The Titanic II ! See what makes it different from the initial one

The Titanic II is being built by Australian mining billionaire Clive Palmer under his company The Blue Star Line. Mashable reports that in 2016, the Titantic II will make the route from Southampton, England to New York, with 2,600 passengers and 900 crew members crew members on board. The ship will be a nearly-exact replica of the original Titanic, expect unlike the original, it will have enough life boats for all those it carries.

Passengers will be given 1920s period costumes to wear, and sticking with that theme, the ship may be sparse on other modern amenities, such as Internet and TV, said Palmer.

“The area for passengers will be authentic with the same design and facilities, but there will be modern things such as air conditioning and other features we are debating, such as Internet on the ship,” Palmer said at the press conference. “I’m against it. I think you should relax on vacation. There won’t be TVs in the state rooms though.”

Ticket prices have yet to be announced, but Palmer said he has an offer for $1 million thus far, reports Mashable.

Personally, I think that the Titanic is cursed, and I wouldn’t want to chance it on the Titanic II. Then again, I still am waiting for my Jack Dawson.


And at 883ft, Titanic II will be three inches longer than its predecessor to accommodate an additional area at the bow where passengers will be able to recreate the iconic ‘Jack and Rose pose’ made famous by actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in James Cameron’s 1997 Oscar-winning movie.

Justice Aloma Mukhtar

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, on Monday, threw a jab at Senior Advocates of Nigeria who defend judges appearing before the National Judicial Council for corruption and misconduct cases.

The CJN who spoke in Abuja at the Judicial Reforms Conference co-organised by the National Bar Association, said such SANs were definitely “working in tandem” with the judges under probe.

She said such SANs could be as guilty as the judge they defended.

The event was with the theme, ‘Putting our best foot forward: The judiciary and the challenges of satisfying justice needs of the 21st Century’.

According to the CJN, corruption has become “a real cankerworm” in the country, adding that there are instances when as many as six judges appear for some judges facing the NJC panel.

She said, “The NJC is trying its best to ensure that those that are corrupt or that have cases of misconduct proved against them are shown the way out.

“We receive petitions and we have always tried to hear from both sides. But many times many affected judges complain that they are not given fair hearing. Some will come with as many as six SANs. Those SANs who go with them are equally guilty.

“There was one (judge) that came with about six SANs which showed they are working in tandem.”

But in his response, a senior advocate, Mr. Yusuf Ali, said though he had never defended any judge before the NJC panel, the principle of presumption of innocence entitled a person to defend himself or herself with everything at his or her disposal, including legal representation.

The CJN also lamented that many lawyers were quick to accuse the judiciary of being corrupt, yet refused to report judges who they knew to be corrupt to the NJC.

“You (lawyers) all know those judges that are corrupt. You all do but you won’t report, but you will be the one who will raise the issue that the judiciary is corrupt, but you will not do your part,” she said.

Speaking on the independence of the judiciary, she said insufficient funding of the judiciary should not be an excuse for various Chief Judges to constitute themselves as “nuisance” in Government Houses.

“We must stop interference from the two other arms of government. The constitution guarantees our independence and we should strive to establish this,” she said.

The event was organised by the NBA in collaboration with the European Union, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Access to Justice, Open Society Initiative for West Africa and the Performance Evaluation Committee of the NJC.

Speaking, the Chief Justice of South Africa, Justice Mogoeng Reetsang Mogoeng, also emphasised the need for the judiciary to maintain and enjoy its “rightful status as the third arm of the government.”

“Judiciary should not be made to look like an appendage of the executive arm of government. We have to be vigilant against whatever that could undermine our independence,”Mongoeng said.

He added that for a country to address the problems of corruption, there was the need for the judiciary to be truly and fully independent.

“Corruption has contributed to our continued enslavement in Africa,” he added.

The President of NBA, Mr. Okey Wali (SAN), said “government must recognise that the judiciary is the third arm of government.”

He therefore called on the Federal Government to obey a recent judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which ordered the funding of the judiciary by the NJC independently of the executive arm of government.

“The NBA reiterates that government must recognise that it is only existence of a virile, fearless and independent judiciary that can guarantee an enduring democratic government and the maintenance of law and order,” Wali added.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, who was represented by Bola Odugbesan, advocated evaluation system focused on the entire judiciary rather than on individual judges.

Atiku: 2015 Political Fireworks to Begin after Ramadan Fast

Former President Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said he will unfold his next political plans soon after the conclusion of the ongoing Muslim Ramadan fast.
Atiku, who addressed journalists shortly after breaking the fast yesterday night in Abuja said this was the time for Nigerians to join hands and work for the restoration of peace and unity, and not a time to shift blame or draw the battle lines along ethnic or religion differences.

"This event is not a fireworks event, if you want and your looking for fireworks then we can arrange it after the month or Ramadan. Let me also say that the challenges that are facing this country ranges from security, development, unity and stability and this requires all hands on deck irrespective of where we come from, irrespective of our religion or even our differences.
"We must be united to ensure that this country is brought back to the path of growth, peace and stability and to the path of development.
"This period as far as we are concerned as Muslims is very solemn month and a month dedicated for worship and prayer upon mankind. It is therefore necessary that whatever we can do to support mankind should be done. "Therefore it is a sober month for us. I want to appeal to everybody irrespective of your religion to continue to pray for this country, because more than ever before, in all my life in this country, I have not seen the kind of challenges we are facing today.

"I ask  for your understanding and prayers through this month so that God in his infinite mercy will accept our prayers and restore  our country to the path of peace, unity, growth and development for ourselves and also for our future generations.
"It is not a time to start shifting blames but it is a time for all us to work hard and ensure that this country again reemerges from the present predicament to one of the most promising nation in the world, " he said.

The former vice-president said in the last few years the breaking of fast had been held without him because he used to visit Saudi Arabia but that he had to cancel most his engagements outside the country in order to join in this years breaking of fast.
He said the period of Ramadan was a sober month, urging everyone irrespective religious differences forge ahead in peace.

Osun’s debt sustainable –DMO

Contrary to insinuation that the Osun State debt has hit N350 billion, the Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO), Abraham Nwankwo, has given the state a clean bill of health on its debt status.

Nwankwo disclosed that the state is one of the best states in the federation with public debt management.

Fielding questions from newsmen at MicCom Golf Hotel and Resorts, Ada, Osun State, during a three-day retreat for members of the House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management, Nwankwo declared that Osun State status is very sustainable.

Nwankwo, who did not give the actual debt figure of the state, explained that Osun needed to be encouraged in terms of management of debt because it has not borrowed beyond its capacity.

It would be recalled that opposition parties, in particular Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP), had accused the Aregbesola-led government of a huge debt profile of between N300 billion and N350 billion.

While the state Chairman of PDP, Ganiyu Olaoluwa, claimed that Osun Debt is now N300 billion, Segun Akinwusi, Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, claimed that the debt profile of the state has hit N350 billion.

But the DMO boss said Osun State is one of the states in the federation with good and stable public debt management, adding that his office recognises Osun State as the first state to take Sukuk and “by our plan is to encourage the issuance of Sukuk in Nigeria because we need to diversify the instrument in the bond market.

“We want to make sure that all segment of the society is captured in the bond market because there are some groups of people or individuals who do not want to participate in ordinary bond because of interest.

“Our office, DMO, and others are working hard to introduce Sukuk in Nigeria; we are delighted that Osun takes the initiative and help in introducing it in Nigeria, so by that, Osun is one of the best states in public debt management.”

PHOTOS: Whoa! See Nicki Minaj With NO MAKEUP AND NO HAIR WEAVE! Plus See How Big Her A*s Looks In These Pants!

Some people are saying that she looks a mess, but we think that is absolutely nuts! She looks natural and beautiful in our honest opinion! What do you all think?

Yesterday appeared to be the worst day in the history of the unabating huge traffic challenge that has engulfed Apapa area of Lagos State, as tankers and cars piled up behind each other in a gridlock on both major roads leading into the Apapa area of Lagos.

The gridlock on the Ijora and Mile 2 roads was frustrating as commuters, who had various businesses to conduct in Apapa spent over five hours to get their destinations on  routes that should take 50 minutes. In the midst of the heavy traffic, some of the vehicles broke down on the roads while some people left their vehicles with their drivers.

One could see the frustration on the faces of commuters yesterday as they remained helpless in the traffic. After realising that the traffic situation was worse than they thought, many passengers in both commercial and private vehicles  resorted to trekking to their destinations.

Apapa is home to two of the nation’s busiest sea ports and several other businesses but the situation is causing relocation of some businesses which is causing pressure on the other areas of the city.

A commuter, Kola who was seen trekking said “we know that there is always traffic jam in Apapa, but today (yesterday) seems to be the worst day.”

He added, “Apapa is always blocked. This is caused by the tankers and trailers that go to the wharf to carry cargo. Some of them park at anauthorised places and on the bridges without concern to authorities and other motorists. This is frustrating.”

Other commuters said what baffles them is that it appears that nothing is being done on the constant gridlock that has frustrated business in the area.

Early in the week, the governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola met with operators of tank farms in the area and advised them to conduct their businesses with more consideration for others.

Fashola urged the tank farm owners to reflect on the negative impact of their operations on the other businesses and the environment generally. “You must spare a thought for those who do other businesses in Apapa. They are complaining to me about how tankers have taken over their businesses. And the people I see here are some of the most sophisticated people that our country has produced. I think we can do better”, he said.

Suspension: Industrial Court Strikes Out Sanusi's Suit

The National Industrial Court (NIC), has struck out the suit filed by the Emir of Kano, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi challenging his suspension as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by President Goodluck Jonathan.

However, the matter which the suit sought to deal remains  hanging and not completely resolved as the National Industrial Court adjourned till November 7, 2014 for the hearing of motion on notice for stay of execution of the judgment delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the federal high court.

At the resumed hearing of the matter Friday , Sanusi's lead counsel, Kola Awodein (SAN), informed the court thus: "We have filed a notice of discontinuance of this suit and we have served same on the respondents".

Mathew Edum who appeared for President Goodluck Jonathan did not object told the application to discontinue the suit.

Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) counsel to the 2nd defendant the Attorney General of the Federation also did not oppose the plaintiff's application for withdrawal of the suit.

He however asked for adjournment to enable him consult with his client on his pending motion on notice for stay of execution of the federal high court judgment.

Ozekhome also told the court that he had a pending appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division distinct from the plaintiff's appeal in same court that arose from the suit.

Adamawa CJ sets up panel on Nyako’s impeachment

The Acting Chief Judge of Adamawa State, Ambrose Mammadi, on Friday in Yola set up a seven-man panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against the state governor, Murtala Nyako, and his deputy, Bala Ngilari.

Nyako, an All Progressives Congress governor, and Ngilari face an impeachment threat from the Assembly, largely dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party lawmakers.

The recommendations of the committee will form the basis on which the Assembly will decide the fate of the embattled governor and his deputy.

Details later…

Tinubu is a frustrated politician and a desperate emperor – PDP

Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned national leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu against attacking any of its members.

The party claimed that the former Lagos State Governor would be held responsible if any of its leaders, followers or governorship hopefuls was “again murdered like the late Funsho Williams”.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani, the party said it was reacting to a comment credited to Tinubu that Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro was concentrating more on politics than insecurity in the country.

PDP further described Tinubu’s public outburst as “not only irrational, but also a clear sign of a frustrated, diseased blackmailer and desperate emperor who wants to hold on to Southwest and Lagos State in particular.

“Indeed, it is the attitude of a drowning man, this time around struggling for political survival.

“On our part, we shall not underestimate the desperation of Tinubu. We however promise him that no hatchet plot against any of our members shall prosper.”

The party strongly warned Tinubu, to come to terms with the new political realities in the Southwest and Lagos in particular.

“One of such is to accept the expiry of his control and the political superiority of Senator Obanikoro to defeat him in a free and fair election.

“By the unwarranted public outburst of Tinubu attacking the person of Senator Obanikoro, our party member, we can now see that the frustration, desperation and drowning-man attitude has reached an embarrassing crescendo.

“This is long awaited required proof to confirm reports of Lagos APC clandestine meetings to blackmail, implicate or physically attack Lagos PDP members as we approach 2015 election which Tinubu is jittery to lose,” PDP added.

Soldiers on wrecking havoc in Palmgrove, damage BRT buses

Some soldiers this morning are currently causing chaos in the Palmgroove area of Lagos state. An eye-witness said trouble started when a BRT bus hit a soldier on a bike. Nobody knows if the soldier died (though there are indications that he may have been crushed to death) but other soldiers immediately arrived the scene and started stopping all BRT buses on Ikorodu road beating drivers and sending passengers out. Beating even passers-by who move too close to them or take pictures.

According the eye-witness who sent in the photos, two civilians were allegedly beaten up and a guy who was taking pictures was beaten and his phone smashed on the express road.

Then the soldiers allegedly started vandalizing the buses! According to the source, some soldiers left the express and took big sticks from women cooking by the roadside to break the windows of the buses. Then one of them took stones and allegedly threw it into the crowd twice. Now the whole express is blocked

Aside from beating people up mercilessly, BRT buses have been set on fire..and this is close to a filling station. But is this how to resolve the issue? Is this not too much?
See more exclusive photos from the chaos.

PDP Is Actually Benefiting From The Boko Haram Killings!

We are living in desperate times now and it’s becoming clear as the days go by that the PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan’s burning ambition to be re-elected would come at all cost even with the blood of Nigerians. The recent bomb explosion in Ife, Osun state has all but exposed the hands of the PDP and shown that Boko Haram is of three types - There is the religious Boko Haram led by Abubakar Shekau which all know, there is the criminal minded ones and there is the political Boko Haram which in the run-up to the 2015 elections everyone would find out is the militant wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In my article some months back on Boko Haram I mentioned the three forms of the terrorist group including the political one. I gave the example of Kano during the 2012 fuel subsidy protest and reminded Nigerians of the church worshippers who were killed according to eyewitness account with semi-automatic rifles, the type issued to government secret service agents, that together with other incidences including the Boko Haram suspects that were arrested in an abandoned Bayelsa state government building in Ijora-Lagos state, plus the bombing in Ife penultimate Tuesday shows for a fact Boko Haram has a political arm used by faces in this present government to terrorise Nigerians.

The PDP has set the stage for its tactics ahead of the elections in 2015 and it is simple - bomb parts of Nigeria and indeed Nigerians and place the blame on the door of the opposition APC. Men like Femi Fani-Kayode are being used to attack them in the press and various online media as sponsors of terror. Isn’t it queer that days after Fani-Kayode accused the APC without proof of having a militant terror wing and an evil character in Musiliu Obanikoro accusing Bola Tinubu and his friends as starting Boko Haram that suddenly Ile-Ife was bombed?Coincidentally, the crown witness in Fani-Kayode’s EFCC corruption case was nowhere to be found when the trial resumed last week, an obvious step towards throwing out the case by the judge for lack of diligent prosecution as scripted by the Presidency and the PDP in exchange for his recruited job of blackmailing the APC and its leaders.

The same Fani-Kayode who has no known Political constituency and has never won an election as a politician is the one castigating the APC and pontificating for the people of the South-West and indeed Nigerians. He defected to the APC and called the PDP all sorts of names but came back to the same PDP and now he is calling the APC all sorts of name too.

A man who called President Barack Obama of the US the Antichrist prior to his re-election in 2012. In a sane and civil society such a man would not be taken seriously and would have been forced to have himself checked to prove his mental sanity but in Nigeria such people bestride our airwaves feeding us with garbage. Obanikoro on his part I wouldn’t blame too much, I lay all the blame on Tinubu’s shoulders. Tinubu it was in 1999 who brought back such dubious anti-democratic element from exile in the US claiming he wanted technocrats and ‘sons of the soil’ in his government.

Tinubu did this against all the advice of Lagosians then who cited how Obanikoro burnt down the ancient landmark City Hall building in Lagos during the Sani Abacha regime when he was the chairman of Lagos Island Local Government and a popular campaigner for Abacha’s life presidency at a time Tinubu was in exile fighting for democracy with NADECO. He didn’t listen and rehabilitated Obanikoro politically, going on to make him a senator in 2003 under the Alliance for Democracy (AD) banner and today his fingers are being burnt with those decisions. Of all the so called technocrats Tinubu brought into government, its ‘non-technocrats’ like Babatunde Fashola and Rauf Aregbesola that are still standing strong by him today. Most of the rest have since bitten the fingers that fed them. I lay the blame on Tinubu for not identifying and even up till now talents amongst the die-hard party supporters who have stood with the party from AD, AC, ACN and now APC and are the foot soldiers who have the grass-root appeal but I believe things are changing now.

An Obanikoro who after leaving the AD for the PDP did not win its governorship primaries in 2007 losing out clearly to Hilda Williams (the widow of the late Funsho Williams) but the ticket was still given to him by Bode George and then PDP chairman Ahmadu Ali. His campaign in 2007 proved to be the most violent in the history of Lagos state perhaps in the entire South-West. Every single campaign he held from Idumota to Ojota to Ikeja, at least five AC supporters and innocent bystanders were killed in hails of bullets. It was the darkest time I ever witnessed in the history of Lagos state not even Abacha’s regime was that terrifying in the state. It was so bad, Lagosians were asking themselves if Obanikoro’s thugs kill everyone, who would be left to vote for him on election day? Not surprisingly he lost the election by a handsome margin. Now, that same terror template is being imported into the West ahead of the elections in Osun state on August 9th and the elections in 2015.

In the lead up to the elections in Osun state, Ile-Ife (where PDP candidate Iyiola Omisore hails from) has been bombed and obviously it would be pinned on APC by the likes of Omisore, Obanikoro and Fani-Kayode. The plan is to get Omisore interacting with the masses eating pop-corn and climbing iron horses (okada) and claiming to the popular with people, then the political Boko Haram, the militant wing of the PDP would be bombing parts of Osun state including Ife and claim its the APC doing it because they are jittery of him winning like Fayose did in Ekiti state and they are trying to stop him campaigning especially in Ife where he hails from.