Ekiti 2014: Why Fayemi turned me into a villain— Bamidele

Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Budgets and Research, is a governorship aspirant in Ekiti State on the plank of the Labour Party (LP). In this interview, he  bears his mind on issues relating to his gubernatorial ambition and legislative activities among others

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

HOW true is it that  you are in the race purposely to scuttle the chances of the All Progressives Congress, APC?
My answer to that is no. The issues involved are much more fundamental than such mundane and poor reasoning. To the glory of God, I see and hold myself as a change agent. The record will show that in the last 11 months that I’ve been actively involved in the governorship race in Ekiti State, a lot has changed in the style of governance.

fayemi-bamideleGo round and see party elders, they will tell you that the same governor who did not know they were in existence for two years and would not contact them on any issue concerning governance in this state, is today going round their homes and offices; sometimes quietly driving himself to visit party leaders and stakeholders to apologise. And in an unusual manner, offering different kinds of largesse.

The same governor, following my criticism, is also going to Labour unions and Student unions and their leaders. That was the same governor who proscribed students unionism in virtually all the campuses in Ekiti. The only institution in Ekiti that didn’t have its students union proscribed was the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, which is a Federal government owned institution.

Criticisms of the state
Today, because Opeyemi Bamidele is in this race and because of my criticisms of the state of the state, the governor has been going round trying to do all sorts of damage control. As a change agent, I even see this as an achievement on my part. And beyond this is also the fact that this race is not about any individual, pecuniary interest or personal interest of any kind. It is about Ekiti people. Yes, we may have a personal relationship. We may have our political or ideological differences but it is about Ekiti first.

Governor Fayemi recently said that God used him to facilitate your election into the House…
That is the difference between the governor and I. Some reporters asked him a few months ago  that they knew two of us  as friends and that they knew the roles that God used me to play in encouraging Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support him to contest the governorship election in 2007. Rather than say yes or no the governor simply said he believed I needed psychiatric help.

Who took him to Asiwaju?  If today Governor Fayemi is saying that God used him to put me where I am today, it means it is for a purpose because he did everything in his capacity to frustrate the purpose of God for my life. I was running for election to go to the Senate. I won the primary election but  Fayemi took my mandate and gave it to Babafemi Ojudu to go to the Senate.

And Governor Fayemi went round to get other party leaders to appeal to me to go to the House of Representatives. I ended up in the House of Representatives because I did not want to rock the boat of the party. So if Governor Fayemi said God used him to put me where I’m today in the House of Representatives, he will still need to explain to God why I ended up in the House of Representatives instead of the Senate.

The House of Representatives became a charitable environment for me and a very viable platform for me to create more time for my politics and devote more time to issues in Ekiti.

How do you intend to go about your agenda for the state?
I never did anything as a politician because my party was popular.  When the Alliance for Democracy, AD, which I  belonged to, was in control of only one state and one governorship position in this country, I was  not discouraged from being an active member of the party. That did not take away my faith or hope for a better future for this party and for this country. We rose again from being in control of one state to taking control of five additional states.

Characters in the party
And the party was in control of six states, because of our tenacity, our belief and what we stood for. It was not about how many people who were in the party. It was more about the kind of characters in the party.
The events of the last three months have shown that the Labour Party is the party to beat.  We went into the Labour Party as a coalition. Coalition of well meaning Ekiti people, at home and in The Diaspora. Coalition of members of the political class drawn from different political parties.

They include; the  ACN, CPC,  ANPP and the PDP.  And let it be known to everyone that we are on ground and a party to beat. On talks about two formidable parties being already in place and our party being the third one, you must realise that it is not about party but the people. All the members of the three parties put together are not up to 10 per cent of the people of Ekiti State. This is a state of about 2.5milllion people.

So if the voting public are saying this is the direction they want to go, all you need as a popular candidate is just to have a credible political platform. And if you have a party that within three months has not less than 500 members in any ward in Ekiti State and there are 177 wards, that is very interesting. That is definitely a party to beat.

Your opponents in the APC said you did not perform to their expectations as a federal lawmaker?
I’ am glad you said my opponents. What else would my opponents say? But remember that this same opponents some months ago would tell reporters that I was a blessing to the party and Ekiti State, and that I was a blessing to the nation and one of the best representatives Ekiti had ever sent to the National Assembly. The governor also said on tape and published in the newspaper at some point that Ekiti had never sent a team like this to the National Assembly, and personally commended me as the Ekiti Caucus Leader.

Then I was not his opponent because I had not said I was running for governorship. Today that I am his opponent he would not say the same thing. It shows the level of our insincerity.
In other words, it means you can say wonderful guy today as long as your interest is not at stake. That means if a person is doing certain things consistently today and you are commending him, the moment that thing he is doing consistently conflicts with your interest the hero will suddenly become a villain.

I was their hero yesterday but Fayemi is trying to make me a villain today just because I insisted on internal democracy. Just because I insisted the party should conduct a primary election for me and Dr Kayode Fayemi and he was afraid that I would defeat him at the primary he started using divide and rule method to instigate some of the party leaders against me. Because I insisted on internal democracy, Fayemi decided to turn me to a villain.

He calls himself a democrat but doesn’t want internal democracy within his party. How can you continue to deny people access to genuine democracy at the local government level for over three years and continue to parade yourself as a democrat?  How can I allow the governor to continue to instigate the party members against me because I want internal democracy and he doesn’t want it. The sky is broad enough for birds to fly freely without having any collusion.  How can anyone who is not being mischievous say I did not perform well?

2015: US supports Nigeria with $15m

 

OSOGBO—The United States of America has said it would support Nigerian government with $15 million to enable it  organise  credible elections in  2015.

The US consular in Nigeria, Mr. Jeffry Hawkins who disclosed this during an interaction with journalists in Osogbo yesterday, after he held  meetings with stakeholders in the state said the American government was committed to the course of democracy in Nigeria and would support Nigeria’s democracy with necessary inputs.

According to him, the money was meant to assist political parties, supports for INEC and civil societies for the conduct of credible elections.
He also stated that the American government would supervise the forthcoming general elections in the country to ensure that it was free and credible.

“Nigeria is very important to the United States of America and because of this the US government is deeply committed to support democracy in Nigeria. We shall use the Governorship election in Osun and Ekiti states as a test case of the 2015 general elections in Nigeria,” he stated.

He urged all the stakeholders in election process, especially the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to provide non violent platform for election to take place in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

He also called on all Political parties to maintain peace, adding that “it is when an election is peaceful that it could be adjudged as being free and fair.”
The Consular also expressed the decision of the US government to engage in dialogue with all stakeholders ahead of the general elections to ensure a violent free election in Nigeria.

CBN Imposes N10m Fine For Use Of Unlicensed E-payment Solutions

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that banks that use unlicensed third party electronic payment solution will pay a fine of N10 million.

This was part of the regime of sanctions contained in the guidelines on electronic payment of salaries, pensions, suppliers and taxes in Nigeria.

The guidelines   spell out the roles and responsibilities, of all stakeholders in the end-to-end electronic payment of salaries, pensions, suppliers and taxes.

It also spells out sanctions and fines for sundry contraventions of the guidelines.  For example,  when  a bank uses an unlicensed 3rd party e-payment solution for end-to-end e-payment of salaries etc., the CBN would suspend its e-payment operations with the bank, issue a warning letter to the managing Director and impose a fine of  N10 million  for every repeated occurrence

Also, Non-availability of help desk/contact centre to receive enquiries, complaints and provide feedback on e-payment issues, will lead to suspension of the bank’s end-to-end e-payment operations until conditions are satisfied.

Non-Provision of monthly report on reported complaints & resolution status to the Bank attracts N25,000 penalty for each day for which report is not provided to the Bank, while submission of false or inaccurate reports  will attract  penalty of N250, 000 and a warning letter to the Managing Director.

The guidelines explained that, “to-End Electronic Payment is the seamless electronic processing and payment of all forms of salaries, pensions, suppliers and taxes with the electronic delivery of associated schedules alongside the payment transactions where applicable on a Bank approved electronic platform which transmits the instruction to debit a payer’s account and credit a beneficiary’s bank account, mobile account, electronic wallet or any other electronic channels; and shall include the ability of a payer to independently monitor and obtain electronic feedback on the status of any payment, at any time without depending on any third party, manual or semi-manual means.

“This means payment instructions and associated schedules are no longer to be transmitted to deposit money banks (DMBs)  by all public and private sector organisations through unsecured channels, such as paper- based mandates, flash drives, compact discs (CD), email attachments , etc.

While nationwide commencement date of  end-to-end e-payment of salaries, pensions, suppliers and taxes is January 9, 2014, compliance monitoring and  enforcement  will be in stages. This is to give enough time to all stakeholders to make necessary adjustments as may be required. Compliance monitoring and enforcement by CBN shall be according to the schedule below.

According to the apex bank all salaries, pensions, suppliers and taxes should be through end-to-end electronic payment.

The guidelines stated that banks are expected to:  promote the adoption of end-to-end electronic payments by all stakeholders covered by the guidelines;  provide paying organisations and beneficiaries with e-payment enabled bank accounts or any other approved electronic channel that promotes financial inclusion; process electronic payment instructions in accordance with subsisting payments system and clearing house rules;  publish customer service contact details and maintain customer service desks in all branches, to promptly attend to all electronic payment enquiries and challenges within stipulated timelines; and   maintain and make available to the Bank, on a periodic basis, report of all electronic payment transactions processed and report of customer complaints, indicating resolution status.

So Disrespectful! I Thought Only People In Africa Got HIV Says HIV Positive British Mum

48 year old mother of three Racheal Dilly who got diagnosed with HIV in 2004 said prior to her diagnosis had thought HIV/AIDS only affected Africans because she didn't know any white person who had the disease at the time.

Speaking with hosts of ITV Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, yesterday, Racheal Dilly said she got infected after she dated a man she met online and had unprotected sex with him. She said she started falling ill when they ended their relationship and she was asked to go do HIV test after all other test conducted read negative.

"I just didn't know anything about it. I just thought you got it in Africa. I didn't know a white person had ever got it". Dilly said to her amazed hosts yesterday.

How ignorant!

Military shut down telecommunication service in Borno State,,,No Service

The Nigerian military yesterday shut down all telecommunication services in Borno state as it takes on Boko Haram activities. Residents in the state woke up yesterday to a "No Service" signal on their phones.

Confirming the shutdown, spokesman of the 7-Division of the Nigeria Army, Muhammed Dole said its a military move necessary under the present circumstance.

"We all know the inconveniences that this might have brought, but it is a necessary and temporary measure that will not take long time” Dobe said.

He said its a sacrifice everyone including the residents have to make in the fight against Boko Haram

Adeyeye alleges plans to manipulate voters’ registration

ADO EKITI—A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye, has raised the alarm that the leadership of the  ruling All Progressives Congress have finalised arrangements to bring in people from the neighboring states of Ondo, Osun Kwara ,Ogun and Lagos for the ongoing continuous registration of voters in the state.

He, therefore, charged the leadership of the PDP to be alert and vigilant,urging them to query the presence of strange people in their midst
Adeyeye equally cautioned against picking any of the 16 gubernatorial aspirants who according to him do not have high support base in the state as the party’s flag bearer.

Court Orders Arrest Of Edo Deputy Police Commissioner

An Edo State High Court sitting in Benin, has ordered the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Funsho Adebanjo to arrest the state Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department, CID, Mr. Joshua Ibine, for allegedly releasing accused persons on bail, while their application for bail was pending before the court.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police was also alleged to have flouted the order of the court to produce the accused persons in court when the matter came up for hearing, yesterday.

The accused persons, Osas Osawe, Peter Aruyinmwen, Stephen Osabuohien, Godwin Igbinijesu, Ogbegie Michael, Osaigbovo Ehigiamusoe, Joseph Igbinijesu and others at large, were alleged to have conspired among themselves to demolish buildings of the traditional ruler of Evboewedo (Enogie Osarenogowu Onaghise), and other houses through rioting on November 19, 2012.

They are facing an 18- count charge of conspiracy to commit felony, contrary to and punishable under section 516 A of the Criminal Code Act Cap. C38 of the Laws of the Federation 2004, as applicable in Edo State.

Trial judge, Justice J. Oyomire, who gave the order after hearing prosecuting counsel, said: “In view of the refusal, failure and or neglect of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of State Criminal Investigation Department, Benin City, who released the accused persons on bail while their bail pending trial by the defence counsel is still pending and yet to be argued in this court to produce the accused persons in court as ordered on 7/2/2014.

“It is ordered and I hereby order the Commissioner of Police, Edo State, to arrest the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of State Investigation Department.”

The judge ordered that upon arrest, the Deputy Commissioner of Police should be brought to his court to explain to the court’s satisfaction, why contempt proceedings should not be brought against him.

“He is to explain where he derived the authority to release the accused persons, whose case is still pending before this court without any consent or authorisation of this court and for his failure to produce the accused persons in court as ordered,” the judge said.

Vanguard

Nigeria's newly appointed Defense minister resigns

 

Lol, Wahala!  The newly appointed minister of defense, Mr. Aliyu Gusau has resigned after some top military officers disrespected him.

According to Saharareporters,

Mr. Gusau’s sudden decision to quit President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet arose from what the former minister considered an act of insubordination and indiscipline from Nigeria’s top military brass.
Several sources at the Defense Ministry told SaharaReporters that Nigeria’s top military officers yesterday refused to have a joint meeting with Mr. Gusau and his deputy, Musikilu Obanikoro, a former senator.

Sources at the ministry told SaharaReporters that Nigeria’s top military henchmen kept Mr. Gusau waiting for two days after he summoned them to a meeting, with different military service chiefs making excuses for their inability to meet with him and his deputy immediately. Finally, the situation turned testy yesterday when, after keeping Mr. Gusau and Mr. Obanikoro waiting for several hours, the Chief of Defense Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, showed up alone for a meeting.

“When Air Marshal Badeh showed up, the Minister of Defense told him he was expecting all the chiefs of staff within the military, but Badeh reportedly told him there was no need,” said one source at the ministry. Our sources added that Badeh also told Mr. Gusau that he alone would be meeting with the minister as the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), stating that this arrangement was the collective decision of military officers in the country.

One source said an attempt by the junior minister of defense, Mr. Obanikoro, to intervene was rudely brushed aside as Badeh asked him to “shut up.” “Air Marshal Badeh is said to have called Senator Obanikoro a ‘small boy’ and warned him that the military was not going to be taking orders anymore from bloody civilians like him,” one source stated.

Soon after the altercation, General Gusau (rtd) reportedly ended the meeting and asked the Permanent Secretary in the ministry to transmit his letter of resignation to President Goodluck Jonathan.

SaharaReporters learnt that Mr. Jonathan, who was rattled by the development, immediately charged Senate President David Mark with the task of prevailing on Mr. Gusau to rescind his resignation. The president reportedly promised to see that the issue was resolved expeditiously.

However, a source stated that Mr. Gusau remained infuriated and refused to back away from his decision to leave the cabinet. Late last night, President Jonathan paid a visit to Mr. Gusau’s home in Abuja in a last-ditch effort to persuade him to stay at his ministerial job, but Mr. Gusau refused to see the president.
Mr. Gusau kept away from today’s session of the Federal Executive Council, a weekly meeting of all ministers with the president. He reportedly told aides that he could not serve in a situation where military officers would show open disdain for their civilian leaders and him an experienced retired military man.
SaharaReporters contacted Mr. Obanikoro who admitted obliquely that there was what he termed a “slight disagreement,” but added that there was nothing serious.
An aide to Senator David Mark told SaharaReporters that Mr. Gusau had sent his letter of resignation to the Senate, which confirmed him after his nomination. The source added, however, that Mr. Mark had refused to have the resignation letter read because the senator was still hopeful of convincing Mr. Gusau to remain at his post.

Jaywon set to leave Kennis Music, releases press statement

 

Only God knows what this Kennis music guys do their artists...every big artist they have ever had never stays long with them.
"Madantin" and "This year" crooner, jaywon has announced his intentions to leave the music outfit. he is so bent on leaving that he is ready to buy out the remaining part of his contract with the label.Below is a press release from his KM,Lledare Oluwajuwonlo James aka Jaywon has written a letter via his lawyer requesting for his contract with Kennis Music to be terminated. JAYWON wrote, in the same letter, his readiness and willingness to pay off all costs therein accordingly.
Meanwhile, Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria IBAN MEMBERS and all broadcasters on all platforms are hereby advised to Un-list the works (Either single performances or and collaborations) of Iledare Oluwajuwonlo James aka Jaywon from their respective rotational play lists until his (Jaywon) request to buy over his contract is fully completed to avoid litigation.
Thanks.

Signed
Public Affairs Unit
Kennis Communications.

So Remakable! Meet The Austrialia's Youngest Ever Wildlife Ranger Who Plays With All Kinds Of Snake

Charlie Parker a 2-year old Australian boy whose family owns a wildlife park in the country is one of Australia’s youngest wildlife rangers. His family said they have never exposed him to the animals, but he got along with them naturally.

'We're still shocked by his natural ability with the animals. It's quite remarkable to watch - he has absolutely no fear of them and he doesn't just handle them, he also has the knowledge. 'We've never purposely exposed him to the animals - he's just got this obsession with snakes and lizards. It must be genetic', his father said. More pictures after the cut.

Snake charmer: Charlie's legs may wobble under the weight of Pablo but the snake holds no fears for him

Slippery customer: At just two-years-old, Charlie is already an expert snake wrangler

'Remarkable to watch': Family are shocked by Charlie's natural ability with the animals

Dolittle: Charlie is comfortable with animals of all shapes and sizes, including Junior baby alligator Junior

Runs in the family: Charlie's dad Greg owns Ballarat Wildlife Park in Victoria

Photos: Building Explosion Leaves 2 Dead, 18 Injured In New York City This Morning

At least two people died and 18 injured in a major explosion in New York City this morning, caused by a gas leak that razed two buildings to the ground.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has confirmed that the explosion was caused by a gas leak. Speaking to news men, he said; “This is a tragedy of the worst kind, because there was no indication in time to save people”. He also says some people are still missing and rescue workers are already searching through the rubble of the building for survivors. More photos after the cut.

Respond To Charges Against You And Stop Misinforming The Public- Presidency Tells Sanusi

Here is a press statement sent in from the State house;

We have noted with disappointment, the unrelenting attempt by the  Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to falsely portray his recent suspension from office as an attempt by the Presidency to bury his allegation that huge sums of money due to the Federation Account are unaccounted for by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The Presidency wishes to reaffirm that Mallam Sanusi’s suspension has absolutely nothing to do with his unproven and inconsistent claim that $49.8 Billion, $12 Billion or $20 Billion is missing from the national treasury.

As was clearly stated in the letter suspending him from office and confirmed by President Goodluck Jonathan in his last Presidential Media Chat, Mallam Sanusi’s suspension was wholly based on the need for him to step aside while the weighty charges of financial recklessness, gross misconduct and persistent disregard for laid down rules and regulations in the management of the Central Bank made against him by the Financial ReportingCouncil of Nigeria and others are properly investigated.

It is most unfortunate that instead of trying to provide some reasonable response to the clear and unambiguous query of his official conduct as Governor of the Central Bank, Mallam Sanusi  has cynically chosen to whip up public sympathy for himself and anger against the Federal Government by deliberately misleading unwary Nigerians and the international community into believing the falsehood that he is being punished for exposing corruption.

In recent days, the suspended CBN Governor has, following in the footsteps of others who have an axe to grind with the government, taken to spreading his false claims and allegations through gullible foreign media correspondents, telling them among other things that his threat to force commercial banks to open up their books to unravel the whereabouts of the “missing” funds whether $49.8 Billion, $12 Billion or $20 Billion, ultimately led to his suspension.

He also continues to make the mischievous claim that the government is somehow involved in a scam to divert huge sums of money from the Federation Account through the misappropriation of kerosene subsidy funds.

Mallam Sanusi’s allegations are patently untrue. But Government is making no effort to bury them as he falsely claims. Relevant committees of the National Assembly are still investigating the claims and the suspended CBN Governor remains free to give evidence before them in support of his allegations.

Furthermore, in keeping with its avowed commitment to full transparency, openness and accountability in governmental affairs, the Federal Government has authorized the engagement of reputable international firms for the recommended forensic audit of NNPC accounts.

The Presidency condemns Mallam Sanusi’s resort to playing politics with serious national issues.  His suggestion that the phantom missing funds may have been diverted to fund campaigns for next year’s general elections is mischievous, irresponsible and designed to incite other political parties and members of the public against the Federal Government. 

The claim which amounts to cheap blackmail against the government and was clearly made in furtherance of a selfish personal agenda is most unbecoming of someone who still holds the High Office of Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The Presidency would not ordinarily have wished to join issues with Mallam Sanusi who as CBN Governor remains an appointee of the President, but the very unacceptable manner in which Sanusi has been misinforming the public made it imperative that this statement be issued.

Exclusive! ‘Pastor’ in N3.1m fraud case

 

ABEOKUTA— The Ogun State Police Command, yesterday, paraded a fake pastor, Ndubuisi Ignatius, and 38 other suspects for allegedly engaging in various criminal activities across the state.

Ignatius was accused of disguising as a spiritual father, held one James Nwosu, living at Agbara in Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, hostage and robbed  him of N3,190,000.

The Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, while parading the 39 suspected criminals in Abeokuta, disclosed that the fake pastor, who had been a spiritual father to Nwosu’s family for over six months, was arrested February 25 after he allegedly defrauded his client.

Okoye further said that the fake man of God had confessed to the crime he was accused, adding that he would be charged to court after the completion of investigation on the matter.

… another saws off 2-yr-old girl’s fingers

BY CHINYERE ABIAZIEM

Lagos— One Mayo Martins, who claims to be a pastor, was arraigned in a Yaba court for allegedly cutting the fingers of Saidat Faleya, a two year old-girl with a saw.

The girl’s mother said the incident happened when her daughter went to a neighbour’s room when she went to have her bath, and then was alerted about her daughter’s bleeding and dangling fingers.

In the court, Martins said he did not intentionally cut the girl’s fingers, though the police said he initially denied the allegation.

However, he was granted bail in the sum of N100,000 with a surety and was instructed to be in court for the next hearing on April 24.

Also, a teenager, one Avoseh Abraham, was docked in a Yaba Magistrate’s Court for allegedly raping an 80 year old woman, Mrs Martha Swotan.

Adepoju -- Keshi needs Ike Uche, Odemwingie

Former Nigeria midfielder Mutiu Adepoju says coach Stephen Keshi needs to include experienced forwards Ikechukwu Uche and Peter Odemwingie in his squad in order to have a balanced team at the World Cup.

After watching the international friendly match between the Super Eagles and Mexico that ended goalless, Adepoju concluded that the Big Boss needs the duo to have a complete squad.

While Uche last played for the Super Eagles in the final match of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Odemwingie has not been called up to the national team since he had an open falling out with former coach Samson Siasia and the Nigeria Football Federation in 2012.

“My dear friend Stephen Keshi needs to forgive the boy, Ike Uche and bring him back into the team for the 2014 World Cup preparations,” Adepoju who played alongside Keshi in the Golden Team of 1994 told Goal.

“Ike Uche has really done well in his club to deserve a call up. Keshi can re-assess him in the other friendly matches the Eagles will play.

“I will be happy if he can extend invitations to Osaze Odemwingie too now that he is also doing well with his club in England.

“I want Keshi to temper justice with mercy in the interest of Nigerian football. We must go to the World Cup with our best legs,” he declared.

The former General Manager of Shooting Stars also scored the performance of the four new players invited by Keshi for the Mexico friendly high in the match.

“The newly invited players – Michael Uchebo, Ramon Azeez, Isaac Imoh and defender Leon Balogun – are good players but they still need to play more friendly matches with the team to be able to blend with the team on ground.

“To the best of my knowledge I think has a team on ground and he is just looking for a few to beef up the grey areas in the team. So it depends on which areas or positions in the team Keshi wants to beef up.

“But to me it’s the forward and the midfield that need to be worked on. So I think the inclusion of Ike Uche would definitely solidify the team while Osaze’s return to the team will add quality to the team. These players are in rich form for their respective clubs,” Adepoju said.

Jonathan Martin TRADED TO 49ers 'Really Excited' to Reunite with Harbaugh [Update]

Jonathan Martin's nightmare in Miami is finally over ... the alleged bullying victim has been just been traded to the 49ers, his agent has confirmed to TMZ Sports ... and J-Mart couldn't be happier. We spoke with Martin's agent Kenny Zuckerman ... who tells us, "Jonathan's really excited. He's up at Stanford now. That's where he went to school. The 49ers are in his backyard."Martin will be reunited with his old college coach Jim Harbaugh -- who's the head coach of the 49ers. As for Martin's alleged tormentor Richie Incognito, still no word on his future in the NFL.7:43 PM PT -- TMZ Sports also spoke with 49ers offensive lineman Adam Snyder who tells us he thinks the team is a great fit for Martin."It's a great new opportunity for him. He's coming in to a great group of guys, specifically the offensive  line."When asked if Martin will be treated with kid gloves due to the situation in Miami, Snyder shot that down -- saying, "We're gonna treat him like any other free agent that comes into our locker room."As for his opinion on the trade -- Snyder says, "If he can help us win a Super Bowl, I'm all for it."8:00 PM PT -- Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey issued a statement saying, “We feel that this move is in the best interests of all parties involved. We wish Jonathan well.”8:02 PM PT -- Martin tweeted about the trade ... saying, "Opportunities are few in the NFL... Can't wait to get to work #9erEmpire." //

Jennifer Lopez RADIO REVENGE On Ben Affleck and Diddy

Jennifer Lopez let her two most famous exes have it on the radio recently -- HARD -- and it's hilarious.J.Lo stopped by Big Boy in the Morning in L.A. Friday -- and Big Boy asked her a fantastic question ... if she were floating on a raft in the ocean -- a raft that only fit 2 -- and came across Diddy and Ben Affleck, which one would she save?We won't give away what she said -- but suffice it to say, Big Boy completely lost it when she answered.

Ariel Winter My Broken Family Can't Be Fixed

"Modern Family" star Ariel Winter says she will never have a relationship again with her mom and her older brother ... this according to one of her text messages.The text -- obtained by TMZ -- was filed in Ariel's guardianship case.  She was texting her older brother Jimmy who has sided with their mother in the battle over Ariel.Ariel, who is now under the guardianship of her sister, wrote, "How dare you say you miss me ... if you really wanted to see anyone and cared, you'd do a 180."And then she goes in for the kill:  "I'm sorry, what we've been through can't be fixed."Ariel's mom filed the document, trying to prove Ariel suffers from PAS -- Parental Alienation Syndrome -- and their family is being destroyed as a result of the guardianship.

Obi not interested in SGF job, says aide

 

AWKA — Senior Special Assistant to Governor Peter Obi on Media and Publicity, Mr. Valentine Obienyem, has described as a figment of imagination, report in some newspapers that the outgoing governor of Anambra State was being considered for either the post of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF,  a minister or an ambassador.

In a statement in Awka, yesterday, Obienyem said the epidemic of speculations surrounding Governor Obi’s next move after handing over to his successor on March 17, 2014, was understandable, but insisted, however, that his boss’ only wish was to hand over successfully, having taken Anambra from grass to glory and from a state that witnessed many bank robberies to one that had not witnessed any bank robbery in four years.

Obieyem said: “As you are aware, Obi is still the governor of Anambra State.  His major concern  is to finish strong.

“Associating any federal appointment with him is speculation and rumour-mongering and should be treated as such.”

According to him, whatever would “happen to the governor after his exit from Awka Government House is God’s wish.”

The governor’s aide said what should be the people’s concern was how the governor would end successfully and support the in-coming governor for the good of the state and not planting seeds of discord through baseless rumours.

President’s Cousin Kidnap Update: Police Arrests Royal Father, 5 Others

Police in Bayelsa State have arrested a royal father, believed to be the father of the leader of the gang of hoodlums who allegedly kidnapped Mr Inengite Nitabai, a cousin to the president. Five other suspects are also said to be cooling off in the police net.

According to a source, the kidnappers got in touch with his family after he was kidnapped on the 23^rd of February, 2014 and demanded for N500m ransom, but his family pleaded with them to accept N30m, but they rejected it out rightly, saying the amount was laughable. The 65-year old man is still in the den of his kidnappers.

Kim Kardashian -- Crashes Car in Bev Hills

Kim Kardashian was a big hit in Beverly Hills today ... she got into a car crash near the Beverly Hills Hotel.Kim was tooling around in her Mercedes G Wagon on Sunset Blvd.  We're told she was turning left at an intersection and the other driver was going in the opposite direction with his right turn signal on.  An  eyewitness tells TMZ ... the driver did not make the turn, continued going straight and they collided.Both cars were damaged, but it was not a huge deal. No one was ticketed.And how's this for Hollywood ... both Kim and the other driver drove their whips to the Beverly Hills Hotel, exchanged info and then hugged goodbye.