SAD: Florida man decapitates his mother

A Florida man is charged with first-degree murder after his mother was found decapitated outside their home on New Year's Eve.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Mario Gomez called 911 on Wednesday evening and told dispatchers that his brother Christian had killed their mother and cut off her head.

Deputies found Maria Suarez-Cassagne's body outside the Oldsmar home, near some garbage cans.

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said Thursday that Gomez had planned his mother's murder for two days.

Gomez was upset with his mother because she wanted him to move boxes around the house, and he was jealous of the attention Suarez-Cassagne paid to his brother, Gualtieri said.

The 23-year-old attacked his mother in the garage with an ax, severing her head, Gualtieri said. Gomez then allegedly dragged his mother's remains from the garage to the garbage cans.

Gualtieri told reporters that the crime was one of the worst his department had ever seen.

Gomez then fled the scene, but he was arrested a few blocks away after another 911 call reported a suspicious person riding a bicycle in the area.

Gomez confessed to killing his mother, Gualtieri said.

Investigators recovered the ax. Mario Gomez, 27, was not injured.

According to the sheriff's office, Gomez had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and previously was held under the Baker Act. Gomez also had other arrests in Pinellas County for loitering and prowling, resisting an officer without violence and disorderly conduct.

Pinellas County jail records did not show whether Gomez had an attorney.

TERROR: Suicide bomber strikes, injures many in Gombe church

A suicide bomber blew himself up outside an evangelist church in northeast Nigeria on Thursday injuring several people, witnesses and a rescue worker said.

HOMEABOUT USADVERTISE WITH USTERMS OF USEPRIVACY POLICY TERROR: Suicide bomber strikes, injures many in Gombe churchBy Olawale Kadir on January 1, 2015 @ 12:23 pm@todayngr A suicide bomber blew himself up outside an evangelist church in northeast Nigeria on Thursday injuring several people, witnesses and a rescue worker said. “There was an explosion outside the ECWA church this morning. A suicide bomber who was restrained from getting into the church blew himself up,” Abubakar Yakubu, who heads the Nigeria Red Cross in Gombe told AFP. “Luckily no one was killed but some people were mildly injured,” he added. 

We are angry with Jonathan” – Igbo Groups

A coalition of South-East groups rose from a meeting in Enugu on Wednesday, accusing President Goodluck Jonathan of taking Ndigbo for a ride.

The groups, which met to review the political situation in the country as it affects the South-East and the 2015 elections, said they were yet to see genuine reasons why the zone should support President Jonathan for a second term.

This development is coming despite claims by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that the South-East votes were exclusively for Jonathan, who the party said deserved re-election.

Those present at the meeting included representatives of the Igbo Leaders Council, Umuada Ala Igbo, Igbo Women Assembly, Igbo Students’ Association, Igbo Youth Movement, South-East Self Determination Coalition and Eastern Christian Council.

They rhetorically asked those clamouring for Jonathan’s re-election to explain why rail ways, which is one of the President’s major achievement was yet to work in the South-East.

They equally wondered why the President failed in his promise of according the Akanu Ibiam Airport the right international status.

Comrade Samuel Edeson, the coordinator of the South-East Self Determination Coalition, who spoke on behalf of the groups said, “Mr. President has failed to fulfill all the promises he made to the people of the South-East despite the block vote given to him by the people of the zone. 

“He promised that by the first quarter of last year cargo will be landing here in the South-East from different parts of the world, but nothing has come out of it. Our people still pass through the rigours of traveling to Lagos to clear their goods.

“If we also look at the rail way, which is one sector this administration has given so much attention, no significant thing is happening in the South-East, unlike other zones where it is now an alternative means of transport.

“So, the South-East youths and Ndigbo in general are very angry with this administration; if nothing is done and quickly too, President Jonathan should not expect our votes in 2015. Let him not allow sycophants deceive him by making him feel that all is well”.

“We don’t see the reason to continue voting for someone who has no clear plan for the development of this zone”, he concluded.

Also in a remark, the President and Founder, Igbo Youth Movement, Evang. Eliot Ukoh, who arrived at the end of the meeting agreed with the resolutions taken by the groups.

He, however, urged the agitating groups to give President Jonathan a chance, noting that it would be wrong for the zone to withdraw its support from him without valid discussions.

Ukoh said “I got wind of the meeting and decided to be here, that’s why I am late; in as much as I am pleading with them to cool down, Mr. President should do the needful. It appears he is being held hostage by a cabal.

Tiwa savage expecting baby

Seems Tiwa savage and her husband tee bliz are expecting a baby, she posted this picture on her Instagram page with the inscription  "just the three of us" if its pregnancy, we pray she deliver safely and if its on the way we pray they make it  faster...

ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT

Darren Sanders -- the head of security for the Baltimore Ravens -- is accused of sexually assaulting a woman at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore during a game ... TMZ Sports has learned. 

We obtained the police report filed by a woman who claims she was working at the stadium on December 14th -- when the Ravens were playing the Browns -- and was asked to escort Sanders to another part of the building. 

The woman claims while doing the escort, Sanders "hit and/or groped her buttocks more than once as they walked down the third level hallway."

The woman claims the abuse continued when they got to the 3rd floor lobby ... when he "pressed his body against her's and kissed her neck and attempted to force her to grab his penis."

The woman says she was able to walk away -- and immediately told 4 co-workers about the incident. 

Cops investigated the situation and eventually charged Sanders with a 4th degree sexual offense. Investigators say at least one witness "observed part of the interaction" between Sanders and the woman.  

Sanders lawyers are adamant -- Darren did nothing wrong. A hearing is set for Feb. 9th. 

Sanders was famously involved with the Ray Rice investigation -- he had claimed he asked police and Revel Casino security for a copy of the elevator footage ... but failed to obtain it.

Even in my sleep, I’m still on top of the world, says D’Banj

D’Banj who flaunted his award with gold neck pieces on social media further boasted that even in his sleep he can still win an award. He wrote, “Even in my sleep, I’m still on top of the World. You gotta be#feelingthenigga . Thanks #Afrima for the award. #EwaNaBeans#DoAgric”

Appeal court quashes N47.1bn theft charge against Erastus Akingbola

The Court of Appeal in Lagos, on Wednesday, struck out a N47.1 billion theft charge against former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Erastus Akingbola. Akingbola was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Bayo Dada, General Manager of Probics Securities Ltd, before a Lagos High Court in Ikeja. They were charged on 22 counts bordering on stealing and obtaining money by false pretences. NAN recalls that the appellants had through their counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the charge preferred against them. The trial court judge, Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo, had, however, in a ruling delivered on May 2, 2014, dismissed their applications and held that it was competent to entertain the charges preferred against the appellants. The lower court had then assumed jurisdiction in the matter. Dissatisfied with the ruling of the court, the appellants had filed two separate appeals, urging the appellate court to set aside the decision of the lower court. The appellate court, in a unanimous decision on Wednesday, allowed the appeal on the grounds that the subject matter of the alleged offences related to banking operations and capital issues, which fell under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Amina Augie, held that the lower court judge took a narrow view of the issue, when it assumed jurisdiction on the case. Augie held that the lower court judge erred when he failed to take notice of the decision of the appellate court in the case of Okey Nwosu vs EFCC, even when it was brought to his notice. The judge noted that the appellate court had in Okey Nwosu’s case held that the Ikeja High Court, Lagos, where the charges were instituted against the defendants, had no jurisdiction over capital market-related issues.

Why we can’t overrun Boko Haram in Gwoza, Bama, others – Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army said on Wednesday that the need to reduce collateral damage has delayed the recapture of some towns and villages seized by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.

Olajide Laleye, the Director, Army Public Relations, gave the explanation while fielding questions at a news conference in Abuja.

“We are not interested in collateral damage,” Mr. Olajide, a Brigadier General, said. “The Nigeria Army is very careful about collateral damage. To that extent, our operations are carefully planned to make sure that collateral damage is reduced to the barest minimum.

“If certain areas have not been recaptured, it is because the Nigerian army is giving such areas very careful plans, the plans are ongoing.

“At the right time, you will see the outcome; we will not tell you, of course, beforehand, of what we intend to do; but you will see the outcome,’’ Mr. Laleye said.

The Nigerian military lost several towns to Boko Haram in Borno and Adamawa States during weeks of sweeping takeover by the insurgent group.

Backed by local militias, the military recovered some key towns in Adamawa State, including Mubi and Hong.

Other local areas such as Michika remain under Boko Haram, while the militants also control large parts of Borno State, including Bama and Gwoza.

Mr. Laleye’s comments Wednesday were the first official explanations from the army why the insurgents have continued to control several towns despite the the military’s claim that it has the capacity to clear the insurgents from the northeast.

The comments also clearly refuted the claim by a presidential aide, Doyin Okupe, who said two weeks ago on television that government forces had since reclaimed Gwoza, Bama and other towns from Boko Haram.

According to Mr. Laleye, Nigerians will be pleased at the end of such operations that collateral damage is reduced to the barest minimum.

He assured that law abiding Nigerians in those areas would be rescued from the insurgents, while those towns and villages would completely be freed from terrorism and insurgency.

Earlier, he said Gombi, Hong, Uba, Makera, Holma and Vimtim, all in Adamawa, had been recaptured, adding that the current military offensive would be sustained until the enemy was “completely defeated’’.

Mr. Laleye said new strategies had been introduced in the ongoing war after formations and units involved were evaluated, adding that this had impacted positively on the counter-insurgency operations in the North East.

He said all officers and men involved in the operations in the region would undergo counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency training before being deployed in the theatres of operation.

The army spokesman explained that this followed the directive of the Chief of Army Staff that all Divisional Headquarters should set up schools for counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and special operations training.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to restate its determination to bring this counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations to a speedy and decisive end.

“Equally, the Nigerian Army seizes this opportunity to reassure Nigerians of its preparedness to support relevant agencies in the successful conduct of the 2015 general elections,’’ he said.

On the ongoing court-martial of some officers, Mr. Laleye explained that it was necessary to enforce discipline in the armed forces and achieve success in the war against insurgency.

He said success achieved so far would not have been possible if the army did not take steps to remain a formidable fighting force through time tested procedures and enforcement of regulations.

“The judicial process that led to the convictions and acquittals (of some officers) followed international best practices in the military law and also conforms to relevant Nigerian laws.

“Let me state categorically that a General Court Martial has the status of the High Court and is backed by extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The General Court Martial is not a final authority. Its processes are not only subject to confirmation by the appropriate superior authority but also subject to appeal,’’ he said. (NAN)

guess who, in this hot bikini?

IT'S LAURA CREMASCHI

After she was spotted frolicking miami beach this week.

PAUSE! Rapper, Falz the Bad Guy is ‘gbenshing’ Wizkid’s baby mama?

It appears Wizkid’s baby mama knows how to select bad guys. Beautiful Sola Ogudugu who has a son, Boluwatife, for popular Afro pop star Wizkid is reportedly now in a blossoming relationship with rapper, Falz The Bad Guy. Sola who seems to be doing fine without the father of her son’s help recently took a ‘ussie’ with Femi Falana’s son, Falz who dumped law for an uncertain music career. Sola uploaded the photos and captioned it with, “Hello Bae. The weather h’over hia is Hot AF! But since you’re hia with me. .. I’ll try not to gif hup! #Falz”

Eyes on you both:

Princewill Sued for N10bn for Parading as LP Governorship Candidate

The ambition of Prince Tonye Princewill to contest the 2015 governorship election in Rivers state on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) may be on the line as his kinsman, Prince Joseph Princewill, has asked the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt to stop him from parading himself as the gubernatorial candidate of the party.

The litigant has also asked the court to compel Princewill to pay him N10 billion as damages for surreptitiously claiming the party’s ticket through a proxy for the 2015 governorship elections against the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

But Princewill has dismissed the suit as a non-issue, saying the litigant did not pay for the governorship form he claimed to have purchased from the party.

The litigant, Joseph, and Princewill come from the same town, Buguma, the headquarters of Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Details later

NEWS/ Edward Herrmann, Gilmore Girls Star, Dead at 71 After Battle With Brain Cancer

Edward Herrmann has died at the age of 71, E! News confirms. The actor, who is most famous for his role as Richard Gilmore on the hit TV series, passed away in a hospital in New York on Wednesday morning. 

"Edward Herrmann besides being an accomplished actor, he was a true gentleman and a scholar, as well as being an incredibly kind and decent man," his manager tells E! News. "He will be sorely missed."

According to TMZ, which was first to report the news of his passing, Herrmann had been battling brain cancer and had been in ICU for the last three and a half weeks. While in the hospital, his condition did not approve, leading his family to ultimately take him off the respirator.

Herrmann starred on Gilmore Girls throughout the entire run of the seven-year series. He also recently appeared in a few episodes of The Good Wife as well as The Wolf of Wall Street,alongside Leonardo DiCaprio

In addition to Gilmore Girls, Herrmann is known for his portrayal of Franklin D. Roosevelt in numerous TV movies and for his role in the 1987 film The Lost Boys, which also stars Kiefer Sutherland. 

The late thesp has been married twice and reportedly leaves behind five children. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Goodbye to 2014, welcome 2015... happy new year to all fantastic070 fans, long live fantastic070.blogspot.com long live the fans and admin... 

See The 10 Presidential And Vice-Presidential Aspirants For The Forthcoming 2015 Elections

Bomb shell: As the final countdown to the february 2015 elections still continues, INEC finally releases the list of the 10 presidential candidates that will be contesting, and their running mates:

Make way for the 10 contending contestants…

1) President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),

2) General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC),

3) Prof. Comfort Oluremi Sonaiya of Kowa Party.

4) Ambrose Albert of Hope Democratic Party (HDP).

5) Ganiyu Galadima of Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACP).

6) Rafiu Salau of Alliance for Democracy,

7) Godson Okoye of United Democratic Party (UDP).

8) Dr. Nani Ibrahim Ahmad of African Democratic Congress (ADC).

9) Martin Onovo of National Conscience Party (NCP).

10) Tunde Anifowoshe-Kelani of Action Alliance

11) Chekwas Okorie of United Progressive Party (UPP).

Their Corresponding Running Mates Are:

1) The Incumbent Vice-President, Namadi Sambo (PDP),

2) Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (APC),

3) Saidu Bobboi (Kowa Party)

4) Haruna Shaba (Hope Democratic Party),

5) Balarabe Ahmed (ACPN),

6) Prof. Clinton Cliff Akuchie (AD),

7) Haruna Adamu (United Democratic Party),

8) Obianuju Murphy-Uzohue (African Democratic Congress

9) Ibrahim Mohammed (NCP),

10) Comrade Paul Ishaka Ofomile (Action Alliance)

11) Bello Umar (United Progressive Party).

Choose wisely, because your choice today affects your opportunity tomorrow...

Atiku Abubakar wished death by a Nigerian youth

Nigerian youths are getting frustrated with our leaders, former vice president atiku abubakar urged nigerians to pray for nigeria as we go into a new year but see what they have to say below:

SSS issues “last warning” to Amaechi, others over comments

The State Security Services, SSS, has warned the governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, and other political office holders not to hide under the privileges of their offices to make utterances that were against the general interest of the nation.

The military had earlier upbraided the governor over his remarks justifying the decision of some soldiers to protest their lack of equipment in the fight against Boko Haram.

The governor has also been criticised by the government over his comments warning of consequences if the 2015 elections are rigged.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the SSS, Marilyn Ogar, on Monday in Abuja, the Service warned that such utterances would no longer be tolerated.

Ms. Ogar said the attention of the SSS had been drawn to inciting and unguarded statements and utterances by some politicians ahead of the 2015 general elections.

She added, “Of particular interest is the statement of a serving governor calling on men of the armed forces to rise up in protest against constituted authority.”

The spokesperson said such were made with the intent to undermine the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Such actions are irresponsible, selfish and against our collective wellbeing as a nation,” she said. “It is noteworthy that similar unguarded provocative statements by politicians in the past had encouraged violence that resulted in loss of innocent lives and property. It is pertinent to note that no Nigerian is above the laws of this land.”

According to her, the statement served as a last warning to those seeking to truncate the nation’s democracy by their careless and mischievous utterances and urge them to retrace their steps immediately.

“This Service and indeed all security agencies will not rest on their oars and are committed to the successful conduct of the 2015 general elections in Nigeria,” she added.

Giada de Laurentiis' Husband, Todd Thompson, Files for Divorce After Split Announcement:

Giada De Laurentiis's marriage is now on its way to being officially over.

The celeb chef and restaurateur's husband, Todd Thompsonn, filed for divorce Tuesday, less than 24 hours after she revealed that they had been separated for months.

To be exact, according to the petition filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, their date of separation was July 15 after 11 years and two months of marriage.

Thompson, who has not commented separately on the split, cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the breakdown of their union. The fashion designer has also asked that the court not have the jurisdiction to award his future ex-wife spousal support, noting that the division of their assets is to be determined.

PHOTOS: Hot celebrity chefs

He and De Laurentiis tied the knot on May 25, 2003, and are parents to 6-year-old daughterJade Marie De Laurentiis Thompson.

See the divorce filing

"After an amicable separation since July, Todd and I have decided to end our marriage," De Laurentiis wrote on Facebook yesterday. "Although our decision to separate comes with a great deal of sadness, our focus on the future and overwhelming desire for our family's happiness has given us the strength to move forward on separate, yet always connected paths.

"Todd and I share a beautiful daughter together," the Giada at Home host continued, "and a lifetime of great memories that we both treasure more than anything. We are so thankful for our friends and family, and really appreciate the support in this time of change."

RD/Kabik/Retna Digital

In 2009, De Laurentiis—who despite having been a celebrity tastemaker for years just opened up her first restaurant, GIADA, in Las Vegas—talked to Redbook about the ever-shifting dynamic between her and Thompson, whom she met when she was 19.

"In the beginning, I was there to help him in his career," the Food Network star recalled. "Now he's where he wants to be, and he helps me in mine. I think it's such a wonderful evolution of a relationship. And it's so cool how we can kind of divvy it up. You know, most men want to be in the limelight and have the woman take care of them. You have to balance that.

"There have to be times where it's about Todd, when I'm Todd's wife and that's just who I am at that moment. And then there are times when it's about me."

PHOTOS: Big celebrity breakups

Elechi lays N80.017bn budget before House of Assembly

Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State yesterday presented N80, 017,929,870 budget estimate for the 2015 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.

This year’s appropriation was N5, 617,004,102 or 6.55 per cent lower than the downward revised budget of N85, 634,933,972 for 2014 fiscal year.

While presenting the budget estimate to the House, Elechi said N39, 991, 977,780 representing 47.48 per cent of the budget was appropriated for recurrent expenditure while the capital expenditure has a provision of N42, 025, 952, 090 stabilization fund inclusive, representing 52.52 per cent of the budget.

The budget code-named “Budget of Transition and Fulfillment” has a National budget appropriation of N54, 486, 296,040 which represents 68.09 per cent of the state budget for 2015, which accounts for statutory allocation of N36, 000, 0000, 000, VAT N8,500,000,000, share of augmentation, N1, 000, 000, 000, Non-oil revenue, N2, 184, 703, 690, share of SURE-P N2, 340, 000, 000, reimbursement from bond ISPO, N1, 461, 592, 350, Reimbursement from FGN N1, 00, 000, 000 and grants N2, 000, 000, 000.

He stated that the state government intended to increase her tax revenue in the 2015 fiscal year by diversifying into numerous untapped tax revenue sources, which he said was in tandem with the fiscal and monetary policies of the National Government.

The governor noted that the plan of increase in internally generated revenue became imperative consequent upon the Federal Government’s de-emphasis on oil revenue and the expected economic meltdown in the 2015 fiscal year.

Elechi said the recurrent expenditure of N6, 903, 381, 430 was proposed for personnel costs of N11, 391, 265, 000 for overhead cost, while N5, 782, 830, 400 was for grants to higher institutions as well as N13, 942, 312, 460 meant for consolidated revenue fund charges. The governor added that the Economic sector had the highest budget with N24, 022, 394, 920, with Works and Transport having the highest allocation of N6, 637, 618, 975 followed by Water with the sum of N4, 859, 049, 920 while subsectors shared N12, 526, 026, 025.

In social sector, Education subsector has the highest provision of N2, 077, 015, 000 while Health subsector followed with N2, 147, 100, 000 while other subsectors within the social sector will share N1, 510, 500, 000.

Elechi further said his government would continue to strive to ensure transparent financial husbandry and would give his best to the people whose interest we have committed himself to serve, saying that there had been a show of understanding between the executive, legislative and the judiciary.

Meanwhile, the budget presentation was delayed for three hours from scheduled time of 12 noon to 3pm after a closed door meeting between the governor, deputy governor and Assembly members which lasted for 3 hours for possibly resolving the crisis rocking the Assembly in the recent times.

Nigeria abstains from voting as UN blocks action on Palestinian statehood

Voting takes place in the Security Council on a draft resolution dealing with Palestinian statehood. UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Falling short of the required number of positive votes and faced with a veto from one of its permanent members, the United Nations Security Council today failed to adopt a draft resolution that would have affirmed the “urgent need” to reach within 12 months a peaceful solution to the situation in the Middle East and would have paved the way to a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The draft also outlined several parameters for the proposed solution – with a one-year deadline for negotiations with Israel and a “full and phased withdrawal of Israeli forces” from the West Bank by the end of 2017 – and would have looked forward to welcoming Palestine as a full UN Member State within the 12-month timeframe, urging both parties to build trust and negotiate in good faith.
Eight of the Council’s 15 members ( Argentina, Chad, Chile, Jordan, Luxembourg,  France, China and Russia) voted in favour, one fewer than the nine members needed to pass a resolution in the absence of a veto by any of the Council’s five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom or the United States.
Nigeria, Lithuania, South Korea, Rwanda and Britain abstained from voting. Nigeria had earlier voiced support for the Palestinian cause.
While the resolution failed to receive the required majority among members, the United States also opposed the text, a move that would have seen the draft fail to pass.
Following the vote, Samantha Power, Permanent Representative of the US to the UN, stressed her country’s support for new ways to constructively support both parties in achieving a negotiated settlement.
“This resolution is not one of those constructive steps,” she said, adding that the draft set the stage for “more division, not compromise.”
The vote set-up a “staged confrontation” that did not contribute to a peaceful resolution of the Palestinian question, especially as the text was “deeply imbalanced”, establishing “unconstructive deadlines.”
Five Council members abstained from the vote, including the United Kingdom, whose representative, Mark Lyall Grant, said he supported much of the draft’s content but was disappointed by the lack of negotiation and had therefore abstained.
“The Security Council has once again failed to uphold its Charter duties,” said Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, who said the draft was tabled in the face of a political impasse caused by “Israeli intransigence.”
Israel’s representative said the opposite was true, with the Palestinians having “every chance to negotiate.” Having refused to engage, they had now tabled their “preposterous unilateral proposal,” and he warned his Palestinian counterpart that he could not “agitate and provoke” his way to a State.
The representative of France voted in favour, calling on the Council to be a positive actor, “not a theatre,” and noting his support for a “clear timetable” on peace negotiations. The other remaining permanent members also voted in favour of the draft, with Russia’s representative, Vitaly Churkin, regretting the Council’s failure to adopt, and China’s representative, also stating his deep regret.
María Cristina Perceval, the representative of Argentina, said explanation of her affirmative vote was “unnecessary” and lamented the Council’s failure to adopt the text, while Chad’s representative, Mahamat Zene Cherif, current Council President, said the draft was “balanced and moderate” adding that the Council had “once more missed a date with history”, sending a negative message that encouraged continuation of occupation, injustice and oppression.
The Council, he said, had missed an opportunity give the Palestinians “a ray of hope” after direct talks yielded almost nothing.
Courtesy: UN News Centre.

FG Declares January 1 And January 2, 2015 As Public Holiday

The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Thursday, January 1 and Friday, January 2, 2015 as public holiday to mark Eid el Maloud.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, on behalf of the government.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Makaji Abdulahi, Moro urged Muslim faithful and all Nigerians to pray for the peace and unity of the country.