fragile peace recorded in PDP in the state. The oneness displaced some weeks ago when the President visited Kwara State was certainly a ruse as; leadership of the party has broken into factions a situation that is making it difficult for Aso Rock to find a replacement for the former minister in the state. According to information gathered by News of The People, many of the elders and leaders in PDP do not want Senator Gbemi Saraki to be appointed as minister, but she has the support of the National leadership of the party and that of the Presidency.
It was alleged that some angry members threatened that they will decamp to APC if Senator Gbemi Saraki is approved as a minister from Kwara. One of the loyalists of other contenders who craved anonymity said, “if Gbemi emerges as a minister, she will automatically assume the leadership position of PDP against the interest of my political leader. Her appointment would amount to a perpetuation of Saraki dynasty which we in the PDP are believed to be waging war against”.
Other top PDP contenders for the plum job are Muinat Shagaya, Yinka Aluko, Sulyman Ajadi, Prof. Shuaib Abduraheem, Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Bio Ibrahim, Yinka Alabi, John Dara, Lola Ashiru etc. If the rumour going around is anything to go by, is only a matter of days before Gbemi’s name will be sent to the Senate for confirmation, it will then mean that the structures of APC and that of PDP will effectively be under the control of the Sarakis.

NewsOfThePeople

Why Do African/Nigerian Kleptocrats Steal Money They Don’t Need, Use, See, Reach, Or Ever Access?

By Austin Aneke

Why do African/Nigerian politicians steal money they don’t use, see, need, reach, or access?  The stealing by government officials in Nigeria is systematic, planned, organised, endemic, and extreme. Nigeria’s thieving autocrats have turned every treasury in Nigeria into a crime scene. They spare no funds- no matter how consolidated. They spare no assets or public accounts because they are morally depraved and ethically bankrupt.
They steal so much that no matter how lavish their life styles within the country become, they can only use a fraction of their loot in their life time. Most times their loots are hidden in foreign bank accounts in tax heavens, especially Switzerland. Their stealing spree creates huge holes in the development process at home; hence HOME is unstable and unsafe to keep stolen funds. Home may explode at any minute.
Nevertheless, at the commencement of the inevitable trouble at home; the foreign hosts of their looted funds also commence their black mail. “Sorry you can’t reach the funds until we clarify certain issues”. The foreign host tax heavens- ensure that the funds are seized, forfeited and ring fenced. The looter gets ill and dies.
The US government recently froze about $483.00 million stolen by former Nigerian dictator – Sanni Abacha, in largest kleptocracy forfeiture action ever brought in the US. If you wish to know; the $483.00 million dollars, is in addition to the £500- $700 million dollars previously recovered from the same culprit by the Nigeria government. These were monies he never used, saw, reached, and as we now know- accessed.
So lets get it right.
Africa/Nigeria is not a tax heaven for depositing stolen foreign/local resources, because the regimes over time, have made it unsafe. However, Africans/Nigerians steal the funds and deposit them into foreign fortes because “HOME” is not safe. Africans/Nigerians lose the funds because the foreign thieves hosting the funds, blackmail their families and Nigeria- at their death, coup, or insurrection. The ultimate loser is the ordinary African/Nigerian in the street.
So when will African/Nigerian leaders stop stealing the funds they cannot use, reach, access, or touch; which are eventually lost to handlers of stolen goods, abroad. When will African/Nigerian leaders start copying Nelson Mandela and stop behaving in ways that endear them to no one? When will they start realising that the public at home and their foreign deposit countries loathe them? The foreign countries do not like them, but love what hey bring to them (stolen money), at the expense of their own people (Africans/Nigerians).
Is it not phony when you hear that Dangote is the richest man in Africa/Nigeria? He may be the richest business man, but he is clearly not the richest man in Africa or Nigeria. The richest men in Africa/Nigeria can be found in ex -ministers/Presidents, Prime Ministers, Governors. Nevertheless and unfortunately Forbes magazine cannot categorise them as richest, because first they know that their funds were stolen, and second- they are aware that they don’t even have access to their funds nor control them. Furthermore, because these funds running into billions are stolen and hidden, groups like Forbes find it difficult to categorise, classify, or measure their wealth. The recent missing $20 billion dollars in Nigeria is a case in point. This is just unaccounted funds just for about one financial year. Where do you think the money has gone? Mobutu is believed to have lost about £4 billion dollars of his country’s resources in Swiss Fortes.
“Kleptocracy is a form of political and government corruption where the government exists to increase the personal wealth and political power of its officials and the ruling class at the expense of the wider population, often with pretence of honest service. This type of government corruption is often achieved by the embezzlement of state funds”.
While the stealing continues, the primary schools are in shambles, there is no primary health care, the Universities are shot, poor roads are constructed, if at all, and there is no pipe borne water. The health systems remain so rotten that almost all the Kleptocrats pride themselves in accessing health facilities abroad.
Past and present African/Nigerian politicians compete on who builds the best marble houses, with looted funds, - for personal use, and on hill tops. They also compete on who is rated as having looted more billions of dollars, pounds and naira. And you know what; the people hail them in these unholy competitions. The people will say that “he/she is doing well”. “He just built a personal marble house after just 6 months in office”.
The culture of stealing public funds in Africa/Nigeria is alarming. African legislative houses are houses of thieves. Unintelligible gangsters rule Africa/Nigeria. African political officials are voted in- NOT to do well, but to help to dismember the treasuries.
So, when will African/Nigerian leaders start to realise the vanity of their stealing spree? When will they begin to realise that the deaths of African presidents Zenawi of Ethiopia, John of Ghana, and Bingu Mutharika of Malawi, all in one year, are enough signs to prompt them to reflect and realise the vanity of their stealing spree? When will they begin to realise that African/Nigerian people are the only losers in the stealing debacle? When will African/Nigerian people stop cheering their kleptocrats?
When will African/Nigerian politicians start returning their loots before they are lost to greedy western banks and countries? Who will introduce an African/Nigerian money return initiative to help save the stolen funds stashed in Switzerland and its ilk? When will the world commence prosecuting African/Nigerian politicians for economic terrorism against their people?
Austin Aneke is the author of Technology and Corruption and founder of www.june12post.com
Saharareporters

Family Secret Uncovered: Meet President Jonathan’s Second Wife, Mrs. Lott Jonathan

Unknown to most Nigerians, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has another wife, aside from the First Lady, Dame Patience Ibifaka (née Oba). The existence of his second wife, Mrs. Lott Jonathan, popularly called Mrs. Lott J, is one major aspect of GEJ’s family life, which is consciously being kept out of the awareness of most Nigerians. Lott J is not just President Jonathan’s second wife, she is also the mother of his children-two boys.
A Law graduate of Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Lott J is the daughter of Chief F.D. Lott, renowned lawyer and former Attorney General of Bayelsa State. She is the cousin of Dezieni Allison-Madueke, the controversy-inclined Minister of Petroleum, and the two are as close as blood sisters can be. The ELITES gathered that Lott J’s father is a member of the Governing Council of Niger Delta University, Bayelsa.

Sources disclosed to The ELITES that Lott J has been married to the president even before he made his foray into politics. It was gathered that after Jonathan became the Deputy-Governor of Bayelsa State, Lott J tried to muscle her way into his heart, by using her two sons as a bargaining chips to tie his hand. However, she met a resistance in a fiery Patience, who foiled all her attempts. By the time Jonathan became the governor of Bayelsa State, he decided to relocate his second wife and two sons to the United States of America. Shortly after Jonathan became president, Lott J came back to Nigeria with her two sons, and made Abuja her place of abode. Sources disclosed to The ELITES that Lott J lives in one of the most highbrow areas in Maitama Street. Her husband is said to pay her a visit every Sunday.
Described as a very easy-going and self-effacing lady, Lott J owns and runs a private school, Aduvie Montessori International. It is situated off Blantyre Street in Maitama and it is rated as one of the best in FCT Abuja.
TheParadigm

7 Things You Should Never Do In Bed (And 2 You Definitely Should)

It might be the cardinal rule of good sleep hygiene: The bed is for sleep and sex only.
There's still much we don't know about the science of sleep, but experts are resoundingly supportive of these two s-words. (Some even have their own riffs on the adage, like this gem from Dr. M. Safwan Badr, M.D., president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine: "I say the bed is for two things that begin with the letter S, and struggling and suffering are not among them.")
The idea has become so widely-spread that now even Lauren Conrad knows it to be true. She told Allure magazine that she's trying to get over her habit of doing work from her bed, and wanted her bedroom to be very calm. "Your bed is for sleep and sex," she said. Bingo!
Still, many of us are guilty of engaging in a whole host of other activities in the bedroom -- and we don't mean that in a "what you do behind closed doors is up to you" kind of way. Here are a few things you should never do in bed and why you'll want to quit it.
HuffingtonPost

Why You Can't Get Enough Sleep

9 Reasons You Can't Get Enough Sleep

by Leta Shy

There are many important reasons to get enough sleep every night; not only does sleep help keep you slim, but it also helps reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. If you can't get enough healthy shut-eye every night, one of these habits could be the culprit.

1. You go to bed with your electronics: Catching up on Facebook or scrolling through Pinterest on your iPad will trick your brain into thinking it's still day, which can disrupt your body's circadian rhythm. Help yourself wind down by shutting off your electronics at least 20 minutes before bed.
2. You haven't upgraded: An old, lumpy mattress or dust-mite-filled pillow can turn your nights into restless hours up with a sore back or a stuffy nose. Replace your pillows every year (here are some tips on picking the right one) and replace old, worn mattresses when they've reached the end of their life cycle.
3. You ate too late: Making a habit of late-night eating can cause digestion issues that keep you up at night. Opt for an earlier, lighter dinner if possible if you notice heartburn or other digestive distress at bedtime.
4. You choose the wrong drink: That afternoon pick-me-up or evening nightcap may now be the reason why you can't drift off to sleep. Keep track of your insomnia trigger, whether it's caffeine, alcohol, or sugary drinks, and limit those as much as possible for a good night's sleep.
5. You don't turn off: Constantly worrying, thinking about your to-do list, or cataloging the chores you need to do can keep you from drifting off to sleep. Keep a journal by your bed so you can jot down ideas and to-dos, and shut your mind off.
6. You're a fan of naps: A midday or postwork nap on the couch can make it hard to get to sleep when it's primetime. If you think your naps are disrupting your sleep, try and save your Z's and get back on schedule.
7. Your bedroom isn't a sanctuary: Loud street noises, computers on and humming, pets taking over your bed — all these distractions can make you drift in and out of a deep sleep so you feel groggy in the morning. Keep your TV, work, and other distractions out of your bedroom, and try to maintain an uncluttered, cool temperature bedroom with these bedroom makeover tips.
8. You have too much energy: Exercise helps burn up energy you have during the day so that you go to sleep fast once you hit the hay. Maintain a regular workout schedule during the week so you're ready for sleep once night falls.
9. You don't wind down: A good book, a mug of herbal tea, and a de-stressing yoga routine — having a bedtime relaxing routine will help you prep for bed and relieve stress and anxiety.

Exclusive: APC May Ban Ali Modu Sheriff Over Unruly Behaviour At NEC Meeting

By The Paradigm
Indications have emerged that the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC), may ban former governor of Borno State Sen Ali Modu Sheriff  over unruly conduct, as he almost turned the party’s 9th Interim National Executive Committee meeting (NEC), which held on Tuesday 18th March in Abuja to a war zone.
Mr. Ali Modu Sheriff whose behaviour sources describe as unbecoming of a party leader,  launched a verbal attack on former Lagos Governor and chieftain of the party Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over the latter’s comment. Asiwaju had earlier in the meeting warned party members to stop romancing with the ruling People’s Democratic Party.  Tinubu warned some of the party leaders present at the meeting, accusing them of flip flopping and dancing with the PDP.
Sources in the meeting revealed to The Paradigm that the former Lagos governor might actually be referring to past Ogun State Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba, who is being suspected for anti-party activities.
Having heard this warning, Sen. Sheriff felt offended, thinking the warning was hauled at him. He went on to make several derogatory comments, with all pleas turning on deaf hear. “He kept shouting and insulting” the source told The Paradigm.

Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff questioned Tinubu for behaving as if he owns the party. Tinubu promptly corrected him that it was OUR party and he can not just make wide allegations and expect to get away with it.
General Buhari, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and others tried to calm Sen. Sheriff down but it failed. Tinubu kept quiet. General Buhari intervened with stern comments about Sheriff’s comments and behavior.
Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, is said to have a running battle with his successor in office, Gov. Kashim Shettima. Ever since the formation of the APC in the state, the former governor has been struggling to hijack the party structure handed over to the governor by the party leadership.
The NEC meeting was attended by members of the party’s interim national leadership led by Chief Bisi Akande, governors Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Dr Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, and Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State. National leaders of the party that were also in attendance included Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, General Muhammadu Buhari,  Senator Ali Modu Sheriif, Dr  Ogbonnaya  Onu, former  vice president Atiku Abubakar,  Chief  Olusegun Osoba, Senator  Bukola Saraki, Senator Abubakar Goje and other members of the National Interim Executive of the party.
TheParadigm

Homeless Mother Gets Job Interview But Doesn’t Have Childcare, Ends Up In Jail

By Annie-Rose Strasser

CREDIT: Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office

Shanesha Taylor, a woman from Scottsdale, Arizona, is homeless. So when she got asked to come in for a job interview last Thursday, she must have been excited by the prospect. But when you’re homeless, there isn’t always an easy way to take an hour off from watching your kids to be at an interview. That’s how Taylor, 35, wound up losing her children to Child Protective Service — and losing out on the potential job.
Taylor was charged with two felony counts of child abuse for leaving her six-month-old and two-year-old in a car with the windows cracked last Thursday for at least 45 minutes as she sat in an interview for a potential job. She told officers that she was homeless, so she couldn’t leave her children in the house, and she had no one else to watch them.
“She was upset,” Sargent Mark Clark, Public Information Officer for Scottsdale Police, told WFSB. “This is a sad situation all around. She said she was homeless, she needed the job. Obviously, not getting the job. So it’s just a sad situation.”
Taylor remains in jail, an official from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s office confirmed, and will likely remain there until her first court date.
It is undeniably very unsafe to leave a child in a locked car. Thirty-eight children suffer heat-related deaths every year from being locked in a vehicle, according to Kids and Cars. But Taylor’s story raises an important issue: People in her situation are left with only bad options.
“It’s reasonable to turn the lens back on us,” Shahera Hyatt, Project Director for the California Homeless Youth Project, told ThinkProgress. “What did we do to not help her find childcare when she had that appointment?”
Hyatt points to her own state, California, which has cut 110,000 subsidized child care slots, about a quarter of the total spots in the program, since 2008, leaving low-income parents with few feasible options for child care on short notice.
Arizona’s child care situation for its low-income residents is, if anything, worse than California’s. In the past four years, the state has cut 40 percent of its total child care budget, $81 million, which led to an estimated 33,000 children who would otherwise be eligible for subsidized care to go without it. (By the numbers, that’s less than California — but Arizona’s population is about one fifth of the Golden State’s.) Between 2012 and 2013, there was a decrease in the number of children served for every single child care program in the state except for Child Protective Services.
But even when child care programs are available, the system to help out parents like Taylor isn’t always responsive enough. “There’s not really a great infrastructure to provide things like that, like child care. Mom got an interview this week? She might be on a waiting list for a really long time. She can’t do it at the last minute,” Hyatt said.
Homeless people also struggle with more than child care when looking for work — they can have difficulty finding an internet connection to apply to job or transportation to get to interviews, clean clothes, or a place to put their belongings. And once they land a job offer, they can run into even more problems, especially if they don’t have things like an ID or birth certificate. It’s a vicious cycle; not having a job perpetuates homelessness, which can in turn make it even harder to find a job.
This is likely the position Taylor found herself in when she had the opportunity to interview last week. She is probably “not an evil, criminal, bad woman,” Hyatt added. “She is just trying to do the right thing.”

TP