5 most luxurious Prison Cells

What  is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear of a prison? Dark and dull walls surrounded by lots of fencing, a large gate and armed watch towers, dusty playgrounds and all this at one of the isolated corners of the city. Inside, around a 6 by 8 feet room guarded by the solid or barred doors with some furniture and fixings on walls and floor.  That’s a usual sight you would notice at prisons round the world that house the most inhumane masses who have been sentenced for imprisonment for their disrespectful and unlawful conduct in the society. However, surprisingly a few lucky criminals also get to taste the prison life with a flavor of luxury and believe or not, that even could be equivalent to living in a five star hotel.

There are a number of prisons in the world that offer the most luxuries and comfortable life to its inmates. Luxury here translates as living in a bright, spacious room with a comfortable bedding, a TV, may be a refrigerator, a study or a library in the building, a gym to stay fit, game courts to spend their leisure time and other such tidbits that a normal prison inmate can only dream of. Now that is definitely a place where our dearest Lindsay Lohan and her likes with lofty pockets, wouldn’t mind putting up. So let us take a look at the top five luxurious prisons and their lavish cells  where prisoners wouldn’t mind their sentence extended for a longer time.

5. Santa Ana Jail, Calif

The city jail is inhibited by the not so offensive criminals who can afford to pay $75 to $127 a day to stay  in clean and better surroundings, far  superior to ones found in central jails.  Also referred to as a five-star Hilton, the jail that offers 10 to 30 beds in most of its programs, allows the occupants(in some cases though)  to bring their laptops or iPods into their rooms that are good enough and comfortable.  Fine ambience with kind and civilized fellow natives , the small cells in  Santa Ana Jail are worth their fee.

4. Otago Corrections Facility, South Otago

An underfloor heating, flatscreen televisions, a library, a gymnasium and plenty of other facilities for recreation, the Otago Corrections Facility offers convict a VIP treatment. The 335-bed prison that also gets a “Milton Hilton” badge is a $218 million facility that has been built to rehabilitate prisoners by presenting a very pleasing and comfortable stay for the inhabitants.

3. Halden Prison, Norway

Offering larger than life experience for the prisoners, the Halden Prison packs a bunch of amenities for its inmates that include the sound studio, jogging trails and a freestanding two-bedroom house where they can even host their families during overnight visits. TVs, minifridges in the spacious and well lighted rooms, modest library, wraparound sofas and birch-colored coffee tables in living rooms and so on, its like a small well established town within concrete walls . The prison that has a capacity of 252 inmates also focuses upon rehabilitation of the hard core criminals to turn them into well behaved humans of society.

2. Austrian Five Star Prison

Located in city of Leoben in Austria, the Leoben Justice Centre is one of the world’s best looking prison that houses complex of courts, offices of Judges, and ofcorse a prison. Also a gym, well furnished and clean cell with a personal TV and lots of other high class amenities would tempt even the common people to commit a crime.(Count me in the list.)

1. Al Capone’s cell, Philadelphia

Yes that might leave you readers a little bewildered for keeping it on the first position.  But this one is my favorite as it dates back to 1929 when Al Capone , the king of Chicago’s underworld was held captive at Eastern State Penitentiary. While the paintless walls have another story to tell, the decor of the room reveals the luxurious life that the crime master lived during his eight years of imprisonment.

culled from  (http://www.wackyowl.com/5-luxurious-prison-cells/)  July 19, 2010

Teenager launches Apple iPhone app after raising $1m from investors

A south London schoolboy has launched an Apple iPhone app this week, after raising $1m (£620,000) from investors before his 17th birthday.

Nick D’Aloisio, who lives with his family and still gets an allowance every month, developed the app, Summly, while revising for his mock GCSEs last year.

Summly condenses news articles into three key paragraphs that fit onto an iPhone screen. Users can customise the news categories, and link to the original article if they like the summary.

A prototype attracted an investment of around $300,000 in November 2011 from Horizons Ventures, the private technology investment company of Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing – also a backer of Facebook, Siri and Spotify.

The investment arrived on Nick’s 16th birthday – making him one of the youngest people ever to attract venture capital funding. Other backers include the celebrities Ashton Kutcher, Stephen Fry and Yoko Ono.

The prototype was downloaded more than 150,000 times and was chosen by Apple as its App of the Week in the UK and other countries. A company was created behind the app, and Nick teamed up with experts in London, and the Stanford Research Institute, to work on the technology and design.

culled from the (http://www.telegraph.co.uk) (01/11/2012)

Oyo PDP, ACN exchange words over Ajimobi’s wife

Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (pdp) has welcomed Mrs Florence Ajimobi, wife of the state governor, back to the country.


The party, in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan by its publicity secretary, Mr Lukuman Agboluaje, however, noted that there were some issues worthy of attention.


According to Agboluaje, “As much as we are not in a position to join issues with Mrs Ajimobi on the alleged money laundering, we are constrained to ask some fundamental questions, especially from her own defence on arrival.


“We are aware of the free education policy of the present administration in the state and our concern is the inability of the state’s first couple to allow their daughter enjoy the free education being dished out to the populace, rather than for the first lady to incessantly visit her daughter every three weeks in a United Kingdom secondary school.


The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Oyo State chapter, in a release issued by the party’s publicity secretary, Honourable Dauda Kolawole, the party said it was the violence unleashed on then Senator Ajimobi by the state People Democratic Party in the thick of the realisation of his stolen electoral victory in 2007, stolen by the PDP, that made him to relocate his last daughter to the UK.


“This ugly day in 2007, Mrs Ajimobi had driven to her daughter’s school in Oluyole, Ibadan, to pick her daughter who was attending school in the area when PDP thugs stopped their car and stripped the school girls, she hitch-hiked from school naked.”

culled from (Tribune Newspaper) 02/11/2012

Subsidy scam: Police uncover fresh evidence against marketers

MEMBERS of the Police Anti-fraud Unit, investigating cases of fuel subsidy scam, have uncovered fresh evidence against a number of marketers, sources close to the unit have confirmed. Informed sources told the Nigerian Tribune on Thursday that when some of the indicted marketers were confronted with the fresh evidence, they kept mum and were unable to offer any defence.

A source close to the investigators told the Nigerian Tribune that the police were shocked that one of the indicted marketers who had been offering defences in the media could not say anything when confronted.


“When he was confronted, he was just looking like a mumu. He kept quiet and could not say anything. We have done our job and have decided to leave the things in the hands of the court,” the source said.
According to the source, some of the latest shreds of evidence border on manipulation of shipping records, which enabled the marketers to swindle Nigeria of billions of naira.


A source said that the Police Special Anti-Fraud Unit has discovered that through falsification of shipping records and manipulation of identity of vessels, some of the marketers scooped billions from the nation’s coffers.


It was also gathered that the investigators had discovered that one of the marketers claimed N10 billion for fuel not supplied.


“That particular marketer made sure his companies made false claims to the tune of over N10 billion. He could not provide any evidence to defend himself. Investigators had found that he and his companies collected subsidy money without proof of existence of the mother vessel, bill of lading and in some instances the mother vessel were not in existence.


“That marketer could not offer any explanation when the interrogation team confronted him. It was a messy affair. I believe that the government has a strong case against those indicted,” the source stated.

culled from the( Tribune) 02/11/2012

Bakassi: Biya sends emissaries to Jonathan, offers olive branch

CAMEROONIAN president, Paul Biya, on Thursday, sent a delegation to President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, offering his cooperation towards the amicable resolution of all areas of disagreement between his country and Nigeria on Bakassi.


The three-man delegation included the country’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ahmadu Ali; Cameroonian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abbas Iya Ibrahima and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Cooperation, Jean Nguta.


The delegation told Jonathan that Biya was interested in working hand-in-hand with him to resolve all issues on the common interests of the two countries.


Biya, through the delegation, expressed his willingness to further promote and strengthen relationship between the two countries and requested for an audience with Jonathan as a way of encouraging regular consultations and interactions between the two leaders.


The Cameroonian leader also sympathised with Jonathan on the recent floods in parts of the country, recalling that Cameroon had similarly suffered the same fate.


In his response, President Jonathan stressed the need for Nigerians living in Cameroon and Cameroonians living in Nigeria to be treated well, noting that the fundamental human rights of individuals must be respected, irrespective of where they resided.


The two leaders are now expected to meet soon, following the long running dispute over the Bakassi Peninsula ceded to Cameroon through a judgement of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

culled from the (Tribune Newspaper) 02/11/2012

MASSOB, BZM battle over Biafra

There was a big battle in the East yesterday over next Monday’s plan by a group to revive Biafra Republic.

The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) frustrated by the Biafra Zionist Movement (BZM) to resuscitate the republic.

MASSOB operatives are believed to have abducted BZM leader worldwide Benjamin Onwuka, national chairman Edeson Samuel and national secretary Nweke Nweke to thwart the group’s plan.

MASSOB said the abduction was an invitation to BZM leaders to explain the motive behind their plan.

BZM’s Director of Mobilisation Cornelius Anyanwu said the abductors stormed the venue of a meeting scheduled for yesterday and picked the three men while they were waiting for the meeting to start.

The MASSOB men, he said, claimed they were acting on orders of MASSOB leader Ralph Uwazuruike to bring the BZM officials to Okwe, Imo State.

Uwazuruike denied the allegation, saying he knew nothing about the matter.

MASSOB Director of Information Uchenna Madu said the BZM leaders were not abducted but merely taken away for interrogation on the planned return of Biafra.

He said MASSOB wanted to know BZM’s strategies and how to help the group, if necessary.

Madu said: “We don’t want them to ridicule Biafra with that re-declaration because they have no structure on ground. They should tell us where they are coming from and what they intend to achieve.

“We cannot tolerate this re-declaration because allowing it will amount to making a caricature of Biafra.”

He said the BZM leaders were taken to Enugu and not Okwe, adding that they would be released after “a satisfactory explanation” of their plan.

Madu insisted that Uwazuruike was not aware of the BZM leaders’ abduction.

But Anyanwu said he believed that MASSOB’s action was informed by its working understanding with the Federal Government and security agencies.

He insisted that whether BZM leaders are released or not, there was no going back on the Biafra revival plan.

Biafrans the world over, he said, were looking forward to the re-declaration.

Denying that MASSOB is against BZM, Madu said: “MASSOB as the pioneer organisation and champion of Biafra struggle is not against any genuine group clamouring for Biafra.

“We need and also, appreciate more political pressure against the Nigerian state, any Biafra pressure, agitation and protest is a compliment to MASSOB’s 13 years of consistency, uncompromised and unshakable spirit of Biafra struggle.

“MASSOB will not accommodate gambling or using it to achieve cheap popularity by any group, it is suicidal for any Igboman to trade with the future of Biafra people.

“MASSOB under Chief Raph Umazuruike represents the genuine interest of Ndigbo, Biafrans in general in non-violent method.

“Freedom can never be achieved on a platter of gold or mere wishful thinking, prices must be paid, sacrifices must be made, the struggle for Biafran freedom is not a childish venture and we believe that the so-called group wants to be relevant.

“Because of Biafra and love of Ndigbo, our leader, fearless and brave leader, Uwazurike sacrificed his comfort and houses in Lagos and Imo states, members were killed by security agents and many others imprisoned’.

“Uwazuruike and his men saw and conquered death on the burial day of Gabriel Ogu, who was shot by police on the day Biafran flag was hoisted.

“Uwazuruike vowed before the dead and living, that he will not relent or abandon the Biafran cause after 13 years of a long walk to freedom, he is still faithful and unrelenting to Biafran actualisation’’

“The role of the United Nations (UN) towards Biafra is good and cordial; UN observers have been monitoring our activities such as civil disobedience, sit at home, worldwide demonstrations, civil protests etc.

“The International community is aware of MASSOB’s self-determination struggle for Biafra; Umuazuruike has never and cannot compromise the integrity of Biafra struggle.”

Culled from (the Nation Newspaper) 02/11/2012

Govt may accept dialogue offer with condition

The Federal Government is ready for dialogue with Boko Haram but on one condition that the Spiritual and Political Leader of the sect, Imam Abubakar Shekau, will be at the negotiation table.

It was also learnt that the government may come up with an Amnesty Programme for members of the sect after ceasefire and disarmament if they are sincere.

A government source, who spoke in strict confidence, said the conditions set by the group would be resolved during the dialogue.

The source said: “We were not surprised by the offer of the dialogue because there had been contacts between the sect and National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki in the last few months.

“As a matter of fact, the NSA had some talks with the leaders of the sect last week where it was indicated that Shekau’s deputy might lead Boko Haram delegation to the dialogue.

“The NSA however said the government would want Shekau to head the team from the sect’s side in order to give the proposed talks more weight.

“With Shekau, who is the spiritual and political leader of Boko Haram, there will be a meaningful direction for the discussion by the two parties.

“If it works out and if Boko Haram is sincere with the dialogue option, the government will embrace it.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “Once we can find common grounds, the government will come up with a rehabilitation initiative which is similar to the ongoing Amnesty Programme.

“Even in the case of the affected parts of the North, there might be a joint reconstruction programme between the Federal Government and the ravaged states.”

Concerning the demand of Boko Haram for the arrest of ex-Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, the source added: “That is a political side of their demands which the government will look into.

“From security reports and investigation by agencies, some members of the sect gave Sheriff support during his election based on three demands.

“The demands were a creation of a Ministry for Islamic (Religious Affairs), being part of Sheriff’s government and the implementation of Sharia in Borno State.

“They parted ways with Sheriff when he refused to implement the Sharia policy. The situation worsened following the brutal killing of the leader of the sect, Mohammed Yusuf and a former Commissioner for Islamic (Religious) Affairs in Sheriff’s cabinet.

“The dialogue will shape discussions on the fate of Sheriff.”

culled from (the Nation Newspaper)02/11/2012

PDP behind my wife’s ordeal, says Ajimobi

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday blamed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the “malicious allegations against his wife, Florence.

Ajimobi said the report that his wife was arrested in London for alleged money laundering was the handiwork of failed politicians in the state.

Speak with reporters in Abuja after the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting. He said those behind the report lost out in previous elections.

Ajimobi said: “We know those behind it. Infact, they are political jobbers, who lost out in the last election. Three of them are from the PDP. They have never achieved anything in their lives. They are coming back with the old system of maligning people.”

The governor said those behind the report were out to taint his reputation.

He said: “We have built our reputation over the years. I did not come from nowhere. I worked with the oil industry. I did not work with Wero Enterprises; I worked with National Oil and Shell. I was the Managing Director of National Oil and the MD of Shell STSL in Togo. I have made my name.

“When you are doing well as a politician, some mischief makers, who want to pull you down, would concoct stories like this particular one.”

The governor said it was unreasonable to expect that anyone would carry the amount of money the report claimed was found on his wife.

He said: “In this modern age, will anybody be stupid enough to carry money around in boxes? If you travel with more than $10,000, you will be arrested. Even if you hide it, when you get to some of these countries, their dogs will sniff you out.

“So how will somebody travel with N500 million? It’s a lot of money. How will you carry it? The people who wrote that thing are illiterates, amateurs. We need more quality people in politics.

“We are trying to rid Oyo of wicked, malicious miscreants and political jobbers. Oyo State has been noted for jungle politics. We are working to change that, but the dark forces always try to stop us.

“That report was very malicious. My youngest child was attacked during the electioneering campaign in 2007. She panicked so much that she could not sleep and the doctors advised us to change her location. That is why she has been schooling in England since 2007. So, it is nothing new.

“It is wicked for people to be writing such things. Those behind the report are junk Internet outfits with one room sites. The moment we discovered them, they closed up and we did not see them again.

“The damage has been done. Fortunately for me, another media house published it and I sued them. No amount of pleading will make me stop. I will make sure I stop people from damaging others’ reputation.”

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State condemned the report.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dauda Kolawole, ACN said Mrs. Ajimobi could not have been in possession of huge cash because she has no access to the state’s treasury.

The party said the governor is known for prudence, adding that he has put mechanism in place to guard against financial recklessnazess.

ACN urged rumour peddlers to desist and support the government.

It said: “Journalist are advised to be alive to their responsibilities and avoid mischievous and untrue stories.”

culled from (The Nation Newspaper) 02/11/2012

Lagos Traffic Law: Policemen brutalise, strip okada rider

Some policemen reportedly took the enforcement of the Lagos Traffic Law to the extreme on Wednesday as they allegedly beat an unidentified okada rider and stripped him in Akoka, Lagos.

An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said the victim was caught while riding at the junction of University Road and St. Finbarr’s College Road in Akoka.

He stated that the man was plying the route oblivious that plain-clothes policemen had laid ambush in a van with registration number NPF9544B, in the area.

The eyewitness said immediately the policemen saw the okada rider, they pounced on him, beat him up and later asked him to take all his clothes off.

Recently, PUNCH Metro reported that an okada rider died after he was hit with a baton by a policeman who insisted the victim violated the traffic law at Agege area of Lagos.

A month earlier, it was also reported that a driver of the state ambulance service, died after a policemen allegedly hit him in the head at Surulere area of Lagos for plying a road that has been designated as out of bound to commercial motorcycles.

When contacted on Thursday, the police spokesperson in the state, Ngozi Braide, neither picked her call nor responded to a text message sent to her phone.

culled from the (Punch newspaper) 02/11/2012

Boko Haram wants talks …picks Buhari as mediator, Saudi Arabia venue …demands ex-gov’s arrest, compensation

THE violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, on Thursday indicated its readiness to end its campaign of violence but on the conditions that ex-Borno State Governor Modu Sheriff was arrested and peace talks held in Saudi Arabia.

Also, the sect is asking for compensation for families of its members killed in the course of its terrorist acts and the rebuilding of its mosques by the Federal Government.

It also demanded the release of all its members in the custody of security agencies.

Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdulaziz, the second-in-command to the sect’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, gave the conditions on Thursday during a radio conference with journalists in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Abdulaziz did not explain why the group wanted Sheriff arrested.

Just on Wednesday, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, said Sheriff and Senators Ali Ndume and Ahmed Zanna had been put under surveillance to determine their alleged links with the sect.

The three have been variously fingered as financiers of the group

Abdulaziz named a former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari; Dr. Shettima Monguno; a former Yobe State Governor, Bukar Ibrahim; Ambassador Gaji Galtimari; and Aisha Alkali Wakil, and her husband, Alkali as “trusted” Nigerians it would be ready to negotiate with in Saudi Arabia.

On the sect’s team would be Abdulaziz, Abu Abbas, Sheikh Ibrahim Yusuf, Sheikh Sani Kontogora and Mamman Nur.

Abdulaziz said, “We are not actually challenging the state, as people are saying, but the security (forces) that are killing our members, children and wives.

“We are highly offended but if this government is sincere, everything (the attacks) will come to an end. We want to dialogue but government must show sincerity in its handling of the situation.”

More than 1,000 persons have been killed in attacks on places of worship, military and police facilities as well as drinking joints since the sect launched its war against the government in 2009.

Last year, suicide bombers from the sect attacked the Police headquarters and the UN Building, in Abuja, killing 44 persons. On last Christmas Day, Boko Haram also attacked St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, killing at least 46 parishioners.

It has subsequently attacked several other worship centres, including the St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Kaduna last Sunday.

Before now, the Federal Government had made several claims that it was in dialogue with the sect but Abdulaziz said there had been no contact between Boko Haram and the government. He said the sect wants the talk outside the country because the government had proved not to be trustworthy.

The PUNCH could not verify the identity of the man , who claimed to be Abdulaziz even as there were minor inconsistencies in the communication between him and the journalists on Thursday.

Apart from the fact that Abdulaziz is not the usual official spokesman for the sect, he spoke in English Language instead of the Hausa/Arabic that the sect is known for .

But, the Presidency on Thursday said the proposed ceasefire by Boko Haram was a welcome development, if it was intended to achieve the objectives of peace and security.

Presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, said the position of President Goodluck Jonathan had been that he was ready for dialogue if members of the sect could come forward.

He said, “Yes, I have seen the story in which the Boko Haram is reportedly declaring a ceasefire and the opening of dialogue. I think it is important to restate the position of government in this matter.

“The Federal Government is committed to peace and security for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“ If what the proposed ceasefire is intended to achieve are the objectives of peace and security, then it is a welcome development.

“Don’t forget that President Jonathan made it clear that if the people behind Boko Haram are ready to come forward, and table their grievances, then government will be willing to listen to those grievances.

“There have been attempts before now, by concerned persons to reach out to the Boko Haram through back channels, in response to government’s call that all efforts should be made to resolve the problem. I suspect that this latest development may be related to that.”

Meanwhile, Governor Ibrahim Shettima of Borno State on Thursday said security agencies must be alive to their responsibilities by probing the alleged involvement of politicians in the state in the activities of Boko Haram.

Shettima gave the charge while speaking with State House correspondents in Abuja.

Borno State is considered to be the hotbed of activities of the fundamental.

He said, “On the issue of the involvement of politicians, I think is within the realm and the responsibility of the security agencies to unearth the truth.

“I am more of a developmental politician and I am more interested in addressing the core issues that makes our society vulnerable to the antics of religious bigots and all sorts of misfits that are inducting our young ones to these things.

“So, I don’t want to dabble into of the work of security agencies neither do I want to respond to allegations and accusations from any quarter. But it is the responsibility of security agencies to unearth those behind Boko Haram.”

culled from the (Punch newspaper) 02/11/2012

Report exposes corruption in Nigeria’s oil industry

Nigeria lost out on tens of billions of dollars in oil and gas revenues over the last decade from cut price deals struck between multinational oil companies and government officials, a confidential report seen by Reuters says.

A team headed by the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nuhu Ribadu produced the 146-page study on an oil ministry request.

It covers the year 2002 to the present.

Nigeria is Africa’s largest crude oil exporter, shipping more than two million barrels per day (bpd), and is also home to the world’s ninth biggest gas reserves and one of its largest Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export terminals.

The report provides new details on Nigeria’s long history of corruption in the oil sector, which has enriched its elite and provided the oil majors with hefty profits while two thirds of people live in poverty.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke told Reuters on Tuesday she had received the report last month but that it was a draft and the government was still supposed to give input.

The one seen by Reuters was labelled “Final Report.”

The report concluded that oil majors Shell, Total and Eni made bumper profits from cut-price gas, while Nigerian oil ministers handed out licences at their own discretion.

This, while not illegal, did not follow best practice of using open bids. Hundreds of millions of dollars in signature bonuses on those deals were also missing, it said.

“We have not seen this report and are, therefore, unable to comment on the content, but we will study it if and when it is published,” a Shell spokesman said.

The report alleges international oil traders sometimes buy crude without any formal contracts, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation had short-changed the country’s treasury billions over the last 10 years by selling crude oil and gas to itself below market rates.

There was no suggestion that the oil majors or traders had done anything illegal, but the report highlighted a lack of transparency in their dealings in a nation rife with graft.

“It is a draft,” Alison-Madueke said. “There will be some areas where the government … may have a slightly different opinion … (and) will put its point of view to the committee.”

The minister said she expects the final report to be with President Goodluck Jonathan within two weeks.

culled from the (Nation Newspaper) 24/10/2012

Respect moratorium on death penalties, EU tells Nigeria

The European Union on Wednesday called on Nigeria to respect existing moratorium on executions already put in place since 2006.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the Political Officer, Human Rights and Situations of Fragility Delegation of the EU to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Chadi Sidhom, the organization also urged Edo State to stay action on imminent execution of prisoners.

The EU delegation, which issued the statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Nigeria, appealed to Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole to allow all legal appeals to be carried out on the two pending cases of execution in the state.

The statement reads: “The EU delegation urges the Nigerian authorities to respect the existing de facto moratorium on executions, in place since 2006.

“The EU delegation to the Federal Republic of Nigeria is deeply concerned about the information it has received concerning the reported imminent execution of two persons in Edo State.

“The delegation calls on the Nigerian authorities and, in this case, the Governor of Edo State, to allow all legal appeals to be heard and to halt the execution of these two inmates.

“It considers that such execution, if carried out, would represent a serious setback in Nigeria’s reputation and records in the field of human rights.

“The delegation reiterates its calls on the Nigerian authorities to accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), aiming at the complete abolition of the death penalty.”

culled from the (Nation Newspaper) 24/10/2012

Pope appoints Onaiyekan, five others as cardinals

Pope Benedict on Wednesday appointed Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan and five others from around the world to join the elite group of prelates who will one day choose his successor.

Onaiyekan is the current Roman Catholic Archbishop of Abuja.

He was also a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria.

The ceremony, known as a consistory, will be held on November 24, the pope said in a surprise announcement at his weekly general audience.

Also named to join the group known as the “princes” of the Catholic Church are Archbishop James Michael Harvey, an American who runs the pontifical household, Beatitude Bechara Boutros Rai, patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church in Lebanon, and Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal, the major archbishop of the Syro-Malankara rite in India.

Others are – Archbishop Ruben Salazar Gomez of Bogota, Colombia, and Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila in the Philippines.

Reuters says all of the six new cardinals are under 80 years old and thus eligible under Church law to enter a conclave to elect a new pope.

The elite group is known as “cardinal electors.”

After the consistory, the number of cardinal electors will rise again to 120, the maximum allowed under Church law.

The total number of men in the College of Cardinals will be 211.

It was the fifth time since his election in 2005 that Benedict, 85, has named new cardinals.

The pope’s health is generally believed to be good but he has been looking frail recently.

culled from the (Nation newspaper) 24/10/2012

Forbes nominates Dangote, Elumelu, others for award

The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, have been nominated for the Forbes Africa Person of the Year Award.

They are the two Nigerians who made the five-man list.

Others on the list are Malawian President Joyce Banda, Managing Director of Kenya’s Equity Bank Limited, Dr. James Mwangi and co-founder of Aspen Pharmacare, Mr. Stephen Saad.

A statement by the organisers said: “Aliko Dangote: founder and president of Dangote Group. Motivation: Last year’s runner-up to Forbes Africa Person of The Year, is still Africa’s richest man, worth more than $11.2 billion. Dangote continues to be one of the continent’s biggest employers. He promises to donate most of his fortune to charitable causes upon his retirement.

“Dr James Mwangi won the Ernest and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award 2012 as well as Africa’s Innovation Leader of the Year Awards in 2012. Equity Bank is planning to extend its financial services to Ethiopia when the country opens its banking industry for foreign investors.

“Banda, Malawi’s first female leader, has restored strained diplomatic ties with neighbours and the international community. Her administration has embraced investor-friendly economic policies: she cut her salary by 30%; sold the presidential jet and a fleet of luxury cars in an austerity drive.

“Elumelu: founder and chairman of Heirs Holdings. Motivation: The multimillionaire grooms African business leaders and entrepreneurs through the Tony Elumelu Foundation. He is the leading advocate of Africapitalism, an economic philosophy that embodies the private sector’s commitment to Africa’s economic transformation through long-term investments.

“Saad is the biggest shareholder of the largest publicly-traded drug manufacturer, Aspen. The company has a market capitalisation of $6 billion. Saad became a multimillionaire at 29. Now aged 47, he employs more than 6,000 people.”

The winner of this award would have had an influence on the events of the year gone by on the African continent.

culled from the (Nation Newspaper)24/10/2012